People need safe, fun, and accessible places to exercise and rejuvenate if they are going to be healthy, both physically and mentally. City parks that are accessible to everyone and meet the needs of residents of all ages along with bike and walking trails that connect people and are safe to use year-round are key to a healthy community.
People need safe, fun, and accessible places to exercise and rejuvenate if they are going to be healthy, both physically and mentally. City parks that are accessible to everyone and meet the needs of residents of all ages along with bike and walking trails that connect people and are safe to use year-round are key to a healthy community. IGH provides residents with opportunities to be active, get healthy, and stay healthy. I believe there is more we can do to augment our parks in ways that will meet the needs of all residents.
Healthy people and healthy families need great parks, and they need a healthy environment. The impact of more extreme weather on our health, homes, businesses, and our city's infrastructure will challenge the mental and physical health and safety of our community. I will work to further the city's preparedness for these changes and encourage businesses to learn about the opportunities and financial benefits of planning ahead.
Seniors are looking for housing options that allow them to move out of their single-family homes and into modern affordable apartment housing without leaving our community. At the same time, young adults and first-time home buyers are looking for entry-level houses and finding limited options.
The city can proactively seek innovative housi
Seniors are looking for housing options that allow them to move out of their single-family homes and into modern affordable apartment housing without leaving our community. At the same time, young adults and first-time home buyers are looking for entry-level houses and finding limited options.
The city can proactively seek innovative housing developments designed to meet these changing needs of families, workers and seniors. In this way, we can build healthy neighborhoods and in turn, support a strong business community.
Keeping home values from declining in older neighborhoods is also important. Ensuring current
rehab programs serve those who need them can help keep older housing stock safe, energy-efficient, attractive and relatively affordable.
The safety of our families and homes is essential. Our police department’s efforts to strengthen relationships with residents and businesses through community conversations helps build trust, respect, and cooperation in promoting public safety in IGH. I will encourage the city to continue these programs and to take a broader approach to p
The safety of our families and homes is essential. Our police department’s efforts to strengthen relationships with residents and businesses through community conversations helps build trust, respect, and cooperation in promoting public safety in IGH. I will encourage the city to continue these programs and to take a broader approach to public safety by developing more after-school and weekend activities for kids and families and working with the schools and business community to provide continuing education and good job opportunities so people feel connected and invested in their community.
We need to continue with budget discipline to ensure city maintenance and replacement programs for streets, parks, fleet vehicles, and other city assets are in place in ways that balance value to the city against the need for more tax dollars. As a growing community, we need to manage our budget responsibly and not overspend in anticipati
We need to continue with budget discipline to ensure city maintenance and replacement programs for streets, parks, fleet vehicles, and other city assets are in place in ways that balance value to the city against the need for more tax dollars. As a growing community, we need to manage our budget responsibly and not overspend in anticipation of continued growth. I will support staff efforts to improve operational efficiencies and reduce waste across the
organization.
No one has all the answers to the many complex issues that come before the city council, and I plan to listen and work with the other council members, our city staff, residents, and business people who bring forward ideas, visions, concerns, and an interest in helping IGH be its best.
I encourage people to contact me to discuss issues, share concerns, and offer suggestions for how we can work together to bring about a brighter future for everyone in our community.
The safety of our families, our homes, our community has always been essential to the people of IGH. It's more important than ever that we have a respectful and cooperative relationship between our public safety professionals and members of the community. I will ask our Police Chief and her officers and staff to regularly meet with the community in various settings to share strengths, concerns, and solutions to our public safety. Opportunities for people to know each other better will make a world of difference in building trust, respect and cooperation in promoting public safety in IGH.
One idea some residents have mentioned and I agree fully with is focusing more on young people in productive and affordable after-school and summer activities to involve them in positive ways in our community.
Likewise, people of all ages can benefit from continuing education and quality job opportunities to help them thrive and feel connected and invested in a community. Efforts by the county’s Work Readiness Programs, along with engagement of the business community, will continue to benefit the city and help to reduce crime.
In talking with residents, they repeatedly say they would like more community gathering places for socializing, arts, entertainment and community events. I believe we need to identify and support the development of such public spaces. Does this include developing a thriving city center? Or splash pads in more of our parks for families to enjoy on hot summer days? Maybe regular exercise classes in the park? A local arts gallery and history museum? Seminars led by local professionals on how to start one’s own business? So many possibilities. Let’s talk with each other and see where we can go as a community.
IGH would benefit from a variety of housing types to meet the changing needs of families, workers, and elders living in the city. Innovative housing adds value to the city’s economic prosperity and is a way to build healthy neighborhoods, a strong business community and provide opportunities for families who want to live closer together.
Additionally, we need our business community and other community organizations working together on education campaigns that build awareness about the need for a variety of housing options across the city.
Keeping the quality of the homes in aging neighborhoods from declining is also important. Reviewing its partnerships with the county and non-profit housing agencies can help the city ensure current home rehab funding programs are reaching the homeowners who need it the most to keep the city’s older housing stock safe, attractive, and relatively affordable for residents to live in.
Keeping rural areas rural and focusing development in the built-up areas of the city will help protect the unique qualities of Inver Grove Heights that residents currently enjoy.
Our area in the east metro needs more flexible and safe transportation options to make it easier for people to get around without having to drive 100% of the time.
With hybrid office/home work models and flex time, our city’s workers and families have evolving transportation needs. Likewise, as our aging residents become unable or unwilling to drive, they too would like more transportation options, and students of all ages moving between home, school, after-school activities, and work would benefit from a wider range of transportation choices.
We should work cooperatively with other east metro area communities and agencies to bring about flexible transportation options. Planning flexible transportation systems that meet the needs of people of all ages will improve the livability of the city and reduce traffic accidents, injuries, and fatalities.
I will advocate for the Chamber of Commerce and the city to work together to bring 21st century businesses to the city. Other cities and rural towns in Minnesota are recruiting businesses that serve the clean energy economy and are helping existing businesses expand into these areas. These efforts are growing the local tax base and IGH can do the same.
Likewise, the city can respond to interest expressed by residents to have a wider range of recreation, arts, and retail opportunities that serve the needs and interests of residents so they and others can "Think IGH First" in ways that help local businesses, community organizations, and the city's tax base.
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7848 Babcock Trail, Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota 55077, United States
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