3. Spurring Economic Development

Encouraging development and the growth of business is good for our city & taxpayers alike. It's why I believe we should always take a competitive approach to economic development and be focused on streamlining the regulatory climate here in New Baltimore. As mayor, I'll make this a priority. Key actions include:

-Recommit to Redevelopment Ready Certification - My first priority will be reinstating our commitment to becoming redevelopment ready certified through the MEDC. We have a checklist of outstanding items and practices to implement. But a keystone of this certification is allowing for approved use site planning through the planning commission and administration. This was a key priority of mine in 2021 when we successfully passed it. Since then, we've been able to move approvals more quickly and get projects moving. In 2025, Council revoked this administrative authority due to concerns with current handling and oversight. While I voted against the revocation, I understood the concern of my colleagues. As mayor, I'll prioritize rebuilding trust, look to find a compromise if necessary, and create an environment of transparency to get us back on track. In doing so, we will move forward streamlining our processes, ordinances, and approvals to attract new investment.

Revise LDFA Capital Improvement Plan & Strategic Plan - The LDFA is dedicated to expanding investing in our industrial zone. I'll work to expand our strategic planning in this area and dedicate resources to explore alternatives such as incentive programs, state and federal designations/partnerships. We'll continue improving infrastructure in this area to better support the needs of the companies that call it home and seek to bring in new employers.

-Seek Construction of Surface Parking in CBD

-Create a job & workforce development board on city website - I'll work to promote career opportunities in our city, and help connect our young residents with career opportunities for their future.

-Revisit Business Transitional Designation in Downtown - As mayor, I'll engage with the Planning Commission to plan a future of this district in downtown. We'll seek to either expand, eliminate, or revise to help bring surety to property owners in this designation and better plan for the future of development in this area.

-Public/Private Partnership