I’m committed to continuing my work of delivering the core services you expect and deserve. In talking with residents, I know you want the basics done right: responsive emergency services, roads without potholes, complete sidewalks, and litter-free business districts. You also want to see the violent crime rate lowered, the hiring of more police officers and firefighters, and the expansion of homeless services to help move more people experiencing homelessness into housing.
And I am proud of the work we have already done in accomplishing these key objectives. During the last few years, we have invested millions of dollars in our streets and sidewalks, supporting businesses in recovery from the pandemic, and addressing litter and graffiti. We have seen a 20% reduction in violent crime since last year, and our city has moved more than 3,100 people experiencing homelessness off our streets and into services.
While I know more must be done to improve our city, much of our early success was only possible by undertaking more responsible budgeting. As chair of the Government Performance and Finance Committee, I remain committed to ensuring our city continues to improve our budgeting process to ensure taxpayer dollars are used to address our city’s challenges with effective solutions. That requires emphasizing transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility through the budgeting process.
In my next term, I will continue to champion:
- Transparency: Improving public access to information on budget decisions – including revenue sources, expenses, and performance measures – helps improve confidence in our city’s projects. Our city council should prioritize gathering public feedback on budget priorities.
- Accountability: Ensuring clear oversight of budget decisions helps reduce preventable government waste. This requires tracking performance measures and regularly reviewing them with the intent of adjusting the budget accordingly.
- Fiscal Responsibility: Maintaining a balanced budget and allocating funds toward budget reserves ensures our city remains financially healthy and able to withstand unforeseen future challenges. The city council must also prioritize smart and safe investments with the potential for high returns and long-term benefits for our communities.
In more effectively meeting challenges like infrastructure improvements and homelessness,
I also believe it is my responsibility to identify innovative solutions by working with local businesses, nonprofits, and residents. Collaborating with community stakeholders allows our city to implement effective solutions and – as a result – more efficiently leverage budget resources.
I look forward to continuing my work refining our city’s budgeting process as your city councilmember.
