Vision

The P.O.N.T.I.A.C. Promise

P – Public Safety

Ensuring safe neighborhoods is the foundation for a thriving city. By investing in community policing and proactive crime prevention, we can build trust and protect every resident.

  • Strengthen Community Policing: Facilitate regular forums between law enforcement and residents, launch neighborhood watch programs, and promote advanced officer training (e.g., de-escalation, mental health response).

  • Invest in Prevention: Expand youth engagement programs, conflict-resolution initiatives, and support services that address the root causes of crime.

O – Opportunity

Pontiac should be a place where everyone has the chance to succeed. By supporting job training, small businesses, and youth mentorship, we empower residents to shape their own futures.

  • Boost Job Readiness: Partner with local employers, trade schools, and nonprofits to create internships, apprenticeships, and skill-development workshops.

  • Foster Economic Growth: Streamline licensing for new businesses, provide resources for entrepreneurs, and champion fair-wage opportunities that keep talent in Pontiac.

N – Neighborhoods

A city’s vitality shines through its neighborhoods. Strategic renewal efforts—from blight removal to affordable housing—strengthen community pride and quality of life.

  • Revitalize Spaces: Prioritize demolition or rehabilitation of abandoned properties, promote public art and beautification projects, and encourage community-led clean-up days.

  • Enhance Housing & Infrastructure: Advocate for affordable housing developments, improve roads and sidewalks, and ensure balanced investment across all wards.

T – Training

Proper training for all residents—young and old—is the backbone of a thriving city. By equipping people with relevant skills, educational resources, and hands-on support, Pontiac can build a more competitive workforce and empower every individual to succeed.

  • Comprehensive Workforce Development: Collaborate with businesses, trade schools, and nonprofits to offer job-readiness workshops, apprenticeships, and leadership programs tailored to local industry needs.

  • Ongoing Skills & Education: Provide short-term courses in areas like digital literacy, financial planning, and soft skills, ensuring youth and seniors alike can adapt to evolving job markets and everyday life challenges.

I – Inclusion

Every resident—regardless of age, background, or ability—deserves a voice in city decisions. By fostering intergenerational partnerships and equitable resource distribution, we ensure Pontiac’s progress benefits all.

  • Promote Equity: Invite diverse voices onto boards and commissions, and track city spending to ensure every ward is treated fairly.

  • Unite Generations: Create mentorship programs pairing seniors with youth, support cultural and interfaith events, and celebrate the richness of Pontiac’s diversity.

A – Accountability

Transparent governance builds trust. By holding ourselves to high ethical standards and regularly engaging with the public, we’ll make sure every voice is heard and every dollar is spent responsibly.

  • Open Government: Publish budgets, meeting agendas, and project updates online; host frequent town halls where residents can speak directly to city officials.

  • Measurable Goals: Set clear benchmarks for public safety, economic development, and infrastructure improvements—then report back on progress so citizens can track results.

C – Collaboration

Strong partnerships form the backbone of a successful city. When residents, businesses, and local organizations work together, we can tackle Pontiac’s toughest challenges and celebrate its greatest strengths.

  • Empower Local Initiatives: Provide grants, trainings, and resources to neighborhood groups, youth organizations, and grassroots efforts.

  • Public-Private Partnerships: Engage local businesses, nonprofits, and faith groups to invest in community programs, creating shared ownership of Pontiac’s future.