Steven Peterson

Housing Increase densities to rezoned properties that stipulate that the increased densities must go to affordable dwelling unit. Creating a more effective Affordable Dwelling Unit (ADU) program, similar to other area jurisdictions where a larger percentage of rezoned units become directly targeted to the citizens who qualify. The present system does not assign a large enough portion of planned units for this program. Housing Steven feels that the city needs to create a housing model that facilitates a range of price points that meet the needs of all citizens and socio-economic means and provides affordable homeownership and generational wealth building. Steven proposes creating joint ventures with area builders in which the city acquires the land and the builder constructs and sells or leases the condo/apartment to residents who qualify at a lower condo/apartment price point, Steven feels that this can be an effective way to directly manage the issue, without the city having to become directly involved in the overall development process. Criminal Justice / Public Safety With overall Crime rates spiking over 30% and car thefts skyrocketing by 58% in 2023, police fatigue and the "pay as we go "system has to stop. The present 300 person police force is presently carrying too much of the burden through overtime and limited increases in police staffing to the existing police force. An increase in the existing budget is the near term answer, but addressing the police affordable housing issue, also needs to be a focus in order to address police attrition. Housing General subsidies are a temporary fix, but certainly not the end solution. Taxes / Budget Twenty years ago, residential taxes contributed 50% towards the annual city budget. In 2023, that % escalated to over 80%. This rise is out of control and unsustainable, and a 4 cent or 11% raise is currently being proposed by the mayor and city council. If commercial properties are going to continue to get rezoned to residential uses, then more attention needs to focused on replacing the overall commercial/mixed use tax base through economic diversifactioj of revenue streams. The promotion of mixed-use developments that combine residential, commercial, entertainment and hospitality uses which can attract investment and provide additional higher paying job opportunities through increased union labor force., and push the needle back on the commercial tax base. The West Side development, Robinson Terminal, and the future Potomac Yard developments are just a few examples of where mixed-use developments can help ease this residential tax pattern. Education Mind sharing with other municipalities around the country regarding educational best practices should also be a consideration. Education Higher teacher pay and lower teacher/student ratios need to be a priority moving forward. Education The increased education budget requirements can be funded by the city demanding to the state officials that the city be placed on even grant schedules that other jurisdictions around the state receive. (At present, the city receives approximately 20% of its overall budget from the state, whereas some jurisdictions receive upwards of 80% of their annual education budgets from the state).