Issues
Housing Priorities
Housing affordability is a critical issue for the residents of Ward 2, and I am deeply committed to addressing this challenge. As your representative, I will always prioritize the creation of more affordable housing units in our city. To achieve this goal,
I will work tirelessly with developers to find innovative solutions that make housing more accessible to everyone.
One promising approach is to use Tax Increment Financing (TIF) through development agreements, which can help offset the rising costs of building affordable units. By utilizing TIF, we can leverage future tax revenue to support the construction of new homes for our community.
Another important step we have taken is to approve zoning code changes that make it easier for homeowners to build accessory housing units. This gives families the opportunity to stay in their homes for longer, while also providing affordable housing options for others in the community.
As a member of the Neighborhood Finance Corporation Board, I am proud to support the organization’s mission of promoting equitable homeownership and home renovation lending. NFC partners with community organizations to offer beneficial housing programs that help buyers achieve their dream of homeownership.
Together, we can work to increase affordable housing opportunities in our neighborhoods and keep families together. I am committed to making this vision a reality for all residents of Ward 2.
Parks & Trails Improvements
I am proud of the progress we have made so far in improving our parks. We have already seen significant improvements in nearly every park in Ward 2, and we have more exciting changes to come. By fall of 2023, Sheridan Gardens and McHenry Park will have new playground equipment that the whole community can enjoy.
Access to our wonderful trail systems is also an essential part of the Ward 2 community, and I am dedicated to ensuring that all residents can enjoy them. Whether you’re walking, jogging, pushing a stroller, or biking, these trails are an excellent way to stay active and connect with nature. That’s why I am committed to continuing my efforts to expand our trail system and ensure that everyone has access to it.
I believe in leading by example, and that’s why I frequently participate in park cleanup days. I also encourage others to do the same, so we can keep our parks clean and beautiful for everyone to enjoy. I have been a strong advocate for park improvements in Ward 2, and my efforts have paid off with exciting new features like the performance stage and all-inclusive playground at Riverview. We are also adding essential amenities like handicap parking turnarounds and bathrooms.
I am also excited to announce new developments at Birdland Park, where we are installing brand new tennis courts and basketball courts. This will create even more opportunities for residents to stay active and enjoy our beautiful community.
Together, we can continue to make Ward 2 an even better place to live, work, and play. With my dedication to expanding our trail system and improving our parks, I am confident that we can create a community that everyone can be proud to call home.
Public Safety
The safety of our residents and employees is of utmost importance, and it is our duty to take every possible step to ensure it. This is why I have been a strong advocate for investing in additional staff for our police and fire departments. Thanks to my efforts, we now have a new first station in Ward 2 that is significantly reducing response times and making our community safer.
But having a full force of first responders is only one part of the equation. We must also ensure that they have the proper tools and equipment necessary to do their job effectively. That means providing them with the safety gear they need to protect themselves and others, as well as the latest equipment to help them respond quickly and efficiently to emergencies.
In addition to our first responders, we also need to prioritize pedestrian safety. This is why I am committed to implementing Vision Zero, a transportation plan that aims to reduce pedestrian accidents in our city. To achieve this goal, we must ensure that our streets are safe for all residents, regardless of how they choose to get around. That means working to “fill the sidewalk” gaps in our neighborhoods, so that everyone has access to safe and reliable sidewalks on school routes and bus routes.
I believe that community policing is an effective way to build trust between our police officers and residents. That’s why I support our officers spending time in the community, getting to know the people they serve and building positive relationships that can help prevent crime and ensure public safety. Together, we can continue to make our community a safer and more secure place for everyone to live and work.
Water Quality/Flood Mitigation
The Des Moines River borders the Western part of Ward 2 and we have Four Mile Creek that runs right through the middle of Ward 2. I continue to work with the city engineering dept. and the Corps of Engineers to provide protection against flooding from the river. Our levees are well built and safe protecting us from flooding. I continue to work with Des Moines Water Works to ensure your drinking water is safe. A remote monitoring device is installed near the 2nd Ave bridge. This device helps Water Works understand the movement of water and evaluates the chemical factors affecting water quality.
Fourmile Creek Watershed is a 102-acre site that throughout history has been prone to flooding. In 2018 when we experienced 9 inches of rain in 3 hours devastating flooding occurred. I was on site in the very early hours of the flooding and stayed at the emergency site throughout the day. The next day I viewed the tragedy and spoke with nearly every neighbor who lost their home and belongings. For the first time ever we purchased every flooded home. We then went to work with Polk County Conservation who became our partner, and we now have a 102 acre lineal park with unlimited possibilities. I sit on the Four Mile Creek Watershed Authority, and we continue to make restoration plans for the park. We have added oxbow restoration, prairie enhancement, wetlands/pond, stream restoration, prairie plantings and Savannah plantings. All of this is done to mitigate flooding in Ward 2. The Reno dog park was moved to the Four Mile Creek site and we added water to the dog park as an added bonus.