Stephen brings people together, listens, then gets things done.
In his first 18 months on the City Council, Stephen:
- Held discussions with local clergy and homeless service providers, then secured $170,000 for an innovative and more comprehensive approach to homelessness.
- Listened to neighborhood leaders, then pushed to strengthen the city's code enforcement. This change is resolving some long-standing neighborhood issues.
- Established a $2 million federal community development low-interest loan fund for local non-profits, business start-ups and business improvements.
- Met monthly with downtown businesses, social service providers and law enforcement to expand efforts to keep downtown safe and welcoming.
- Insisted on adding accountability to the city's economic development contract.
- Collaborated with elected officials from other cities and the county on common issues such as food security, energy use and growth along our shared urban corridor.
- Worked cooperatively with city staff, including on improving data collection on downtown crime.
- Led the Council effort to have the Heritage Commission propose historic names and artistic upgrades for downtown alleys and make our alleys a usable public space and interesting tourist attraction.
- Chaired the city Finance Committee and is improving the public input process for the city budget.
- Served as Mayor Pro Tem (Deputy Mayor).