Nick Willis

Economy Enhance downtown’s appeal for residents and visitors. A thriving downtown starts with the people who live here. I’ll prioritize improvements that make it easier and more appealing for residents to enjoy downtown such as increased safety, better lighting, more music, public art, and welcoming streetscapes. I’ll also champion easier access for nonprofits, community groups, and small businesses to host events and pop-ups. Arts / Culture Support our cultural anchors. The Mesa Arts Center, idea Museum, and Arizona Museum of Natural History are pillars of our visitor economy and places where individuals and families from across Mesa and beyond come to learn, create, and connect. I will champion continued investment in cultural anchors like these and work to strengthen city partnerships that keep these spaces accessible, family-friendly, and central to Mesa’s cultural and economic life. Economy Clear the Path for Entrepreneurs. From family-owned shops to new startups, local businesses keep Mesa’s economy strong. I will fight for faster, friendlier permitting and better city support to help entrepreneurs and small businesses thrive in every part of our city. I will also be accessible and responsive when they run into roadblocks or need help navigating city processes. Infrastructure / Transportation Safer, walkable neighborhoods. People should be able to walk their kids to school or take an evening stroll without worrying about streetlights or dangerous bike lanes. We will fix broken streetlights, improve bike lanes to protect riders, add safe pedestrian crossings, and maintain parks as welcoming spaces for families and neighbors to connect. Economy Grow Mesa’s retail footprint. Too often, Mesa loses out on sales tax revenue because residents shop in other cities and visitors do not see Mesa as a retail destination. I will work to expand Mesa’s retail and dining options, which will attract more visitors to shop here. Growing our retail footprint will help generate more revenue for essential city services without raising taxes on residents. Economy Expansion of key amenities. Projects like a renovated amphitheater or a modern convention center shouldn’t just look good on paper, they need to deliver real returns for Mesa. I’ll make sure any investment in these big-ticket items draws national attention, increases our visitor economy, and benefits the small businesses and residents who call Mesa home. Education Back our schools and educators. We are lucky to have the powerhouse Mesa Public Schools for our students, we need to continue to back our educators and build our district further. Part of that is making sure we have safer streets around schools, shared-use facilities, and coordination that strengthens what teachers and students need to thrive. Education Expand youth opportunity. I’ll make sure that the city keeps backing after-school and summer programs that keep kids engaged and out of trouble. I’ll also encourage partnerships with local employers and educators to grow career exposure and skill-building options for teens and those entering or shifting careers. Criminal Justice / Public Safety Reliable first responders in every neighborhood. When our first responders are fully supported and properly funded, they can provide faster response times and maintain a strong, visible presence that helps families feel secure and businesses thrive. I’m committed to ensuring our first responders have the resources they need to keep every street and resident safe. Education Invest in adult learners. Whether someone’s changing careers, starting a business, or working toward a credential, they deserve access to continuing education, job training, and small business support that matches Mesa’s evolving economy. Environment / Energy City fees that make sense. Working families and business owners need stability. We all deserve fair, transparent rates and policies that give people the predictability they need to plan and grow. I’ll push for transparency and regular reviews of utility rates and permitting costs so they stay reasonable and reflect the true cost of services. Housing Homes that fit real lives. We need more housing options that fit real lives, and places that help first-time buyers put down roots and give seniors a way to stay near family as they downsize. Let’s make it possible for more Mesa families to find a place they can afford and call their own. Education Grow partnerships that deliver. I’ll work closely with Mesa’s colleges, nonprofits, unions, and employers to build stronger pipelines for internships, apprenticeships, and mentorship to help learners of all ages connect education with real opportunity.