Building a Better Peoria: The Cornerstone of Good Governance

I believe good governance can have a significant positive impact on the quality of life for the City of Peoria. Elected officials are public servants, and they are the backbone of a functioning government. They play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of essential services, such as upholding the law and promoting the well-being of the Community.

Their primary motivation should not be personal gain, but rather serving the needs and interests of the public. Effective leaders prioritize the needs of the citizens. It's an ongoing process that requires citizen engagement and transparency.

There are a number of contentious issues in play at this time including the possibility of building an airport, overhauling the 2040 General Plan changing the land designation of 8,300 acres, the FY 2025 budget, new Developer Impact Fees, the funding for Paloma Park, bringing industry into residential neighborhoods, long term water supply and quality, and more. All of these decisions need to be made through the lens of good governance.

It is essential that tough questions are asked by our elected officials in order to seek well-informed answers and make sound decisions. Governing is always a balancing act; it's not about rubber stamping anyone’s agenda.

What strategies can be implemented to enhance transparency and accountability within the Peoria City Council?

It starts with communication!!! The City Council is moving rapidly to make major changes to the fabric of the Mesquite District in NW Peoria. I hear from neighbors, friends, and business owners on a daily basis about their concerns and their inability to participate in the process. They want to be part of the decision-making process when their quality of life is at stake.

1) SLOW DOWN

1. • Increase the number of town hall meetings, neighborhood forums, and public hearings to directly address resident concerns and gather feedback. 

   • Offer more options for dates and times for these meetings to make them accessible to more people. Online meetings and videos are helpful but nothing replaces the value of citizens being able to discuss the issues in a public forum not only with the city staff but council members.

2) Transparency and Accessibility

• Make city data readily available online in a user-friendly format. The staff needs to take into consideration that most people don’t engage in this process on a daily basis. 

• Structure the information in a way that is easily understood by all regardless of their level of expertise when it comes to the operation of city government. This allows residents to analyze information and understand the factors behind decisions.

3) Encouraging Participation

• • Citizen Advisory Committees: Establish citizen advisory committees on specific issues to gather diverse perspectives and recommendations before decisions are made.

  • Online Surveys and Polls: Utilize online surveys and polls to gauge public opinion on important issues.

4) Building Trust

• Proactive Communication: Anticipate resident concerns and proactively address them through communication channels before issues escalate.

• Follow-up and Feedback: Actively gather feedback on implemented initiatives and communicate the impact of resident participation on decision-making.

• Responsiveness: Ensure residents receive timely and clear responses to their inquiries and concerns.

By implementing a combination of these strategies, Peoria can foster a two-way communication flow that keeps residents informed, encourages participation, and ultimately leads to better decision-making for the city.