Rich Lyles

Infrastructure / Transportation Safe roads, reliable drainage, and well-maintained public systems are essential to everyday life in Abilene. Rich believes the city must take a smarter, more proactive approach to maintaining these essential services. Housing Support city policies that make housing more stable and predictable for residents. Economy Attract businesses that complement and strengthen the existing local economy. Infrastructure / Transportation Actively pursue state and federal infrastructure funding opportunities. Economy Rich's entire professional career has been dedicated to helping small businesses grow, compete, and thrive. He believes city policy should actively support the entrepreneurs already invested in Abilene — rather than primarily chasing large corporations with expensive subsidy packages that often deliver limited long-term benefit to local residents. Housing Rich supports expanding access to homeownership as one of the most effective ways to build long-term stability for Abilene families. Through programs administered by the Abilene Housing Authority — including HUD-supported initiatives like the Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership Program — more families can transition from renting to building equity in their own homes. Infrastructure / Transportation Prioritize neighborhoods with the greatest infrastructure needs. Taxes / Budget Prioritize locally owned vendors in city procurement where possible. Infrastructure / Transportation Develop a long-term infrastructure plan that looks beyond the next budget cycle. Education Explore creative solutions to expand childcare access for working families. Infrastructure / Transportation Plan responsibly for future growth while protecting existing neighborhoods. Infrastructure / Transportation Invest in preventative maintenance to extend asset life and reduce costly emergency repairs. Economy Support policies that reduce unnecessary barriers to starting and growing a business in Abilene. Economy Connect local businesses with available grant and contract opportunities.