What is the most important issue facing the City of Eau Claire and how would you address it?
The most important issue facing Eau Claire is money! Without money the city cannot run any programs for its residents and the best way to address this is shared revenue. The State of Wisconsin has shared revenue of over $4 billion dollars; local governments would benefit greatly if this was distributed to them, especially Eau Claire to run its program and help its residents.
What is the second most important issue facing City of Eau Claire and how would you address it?
Affordable housing is the second most important issue facing Eau Claire. As demand for housing increases, many residents struggle to find affordable options, which can lead to economic disparities and affect overall quality of life. This can be addressed is a couple ways.
Incentivize Development: We should provide incentives to developers to construct affordable housing units by offering tax breaks, grants, and/or streamlined permitting processes for projects prioritizing affordability.
Zoning Reforms (which we are working on currently): Revise zoning laws to enable more mixed-use developments and higher density housing, providing more affordable options while enriching community vibrancy.
What is the third most important issue facing the City of Eau Claire and how would you address it?
Homelessness is another important issue.
Addressing homelessness in Eau Claire, like in many communities, requires a multifaceted approach. Here are some potential solutions.
IncreasingAffordable Housing: Develop more affordable housing units and utilize housing-first models that provide stable housing before addressing other issues.
Support Services: Expand access to support services, including mental health care, substance abuse treatment, and job training programs. Collaborating with local nonprofits can enhance these services.
Emergency Shelters: Increase the capacity and accessibility of emergency shelters, ensuring they are safe and welcoming. We should consider additional services like case management to help individuals transition to permanent housing.
What are your two top priority areas of concern in the upcoming budget and how would you address them?
My top priority for the upcoming budget is addressing the insufficient funds to keep pace with the rising cost of living. This is far and away the highest priority. I am concerned that some programs may face cuts or inadequate funding, and my proposed solution is to reach out to our state legislators and governor to request that they allocate more shared funds back to municipalities like Eau Claire.