Policy

Sustainable Urbanism and Environmental Leadership

Implement a comprehensive renewable energy plan to transition Mansfield to a clean and sustainable energy future, including increasing the use of solar, wind, and other renewable sources to power municipal buildings and operations.
Establish partnerships with local businesses, educational institutions, and research centers to promote green technology innovation and development, fostering a hub of green energy expertise and attracting investment to the city.
Provide incentives and support for businesses and residents to adopt energy-efficient practices, such as offering tax credits for energy-saving upgrades and facilitating access to financing options for renewable energy installations.
Develop green job training programs in collaboration with local educational institutions to ensure residents are equipped with the skills needed for the growing green energy sector, fostering job creation and economic growth.
Enhance public transportation infrastructure and promote the use of electric vehicles by expanding charging stations and implementing incentives for EV adoption, reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality.
Revitalize brownfield sites by repurposing them for renewable energy projects, such as solar farms or wind turbines, converting unused land into productive assets that contribute to clean energy production.
Engage the community through educational campaigns, workshops, and events to raise awareness about the benefits of green energy and encourage sustainable practices among residents, fostering a culture of environmental stewardship.
Collaborate with neighboring cities and regional organizations to advocate for policies that support green energy initiatives, sharing best practices and collectively driving the transition to a sustainable future for the entire region.

Crime, Policing, and Safety

Implement community-oriented policing strategies, focusing on building trust, collaboration, and positive relationships between law enforcement and the community, fostering open lines of communication and mutual respect.
Prioritize community engagement by establishing regular meetings, forums, and events where residents can voice concerns, provide input, and actively participate in shaping local policing policies and initiatives.
Enhance police officer training to emphasize de-escalation techniques, cultural competency, and bias awareness, equipping officers with the necessary skills to handle diverse situations effectively and with sensitivity.
Increase investment in community programs and social services that address the root causes of crime, such as poverty, substance abuse, and mental health issues, providing residents with the support they need to overcome challenges and prevent crime.
Foster partnerships between law enforcement agencies, community organizations, and social service providers to implement comprehensive intervention and prevention programs that target at-risk individuals and offer alternatives to involvement in criminal activities.
Utilize data-driven approaches to identify crime hotspots, trends, and patterns, allowing law enforcement to deploy resources strategically and effectively, while ensuring transparency in data collection and sharing with the community.
Promote restorative justice practices that focus on healing, rehabilitation, and reintegration, fostering a sense of accountability and offering opportunities for offenders to make amends and positively contribute to the community.
Emphasize community safety through collaboration with neighborhood watch groups, local businesses, and residents, encouraging active participation in crime prevention efforts and creating a sense of collective responsibility for maintaining a safe and secure environment.
Increase police force recruitment efforts to attract qualified candidates who reflect the diversity of the community and possess strong communication and problem-solving skills, ensuring a well-rounded and community-oriented police force.
Provide ongoing training and professional development opportunities for police officers to enhance their skills in crime prevention, investigation techniques, and community engagement, promoting a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
Enhance collaboration between law enforcement agencies, community organizations, and schools to implement proactive crime prevention programs, such as school resource officer initiatives, mentorship programs, and after-school activities that provide positive outlets for youth.
Implement intelligence-led policing strategies that leverage technology, data analysis, and information sharing to identify high-risk individuals, target criminal networks, and prevent crimes before they occur, while respecting privacy rights and maintaining transparency.
Strengthen the partnership between law enforcement and community members by establishing neighborhood watch programs, encouraging residents to be vigilant and report suspicious activities, and providing support for community-led initiatives to create safer and more secure neighborhoods.
Invest in modern crime-fighting tools and technologies, such as surveillance cameras, gunshot detection systems, and data analytics software, to enhance law enforcement’s ability to quickly respond to incidents, gather evidence, and apprehend offenders.
Collaborate with local businesses and community organizations to create job training and employment programs for at-risk individuals, addressing underlying factors that contribute to crime and offering opportunities for a positive future.
Improve the relationship between law enforcement and marginalized communities by fostering dialogue, understanding, and empathy through community policing initiatives, diversity training, and outreach programs that bridge the gap and build trust.

Municipal Wifi

Develop a comprehensive plan to establish city-wide municipal WiFi, providing affordable and reliable internet access to all residents, businesses, and public spaces, bridging the digital divide and promoting digital inclusion.
Collaborate with local internet service providers and technology companies to design and implement the necessary infrastructure, leveraging public-private partnerships to ensure cost-effectiveness and sustainable operation of the municipal WiFi network.
Conduct a thorough assessment of community needs and priorities to determine areas of high demand, such as educational institutions, libraries, community centers, and underserved neighborhoods, ensuring equitable access to internet services throughout the city.
Explore funding options, including grants, public-private partnerships, and municipal bonds, to support the implementation and ongoing maintenance of the municipal WiFi network, minimizing the financial burden on residents and the city budget.
Prioritize cybersecurity measures to safeguard user privacy and protect against potential cyber threats, working with experts to implement robust security protocols and regularly monitoring the network for any vulnerabilities.
Promote digital literacy programs and training initiatives to ensure that residents have the skills and knowledge to make the most of the internet, empowering them to access educational resources, job opportunities, and online services.
Collaborate with local businesses and entrepreneurs to leverage the municipal WiFi infrastructure for economic development, encouraging the growth of digital-based industries, remote work opportunities, and innovation hubs within the city.
Regularly evaluate and update the municipal WiFi plan to adapt to changing technological advancements, community needs, and best practices, ensuring that Mansfield remains at the forefront of connectivity and digital innovation.
Collaborate with local educational institutions to ensure students have access to reliable internet connectivity for remote learning, bridging the digital divide and promoting educational equity.
Partner with local businesses and entrepreneurs to leverage the municipal WiFi infrastructure to attract digital-based industries, promote remote work opportunities, and stimulate economic growth within Mansfield.
Develop digital literacy and technology training programs to equip residents with the skills needed to take advantage of online educational resources, job opportunities, and entrepreneurship platforms.
Explore public-private partnerships to implement and sustain the municipal WiFi network, minimizing the financial burden on the city while leveraging the expertise and resources of technology providers.
Foster innovation and creativity by establishing digital innovation hubs and incubators, providing a supportive environment for startups and entrepreneurs to thrive with the aid of reliable and high-speed internet access.
Regularly assess the impact of the municipal WiFi plan on educational outcomes, economic development, and community well-being, making necessary adjustments to ensure its continued effectiveness and alignment with evolving needs.
Position Mansfield as a leader in digital connectivity, attracting investment, talent, and resources that contribute to a thriving knowledge-based economy, while enhancing the quality of life for all residents.

Food Localism and A New Agricultural Economy

Promote urban farming initiatives to utilize vacant lots, rooftops, and community spaces for local food production, fostering self-sufficiency and reducing the city’s dependence on external food sources.
Provide incentives and support for residents and community organizations to establish community gardens, urban farms, and hydroponic systems, creating opportunities for individuals to grow their own food and contribute to a sustainable local food system.
Develop partnerships with farmers and farming communities in the surrounding area, facilitating direct purchasing agreements and establishing farmer’s markets to connect residents with fresh, locally grown produce.
Collaborate with local schools, educational institutions, and community centers to integrate food education programs into the curriculum, teaching students about sustainable agriculture, healthy eating, and the benefits of locally sourced food.
Implement policies and zoning regulations that support and encourage urban agriculture, such as reducing barriers to land access, providing tax incentives for urban farming businesses, and promoting composting and recycling initiatives to support a circular food economy.
Invest in infrastructure and resources for food processing and storage facilities, enabling local farmers and producers to preserve and distribute their products efficiently, ensuring year-round availability of local food.
Foster a sense of community by organizing events, workshops, and farmer’s markets that celebrate local food and culture, promoting social connections and a shared appreciation for the region’s agricultural heritage.
Establish a food policy council or working group composed of stakeholders from various sectors, including farmers, community organizations, and government representatives, to develop strategies, advocate for policies, and coordinate efforts towards a more localized and resilient food system.
Conduct public awareness campaigns to educate residents about the benefits of supporting local agriculture, emphasizing the economic, environmental, and health advantages of consuming locally sourced food.
Work with farmers and surrounding communities to create an economically sustainable market for a localized food economy, bringing in fresh produce and reducing shipping costs for producers and consumers.
Support value added agricultural growth with small business food processors in Mansfield and the surrounding area.

Public Transit

Develop a comprehensive public transit plan that prioritizes reliable and efficient transportation options connecting neighborhoods within Mansfield, as well as establishing strong connections to neighboring communities and regional transit networks.
Increase investment in public transit infrastructure, including expanding bus routes, improving bus stops, and implementing bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure to enhance connectivity and accessibility.
Collaborate with regional transit authorities and neighboring communities to establish seamless interconnectivity and coordination, ensuring that residents have convenient access to employment centers, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and other essential services.
Conduct a thorough assessment of transportation needs and demands to determine optimal routes and schedules, taking into account population density, employment hubs, and community feedback to ensure that the public transit network is responsive to the needs of the community.
Explore innovative solutions such as microtransit and on-demand transit services to provide flexible transportation options, especially for underserved neighborhoods or during non-peak hours.
Implement smart transit technologies such as real-time bus tracking systems, mobile applications, and contactless fare payment systems to enhance the user experience and provide reliable and up-to-date information to commuters.
Engage community stakeholders through public forums, surveys, and community meetings to gather input and ensure that the public transit plan reflects the needs and aspirations of Mansfield residents.
Advocate for increased funding and support from federal and state governments to invest in the expansion and improvement of public transit infrastructure, recognizing the role of transportation as a driver of economic development, social equity, and environmental sustainability.
Promote public awareness campaigns highlighting the benefits of using public transit, such as reduced congestion, improved air quality, cost savings, and increased accessibility, encouraging more residents to choose public transportation as their preferred mode of travel.