Issues
Mike's Values
Housing
Building a city affordable to all
America is in a housing crisis, and Des Moines is not immune. There are simply too few homes available at affordable prices, and housing remains the single largest expense facing families today. Des Moines must be a leader in affordable housing.
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What does this mean?
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First, we need a city councilor who has, and will continue to work with the community to provide greater options, with a focus on housing for those most in need. Our long-term goal is to create a city in which no one has to spend more than 30 percent of their income just to keep a roof over their head.
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As an architect and planner, Mike is uniquely qualified to help oversee the expansion of our housing availability. He will continue to champion long-term solutions such as zoning and building code reform, local ownership, sustainable development, and infill housing. This means diversifying the types of housing Des Moines offers throughout the city. True housing affordability meets all types of households.
Homelessness
No one should be left out in the cold
Mike believes the single most pressing issue facing Des Moines today is homelessness.
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Every Des Moines resident deserves a safe and stable place to call home. And as a beacon of caring prosperity in our state, Des Moines has a duty to the people we call neighbors. There is much to do, and together we can rise to this challenge.
As a councilor, Mike voted against a city ordinance that authorized Des Moines to issue fines for residents sleeping in public.
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Rather, Mike believes in a forward-thinking, proactive approach to ensuring housing access to all. With his work on the comprehensive city plan to address homelessness, and his professional efforts in building housing, Mike understands the complexity of the issues while continuing to advocate for clear action steps. These include establishing the first permanent warming and cooling shelter for folks experiencing immediate need, and increasing the availability of long-term supportive housing to break the cycle of housing insecurity. This work will be done in partnership with local nonprofits providing wrap-around services.
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In addition, Mike is collaborating with the Polk County Attorney's office to remove barriers in the criminal justice system for those experiencing homelessness wherever possible.
Public Transportation
Making car alternatives fast and reliable
Des Moines is the fastest-growing metro area in the Midwest. Looking to the next generation, we need to plan ahead. Mike will support the use of a franchise fee to help support our regional transportation system.
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Mike will work to ensure DART buses are fast and reliable. As six in ten DART riders rely on the services to travel to work and appointments, public transportation also serves as an economic engine for our metro. While the challenges facing DART must be addressed head-on, they also present an opportunity to optimize services for residents.
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As a councilman for all of Des Moines, Mike believes the best way to keep DART successful is by prioritizing ridership increases. DART is soon to complete their operational study. The City looks forward to working with the surrounding communities toward implementing a sustainable regional DART system. Bus frequency must be a priority.
Public Schools
Supporting our youngest residents
With some of the best public schools in the State of Iowa, education must always be a priority for the City of Des Moines. Mike believes in our public schools and recognizes the tireless efforts of teachers and staff in providing our kids with the best education.
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Unfortunately, Des Moines Public Schools are also facing relentless disinvestment from the Iowa Legislature. Mike believes this is wrong and that the City of Des Moines must be a leader in education. This is why, if re-elected, Mike will continue to find areas of partnership between the City and DMPS. Programs such as providing DART transportation services to DMPS students and universal free half-day preschool have helped set our children up for success.
If our community is to continue to prosper, we need a councilor who seeks to expand the City's partnership with our public schools.
Fiscal Sustainability
Making people a priority
No community can operate without a budget, and the City of Des Moines is currently facing serious budget constraints. Yet at the same time, the City must keep its promises to its residents and continue to deliver essential services. As a councilor and small business owner, Mike recognizes the difficult balance of delivering for people while on a fixed budget.
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In short, the City must do more with less. Mike has a plan to get it done - without raising costs for working families. Under the current tax structure, Des Moines has some of the most generous abatement rates in the State of Iowa. This is not fiscally sustainable. When faced with difficult budget choices, Des Moines must ensure that profitable corporations are paying their fair share. In reducing abatement rates, Des Moines can effectively raise city funds to provide crucial programs and services.
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If re-elected, Mike plans to provide a long-term funding solution to the current budget crisis. In addition, he plans to direct funds to re-establish a sustainability office to oversee Des Moines' energy transition in a cost-effective way.
