We have been working on the goals and budgets over several meetings. We have seen sales tax level off and are managing expenses accordingly. That said, there are a lot of exciting things happening in the city.

Every two years, we set the goals that direct staff how to spend their time, shape how resources are used, and ultimately determine the budget and services our community receives.

How to be effective? What does this mean and what does it look like? After all, I am only one vote, and I am not a magician. So figuring out how to create change has been a process. Some issues are relatively “simple”, most issues are not.

Tomorrow’s meeting has a few interesting items. There will be an presentation on the Utilities Department (L1), a request to purchase an armored rescue vehicle with Supplemental Law Enforcement Surplus Funds (P11), receipt of year end report from ECHO (Q1), and an update (what is the status quo) on cannabis (Q2).

Consider attending the Council meeting on Tuesday, August 5. This meeting will be great for newcomers and pros alike. A discussion addressing the Food Truck ordinance (adopted in October) will be interesting.

I’m staying busy with meetings with staff on Economic Development and roads, coffee with community members (thank you for coming!), connecting with community organizations/events.

A lot of my time is spent researching issues, connecting with staff, formal briefings, and responding to constituents. But I’ve been thinking a lot about how I can be effective to elevate the issues I campaigned on — affordable housing, diverse economic base and jobs, and places and spaces for our youth.

My onboarding process continues, and I’m starting to find a rhythm with my different responsibilities. Here are a few updates on issues and ways to engage.

Now for the work. It’s been a busy first month, and the staff and council are gracious in my onboarding process. There are many opportunities for you to engage with local issues - below are some items on how you can get involved in this important work.