As part of my commitment to securing a stable financial future for Newark, I will focus on key initiatives to strengthen our city's revenue stream. This includes working with the University to renegotiate with the State for a more equitable funding agreement, ensuring that Newark receives fair compensation for the university's presence in our city. I will also continue to collaborate with State Officials to advocate for the passing of HB 34, a student fee bill aimed at addressing the strain on our city's resources caused by the student population. Additionally, I will push for the implementation of a baseline property tax to ensure that all properties in Newark are contributing fairly to the cost of essential city services. These efforts will help create a more stable, sustainable financial foundation for our community.
I am committed to keeping our Main Street a vibrant hub for shopping, entertainment, and community life for all residents. To achieve this, we must address our parking challenges by reconvening the Parking Commission, bringing together residents, business owners, and city officials to create a long-term parking strategy that benefits everyone.
My ultimate goal is to reduce our city's reliance on parking revenue to support the budget. Parking fees and enforcement should be used primarily for managing parking, not as a necessary revenue source.
Additionally, we need to reexamine outdated ordinances within our Main Street corridor to ensure fair competition, particularly with neighboring areas like the Grove and UD's Star Campus, which are not subject to the same limitations. This will help level the playing field and encourage growth and innovation in our city center.
Finally, I will focus on creating a more walkable downtown, making it easier and more inviting for people to explore. This will attract boutique shops, local businesses, and new residents, further enriching our downtown experience and fostering economic growth in our community.
I am dedicated to addressing Newark's housing needs by promoting affordable housing opportunities, including a mix of affordable rental units and homeownership options. To tackle vacant, tax-delinquent properties, I will prioritize the top 25 properties with outstanding taxes or fines. By acquiring these properties and partnering with non-profits, we can rehabilitate and sell them at cost to low-income families, turning blight into opportunity.
This approach not only revitalizes neighborhoods but also provides families with the chance to become homeowners and good neighbors. It will generate new tax and utility revenue while creating generational wealth for families who may not otherwise have the opportunity. Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive community.
The upcoming 10-year review of our Comprehensive Development Plan is one of the most significant undertakings our city will face in the next decade. This plan will shape the direction of our growth, infrastructure, and community priorities for years to come. It will require strong leadership, vision, and a deep understanding of our city’s unique needs. Navigating this process is no small task. It demands someone with experience, the ability to listen to residents, and the skill to collaborate with other elected officials. We also need someone who is well-versed in our city budget and understands how development impacts every facet of our community. This is a defining moment, and I am ready to take on this responsibility to ensure our city’s future is built on a solid, sustainable foundation.