Aradia Clark

Government Reform Conduct a thorough inventory of the remaining library collection and assess what resources have been lost. Develop a plan for acquiring new books, multimedia resources, and technology that align with community interests and learning needs. Infrastructure / Transportation Actively pursue grants and funding from state and federal agencies dedicated to infrastructure improvement. Criminal Justice / Public Safety Engage with the community to build a positive perception of public safety careers. Initiatives could include open houses, ride-alongs, and community safety workshops, allowing residents to interact with officers and firefighters, fostering interest in these professions. Criminal Justice / Public Safety Implement internship or cadet programs that allow high school and college students to gain exposure to public safety careers. Infrastructure / Transportation Conduct a thorough evaluation of all critical infrastructure, including roads, sewer systems, and water mains. Government Reform Ncrease transparency in the hiring process by publicly posting job openings and detailing the qualifications required for each position. Criminal Justice / Public Safety Focus on fostering a diverse workforce that reflects the community it serves. Initiatives aimed at underrepresented groups can create a more inclusive environment and encourage a wider range of candidates to consider careers in public safety. Infrastructure / Transportation Alongside essential repairs, prioritize enhancements to the city's overall curb appeal. Initiatives such as planting trees, installing new streetlights, improving sidewalks, and creating community green spaces can rejuvenate the area and attract residents and businesses alike. Taxes / Budget Eek additional funding opportunities through grants, partnerships with local businesses, and community fundraising efforts. Increased financial support can enable the library to expand services and improve facilities. Infrastructure / Transportation Develop a detailed capital improvement plan that outlines the necessary upgrades, funding sources, and timelines. Government Reform Immediately reinstate a fully functional Library Board composed of diverse members who represent various sectors of the community, prioritizing individuals with experience in library science, education, or community service. Economy Provide resources and support for local entrepreneurs and small businesses. This might include business development workshops, mentoring programs, and access to capital. Government Reform Work to reinstate the highly qualified Library Director and other experienced staff members who understand the needs of the community. These leaders can help revitalize library services and ensure that professional standards are met. Infrastructure / Transportation Explore opportunities for public-private partnerships to leverage additional resources and expertise for infrastructure development. Housing Establish clear communication channels to keep residents informed of changes, processes, and updates regarding housing and real estate. Housing Engage with local real estate agents, developers, and mortgage brokers to gather input and recommendations for improving the home buying and selling process. Criminal Justice / Public Safety Evaluate and adjust compensation packages to ensure they are competitive with other career options available in the region. Consider additional benefits such as mental health resources, retirement planning, and educational reimbursement, which can make public safety positions more attractive to potential candidates. Government Reform Enact strict conflict of interest policies that prohibit hiring or contracting with individuals who have familial or personal connections to current officials. Taxes / Budget Conduct a thorough analysis of the city's current economic situation, identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Develop a comprehensive economic development plan that aligns with the city's long term strategic plan, leveraging its unique assets and addressing its specific challenges with special attention paid to River Oaks Mall and River Oaks West. Government Reform Establish and enforce hiring practices that prioritize qualifications and experience over personal relationships. Implement structured interview processes, standardized evaluation criteria, and require comprehensive job descriptions to ensure fairness and consistency. Taxes / Budget Create attractive incentive packages to lure new businesses and retain existing ones. These could include tax abatements, subsidies, grants, or low-interest loans aimed at encouraging renovations, new constructions, or expansions. Housing Simplify and modernize the permitting process for buying and selling homes. This could involve reducing the number of required permits, establishing clear guidelines, and employing technology to facilitate applications and track progress. Economy Develop a robust marketing strategy to promote Calumet City as an attractive destination for businesses. Highlight its strategic location, and available workforce. Housing Develop programs that support the rehabilitation of existing homes, especially in aging neighborhoods. Housing Explore incentives for potential residents, such as first-time homebuyer grants or reduced fees for inspections and permits. Infrastructure / Transportation Enhance the city’s stormwater management systems to mitigate flooding risks.