CHEYENNE, Wyo. — In this edition of “Meet the Candidates,” Jenny Hixenbaugh shares with Cap City News how she envisions leading Cheyenne if elected mayor. Hixenbaugh is one of six people running for mayor.
The following are responses that Hixenbaugh shared with Cap City News. To view the Q&As of other candidates who have also submitted answers to us, click here.
What are your plans for promoting economic growth and attracting new businesses to Cheyenne?
I will promote economic growth and attract new businesses to Cheyenne through the following initiatives:
- Creating a business-friendly environment: I will work to create a business-friendly environment in Cheyenne by reducing bureaucratic red tape, streamlining permitting processes, and offering incentives for businesses to start and grow in our city. This could include tax incentives, grants, and other financial assistance to support new businesses.
- Supporting small businesses: I will focus on supporting small businesses in Cheyenne by providing resources, training, and mentorship programs to help them thrive. This could include creating incubator spaces, networking opportunities, and access to capital for entrepreneurs looking to start or expand their businesses.
- Investing in workforce development: I will prioritize investing in workforce development programs to ensure that our residents have the skills and training needed to compete in today’s economy. This could include partnering with local schools, colleges, and training providers to offer vocational training, apprenticeships, and job placement services.
- Fostering innovation and entrepreneurship: I will promote innovation and entrepreneurship in Cheyenne by supporting startup incubators, accelerators, and co-working spaces where entrepreneurs can collaborate and access resources to grow their businesses. This could help attract new talent and ideas to our city and stimulate economic growth.
- Developing key industries: I will work to develop key industries in Cheyenne that have the potential for growth and job creation. This could include focusing on industries such as technology, healthcare, renewable energy, and tourism, where our city has competitive advantages and opportunities for expansion.
- Marketing Cheyenne as a business destination: I will prioritize marketing Cheyenne as a business destination to attract new companies, investors, and entrepreneurs to our city. This could include promoting our city’s strategic location, quality of life, affordable cost of living, and supportive business environment to showcase the benefits of doing business in Cheyenne.
I am committed to promoting economic growth and attracting new businesses to Cheyenne through a combination of creating a business-friendly environment, supporting small businesses, investing in workforce development, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, developing key industries, and marketing our city as a business destination.
By working collaboratively with stakeholders and the business community, Cheyenne can create a vibrant economic environment that attracts new businesses and supports existing ones, ultimately creating a thriving and diverse economy that benefits all residents of Cheyenne.
How do you plan to address public safety concerns and ensure the well-being of Cheyenne residents?
I will prioritize public safety concerns and ensure the well-being of Cheyenne residents through the following initiatives:
- Strengthening law enforcement: I will work to support and strengthen our local law enforcement agencies by providing resources, training, and support to ensure they can effectively protect and serve our community. This may include increasing the number of officers, implementing community policing strategies, and investing in technology to enhance public safety.
- Enhancing emergency response capabilities: I will prioritize improving our city’s emergency response capabilities to better address emergencies and natural disasters. This could include investing in emergency preparedness training, upgrading communication systems, and coordinating with neighboring jurisdictions for mutual aid.
- Addressing mental health and substance abuse issues: I will advocate for increased resources and support for mental health and substance abuse services in Cheyenne to address underlying issues that contribute to public safety concerns. This could include collaborating with healthcare providers, community organizations, and law enforcement to implement programs that support individuals in crisis and reduce recidivism.
- Implementing crime prevention initiatives: I will work to implement crime prevention initiatives, such as neighborhood watch programs, community policing efforts, and partnerships with local businesses and organizations to promote safety and reduce crime in our city.
- Promoting community engagement: I will prioritize fostering strong relationships between residents, law enforcement, and city officials through community engagement initiatives. This could include hosting town hall meetings, neighborhood events, and community forums to address public safety concerns and build trust between residents and local authorities.
- Supporting victims of crime: I will advocate for increased support and resources for victims of crime in Cheyenne, including access to victim advocacy services, counseling, and legal assistance. By supporting victims of crime, we can help them recover from traumatic experiences and rebuild their lives.
Overall, as your mayor, I will be committed to addressing public safety concerns and ensuring the well-being of Cheyenne residents through a comprehensive approach that includes strengthening law enforcement, enhancing emergency response capabilities, addressing mental health and substance abuse issues, implementing crime prevention initiatives, promoting community engagement, and supporting victims of crime. By working collaboratively with the community, we can create a safer and more resilient city for all residents.
What are your plans for improving Cheyenne’s infrastructure, including roads, public transportation, and utilities?
Cheyenne’s infrastructure is vitally important, and I will work on improving Cheyenne’s infrastructure, including roads, public transportation, and utilities, through the following initiatives:
- Road improvements: I will work to invest in upgrading and maintaining our city’s roads to improve safety, reduce traffic congestion, and enhance connectivity. This could include repaving deteriorating roads, expanding road capacity in high-traffic areas, and implementing smart transportation technologies to improve traffic flow.
- Public transportation enhancements: I will focus on improving and expanding public transportation options in Cheyenne to provide residents with reliable, affordable, and sustainable transportation choices. This could include increasing bus routes, extending service hours, and implementing initiatives to make public transportation more accessible to all residents.
- Utilities upgrades: I will prioritize upgrading and modernizing Cheyenne’s utilities infrastructure to ensure reliable and efficient service for residents. This could include investing in water and wastewater systems, upgrading electrical grids to support renewable energy sources, and enhancing stormwater management systems to mitigate flooding and protect against natural disasters.
- Sustainable infrastructure practices: I will promote sustainable infrastructure practices in all city projects to reduce our environmental impact and increase resilience to climate change. This could include incorporating green infrastructure solutions, such as green roofs and rain gardens, into our city planning, as well as using energy-efficient technologies in infrastructure projects.
- Collaborating with state and federal agencies: I will work collaboratively with state and federal agencies to secure funding for infrastructure projects in Cheyenne. By leveraging partnerships and resources from higher levels of government, we can accelerate the implementation of much-needed infrastructure improvements in our city.
- Engaging with the community: I will prioritize community engagement in infrastructure planning and decision-making processes to ensure that residents’ voices are heard and their needs are addressed. By involving the community in infrastructure projects, we can build support for initiatives and create infrastructure that meets the needs of all residents.
I am committed to improving Cheyenne’s infrastructure, including roads, public transportation, and utilities, to create a more sustainable, resilient, and connected community for all residents. By investing in infrastructure upgrades, promoting sustainable practices, and engaging with the community, we can work towards building a stronger and more vibrant Cheyenne for future generations.
How do you plan to involve the community in decision-making processes and ensure transparency in your administration?
I believe that involving the community in decision-making processes and ensuring transparency in my administration are critical for building trust, fostering collaboration, and creating a more inclusive and responsive government. To achieve this, I will implement the following strategies:
- Community engagement initiatives: I will prioritize community engagement initiatives to involve residents in decision-making processes and gather input on key issues facing our city. This could include hosting town hall meetings, community forums, and listening sessions to give residents a platform to voice their concerns, ideas, and feedback.
- Advisory boards and committees: I will establish advisory boards and committees representing diverse perspectives and interests in our community to provide input and recommendations on important policy decisions. This would ensure that a wide range of voices are heard and considered in the decision-making process.
- Open-door policy: I will maintain an open-door policy to encourage residents to reach out with their questions, concerns, and suggestions. By being accessible and responsive to the needs of the community, I can build strong relationships with residents and demonstrate a commitment to transparent and accountable governance.
- Regular communication: I will maintain regular communication with residents through newsletters, social media, and other communication channels to keep them informed about city initiatives, projects, and decisions. By providing timely and accurate information, I can promote transparency and build trust with the residents of Cheyenne.
- Data sharing and reporting: I will utilize data sharing and reporting to provide residents with access to information about city operations, budgets, and performance metrics. By sharing data openly and transparently, residents can hold the administration accountable and make informed decisions about city policies and programs.
- Public meetings and hearings: I will ensure that public meetings and hearings are held regularly to provide opportunities for residents to participate in the decision-making process, ask questions, and provide feedback on important issues. By creating opportunities for public input, I can ensure that decisions are made in a transparent and inclusive manner.
I am committed to involving the community in decision-making processes and ensuring transparency in my administration through community engagement initiatives, advisory boards, open-door policy, regular communication, data sharing, and public meetings. By working collaboratively with residents and fostering a culture of transparency and accountability, we can build a stronger and more responsive government that serves the needs of all residents of Cheyenne.
What initiatives will you implement to promote environmental sustainability and address climate change at the local level?
I will prioritize environmental sustainability and address climate change at the local level through the following initiatives:
- Implementing renewable energy sources: I will work to transition our city to renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. This would reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and decrease our carbon footprint.
- Promoting energy efficiency: I will implement programs to encourage energy efficiency in homes, businesses, and municipal buildings. This could include offering incentives for energy-saving upgrades, promoting energy-efficient technologies, and providing education on energy conservation.
- Enhancing public transportation: I will prioritize public transportation initiatives to reduce the number of cars on the road and decrease emissions. This could include expanding public transportation options, improving infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians, and incentivizing the use of public transportation through discounts or subsidies.
- Implementing green building practices: I will advocate for green building practices in new construction and renovations, such as using sustainable materials, incorporating energy-efficient design, and promoting green building certifications.
- Establishing recycling and waste reduction programs: I will work to expand recycling programs and promote waste reduction initiatives in our community. This could include increasing recycling bins, implementing composting programs, and educating residents on the importance of reducing waste.
- Protecting green spaces and promoting biodiversity: I will prioritize the preservation of green spaces, parks, and natural habitats in our city. This could include creating new green spaces, planting trees, and promoting biodiversity to support local ecosystems.
- Collaborating with other local governments and organizations: I will work collaboratively with neighboring cities, counties, and environmental organizations to address climate change at a regional level. By sharing resources, knowledge, and best practices, we can have a greater impact on promoting environmental sustainability.
I am committed to implementing initiatives that promote environmental sustainability and address climate change at the local level. By prioritizing renewable energy, energy efficiency, public transportation, green building practices, recycling and waste reduction, protecting green spaces, and collaborating with the community, we can work towards creating a more sustainable and resilient Cheyenne for future generations.
Is there anything else you’d like voters to know about you?
My decision to run for mayor is rooted in a desire to bring fresh perspectives, innovative solutions, and a collaborative spirit to local government. I am driven by a passionate belief in the potential for progress and the importance of inclusive, transparent governance.
I believe in the power of dialogue and cooperation among diverse stakeholders to address complex challenges effectively. I am committed to ensuring that every voice in our community is heard and valued, regardless of background or circumstance.
As your mayor, I will address your needs and concerns. I will bring your vision for Cheyenne, leadership and dedication to the forefront. I will lead with integrity, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to public service. You have my solemn vow that I will strive to make a real difference in the lives of those that I serve.
Together, we will build a city that is resilient, vibrant, and equitable—a city that thrives on inclusivity, sustainability, and economic vitality where opportunities abound for all who call it home.
