SCOTT WILLIS FOR MAYOr --- A VISION FOR WESTField

• Identify and attract quality businesses. While we currently have zero economic development opportunities in our pipeline, we must reverse this by fostering a unique city culture that aligns with our strengths and expands our commercial tax base to lower residents’ taxes. 
• Revitalize downtown. A thriving downtown can attract more residents and visitors to Westfield. This will lead to increased economic growth and revenue for the city, which lowers taxes. My ideas around downtown are infrastructure improvements, a cohesive vision, the creation of public spaces, and beautification projects. 
• Strategize to capture food and beverage tax from Grand Park visitors by creating pockets of mixed-use development with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. 
• Invest in workforce development. Through partnerships with other workforce development programs or by creating our own, these training initiatives can increase a skilled workforce to support specific industries we want to attract.  

Grand Park attracts more visitors than any other youth sports development in the country, even more than Disney's ESPN World of Sports Complex in Orlando. This presents a huge opportunity to generate revenue for the city in the form of hotel, food, and beverage tax. 

Nearly 80% of our visitors to the park come from outside of Hamilton County and 47% come from outside the State of Indiana.

Imagine the streets are lined with a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, and the sidewalks are wide and pedestrian-friendly. It creates the perfect space to socialize and build a sense of community by creating a vibrant, walkable city center. The architecture of the buildings reflects Westfield’s unique charm and is welcoming. You can grab coffee with outdoor seating or find street musicians on date night. Our downtown will also encompass parks or public spaces with benches and greenery. 

A study published in the Journal of Housing and the Built Environment found that that mixed-use developments were associated with higher levels of safety, social interaction, and access to amenities, all of which contribute to resident happiness.

We are behind in Westfield currently when it comes to manpower, resources, and fire stations. We must catch up. Currently, we are being propped up by Noblesville and Carmel for emergency runs. In a business where seconds matter -- this can be the difference between life and death.

• I will not rest until Westfield has a top-notch public safety plan, resources, equipment, and enough fire and police professionals to serve our residents. 
• We must actively and strategically retain and recruit public safety professionals. 
• Engage with the community to conduct regular assessments, evaluations, and audits to understand the effectiveness and efficiencies of our public safety. 
• Utilize technology that facilitates proactive safety measures, assesses vulnerable areas, and enhances situational awareness and communication. 
• Collaborate across public safety agencies in Westfield to share ideas, information, and coordinated responses. 

Westfield has grown 36% over the past decade, and we are currently the ‘Fastest Growing City in Indiana.’ Our growth is inevitable. Let's embrace it and create a thriving city.

• Growth shouldn’t take away from the foundational culture of our community - it should enhance it. 
• Development should focus on opportunities that add value to residents while staying true to our roots.
• Seek quality development opportunities that will lead to quality growth in the community. We can provide opportunities for residents to do what they need and want inside our community without having to leave. 
• Plan for the future of Westfield by creating a welcoming, vibrant, and comprehensive city where our young professionals can return after college.
• Wide variety of housing options.

Connectivity is essential for creating a strong sense of community, and it starts with having the right infrastructure in place. A well-planned trail system can help connect people to different parts of the community, promoting physical activity and healthy living. Connectivity is not just about physical infrastructure. It can also lead to increased social and community connectedness, as people are able to interact more easily and form stronger relationships. By investing in both physical and social infrastructure, we can create a more connected and vibrant community that benefits everyone.

For more information about Scott, please visit: https://willisforwestfield.com/about