PRIORITIES
ECONOMIC VITALITY
STRONGER COMMUNITIES THROUGH SMART GROWTH, MODERN INFRASTRUCTURE, AND EDUCATION.
A strong economy is built from the ground up—through resilient local businesses, quality jobs, smart infrastructure, and communities where people want to live, work, and invest.
In Mt. Lebanon and across Pennsylvania, we need to focus on the fundamentals: creating vibrant main streets, investing in workforce development, modernizing our infrastructure, and making it easier for people to start and grow businesses.
Economic vitality starts at the community level. When small businesses thrive, neighborhoods thrive. As a local leader, I’ve worked to support Mt. Lebanon’s business districts by promoting pedestrian-friendly streetscapes, supporting public events that draw people to our downtowns, and working with stakeholders to strengthen the connection between mobility, housing, and commerce. These are the kinds of smart, place-based investments we need across the Commonwealth. We should be supporting main street revitalization efforts, giving local leaders the tools they need to attract and retain businesses, and ensuring that regional and state programs are accessible and effective for small and midsize enterprises—not just large corporations.
We also need to be realistic about the changing economy. The nature of work, commerce, and community development is evolving. That means investing in 21st-century infrastructure—from broadband and public transit to energy efficiency and clean water systems—that supports economic growth in every corner of Pennsylvania. It also means helping our workforce keep up with change. We need strong vocational and technical education, apprenticeship programs, and targeted workforce development strategies that match people with the skills and opportunities they need to succeed—whether in advanced manufacturing, green energy, healthcare, or the trades.
Long-term economic vitality also depends on how well we invest in public education. Our public schools are the foundation of Pennsylvania’s future workforce and of our civic life. Supporting a high-quality, equitable public education system ensures that the next generation not only gains the academic and technical skills they need to compete, but also the values, curiosity, and civic understanding to help shape a strong and inclusive society. We must make sure every child in the Commonwealth—regardless of ZIP code—has access to a fully funded, well-supported public school. This is not just an education issue; it’s an economic imperative.
A key but often overlooked barrier to long-term stability and fairness in our economy is the property tax system, especially the inconsistent and outdated approach to property reassessments across the state. In too many counties, property values used for tax purposes haven’t been updated in decades, leading to serious inequities for both homeowners and businesses. We need a transparent, statewide framework for regular property reassessments that ensures fairness, predictability, and fiscal stability for school districts and municipalities alike. Without a consistent standard, we undermine both tax equity and economic planning.
Economic vitality also depends on housing, mobility, and quality of life. We must ensure that workers can afford to live near their jobs, that families can move safely and affordably through their communities, and that our economic development policies don’t just focus on tax breaks but also on the long-term strength and sustainability of our neighborhoods. That’s why I believe in an integrated approach to economic policy—one that considers affordability, accessibility, and equity as essential to lasting growth.
I will continue to work to simplify and streamline support for small businesses, modernize our infrastructure investment strategy, and fund workforce development programs that prepare people for the jobs of today and tomorrow. I will advocate for economic development policies that prioritize growth, resilience, smart land use, reinvestment in existing communities—and that recognize education as a cornerstone of long-term prosperity.
Economic vitality is not just about growth for growth’s sake. It’s about building an economy that works for everyone—where local businesses succeed, people find meaningful work, and our communities have the infrastructure and investment they need to thrive. We have the tools—we just need the leadership to use them wisely.
Recent posts
Building Streets for People: A New Vision for Mt. Lebanon and Dormont
Breathing Easier: Paris and the Politics of Urban Courage
Safe Streets Create Economic Prosperity