The City of Waco is currently experiencing a period of strong economic growth, and I will continue to use my financial operations management experience to bring a business approach to Council issues. I believe that City Government should do the best it can to establish and maintain a business environment where all businesses [large and small] can thrive, and a social environment where all residents can succeed, regardless of age, race, gender, color, or religion.
Jim’s Goals for Waco
My five primary goals for Waco include:
LOCAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT:
In my time on Council, the City has attracted over 33 new businesses, $3.2 Billion of new investment, 4,300 jobs. These new businesses expand the tax base, and create a ripple effect in the local economy that benefits all Wacoans.
LOWER TAX RATES AND IMPROVED OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY:
City Tax Rates have been lowered in each of the last two years, and in 2022, the City materially increased the Exemptions for Homesteads and “Over 65” Homeowners, which benefitted 80% of all Waco residents. The City’s operational processes are constantly being reviewed and improved, allowing for a more efficient delivery of City services.
COMMITMENT TO IMPROVED INFRASTRUCURE:
I am committed to delivering good streets and sidewalks for the City, as well as dependable water, wastewater, and solid waste services. Budgets have necessarily increased in response to needed infrastructure repairs and improvements in our City. Although we sometimes now encounter a jungle of “Orange Cones” at these construction sites, I want to be intentional, efficient, and thoughtful as we upgrade Waco’s infrastructure.
STRONG POLICE AND FIRE PROTECTION:
Over the last 6 years, the City has increased its personnel in the Police and Fire Departments by 10%, allowing for better law enforcement presence, a better focus on relational policing, more rapid fire response times, and overall improved safety for Waco residents. The City is also incorporating better Behavioral Health practices in order to provide a more efficient delivery of safety services.
REVITALIZATION AND BEAUTIFICATION OF DOWNTOWN WACO:
Downtown Waco is again becoming a source of pride for the City, as visitors from all over the world engage in the Waco experience and they see how beautiful the City and its people are. Strategic public/private projects are setting the stage for a new Baylor Basketball Pavilion, new living units on University Parks, a half-dozen new hotels, a greatly improved Elm Avenue, a vibrant public arts scene, a beautifully transformed Riverwalk, new exhibits and sculptures at the Cameron Park Zoo, and a significant preservation project on our landmark Suspension Bridge.