Durl Kruse for Mayor of Urbana, Illinois

(Economic activity should serve the common good, be self-renewing, and build local assets and self-reliance.)

Urbana faces few challenges more daunting than stimulating economic development. We are all well aware of the slowing economy, growing unemployment and financial uncertainty of our markets. Yet in spite of these dismal factors, I believe there is much the city can do to stimulate economic development, especially in the downtown corridor which serves as the core of our community. First and foremost, city government must take a more proactive leadership role in addressing downtown economic development. It cannot wait for someone else to do the job. Using its many resources, the city must immediately reach out to all who have an interest in the economic well being of Urbana and invite them to join the team. With aggressive leadership, creative ideas, and a joint commitment on the part of the community, Urbana can achieve sound, sustainable economic growth.

As mayor, I will:

• Team with the Urbana Business Association, labor, and other stake-holders to energize new downtown development (see www.mainstreet.org)
• Employ an economic development coordinator instead of a city chief administrative officer to oversee and manage all aspects of economic development occurring in the city
• Consider creating a local currency to support our local economy and strengthen community (see www.berkshares.org)
• Critically evaluate existing economic development programs and incentive plans, terminate or modify ineffective plans, develop new incentive plans that reflect current economic conditions
• Seek more community input as to how tax dollars should be spent for economic development
• Ready city housing and infrastructure plans for potential federal grant dollars
• Utilize university and local entrepreneurial talent to advance concept an “enterprise” city
• Support a community owned internet broadband service for citizens and businesses (see www.fiberforthefuture.com)
• Continue with street beautification and neighborhood safety efforts to encourage economic development and community pride
• Work and plan in concert with other local political entities