JOE’S KEY ISSUES:

Jobs

JOE’S PRIORITIES:

Joe is committed to a thriving economy that benefits us all.

AS MAYOR I WILL:

  • Support increased growth of our Innovation economy and corridor by increasing research, expanding life sciences through the new Carilion/Taubman Cancer Center and Cardiac Care Center, the opening of the Johnson & Johnson Wet/Dry Labs, and the expansion of the VTC School of Medicine.

  • Work to double the size of the RAMP Regional Accelerator program through increased access to funding, experienced mentors and small business growth

  • Build on the success of the recently awarded $7.5mgrant from the Virginia Business Ready Sites program to develop 82 acres at Blue Hills Drive. This, along with our collaborate efforts with the City of Salem and Roanoke County at Woodhaven Technology Park prepare us for significant growth in the next 3-5 years.

  • Celebrate the grand opening and success of the new Market on Melrose, a new grocery store, operated by Goodwill Industries of the Valleys, along with the new Melrose Plaza, home to the Excel Center (adult high school), a Bank of Botetourt Branch, a fitness center, café and home to a new Arts and Cultural organization.

  • Support the Riverdale development of the old Viscose Plant in SE Roanoke into a multi-faceted and mixed-use development featuring businesses, restaurants, artist housing and studio space, health care and residential living.

  • Invest in small business growth and sustainability, including capital support for minority and women-owned businesses

Joe's Accomplishments for Roanoke Workers:

  • 20 million compensation investment in City Employees

  • $15/hr minimum wage established for City Employees

  • Citizen-led implementation of CARES Act and ARPA Funds distributing over $82 million dollars of investment back into our city for small businesses, individual and household relief, arts and cultural organizations, mental health and substance use support, public safety, virtual learning and food and health care access

  • Convened the Star City Strong Recovery and Resiliency Fund Advisory Panel – ARPA funds

  • Initiated implementation of the Star City Strong Advisory Panel recommendations – ARPA funds

  • Secured State funding for shared lab space in the Innovation Corridor - $16 million State plus $2 million local – Carilion, VTC, VTF, Johnson Labs

  • Invested 10 million dollars into the new Melrose Plaza in NW Roanoke, featuring the new Market on Melrose Grocery Store (opening in the Fall of 2024)

  • Invested 10 million dollars into the new Riverdale development in SE Roanoke

  • New Carilion Crystal Springs Tower (Cardiac Care Center and Emergency Department)

  • Financial Support for the Downtown Ambassadors program in collaboration with DRI and VBR

  • Amazon purchase of property for new distribution center in NE Roanoke (Roanoke Center for Industry and Technology)

  • Financial support for Co-working spaces in NW (The Collective at 11th and Moorman) and in NE (The Williamson) on Williamson Road and SW (The Co-Lab in Grandin Village)

  • Initiated first City Economic Development Strategic Plan

  • Initiated Neighborhood Centers Analysis/Plan

  • Wood Haven Technology Park – collaboration with City of Salem and Roanoke County

  • Establishment of the Financial Empowerment Center, offering professional one on one financial counseling to any resident at no cost

  • Highest fund balance (rainy day funds) in City’s history

  • The William & Margaret Robertson Behavioral Health Wing, a 1,900-foot expansion which includes six counseling rooms and group counseling space at the Bradley Free Clinic. This expansion benefitted from CDBG funding