Growing Our City
Duluth has so many advantages over other cities our size, and I’m not just talking about the big, beautiful Lake. We have an unmatched transportation infrastructure (air, land, rail & sea), a vibrant arts community, a relaxed infrastructure and a talented workforce with an incredible work ethic. We also need to think regionally - we are not competing with Hermantown or Superior; if they do well, we reap the benefits.
So why have there been so few jobs, even in good times?
My friend Dustin’s story is one that is far too common. After earning a degree in graphic design from UMD, Dustin spent countless hours scouring the Sunday paper and online job sites looking for a job in Duluth – because he loved our city and wanted to build his life here. He did manage to land a few interviews – in fact, he even borrowed a tie or two from me. But there just were to few opportunities.
Dustin took a job assisting a local property manager to get by until he found full-time work in his field. He put in a lot of effort, staying in Duluth for two years before his student loan debt finally forced him to move.
Dustin wasn’t looking for a high-paying job – he was looking for a foot in the door, an entry-level position that would pay maybe $12 an hour. He wasn’t alone in his struggle. The same was true for Jason, Joe, John, Jessica, Lindsey and many more of my friends who wanted to stay here, but couldn’t find work. My friend Lindsey works in marketing in the Twin Cities, and she’s still searching for jobs in Duluth. She’s even willing to take a pay cut to move back. She wants to be here because it’s a great place to live.
We need to make it possible for young and old alike to live, work and share their talents in Duluth.
So, how can we make Duluth the obvious choice for businesses looking for a home?
- First, the easy part. Mayor Ness has done some great work as far as streamlining our building permit office, so that businesses aren’t tripped up by logistics. But I think we can make it even better – and faster.
- Let’s create some standards, and give developers a clear goalpost to shoot for. We need to let entrepreneurs know, upfront, clear costs and requirements for doing business in Duluth.
- I support a restructuring of DEDA.
- There are already many economic development specialists in our region who work hard at attracting, retaining and growing new businesses locally. Let’s do a better job of promoting what they are doing and recognizing them for their efforts.
Streets
We all know it. We’ve all complained about it. We need to do a better job of taking care of our streets. I would be a voice of support for Mayor Ness in making this a priority.
Neighborhood Revitalization
It is very exciting to me to see so many community members gathering and working to rebuild their neighborhoods, such as Morgan Park, Lincoln Park/West End and the Central and East Hillside. Strengthening our neighborhoods is an issue I’m passionate about, and I’ve put that passion into my work as Neighborhood Housing Services Board President.
For example, the Lincoln Park community has come together to form the Lincoln Park Citizen Patrol. And you know what? Crime has dropped.
Because of the work of several non-profits, the 4th Street Corridor has business expansions and facelifts – the successful Whole Foods Co-op is one example.
In Morgan Park, neighbors have been working to decrease crime and beautify the neighborhood. Because of their hard work the community already looks dramatically better.
Expect me to not only support the revitalization of these neighborhoods, but also to be a proactive promoter and partner.
Preserving Our Environment
When I ask people why they love Duluth, the most common response is the environment around them. Our abundant greenspace and, of course Lake Superior make our city what it is. One minute, you can be in a residential neighborhood, and the next you are sitting next to a cascading waterfall. You won’t find this is Blaine or Fargo.
I think its important we continue to protect our greenspace but we also need to better promote the many amazing parks in our current system.
My Other Priorities
One of my favorite things to do is to listen to people. I love door-knocking, which makes me a pretty unusual candidate. Here are just a few of the ideas I’ve garnered simply from listening:
Support Core Services
It’s important in times like these to not cut core functions of the city, such as police and fire. We must find other means of generating ongoing revenue for the city.
Dog Parks.
I’d support two more, one in the Hillside and one in Lakeside. We love our dogs here. Let’s give them a place to play.
Student Housing Downtown.
Students are an asset! Imagine all the advantages to having 500 students living in our downtown. It would be great for our businesses and would bring a new energy to our center city.
Complete a Bike Path Plan.
It’s good for both the environment and our bodies. I’d work with outside organizations like Fit City Duluth and the Arrowheard Regional Development Commission to build a feasible bike path plan.
Downtown Mall.
No, not the shopping kind. The Nicollet kind. I’d like to explore the idea of closing superior street in the summer from 5th Ave. W. to 3rd Ave E. Imagine farmers’ markets, arts and crafts fairs, outdoor expos, etc.
City Wide Wi-Fi.
I’d like to explore the option of having city wide wi-fi, like Minneapolis. Not only would it be a great service to provide residents and tourists, but our city coffers could use the franchise fee.
Support Our Vets.
Right now we have many veterans who are returning from overseas, and many need our help - economically, psychologically, and physically. We need city government to not only be aware of the local services but also to promote to help these veterans and their families.
Two-year Budget Process.
It would not only be a cost savings, but would allow us as a city to think about the larger picture - and not simply jump from year to year with our fingers crossed.
Regional Shared Government.
In our region we have the municipalities of Duluth, Hermantown, Proctor, Cloquet, Esko, Carlton, and Superior. We also have St. Louis County and Douglas County. I think there is merit in exploring the idea of building a regional advisory board where representatives from the different entities would meet to discuss issues of shared concern, and look at ways to better cooperate.