Affordable Housing
As a renter who would like to buy a home in this neighborhood, I know how challenging it is for anyone of any income level to find homes available. My BSU student workers have shared their challenges with negligent landlords who are not held accountable by outdated rental ordinances. I will work with council and staff to get started on identifying challenges by creating a formal housing study and will work to update our rental ordinances to create a system of enforcement so both responsible renters and landlords are protected.
Comprehensive Trail System
Our city is growing, and it is important that that growth includes an ability to easily get around. My work on the Bemidji Parks & Recreation Commission and the Bemidji Area United Way Investment Cabinet has shown me that our community needs multiple ways to get around. A Bemidji Parks & Recreation public survey revealed that Bemidji residents would like to see our community trails and parks connected so they can safely use them for recreation and for transportation. I will work with the city as well as community partners to advocate for plans that focus on an accessible and comprehensive trail system for our community.
Civic Engagement & Transparency
Communities thrive when we have places to gather and feel that our voices are being heard. I will push for our council to be more transparent by creating more opportunities for community input. We have many big projects our city needs to address: affordable housing, a new city hall, a new fire station, a potential wellness center, and effectively managing the Sanford Center. We need your voice to be heard in this process, and that will be the way that I lead as the Ward 1 Councilmember.