Mayor’s Strategic Priorities (2025–2027)

Building a Safer, Smarter, Stronger Blythewood

When I took office in November 2023, Blythewood was on the edge of unprecedented growth. Today, with major projects underway, regional partnerships expanding, and thousands of new residents and jobs on the horizon, our town is stepping into a defining chapter. These updated priorities reflect Blythewood’s current needs, future opportunities, and our shared vision for a thriving, transparent, and safe community.

1. Safe, Prepared & Connected Neighborhoods

Public safety remains our top priority. As Blythewood grows, we are strengthening partnerships, modernizing ordinances, and empowering residents with the tools they need to stay safe.

Our commitments include:

• Advancing a realistic, data-driven pathway to a future Blythewood Police Department, supported by grants and strategic partnerships.
  
  

• Strengthening our agreements with Fire, EMS, and RCSD with clear performance expectations and response benchmarks.
  
  

• Requiring smarter, stronger ordinances related to safety, development, and emergency access.
  
  

• Launching a quarterly Blythewood Community Safety & Preparedness Series to educate citizens on home safety, emergency readiness, and personal protection.
  
  

• Coordinating with Scout Motors partners to ensure a regional public safety plan that supports the industrial corridor and surrounding neighborhoods.
  
  

2. Smart Growth, Housing & Local Jobs

We will grow—but we will grow the right way. Blythewood’s rapid expansion must honor our rural charm while creating new paths for prosperity.

Our commitments include:

• Coordinating zoning, infrastructure, and workforce strategies around Scout Motors and the future supplier park to secure local jobs and small business opportunities.
  
  

• Modernizing zoning and development standards to ensure walkability, improved buffering, architectural quality, and responsible land use.
  
  

• Ensuring new neighborhoods come with required infrastructure: roads, sidewalks, drainage, and amenities that protect quality of life.
  
  

• Revitalizing the Blythewood Industrial Park to attract clean, future-focused industry and expand the town’s job market.
  
  

• Creating a Blythewood Future Leaders & Workforce Initiative, including paid summer employment opportunities for students.
  
  

3. Infrastructure, Traffic & Clean Mobility

A growing town needs modern infrastructure. We are investing in mobility, resilience, and long-term transportation planning.

Our commitments include:

• Partnering with SCDOT and Richland County to deliver strategic traffic improvements along major corridors and intersections.
  
  

• Expanding sidewalks, multi-use paths, and pedestrian connectivity between neighborhoods, parks, schools, and the future employment district.
  
  

• Building a Welcome & Mobility Center featuring restrooms, visitor services, and EV charging stations for 6–8 vehicles.
  
  

• Transitioning town facilities toward solar power and resilient energy systems to reduce operational costs and improve emergency capabilities.
  
  

4. Open, Ethical & Transparent Government

Trust is earned through honesty, access, and accountability. My administration is committed to full transparency and professional governance—because every resident deserves to understand how their town operates.

Our commitments include:

• Publishing clear, accessible dashboards for budgets, spending, grants, and procurement.
  
  

• Conducting regular, independent financial audits and reporting publicly on progress and corrective actions.
  
  

• Livestreaming all monthly meetings and expanding digital engagement tools for citizens.
  
  

• Establishing a 24/7 citizen concern and complaint portal with tracking and timely responses.
  
  

• Holding quarterly State of the Town & Community Q&A Sessions to maintain open dialogue.
  
  

• Ensuring that all allegations, concerns, or disputes involving public officials are handled through independent oversight, fact-based processes, and full disclosure of outcomes.
  
  

5. Quality of Life: Arts, Culture, Parks & Youth

Blythewood’s heart is its people. We are investing in culture, recreation, and opportunities that enrich everyday life.

Our commitments include:

• Developing a public art program that highlights local talent and enhances visual identity throughout the town.
  
  

• Strengthening support for the Blythewood Museum, historical preservation, and cultural storytelling.
  
  

• Enhancing community events with transparent budgeting, sponsorship strategies, and detailed after-action reporting.
  
  

• Deepening partnerships with Blythewood schools to expand reading initiatives, leadership programs, mentorship opportunities, and student advisory councils.
  
  

• Developing new senior and veteran-focused programs, including innovative housing and recreation models.
  
  

6. Environmental Stewardship & Rural Preservation

Our natural environment is one of Blythewood’s greatest strengths. As we grow, we must protect the land, trees, and rural character that define our town.

Our commitments include:

• Ending destructive clear-cutting practices through tighter tree protection, grading regulations, and phased land disturbance requirements.
  
  

• Introducing a Conservation Subdivision Ordinance to preserve open space and agricultural character in new developments.
  
  

• Launching a Citizen Environmental Advisory Committee to review major rezonings and community-wide environmental impacts.
  
  

• Prioritizing green infrastructure—wetlands, buffers, rain gardens, and natural drainage—to reduce flooding and improve water quality.
  
  

Moving Blythewood Forward "Together"

These priorities represent more than policies, they reflect a commitment to the people of Blythewood. Together, we are building a safer, stronger, and more united community. Your voice matters, and your participation continues to guide the decisions shaping our future.