The Blackwell Brief:
TOP FIVE CONCERNS & ISSUES:
1. Economic Recovery (Fiscal Emergency)
Address fiscal emergency status
Consider and research outcome budgeting - a growing trend among cities - which focuses on creating measurable goals and outcomes while developing a multi-year plan that will guide budgeting and strategy for more than one fiscal year to the next. This is a budget based on meeting specific outcomes which will require coordination between city departments.
Committed to very aggressive economic development utilizing tax abatement and incentives to attract new business.
Increase property tax revenue. Seeking light industrial, manufacturing and desired retail.
Address and collect delinquent income and property tax. Contract with collection agency.
New residential construction for more senior housing, single adults and couple millennials (25-35 yr. olds)
Create a network of realtors to help sell homes in Maple, soliciting their feedback about the marketability of the City, its housing stock and their recommendations to assist in selling more homes in Maple Heights.
Review and revise the city’s escrow program for first-time homebuyers, owner-occupied, to assist in home buying, down payment assistance.
Partner with Community Reinvestment Act Programs and Community Development Corporations for housing rehabilitation and storefront renovation.
Nurture Existing Businesses. Attend all new businesses grand openings; publish a city business directory; cash mobs and “shop local campaigns”. Promote Regional Chamber of Commerce membership and events to increase business for members and partnership with neighboring communities.
2. Quality of Life Consciousness (Residents, Seniors & Youth)
Senior Center Future, Tax Levy
All year round youth recreation facility, parks, re-open pool, mobile recreation.
Property Maintenance for more attractive neighborhoods to sell homes and increase property triennial revaluations. City’s image.Re-implement a home tool rental program for single mothers and new homeowners working with City’s home improvement stores.
Pursue city outpatient preventive medical facilities, pediatric, primary care and dental.
Neighborhood and city-wide celebrations and recognition programs (lawn awards and more). Fireworks, Music-in-the Park.
Annual Community Festivals, Rib Cook-off, Bake-off.
Safety. Safety forces recruitment and retention; diversity and inclusion; community policing; block watches.
3. More Citizen Representation
More council visibility in the districts; less focus on forums, more regular district meetings and one-on-one communication; attendance at new businesses’ grand openings.
“Welcome Wagon” for new residents (homeowners). We will work with each councilperson making recommendations of what information to prepare for new residents in their districts.
4. Public Relations
Improve the City’s image with a creative and positive marketing campaign to attract prospective businesses, realtors and homeowners.
Work collaboratively with school district to incorporate school children in city events to create civic pride and service.
5. Administration
Recruit the best and the brightest to key administrative positions. Economic Development, Finance Clerk and Grant Administrator
Create an accessible and customer-service oriented and more efficent City Hall - with hours for working people!
