Issues
TRAFFIC
Getting Alpharetta moving has been the top priority for Jimu2019s first term as Mayor. Congestion relief projects on Rucker and Morris Roads are nearing completion and Alpharetta will soon begin work on the next round of projects for Mayfield and Kimball Bridge Roads. If re-elected in November, Jim will continue to work closely with neighboring communities and regional partners on transportation and transit projects that can reduce commute times for our residents and employers, such as the widening of Old Milton Parkway and the GA 400 Flex Lane project with the inclusion of a Bus Rapid Transit component.
GROWTH
Last year Jim promised to serve as a voice for residents and carry out their vision of balanced growth. As mayor, Jim has continued to put residents first by supporting development consistent with the cityu2019s existing land use plan that calls for growth that makes Alpharetta better, not just bigger. A great example of Jimu2019s leadership on the issue has been the revitalization of the Northpoint Mall corridor. As part of the new vision, the vacant Sears building will soon be replaced by a mix of uses where asphalt and concrete are being replaced with public greenspaces and freestanding restaurants in a walkable environment.
TAXES
Jim believes it is critical for a Mayor to be a good steward of taxpayer dollars. This past year, Jim worked with the city council to accommodate the huge reduction in this yearu2019s property assessments without any tax increases and actually provided additional tax relief for property owners by increasing the homestead exemption by $5,000 and increasing the senior homestead exemption by $10,000. If voters approve those tax cuts in the election this November, for the first time in history, Alpharetta will have the highest municipal homestead exemption in Georgia.
PARKS
Jim has always believed a world class parks and recreation department is an important part of what makes Alpharetta special. As a City Councilman and now as Mayor, Jim has consistently supported preservation of our cityu2019s rapidly disappearing greenspaces and the improvement of the recreational facilities and programs to serve our residents. Jim worked to help pass the 2016 parks and greenspace bond, which led to the acquisition of more than 30 acres of new passive park spaces within walking distance of nearby neighborhoods and facilitated the Wills Park Pool renovation which better serves the needs of our community. If re-elected, Jim will continue his good work by completing the final phase of connecting Alpharettau2019s Greenway with Forsyth Countyu2019s for a total of more than 20 miles, expanding the Alpha Loop through the west side of town eventually connecting to the Greenway and activating the recently acquired passive park spaces to make them easily accessible to residents.