Our Priorities for a Stronger Lynchburg

Lynchburg is a city with deep strengths—our people, our institutions, and our sense of community.

In recent years, however, we’ve lost a clear, shared direction. Too often, decisions feel reactive instead of strategic, and opportunities to move our city forward are missed or left on the table.

We believe Lynchburg is ready for leadership that is both forward-looking and grounded in results—leadership that sets a clear vision and follows through.

Our approach is simple: when we expand opportunity and grow our local economy in practical, measurable ways, our entire city moves forward.

#1 Expanding Opportunity for Every Resident

Opportunity should not depend on your neighborhood, your income, or your background. We will work to ensure that every resident has a fair chance to build a stable and healthy life by:

  • Expanding access to early childhood education and school readiness programs

  • Supporting strong public schools through clear accountability and community partnerships

  • Improving access to affordable housing, childcare, and transportation

  • Strengthening coordination with nonprofits and community organizations already doing the critical work

  • Ensuring city programs and services are accessible, visible, and easy to use

We recognize that most of what shapes people’s lives happens outside of government offices. City leadership should focus on removing barriers and supporting the systems that help families succeed.

#2 Growing a Local Economy That Works for Everyone

Economic growth must translate into real benefits for the people who live here. We will support a stronger, more inclusive local economy by:

  • Connecting education and workforce development to real job opportunities

  • Supporting small businesses and reducing unnecessary barriers to starting and growing a business

  • Encouraging thoughtful development in key areas like downtown, Fort Ave and Timberlake

  • Attracting and retaining employers who provide stable, well-paying jobs

  • Exploring creative approaches to expand our tax base without overburdening residents

Lynchburg has the potential to grow—but growth must be intentional, sustainable, and focused on improving quality of life for residents.

#3 Delivering Reliable Infrastructure and City Services

City government should do the basics well. Residents deserve services that are dependable, efficient, and responsive.

We will prioritize:

  • Maintaining and improving roads, water systems, and public infrastructure

  • Preventing costly failures through better long-term planning and investment

  • Ensuring Lynchburg fully leverages available state and federal funding opportunities

  • Strengthening communication so residents know what services are available and how to use them

Effective local government is not about politics—it’s about making sure the city works for all of us.

#4 Building Safe, Connected Communities

Public safety is strongest when there is trust between residents and the people who serve them.

We will work to:

  • Advance programs focused on prevention

  • Support a community-centered approach to public safety, with strong relationships between public safety professionals and neighborhoods

  • Ensure leadership decisions are guided by expertise, transparency, and accountability

  • Use technology thoughtfully to improve safety while respecting privacy

  • Promote a culture of respect, collaboration, and shared responsibility

A safe city is one where people feel secure, heard, and connected.

#5 Leading with Accountability and Collaboration

Lynchburg operates under a council-manager system, where city staff carry out day-to-day operations and City Council provides strategic vision and oversight.

We believe leadership works best when it is:

  • Rooted in curiosity and openness to creative solutions

  • Collaborative, not adversarial

  • Focused on local issues 

  • Respectful of, and responsive to, the professional expertise of our city staff, educators, and nonprofit and community leaders

  • Committed to transparency and public engagement

We will ask tough questions, set clear expectations, and work in partnership with staff and the community to deliver meaningful progress.

#6 Moving Lynchburg Forward—Together

Lynchburg does not face a single challenge—it faces a set of connected challenges that require thoughtful, coordinated solutions.

By focusing on both opportunity and growth, we can:

  • Strengthen our schools

  • Expand economic opportunity

  • Improve quality of life

  • Build a more resilient and inclusive community

This is not about ideology. It is about making Lynchburg a place where people can live, work, and thrive.

And it is work we can only do—together.