We believe Meadville can be a place where every resident feels safe, heard, and supported. It should be a city where families can afford to live, where businesses can grow, and where neighborhoods are strong and welcoming.

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This platform reflects what we’ve heard from people across the city. We listened to longtime homeowners, renters, small business owners, seniors, and young families who all want the same thing — a city that works for everyone.

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We are focused on real solutions. That means improving housing, keeping the city’s budget healthy, and investing in the places and services that matter most. We are committed to working with partners, securing outside funding, and planning for the future so that Meadville continues to move forward.

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We know this community is full of potential. With steady leadership and a clear plan, we can make sure that everyone has a chance to be part of Meadville’s success.

SAFE, AFFORDABLE HOUSING
 

Everyone in Meadville should have access to a safe, stable, and affordable place to live. That includes renters, homeowners, and future generations who want to build a life here. We’ve already taken action by launching a rental registration and inspection program to ensure that housing across the city meets basic safety and health standards. We also passed a local protection policy that helps renters feel secure when they report issues or exercise their housing rights.

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Meadville’s neighborhoods are full of potential. Some areas face challenges related to aging housing and underinvestment. That’s why the city must play an active role in supporting housing improvements, attracting funding, and strengthening neighborhoods for everyone, including responsible property owners, residents, and families looking to put down roots.

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Our plan:

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1. Partner with local and regional organizations to bring in funding for housing repair and development. 
   We want to bring state and federal housing dollars to Meadville. These funds can support weatherization, home repairs, and the development of new affordable housing. By collaborating with county government, housing nonprofits, and local contractors, we can leverage these resources to make the most impact while minimizing the burden on the city’s staff and budget.

2. Partner with Crawford County to create a land bank.
   A land bank allows the city to acquire and restore properties that are currently unused or vacant. Once repaired, these homes can be returned to the market, supporting new homeowners, increasing neighborhood stability, and helping get properties back on the tax rolls.

3. Support public housing programs that meet community needs.
   Public housing should offer stability, dignity, and clear communication with the people it serves. We will work to ensure that public housing and housing assistance programs continue to meet the needs of families, seniors, and individuals throughout Meadville.

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OPEN, SUSTAINABLE GOVERNMENT

We believe city government should work for everyone, not just for those with the most influence. Every resident deserves a voice, and city decisions should reflect the full range of needs and ideas in our community. At the same time, we must make sure our city government is financially strong and able to support key services for the long term.

 

For too long, Meadville’s budget has been strained by the rising cost of public services while revenues have stayed flat. We need to explore fair and community-focused ways to stabilize our finances, maintain essential services, and build a more sustainable future.

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Our plan:

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1.  Join the Pennsylvania Municipal League and work with other cities for better tools and support.
   Meadville is not alone in facing budget pressures. Cities across Pennsylvania are dealing with similar challenges. By joining the Pennsylvania Municipal League, Meadville can add its voice to a statewide effort advocating for greater flexibility, more effective revenue tools, and more substantial support from the state.

2.  Support tax reform that ensures fairness for everyone.
   Over 40 percent of Meadville’s property is currently tax-exempt. We aim to collaborate with the county to review tax-exempt parcels, verify their nonprofit use, and ensure the system is equitable for all parties. We also support a county-wide property reassessment to ensure that taxes are balanced across all neighborhoods and municipalities in Crawford County.

3. Establish a Citizen Advisory Board to annually review and provide feedback on the City of Meadville budget.
   The board will include a broad range of volunteer citizens, bringing diverse ideas and expertise to public decision-making and strengthening transparency in local government. Similar boards operate successfully in Laramie, Wyoming, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Wenham, Massachusetts (population ~5,000), and Palos Verdes Estates, California (population ~13,500), showing that this approach works in both small towns and larger cities. 

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COMMUNITY & PUBLIC INVESTMENT

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Strong cities invest in people, places, and services. Whether it’s fixing streets, improving parks, supporting emergency services, or helping local businesses grow, public investment is how we build a stronger and more connected community. We believe that every dollar spent should support tangible outcomes, and that includes securing new funding through grants and partnerships.

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Our plan:

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1. Create a new Comprehensive Plan to guide growth and unlock funding.
   Meadville’s current plan is outdated. A new Comprehensive Plan, shaped with input from residents and local leaders, will help us qualify for competitive funding programs and guide future decisions about housing, economic development, transportation, and land use.

2. Partner with local organizations to strengthen Meadville’s economy.
   We aim to support small businesses, neighborhood revitalization, youth employment, and key community assets, including the Meadville Market House, the Rec Complex, our hospitals, schools, and cultural institutions. These partnerships help retain jobs and dollars within the local economy while enhancing the quality of life across the city.

3. Support workforce development in construction and energy efficiency.
   Federal and state programs now offer support for home repairs, energy efficiency upgrades, and weatherization. To fully utilize these resources, we require skilled workers. We will collaborate with training programs and local employers to expand our contractor base, establish career pathways, and ensure that these investments create jobs and improve housing right here in Meadville.