Community, Economic, and Workforce Development.
Rockford must establish itself as a sustainably growing community through collaboration and a focus on the power of our collective strengths. We must maintain a strategic mindset that flanks long standing issues, rather than relying on the same old talking points.
Together, we can put our neighbors first and remind ourselves that on every block, we are one city, leading our incredible Rockford region
Education
Education is a partnership, from the kindergarten classroom to the apprenticeship certificate to the college degree, one where schools, employers, and neighbors work selflessly together to break down barriers and build success every family can reach. Investing in childcare and early learning for our youngest residents, birth to five, is how we make sure opportunity takes root everywhere, for everyone, in Rockford.Housing
Stable housing helps us combat crime, drive education success, and creates generational wealth for families, it is the economic driver of our community. Rockford needs to build and preserve more than 6,000 homes over the next decade, and we start by streamlining the development process making things more predictable for builders and empowering our local developers.Mental Health
Mental health is as important as physical health, if our children can't focus at school and our adults can't excel at work, then our community can't reach it's full potential. Whether it's for our first responders, adolescents or employers, investments in mental health uplift our workforce, our economy and neighbors on every block.
Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence and public safety go hand in hand. As Mayor, I will continue to strengthen the collaboration between trauma-informed first responders and local advocates to continue our progress in combating domestic violence in our community. Breaking the cycle also means investing in prevention, from youth education to intervention programs, so fewer families ever reach a crisis. Economic Development
Economic development is crucial to building a strong and resilient Rockford. Growing Rockford Forward Together requires that we develop local entrepreneurs while reducing barriers to business success, reviewing and streamlining zoning ordinances, and positioning our community to attract emerging industries and new investments from across our region and around the world. Sustainable economic growth will strengthen our tax base and create the resources needed to invest in the social programs and services that help our community thrive.Empower City Council
Empowering City Council means building a community-facing council and encouraging members to remain engaged and connected with the neighbors they represent. We must utilize the individual talents, expertise, and relationships of every alderperson and enable each member to bring their strengths to the collaborative work of building a stronger city together.Accessibility
Accessibility is more than removing physical barriers, it is creating a community where individuals with disabilities can fully participate, contribute, and live with dignity and independence. We must continue improving physical accessibility while also breaking down the stigma that too often limits opportunities so that every neighbor has the ability to engage in and shape life within our community.
Working Families
Working families are at the heart of flourishing neighborhoods, and our policies must reflect the realities they face each day. We must expand access to quality, attainable housing, support young families, and ensure local workers from every socioeconomic background are doing the work on the projects that build and grow Rockford forward. When families can afford to live, work, and build a future in their own community, every neighborhood and every block becomes more rooted, more vibrant, and ready to thrive.Public Safety
Public safety is the foundation of a thriving Rockford. It is essential to create neighborhoods where families feel safe, businesses invest, and young people have the freedom to focus on their future. We must ensure that our first responders receive quality training and are integrated into the community so that they can work hand in hand with the residents they serve. Taking a long-term view of public safety means investing in violence prevention programs, strengthening partnerships with residents and local organizations, and giving young people real opportunities to keep themselves on a path of success. Food Insecurity
Food accessibility is a cornerstone of a healthy, thriving community, and no family should have to wonder where their next meal will come from. It is imperative that we nurture collaboration with local food pantries, continue eliminating food deserts, and expand access to fresh foods through neighborhood grocery stores, mobile markets, and other innovative solutions. Every neighbor deserves convenient access to high quality food, and putting good food within reach is an essential part of building a healthier and more equitable Rockford.Senior Citizens
Our seniors deserve the opportunity to age with dignity, stability, and independence within the community they helped build. It is important to support seniors living on a fixed income so they can remain in their homes and neighborhoods for as long as possible while ensuring they can access the resources and services they need. By investing in safe, connected neighborhoods and enabling seniors to thrive where they are, we help create a city where every generation has a place to call home. Teens & Young Adults
Our young people need to see a future for themselves right here in Rockford. By giving them the tools to lead and the skills to work, we empower them to not only understand the value of their own dollar, but also the power of their own potential. By flanking challenges like crime, property taxes, and job creation with meaningful youth development, we can create stronger pathways from education to employment and opportunity. Investing in our talented young people today gives them more reasons to build their careers, families, and futures here at home.Healthcare
Access to quality healthcare should never depend on a neighbor’s ZIP code or income level. We must work to restore and expand access to care in underserved neighborhoods, strengthen preventative care, and promote healthy initiatives that help residents of all ages. Catching health concerns earlier and managing chronic conditions before they become more serious is how we do healthcare better. Because health is shaped not only by medical care but also by access to safe housing, nutritious food, and reliable transportation, building a healthier Rockford means addressing the barriers that too often stand between our neighbors and the care they deserve.Environment
Investing in our environment strengthens the health, prosperity, and quality of life of our community. It is imperative that we preserve natural spaces for everyone to enjoy, embrace opportunities for clean energy jobs of the future, and pursue environmental improvements that protect our neighborhoods while balancing the economic needs of a growing city. By pairing environmental stewardship with thoughtful economic development, we can build a cleaner, more prosperous Rockford for our children and future generations.
BUILDING A STRONGER ROCKFORD.
BUILDING STRONGER FAMILIES.
BUILDING STRONGER NEIGHBORHOODS.
BUILDING A STRONGER FUTURE.
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