Marci Baker

Infrastructure / Transportation Heritage preservation and Main Street programs that help revitalize and celebrate our historic districts. Taxes / Budget Planning ahead, aligning spending with community capacity, maintaining strong internal controls, and ensuring transparent and accountable use of taxpayer dollars. Economy Improving access to clear startup guidance and educational resources. Infrastructure / Transportation Infrastructure is another important piece of the conversation. Traditional lodging developments pay system development charges and commercial utility rates, but most short-term rentals, particularly in residential zoned neighborhoods, were originally built as residential homes and never paid those charges, and are billed residential utility rates. When we have hundreds of lodging units operating in that way, it’s worth asking whether our fee structures reflect the actual demand being placed on water systems, sewer systems, and other infrastructure. Immigration I am personally strongly opposed to an ICE facility in Lincoln County. Environment / Energy Proactively address drinking water protection in our watersheds so we can continue to grow. Housing Short-term rentals, housing supply, tourism, and infrastructure are all interconnected. We didn’t arrive at these challenges overnight, and we won’t solve them overnight. What we can do is approach them thoughtfully, increase the overall supply of housing in all its forms, and create policies that balance economic vitality, property rights, and livable communities. Education Supporting business associations, mentorship and practical business education. Healthcare The County can play a stronger role in bringing together healthcare providers, nonprofits, and regional partners to align efforts and advocate for funding and workforce placement in underserved areas like ours. Economy Encourage the environmental tourism market, along with a culture of buying and supporting local.