PLATFORM

The City Administration staff and department heads fulfill two primary roles. First, they manage the day-to-day operations of city services, serving as the initial point of contact for the public and shaping the community’s first impression of local government. Second, their expertise provides the council with unbiased information on various issues. To ensure a high-quality and efficient workforce, the council must actively monitor staffing levels, evaluate business practices, and advocate for competitive compensation. 

Effective communication is vital for the success of any organization and requires ongoing improvement. As an elected official, it is essential to operate transparently under the watchful eyes of Rogers citizens. Council members must ensure that staff are equipped with the necessary guidance and up-to-date technology to navigate today’s diverse communication platforms. It is crucial to maintain a steady flow of accurate and timely information to the public to dispel any notions of decision-making occurring behind closed doors. 

Public safety must be a top priority for any council. With guidance from the Police and Fire Chiefs, it is imperative that the council allocates funding for essential training and resources to protect both our officers and firefighters as well as the community. Officers and firefighters should actively engage with the public to foster a rapport of trust and mutual support. 

The Rogers Downtown Redevelopment plan has been in place for nearly a decade, yet progress has been limited. Joel is committed to seeking input from staff on how we can effectively implement this plan. It is vital to see the properties acquired for this initiative developed and returned to the tax rolls, benefiting our community financially. 

The Public Works department is responsible for the maintenance and management of city assets and utilities. As Rogers continues to grow, we face increasing demands for more miles of streets, expansions to our water and sewer systems, and the development of additional parks and trails, which come with added costs. The council must collaborate with the Director of Public Works to identify operational efficiencies, ensure adequate staffing levels for required services, and explore partnerships with neighboring communities to share the costs of specialized equipment and resources. 

Rogers is well-positioned for future residential growth due to its proximity to the metro and the increasing housing demand to support our business community. Prioritizing thoughtful planning for these developments is essential to ensure they align with the character of Rogers neighborhoods. We must also consider how new expansions will impact existing housing and strive to balance the costs and availability of city services, utilities, and parks.  

Parks, trails, athletic fields, indoor turf complex, extra ice, a permanent senior center, and other facilities would significantly enhance the quality of life for our residents and position Rogers as an attractive destination to call home. As we continue to grow, there are frequent requests for expansion in these areas. The pressing question has been how to fund these initiatives. Currently, the local sales tax dedicated to parks and recreation is insufficient to meet these demands. To turn these aspirations into reality, we will need to explore additional funding sources. Collaborating with local service clubs, the school district, booster clubs, and other community organizations will be essential in pursuing these enhancements. While adding these features would undoubtedly benefit our community, it is crucial that we approach this endeavor with responsible financing to ensure long-term sustainability. Together, we can create a vibrant recreational landscape that meets the needs of all Rogers residents.