The number one priority identified for improvement in the City's Spring 2025 resident survey was enforcement of city codes and ordinance. Specifically, 68% of respondents (excluding those without an opinion on the subject) were dissatisfied with the city’s efforts enforcing the clean-up of litter, junk, and derelict cars. Similarly, 71% of survey respondents (excluding those without an opinion on the subject) said they were dissatisfied with the image of the city.

Walking through many of our city’s neighborhoods has made me better understand why code enforcement is such a priority for our residents. So many homeowners I have spoken to are very proud of their properties and keep their homes and yards in good order.

Nevertheless, even one or two properties with multiple inoperable cars, piles of junk, and accumulated trash negatively affect entire neighborhoods. Accumulated trash creates pest problems. Long-term, inoperable cars turn off prospective homebuyers and reduce home values for all residents. Flagrant violations of city codes disincentivize other homeowners from investing time and energy into keeping up their own properties, creating a downward spiral in the conditions throughout a neighborhood.

People’s lives are complex though. I believe residents lacking the resources to immediately remedy an issue they may have with car repairs or with disposal of certain property should not be unreasonably targeted for enforcement.

Codes enforcement should be applied consistently and fairly. It should be used as a shield for responsible residents to protect the character and value of their neighborhood; it should never be used as a sword in the midst of a conflict or dispute between neighbors or to kick vulnerable residents while they are down. I think we should work with residents who are willing but may need help to get into compliance. I also think repeat and flagrant code violators deserve heavy fines.