People from around the world call Monmouth their home, making it

a wonderfully vibrant place to live. WOU students also bring with them a

diversity that enriches our city.  We can strengthen our community by embracing the unique differences of our neighbors. With that, there is more we can do to ensure that everyone feels welcome and safe. 

We need to protect our children. Some walk to school without the safety of sidewalks. During the winter, they must walk in the street in the dark. We also need safe bike routes for our residents to enjoy. 

It’s now apparent that we face an existential threat with the changing climate. As a city, we must find ways to reduce our carbon footprint. 

Affordable housing means more than ensuring the city has enough inexpensive rental units for those who want this type of housing. We also need low-cost houses that people can buy to start building the generational wealth that comes from owning their own home. Support for affordable housing can come from creative partnerships between the city and non-profit agencies that help develop positive housing strategies.