Economic Development

JOB AND BUSINESS GROWTH

As an trained economist, I was so excited to be appointed to the Economic Development Committee. I also was privileged enough to be elected Vice Chair, and even had a chance to lead a meeting once!

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On this Committee, we have made so many important decisions to grow and improve conditions for business and workers in our community.  We decided to demolish the Mall, which was a huge change to our downtown. We accepted RFPs to develop several areas of our community along the river front as well as the West-side battery on the west side of town.

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One issue that has become a passion of mine is creating affordable housing for our community. Because of that, I've voted to approve two lower income housing projects in our community in the old Landmark and the West Side Battery.  Additionally, I was selected as chair of the Affordable Housing Commission. We have only met once, but will meet again in February 2022.

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If re-elected, I look forward to continue to develop a plan for affordable housing our community.  I also will vote for development in our community that balances City contributions with the benefits of the projects. Not all projects for our community need TID or TIF contributions, and I will continue to be critical of projects that may request a too much public buy-in. There is a balance, and it is tricky, but important, to discuss.