Brian Higgins

Criminal Justice / Public Safety Concerns in the "Compound" area AKA "Street Patterns" or "The Grid". Largely undeveloped area of some 200 miles (320km) of paved roadway in various states of disrepair. Criminal Justice / Public Safety By facilitating volunteering, donations, open communication, community education, citizen input, outreach events, proper staffing/funding, and utilizing resources, the city council can actively support our police and strengthen their connection with the community they serve. Criminal Justice / Public Safety Ensure the police and fire department haveadequate fundingand staffing levels to provide 24/7 emergency response, well-being checks, and other essential services to Palm Bay residents. Criminal Justice / Public Safety Increased law enforcement, strategic infrastructure investments, and community-driven initiatives are crucial to reclaiming this area and ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents. Criminal Justice / Public Safety It has become a hotbed of crime and violence, with multiple homicides, shootings, and even a horrific dismemberment case reported.Residents live in fear, highlighting the urgent need for increased law enforcement presence. Infrastructure / Transportation We need adequate infrastructurein place to effectively manage major flooding or wildfire events when they occur. Infrastructure / Transportation Palm Bay is prone to significant flooding during heavy rain storms, as evidenced by the extreme flooding in November 2023 that submerged many residential streets and caused damage like downed power poles. Infrastructure / Transportation Over 800 backlogged requests for drainage work as of early 2024. Infrastructure / Transportation Lack of visionstallsprogress on addressing key resident needs. Infrastructure / Transportation Address road and infrastructure maintenance, with residents expressing frustration over the condition of roadways and the need for strategic investments to accommodate population growth. Infrastructure / Transportation Flooding causing safety hazards and property damage. Environment / Energy Accumulation of muck and sediment from stormwater runoff and dead plant matter.This prevents new seagrass growth and degrades water quality. Environment / Energy Harmful algal blooms, seagrass loss, fish kills, and other environmental degradation. Poor water quality and low oxygen levels. Environment / Energy Turbidity and sedimentation issues from tributaries like Turkey Creek , which drain urbanized areas into the lagoon. Economy Lack of business growth and economic opportunities. Economy We need to streamlineprocesses to make the city more welcoming to businesses looking to develop here. Economy Make an effort to attract new manufacturing companies and jobs. Economy Mixed-use development projects. Economy One of the major challenges we faceistransitioning from being a "bedroom community" to a more mature and economically viable city. We need toovercomeoutdated zoning and land use regulations. Taxes / Budget The City of Palm Bay has been grappling with issues related to fiscal responsibility, as highlighted in recent events and council meetings. Taxes / Budget Transparency and accountability in the allocation of taxpayer funds, with concerns over rising taxes without corresponding improvements in public services. Taxes / Budget Concerns Over Fiscal Future: During the May 16th City Council meeting, there were significant discussions about the city's long-term budgetary challenges, particularly in light of a 3% tax cap. The council approved key contracts for first responders, but concerns about transparency and the financial implications of these agreements were prominent.