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What I Believe About Bloomington

What's Ahead  -  My Priorities

WE HAVE A LOT OF IMPORTANT WORK TO DO

These are truly extraordinary days for Bloomington.  We've seen remarkable growth in recent years, and we are known regionally and nationally for our wonderful quality of life.  Our challenge is to ensure Bloomington's resilience and sustainability

In the next ten years, Bloomington will build out the Trades District, renew and re-purpose the Hospital Site, reimagine and expand the Convention Center, build affordable housing, and continue to renew and strengthen our neighborhoods.  On a broader level, we face continuing challenges in the addiction crisis and in poverty and homelessness in our city.   We need to make data-informed decisions that support our social, economic and environmental well-being, and that help ensure that everyone can benefit from our success.

MY PRIORITIES
ENCOURAGE ECONOMIC
GROWTH AND VITALITY

Bloomington's long term resilience depends heavily on our economic vitality.   City government has an obligation to explore and pursue strategies that attract new jobs and support local employers.  First, we must realize the vision of Bloomington's Trades District as it promotes innovation and job creation.  In addition, we must maximize our potential as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Friendly City, a designation that allows us to bring in new investment for minority-owned business, community facilities and affordable housing.  Together with City leaders and fellow members of Bloomington's Redevelopment Commission, I've been able to contribute directly to important projects like these.
STRENGTHEN OUR
NEIGHBORHOODS

Our City Council representatives make critical decisions that impact zoning, infrastructure, new development, parking, public transit and many other issues.  And every day, those decisions shape the quality of life in our neighborhoods.  As your representative on the Council, I proactively seek your input and I will advocate for resources that will enhance Blue Ridge, Matlock Heights, Maple Heights, the Near West Side, Ridgefield, Fritz Terrace, Northwood Estates and all the neighborhoods in our District.
SUPPORT OUR MOST
VULNERABLE NEIGHBORS

Too many in Bloomington face poverty, homelessness, food insecurity, addiction or other issues that keep them from enjoying the quality of life that we all seek.  We have a powerful network of social service agencies in Bloomington, and we owe them our support.  It has been my privilege to serve the struggling and vulnerable members of our community through the Jack Hopkins Social Service Grant Committee and the CDBG Citizen's Advisory Committee, and through my own volunteer roles with Habitat for Humanity, South Central Indiana Housing Opportunities and other groups.

PROMOTE RESPONSIVE, COLLABORATIVE GOVERNMENT
Bloomington is at its best when we have the broadest possible participation by informed citizens.  That requires not only that we be transparent in our work, but that we ensure citizens can easily access the information that shapes our decisions.  We're also at our best when city and county government work together productively on behalf of our citizens.  I  support those practices and processes that allow us to make timely decisions while ensuring accountability and efficiency.
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