My approach will be actively recruiting residents and business owners to not only take a more active role in the city but report to the Council or the city’s committees.
A few years back, the Mr. Hardy who runs Blades, had a great idea and the city should have acted on it. He suggested a non-government panel of small brick & mortar business meet regularly and discusses issues that the city might be able to help resolve. They would then report to the city council on possible improvements in our code. I want to act on this idea.
While we are at it, why not do similar panels for various parts of our great city? We can have a Historic Preservation committee that advises the DDA. Another panel that advises DAPS, etc. Citizen led instead of selected people who align more with the mayor.