Our First 100 Days
I ran for Mayor because I believe in this city — in its people, its possibilities, and the role City Hall can play in helping Erie meet this moment. On Day 1, we began recognizing our strengths, confronting our challenges, and building trust around a shared vision for a better Erie.
We’re proud to have hit the ground running in our first 100 days to make real change for Erie.
❋ Listening and PlanningWe began by publishing the Transition Team Report that outlines the priorities and the recommendations of our experts: the residents of Erie.
❋ Leading with Culture and ValuesAs early as our first few hours at City Hall, we shared the values that will guide our work: care, excellence and trust.
❋ Strategic Planning and CollaborationIn February, we held the city’s first ever strategic planning workshop, bringing together employees from across departments to discuss outcomes and align their goals with broader priorities.
❋ Aligning Housing StrategiesWe aligned the work of M&L Associates with the existing efforts of Infinite Erie’s Housing Accelerator to ensure our strategy builds on the strong foundation already in place and intentionally directs new development where it’s needed most. We hosted two housing listening sessions where a diverse group of community partners, residents and landlords gathered to provide input as we shape Erie’s comprehensive housing plan.
❋ Workforce and Economic DevelopmentWe established monthly meetings with our downtown partners to ensure alignment and collaboration. We spearheaded discussions around a shared vision for developing Erie’s brand into a cohesive strategy for attraction and growth. And we initiated conversations to highlight our airport’s critical role in attracting and retaining businesses in our region.
❋ Major Contract MilestonesAn employment contract with our AFSCME bargaining unit and the transfer of the Erie Zoo to Erie Events sets the tone for how we lead and ensures that clear direction from City Hall will translate into progress for the entire city.
❋ Engaging our Youth in Decision MakingTogether, our Bureau of Planning, the Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs, and our EPD Community Policing unit hosted a youth listening session where our young residents had the opportunity to share their ideas on summer recreation, community involvement, park improvements, and safety. We are also working with partners to relaunch the city’s summer recreation program to align with the goals of Erie’s Public Schools.
❋ Financial ResponsibilityWe’ve kept the city’s finances and its stability at the forefront of our discussions, reengaging with Public Financial Management (PFM) to help with our five-year financial projections and guide our decision-making.
A starting pointOur Transition Team Report
Erie is a city with tremendous potential and a deep sense of pride. It is a place shaped by strong neighborhoods, creative energy, and people who care deeply about its future.
Our Transition Team of community leaders, practitioners, and public servants helped us listen carefully and honestly before taking action. Their charge was not to create a list of promises, but to take an honest look at what is working, where we are falling short, and how City government can better serve the people who call Erie home.
The report is broken into sections organized by core issue areas that shape daily life in Erie and the City’s long-term health:
Housing and Neighborhood DevelopmentYouthWorkforce and Economic DevelopmentBudget and Financial SustainabilityLeadership, Culture, and Service Delivery