Economic Development and Rezoning

For decades, local governments have leaned heavily on property owners to pay for almost everything. That’s becoming more of a burden every year. If we want to keep Salem financially strong without continually asking homeowners to carry more of the load, then we have to broaden our tax base. That means bringing in more businesses, more jobs, and more places for people to spend their money here instead of somewhere else.

 

You will notice my top three priorities are intricately intertwined. That isn’t by accident as all three must be rowing in unison to move the ship of economic development in the right direction. Salem has lost two major manufacturers in the last decade. These manufacturer’s provided accessible, well paying jobs the loss of which we are still feeling to this day. As a native of Southwest Virginia, I know the potential consequences of jobs leaving an area, consequences I do not want to see Salem, or Salem’s children, have to navigate. By following my plan to make Salem a destination to do business, I hope to replace these manufacturing jobs so that accessible, high paying jobs are available to support a thriving entrepreneurial economy we can build together.

 

Rezoning is another key focus of my top three priorities, but to me it isn’t about turning Salem into somewhere it’s not. Quite the opposite.

 

I think we should protect what makes Salem special. Our neighborhoods deserve to stay neighborhoods. But there are also corridors and underutilized properties where our approach zoning can encourage investment. I would much rather see thoughtfully designed mixed-use development, neighborhood-scale businesses, restaurants, coffee shops, professional offices, and local entrepreneurs than empty buildings and vacant lots waiting for “someday.” One such spot that comes to mind is the Dilly Dally and the neighborhood that surrounds it.

 

Under Code of Virginia 58.1-3221.6 Salem can adopt an ordinance that would enable us to tax derelict and blighted properties at higher rates than regular properties to encourage their best and highest use as well as ensure maintenance of our existing structures does not fall into disrepair and become a burden on our citizens. I support and have drafted just such an ordinance for us to implement expeditiously.   

 

I’ve talked about Salem becoming a “Destination to Do Business.” That isn’t just a slogan. It’s a rallying cry for reducing unnecessary barriers, encouraging investment, supporting small businesses, and creating an environment where someone with an idea is more likely to choose Salem over another locality.

 

When businesses succeed, they help diversify the city’s revenues through providing jobs and revenue generating transactions so we aren’t forced to depend so heavily on property taxes alone. 

 

In short, I favor single family housing to multi family, and neighborhood center style zoning. I won’t vote to rezone an area I do not live in without the input and support of the citizens who do. Growth should be intentional and starts with having a vision for what our City should become. My vision is that our rezoning and economic development start with being a good steward of what created this place we all love.