Public Safety and Health Risks The prevalence of homelessness poses significant public safety and health challenges for our community. Unsanitary conditions in homeless encampments can become breeding grounds for disease, and untreated mental health issues and substance abuse can lead to increased crime and disorder. This undermines the safety and well-being of our residents and places a heavy burden on local law enforcement and healthcare systems. Additionally, the increasing number of fires that have started in the encampments poses a major risk to our community, further endangering lives and property.

Economic Consequences

A high rate of homelessness can stifle economic growth and deter businesses from investing in our community. Concerns about safety and cleanliness can lower property values and reduce tourism, leading to a decline in local revenue. Moreover, the financial strain on city resources to provide emergency services, law enforcement, and temporary shelter for the homeless diverts funds from other critical infrastructure and public services.

Erosion of Community Quality and Morale

The visible presence of homelessness can detract from the quality of life in our community, impacting residents' sense of pride and security. It can strain social services and charitable organizations, making it difficult to provide adequate support. Left unaddressed, this issue can create social tensions and weaken the fabric of our community. We must address homelessness with firm and decisive policies that prioritize public safety and uphold community standards, while ensuring that assistance is given responsibly and effectively to those in need.

Insufficient Housing Supply Redmond's affordable housing issue arises from a limited supply of homes relative to demand. Regulatory barriers, high permitting fees, and lengthy approval processes have slowed the development of new housing projects. This shortage forces many residents to compete for a few available affordable units, driving up prices and making it challenging for low- and moderate-income families to secure housing. The imbalance results in a strained housing market, impacting the overall stability of our community.

Economic Impact The lack of affordable housing hampers Redmond's economic growth. High housing costs can deter businesses and investors, who may view the shortage as a barrier to relocating or expanding in the area. This can stifle local economic development, lower property values, and reduce tourism, leading to decreased local revenue. As businesses and residents face financial pressure from high housing costs, funds are diverted from critical services and infrastructure, affecting overall community well-being.

Community Well-Being An inadequate supply of affordable housing diminishes the quality of life for Redmond residents. With fewer affordable options available, many families face increased financial strain, impacting their overall well-being and stability. The pressure on social services also intensifies, affecting their ability to support those in need effectively. Addressing the affordable housing problem is crucial for fostering a stable, thriving community where all residents have the opportunity to live comfortably and securely.

Enhancing the Business Climate Business is the lifeblood of a community. As a dad of two little ones, I see how few kid-centered businesses we have in Redmond. I’d love to change that and bring more family-friendly spots to town. To make it happen, I’ll focus on improving our business climate by offering tax incentives and cutting through red tape. This will help attract a variety of businesses that cater to families and children, creating a vibrant environment where both new and existing enterprises can thrive. With this approach, we’ll boost economic growth, create well-paying jobs, and make Redmond a more lively and family-oriented community.

Investing in Infrastructure and Connectivity

To make Redmond an attractive destination for businesses, we need to focus on key infrastructure improvements. Upgrading our local roadways, expanding public transportation options, and investing in business parks with modern amenities will enhance our city’s appeal. Additionally, improving local traffic management and providing better signage and wayfinding will help businesses operate more efficiently. These strategic investments will create a business-friendly environment and drive job growth in our community.

Fostering Workforce Development and Strategic Partnerships

Partnering with local institutions like Central Oregon Community College and Oregon State Cascades Campus is key to aligning education with business needs. I’ll push for programs that offer relevant training and certification, as well as support for apprenticeships and internships. This will connect students with local employers and ensure our residents have the skills needed for high-quality jobs. By doing so, we'll attract businesses to Redmond and enhance job opportunities, driving economic growth and prosperity in our city.

Offering Financial Incentives and Tax Breaks Redmond deserves better healthcare options, and attracting a major hospital system is key. By offering financial incentives and tax breaks, such as property tax abatements and development grants, we can make Redmond an appealing destination for healthcare providers. These incentives will reduce financial barriers and encourage top hospital systems to invest here. This will not only expand our healthcare choices and improve care quality but also create higher-paying jobs, supporting Redmond’s rapid growth and boosting our economic development.

Streamlining Zoning and Permitting Processes

To attract a new hospital, we need to improve zoning and permitting processes. Although this will take time, it’s crucial to handle approvals efficiently and minimize bureaucratic hurdles. Providing a clear and supportive development path will create a favorable environment for hospital systems. This approach shows our commitment to healthcare expansion and ensures we can meet the growing healthcare needs of our residents.

Leveraging the CORE3 Project for Strategic Advantage

The CORE3 project, with its significant federal and local investment, will enhance our region’s emergency response and training capabilities. Located next to Redmond Municipal Airport, this facility will be crucial for disaster preparedness. However, in a major local or statewide emergency, Redmond currently lacks enough hospital beds to support a CORE3 response effectively. By attracting a new hospital system, we can ensure our city is equipped with the necessary healthcare infrastructure for emergencies. This development will also support Redmond’s growth as one of the fastest-growing cities in the state, creating more higher-paying jobs and contributing to our economic success.

As a candidate for Redmond City Council, I am committed to a decisive plan that prioritizes public safety, health, and community well-being by enforcing laws, leveraging legal rulings, and restoring our city’s pride and economic vitality.

We will enforce existing laws against dumping, drug use, illegal parking, and arson. Homeless encampments often become breeding grounds for disease, and untreated mental health issues and substance abuse contribute to rising crime and disorder. This cannot be tolerated. Under my leadership, law enforcement will be empowered to target illegal activities within these encampments and hold individuals accountable to protect public safety.

Moreover, we will utilize the Supreme Court’s Grants Pass v. Johnson ruling, which allows municipalities to clear public spaces of unlawful encampments while ensuring basic shelter options. This ruling will be the cornerstone of our strategy to restore order and maintain safety without infringing on legal rights.

The economic impact of unchecked homelessness is severe, deterring business investment and lowering property values. By enforcing laws and applying the Grants Pass ruling, we will revitalize our economy, attract new businesses, and redirect funds from emergency services to critical infrastructure that benefits all residents.

Finally, we will address the erosion of community quality and morale. The visible presence of homelessness diminishes the quality of life in Redmond and weakens our community. By upholding community standards and responsibly assisting those in need, we will restore pride, security, and a thriving environment for all residents.

My plan will tackle homelessness with firm, decisive policies, ensuring a safer, stronger future for Redmond.

I am dedicated to increasing the supply of affordable homes by streamlining regulations, reducing costs, and promoting innovative solutions.

I believe in leveraging market forces over government intervention. To make housing more affordable and increase supply, I will work to reduce permitting fees, expedite processes, and support innovative housing solutions. By making it easier and cheaper for developers to build new homes, we can reduce delays, lower costs, and expand the number of available homes, helping more people find housing they can afford.

Encouraging public-private partnerships is also a key aspect of my plan. By bringing together government and private companies and offering incentives like tax breaks and zoning adjustments, we can motivate developers to build more affordable homes. This approach increases the supply of affordable housing without placing the entire financial burden on taxpayers.

Additionally, I will promote innovative housing solutions. Supporting creative ideas like modular homes or repurposing old buildings can provide more affordable choices. By encouraging these approaches, we can lower building costs and increase the supply of homes available to those struggling to find a place they can afford.

My plan focuses on increasing the supply of homes by streamlining regulations, encouraging partnerships, and promoting innovation. This ensures that everyone in Redmond has access to affordable, quality housing while fostering sustainable growth in our community.