“Lisa Austin understands how cities work. She knows that emphasis on urban design, business development, culture, and the arts can ignite growth adding great value to Erie.”
-John Norquist, former Mayor of Milwaukee
Erie is facing many challenges
- The loss of thousands of family-sustaining jobs in manufacturing, resulting in unemployment and poverty
- Limited educational options and struggling public schools
- Tax-rates double that of nearby communities; growing rates of addiction, violence, crime and blight;
- An exodus of wealth to our suburban communities.
But, there is Hope. With the data, principles and admonitions of Emerge 2040, the Buki Erie Refocused, the Downtown and the Our West Bayfront plans, and belief in Erie’s community, as Mayor I will create the conditions to help Erie make the most of its underutilized assets. How? With these 5 Goals:
My administration will foster the conditions for job growth that will create the optimism and economic development to permit Erie to strengthen its schools and educational opportunities and to reduce blight and crime. Erie can experience job growth in:
Manufacturing
- Embracing Erie as Maker City
Technology Industries
- Supporting a new Innovation District
Tourism
- Expanding "Experience" Tourism
Pre-K
- Quality Pre-K
State funding
- Address inequitable funding
Schools
- United Way's Community Schools
Community College
- Affordable higher ed
Maker Opportunities
- Schools/libraries/maker spaces/idea labs
A City for Family & Friends
Efficient, Transparent & Inclusive
Locally, Regionally, Nationally & Internationally
