Prescott is entering exciting new times in economic development, particularly in the area of high technology jobs for our young people. The city has retained James Robb as a consultant for economic development efforts in this area of focus. Robb is an experienced senior executive and business development professional, and dealmaker who has helped raise hundreds of millions of dollars for organizations over the last 30 years, and is connected to senior executives across private equity, venture … [Read more...] about An Exciting Time for Economic Development in Prescott
mayor
Look at What We’ve Started
Upon taking office in November 2015, I wrote a State of the City article to inform our citizens of the pressing issues facing Prescott. Now, 20 months later, it’s time to provide an update on how far we’ve come in addressing those issues. During my time as mayor, our Prescott City Council and city staff members have made significant strides. Let me summarize: Economic Development Early in my term we undertook a top-to-bottom review of our economic development team and realized we needed a … [Read more...] about Look at What We’ve Started
Seeking Support from the Governor
As the City of Prescott seeks to increase its ability to pay down the massive PSPRS liability that looms over our city, I have been reaching out to mayors in other jurisdictions, all of whom are greatly affected by PSPRS. In June, I sent a letter to Governor Doug Ducey, requesting his support at the State Legislature for PSPRS reform. The letter was signed by 18 mayors. Here are excerpts from that letter: Subject: Request for Executive Support at the State Legislature for PSPRS … [Read more...] about Seeking Support from the Governor
Managing Reservoirs for Water Supply, Recreation
Water is always an important subject in Arizona, and there is an old saying here in the West: “Whiskey is for drinking and water is for fighting.” As mayor, I receive many comments and emails from constituents asking the water levels in the Willow Lake and Watson Lake reservoirs not be lowered, but left "as they are." Present water levels are at a six-year high, making these community assets particularly scenic. The sentiments expressed in emails and verbal comments are understandable. With … [Read more...] about Managing Reservoirs for Water Supply, Recreation
Improving the Quality of Care in Recovery Group Homes
The proliferation of drug and alcohol recovery homes in Prescott is of major concern to our community and has been for the past decade. In conjunction with, and in anticipation of, the passage of Representative Noel Campbell’s H.B. 2107 to regulate structured sober living recovery homes, the City of Prescott is implementing its own plans to improve the health, safety and welfare of clients in these homes. These plans will not only improve the chances for successful treatment and recovery for … [Read more...] about Improving the Quality of Care in Recovery Group Homes
How Does a Business License Fee Help Prescott?
In last month’s QCBN, I described some of the issues and concerns facing the City of Prescott, and stated that in future articles I would provide more detail on individual topics. This month, I will discuss the need to implement a city business license. At the outset, I want to make clear my purpose and intent for the proposed business license is solely as a registry – not a means to regulate or restrict business development. The annual fee, to ensure that the registry is complete and up to … [Read more...] about How Does a Business License Fee Help Prescott?
Veteran Views Mayoral Position as Commitment to Community
Barely two months into his role, Prescott Mayor Harry Oberg is quite open in describing and defining challenges, issues and opportunities that he and the six-member City Council and city staff face. After taking office Nov. 24, Oberg said he is committed to do whatever it takes to create solutions. A priority is resolving of the accumulating debt problem in the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS), he noted. “One of the first needs we have in Prescott and various … [Read more...] about Veteran Views Mayoral Position as Commitment to Community