Issues

Increase property values through strategic investment in the City of Erie by implementing a citywide 10-year Full LERTA for residential and commercial development and repairs. [Connection to Comprehensive Plan] A 10-year Full LERTA will make the City of Erie competitive in the region’s residential and retail markets. (Erie Refocused, p. 22,49)

Rebuild Erie by ensuring that young people have the resources they need to shape the future of the city. Young people represent a significant proportion of the population and our greatest untapped resource. A community college in downtown Erie will be the foundation for post-secondary education and training to meet the needs of an emergent economy. The region’s major employers …

Build the physical connection so people can safely walk from downtown Erie to our waterfront. The experience for pedestrians and bicyclists leads to increased potential for commercial waterfront development. For the first time in our City’s 167-year history our downtown will be connected to our waterfront. [Connection to the Comprehensive Plan] The iconic connection between downtown Erie and our waterfront …

An innovation district brings high paying jobs to Erie by increasing spending on research and development, deploying high-tech infrastructure, and supporting new industry. [Connection to Comprehensive Plan] An innovation district represents “a radical departure from traditional economic development.” (Erie Refocused, p. 43)

Create a comprehensive community center network that places social services and meeting spaces within walking distance of people’s homes. These listening posts and rally points form an ongoing presence in Erie’s neighborhoods to support children, families, and seniors. [Connection to Comprehensive Plan] Make Erie’s neighborhoods stronger and more sustainable through routine community engagement. (Erie Refocused, p. 37)

Rebuild personal connections between the community, law enforcement and code enforcement providing stronger and safer neighborhoods to restore confidence in our city. [Connection to Comprehensive Plan] Storefront precincts will facilitate proactive code enforcement for the stabilization of transitioning neighborhoods and the restoration of people’s trust in their neighbors and their civic leaders. (Erie Refocused, p. 49)

Incentivize homeownership by police, firefighters and teachers in the neighborhoods they serve. The lasting presence of role models and community leaders cannot be replicated. [Connection to Comprehensive Plan] Restoring owner occupancy to the city’s 4,700 vacant homes increases property values, stabilizes neighborhoods, and creates new residential demand throughout the city of Erie. (Erie Refocused, p. 14)

Implement a Home Improvement Program to strengthen curb appeal and structural improvements that add value to residential property. The work will be completed by city certified contractors who participate in the Summer Jobs Program. [Connection to Comprehensive Plan] The Home Improvement Program increases the value of residential properties in transitional neighborhoods through homeowner reinvestment and improved commercial opportunities. (Erie Refocused, …

Establish a YouthBuild chapter for at-risk youth ages 16-24. YouthBuild is a federally funded program for low-income young people to learn construction skills through building affordable housing for homeless and low-income people in their neighborhoods and other community assets such as schools, playgrounds, and community centers. The year-long program also helps students earn their high school diploma or GED while …

Lead an aggressive face lift of the 12th street corridor to make the streetscape pleasant and accessible to new and existing industry. The city will partner with business owners along 12 th street to make it a welcoming gateway to the city and a functioning commercial district. [Connection to Comprehensive Plan] Redevelopment on West 12th Street will highlight existing industry …