Melissa Phillips

Housing Develop programs that support the rehabilitation of existing homes, especially in aging neighborhoods. Economy Provide resources and support for local entrepreneurs and small businesses. This might include business development workshops, mentoring programs, and access to capital. 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 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. Government Reform Enact strict conflict of interest policies that prohibit hiring or contracting with individuals who have familial or personal connections to current officials. Government Reform Establish and enforce hiring practices that prioritize qualifications and experience over personal relationships. Criminal Justice / Public Safety Develop targeted recruitment campaigns that highlight the benefits of careers in public safety, emphasizing job stability, community impact, and opportunities for career advancement. Economy Conduct a thorough analysis of the city's current economic situation, identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Infrastructure / Transportation Explore opportunities for public-private partnerships to leverage additional resources and expertise for infrastructure development. Government Reform Launch a marketing campaign to raise awareness about the library's services and resources. Highlight the importance of libraries in providing access to information, research assistance, and educational programs, underscoring their value to the community. Criminal Justice / Public Safety Evaluate and adjust compensation packages to ensure they are competitive with other career options available in the region. Government Reform Work to reinstate the highly qualified Library Director and other experienced staff members who understand the needs of the community. 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. 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. Taxes / Budget Establish clear guidelines for the expenditure of taxpayer dollars, ensuring that funds are allocated only for relevant municipal matters. Infrastructure / Transportation Actively pursue grants and funding from state and federal agencies dedicated to infrastructure improvement. Government Reform Invest in training and development for existing staff to ensure that employees are well-equipped to fulfill their roles. Economy Forge partnerships with local and regional economic development organizations, chambers of commerce, educational institutions, and other stakeholders to pool resources and expertise. Infrastructure / Transportation Conduct a thorough evaluation of all critical infrastructure, including roads, sewer systems, and water mains. Government Reform Increase transparency in the hiring process by publicly posting job openings and detailing the qualifications required for each position. Infrastructure / Transportation Develop a detailed capital improvement plan that outlines the necessary upgrades, funding sources, and timelines for infrastructure projects. Government Reform Implement regular audits of hiring practices and financial spending to ensure compliance with established policies. Housing Establish clear communication channels to keep residents informed of changes, processes, and updates regarding housing and real estate. 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. Housing Train city staff to adopt a customer-centric approach. Encouraging a culture of helpfulness and responsiveness can greatly improve the experience for residents navigating the real estate process. Implementing a “one-stop shop” concept where residents can access all necessary services and information in one place can enhance convenience. Criminal Justice / Public Safety Implement internship or cadet programs that allow high school and college students to gain exposure to public safety careers. Housing Explore incentives for potential residents, such as first-time homebuyer grants or reduced fees for inspections and permits. 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. Economy Create attractive incentive packages to lure new businesses and retain existing ones. Housing Simplify and modernize the permitting process for buying and selling homes. Infrastructure / Transportation Enhance the city’s stormwater management systems to mitigate flooding risks.