On Tuesday, December 9, I filed the paperwork with the City Clerk to run for another term as Mayor. I am looking forward to the opportunity, if re-elected, to continue the work that so many people in Crestwood have helped move forward these past several years.
Together we have made remarkable progress, and I am proud of what we have accomplished. Below are some of the key improvements for our city completed that we can all celebrate.
Financial Stewardship and Good Governance
- Balanced budgets and strong financial management – Ensured structurally balanced budgets each year, maintained healthy reserves, and closely managed expenses.
- AAA bond rating – Earned the highest possible credit rating, placing Crestwood among only a few Missouri cities to receive this designation and saving hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars.
- Affton Fire Protection District agreement – After decades of disagreements and legal actions, I proudly signed a long-term agreement saving the city $1.1 million while maintaining seamless emergency service.
- 2025 Charter Review – Residents from all four wards completed a full review of the city charter with the goal of finding ways to make our city even more efficient; four proposed amendments will appear on the April ballot.
- Public Safety Board – We combined the Police and Fire Boards into one unified board to improve efficiency and support coordination.
- Online permitting – Launched digital permitting to make applications and tracking faster and easier for residents and contractors.
- Website updates – Improved navigation, added news sections and project information, and made frequently used content easier to find.
- New Communications Manager – For the first time ever, we added this dedicated position to significantly enhance outreach, transparency, and resident engagement. I'm sure you have noticed!
Public Safety Enhancements
- In-house ambulance service – Transitioned ambulance operations to the Crestwood Fire Department, improving service delivery and response times. This is surely saving lives!
- Police reaccreditation – Successfully renewed this important accreditation, reflecting the strong leadership and capabilities of our officers.
- School Resource Officer – Added an SRO in partnership with Lindbergh Schools to strengthen student safety and enhance community outreach.
- New firetruck – We replaced our aging truck and rolled in a modern fire apparatus into service.
Parks, Recreation, and Community Spaces
- Destination playground at Crestwood Park – Built a major new playground serving families across the city.
- New playground at Ferndale Park – Updated equipment and improved the neighborhood play space.
- Park lighting improvements – Installed brighter, more efficient lighting to improve safety.
- Quarry restroom and parking improvements – Upgraded facilities at Whitecliff Park.
- Native habitat restoration – Expanded native plantings across parks and public spaces.
- Sappington Cemetery wall reconstruction – Replaced a crumbing railroad tie wall with strong and a stable concrete block wall that will (literally) support this important part of our city.
- Community events – Expanded the number and variety of events offered throughout the year and saw strong participation from all ages.
Transportation, Connectivity, and Infrastructure
- Streetlight installations – Installed the first new neighborhood streetlights in many decades.
- New sidewalks – Added major new sidewalk connections to improve walkability and designed the next one.
- Replaced the Whitecliff Bridge – Completed a major bridge replacement to ensure long-term safety and accessiblity to our primary city park.
- Pedestrian bridge at Crestwood Crossing – Added direct access from the development to Grant’s Trail.
- Traffic calming policy – Implemented a clear, resident-driven process for improving traffic safety in our neighborhoods.
- Banners on Watson and Sappington – Installed community banners to reflect the amazing services and highlight our residents that make Crestwood home.
- Updated stormwater policy – Reactivated and modernized the city’s former policy, dormant since 2008.
Environmental and Sustainability Initiatives
- eCycling events – Offered responsible and free electronics disposal for residents.
- Shred Day events – Provided free secure document disposal.
- Back to Nature Project – Launched multi-year native restoration at Crestwood Park.
Community Engagement and Resident Services
- Elected official town hall events – Introduced open town hall sessions after many years.
- Welcomed new businesses – Continued supporting commercial reinvestment across Crestwood.
- Expanded communications – Improved newsletters, social media, and online communication tools.
- Resident approval of Proposition A – Residents approved Prop A with a strong 60% voter support, enabling major facility and park improvements and representing our shared investment in our future.
Looking Ahead
Below are several key initiatives I hope to work on in the coming years. These reflect long-term community priorities and Crestwood’s commitment to strong planning and investment.
Parks, Recreation, and Community Spaces
- Complete and open The Cliffs community center – A modern, resident-inspired facility offering new programs and gathering spaces.
- Transform the current community center into a Family Games and Pickleball Complex – Repurposes the existing building to create fun new space where families and friends can gather.
- Construct the Whitecliff Park loop trail – Creates an clear and enjoyable full loop for walkers and runners.
- Build a pedestrian bridge to the Lodgepole neighborhood – Provides safer, more direct access to Whitecliff Park.
- New Playground at Spellman Park - It's time to replace this again playground with something new and exciting for kids of all abilities. Can't wait!
Transportation, Connectivity, and Infrastructure
- Build a major new sidewalk every other year – Continues progress toward a complete pedestrian network.
- Expand streetlight installations – Advances the master plan to improve safety across neighborhoods.
- Add bus stop shelters along Watson Road – Implement as part of MoDOT's roadway and sidewalk improvements in 2026–2027.
- Advance traffic calming solutions – Continue working with residents to improve neighborhood safety.
Environmental and Sustainability Priorities
- Expand native habitat restoration – Continue restoration work and enhance native plantings in parks and public areas.
- Strengthen long-term stormwater planning – Ongoing work under the city’s updated stormwater policy.
Financial Stewardship and Good Governance
- Maintain structurally balanced budgets – Preservation of Crestwood’s strong financial position and reserves.
- Protect Crestwood’s AAA bond rating – Continue the sound financial practices that earned this rare designation.
- Implement approved charter amendments – If adopted by voters, ensure clear and transparent implementation.
Community Engagement and Resident Services
- Expand resident outreach and communication – Continue building on the work started with the communications manager to help Crestwood to be a well engaged community.
- Grow community events and programs – Add more inclusive, family-friendly gatherings, for all ages throughout the year.
- Maintain open town hall events – Continue providing opportunities for direct, in-person conversations with residents.
- Support local business growth – Strengthen partnerships with existing and new businesses to keep Crestwood thriving.
Crestwood has accomplished a great deal, but there is more important work ahead. I am grateful for the support and engagement of our residents, and I am ready to continue working on the priorities that matter most to our city. Are you ready? Let's go!