Key Priorities:

Accomplishments:

Continued diversification of the tax base has reduced reliance on individual income taxes as a percentage of total income tax revenue, while business income tax revenues continue to rise.
Van Aken District Phase I is complete and averaging approximately $700,000 in annual income tax revenue over the past three years.
Van Aken District Phase II is underway which will add over 225 new housing units to the District and increase tax revenues.
The Lee Road Corridor redevelopment planning and implementation is underway; over $16 million in initial project funding has been secured.
Over 70 new businesses opened since 2020.

2022 revenues are projected to be $1.5 million over budget, due in large part to earnings from a sound investment policy.
Created a transparent budgeting process guided by community priorities and inclusiveness; live streamed all budget meetings.
Maintained a strong 42% operating reserve for 2022.
Secured critical grant funding - over $23 million since 2020.
Awarded the 2020 Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association for the 15th time in a row.
Adopted new technology such as Citizenserve, which provides an easier and more efficient means to retrieve and submit information to the City.
Merged the City’s Joint Dispatch System with Chagrin Valley Dispatch to leverage cost savings through a regional service.
Continued Forward Together collaboration with the Shaker public schools and library; pursuing opportunities for coordinated capital planning.

Hired the City’s first African American police chief.
Increased racial and gender diversity of staff and strengthened LGBTQ+ protections.
Created first office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.
Conducted an internal DEI assessment that included a review of current City policies and practices.
Completed DEI training for all staff.
Engaged in Community Conversations with participation from all 9 neighborhoods.

Implemented a multi-channel marketing campaign seen by more than 5 million viewers in 2022.
Named “The Best Town to Raise a Family” by Northeast Ohio Parent Magazine in 2020 and 2022 and named “#1 Best Place to Live in Ohio” by Niche in 2023.
Overseeing plans for the restoration and redevelopment of Horseshoe Lake Park and the creation of expanded green space and a new public amenity.
Created new biking and walking paths along Warrensville Center Road with more in the planning stages for Van Aken Boulevard and Lee Road.
Expanded housing options through VAD Phase II, the City’s infill housing program and development of Harbor Chase senior living community.
Revitalized green spaces and parks.

Designated as a Certified Gold-LEED for Cities and Communities Program by the U.S. Green Building Council.
Adopted the City’s first 100% green electric aggregation program.
Purchased the first electric vehicle and electric landscaping equipment for City operations; expanded the number of EV charging stations in the City.
Planted more than 2,160 trees since 2020; named a “Tree City” for the 37th consecutive year by the National Arbor Day Foundation.

David Weiss For Shaker