Support Business Growth
Increase Attainable Housing Options
Housing is a frequent topic of discussion, and given my background in teaching real estate, I understand its significance:
Community Desire:
People want a space they can truly call home, where they have the freedom to personalize without constraints.
Mayor's Vision:
Facilitate homeownership for as many residents as possible.
Promote accessory dwelling units and explore opportunities for smaller lot sizes.
Advocate for zoning that supports starter homes, making them accessible to more people.
My aim is to create a community where everyone has the chance to own a home that suits their needs and aspirations.
Develop Business Support Toolbox
Upon joining the council, I recognized the importance of specialization:
Primary Focus:
Concentrated on economic development and supporting businesses.
Business Toolkit Initiative:
Developed a toolkit to assist business owners in identifying and addressing gaps in their operations.
Provides resources and contacts to help them overcome challenges.
Mayor's Commitment:
Continue backing businesses, both through the toolkit and direct support.
Advocate for business growth and offer consistent assistance.
Support Francis Benjamin for Mayor of Pullman and let's collaboratively build a thriving community.
Strengthen Legislative Advocacy
Strengthening legislative advocacy is crucial for Pullman's growth and development:
Interdependence:
Pullman's progress is influenced by decisions at both the state and federal levels.
Funding Challenges:
Many projects, like the recent airport development, require funds beyond local capacity.
Our town's bus system, for instance, relies heavily on state and federal funding to maintain its high-quality service.
Legislative Advocacy's Role:
Essential for the mayor to establish strong connections with legislative and congressional delegations.
Collaborate with various agencies to achieve our city's goals.
As both a city council member and mayor, I prioritize building these vital relationships to ensure Pullman's continued success.