I’d love to see more support for small businesses, more public spaces and events for families and teens, and stronger cooperation between city departments and schools. Carbondale Community High School just expanded its Career and Technical Education programs, which is a great step forward. We also have great resources like the Dentmon Center and youth events through Junior Sports—but we still need more free and accessible activities for young people across the city.

We can also create meaningful change without large budgets by updating our zoning. Allowing small businesses in residential neighborhoods encourages walkability and builds a sense of community. When I was in high school, there was a little grocery store—Jim and Ruth’s—right near the school. My friends and I would walk there almost every day. Shops like that provide not just access to resources, but also connection. They’re the kinds of spaces that make a neighborhood feel alive and economically vibrant.

As well, we need to support neighborhood associations. These groups provide a vital anchor within neighborhoods and offer advocacy, connection, and stability for residents.