Silvius shares State of the City address

Red Oak Mayor Shawnna Silvius has given her latest State of the City address. The Red Oak Express is sharing a few of the highlights from that address. A link to the entire address will be provided at the end of the article.
Silvius said as the city continues BuildingCommUNITY in Red Oak, the collective work is stronger, more unified, more transparent, and ever more forward-thinking. From housing to high-speed internet, major infrastructure projects to exciting events, and the growth of partnerships that bind everyone together, 2024 was a year of significant progress.
She then shared a few highlights of achievements, as well as plans for the future.
“While the Mayor’s primary roles are to set vision, lead through intentional planning and bring forward issues and opportunities, to represent the city and community, to advocate for projects, issues and policies, to establish proclamations and disaster declarations, overall the Mayor’s main responsibilities lie with ensuring public safety and the overall economic health of the community. It is the city council who has the voting power to establish policy, approve projects, and ensure fiscal responsibility and accountability. Together with exceptionally talented and devoted staff, I feel we’ve been more than successful.” Silvius said.
Among the highlights of Silvius’ address were:
• Acknowledgement of the city council members, both past and present who established policy, approved projects and ensured fiscal responsibility and accountability.
• 2024 accomplishments:  housing options, residential fiber internet network, infrastructure assessment, building unity and partnerships, hosting RAGBRAI, growing a strong city leadership team and proficient operations, housing development, and affordable housing initiatives
• Strides towards consistent nuisance abatement enforcement, building new homes, and fiber installation
• Completion of several necessary studies to assess all critical and essential infrastructure, equipment, processes and technology to meet growth goals
• RAGBRAI – A City United, strengthening relationships with key program and development partners, fellow leaders in surrounding towns, and regional and state officials and organizations
• Strong leadership teams - staffing and operational improvements including significant changes in city staffing and operations with a focus on improving efficiency, service delivery, transparency, accountability, fiscal responsibility, and responsiveness to the needs of residents
• Looking ahead: Goals and priorities – Red Oak’s Four Pillars for Progress for 2025. actionable items from our newly adopted Comprehensive Plan are: improve visual appearance, improve housing inventory, improve and expand existing infrastructure, and enhanced recreational opportunities.
• Fiscal responsibility, accountability and transparency: The City continues to balance efficient and effective use of funds while continuing to provide the services our citizens want
• Other items of attention include continuing to advance fiber and technological innovation including the continuation of fiber optic construction.
• Continue strengthening community connections and Engagement. The City will continue to strengthen the fabric of the community.
•  Support economic growth and job creation: As the city continues supporting the initiatives of the chamber and economic development partners, they will continue to advocate for building the most prosperous future
• State to local: Red Oak is in a much stronger position than it was several years ago. Officials are actively striving to retain and reach  retirees and millennials and maintain the same underlying expectations for our local government and community.
To view the Mayor’s complete State of the City address, visit youtube.com/watch?v=ACID3Qe4KWk.