To foster smart growth, Amy will:
- Improve and monetize local parks and recreational areas through year-round events and beautification.
- Launch a campaign to market Olean’s natural beauty, vibrant arts, and culinary scene as tourism and relocation incentives.
- Attract new businesses and remote workers by investing in tech infrastructure and renewable energy.
- Leverage Olean’s water resources and location to attract high-tech and data-driven industries.
- Advocate for urban living developments to expand housing options and the property tax base.
Olean’s Economic Growth
A thriving Olean means supporting local businesses and attracting new opportunities. I will advocate for smart economic policies that encourage new business and retain existing ones. In this rapidly changing 21st century technological revolution, Olean needs to be prepared to change with it. Manufacturing will always be part of our landscape, along with Health Care and Educational Services. I propose we add to our list, Information & Technology Services.
Data centers and high-tech manufacturing demand 100% renewable energy. Olean, situated on the Allegheny River watershed, has plenty of water. We will seek federal investments in fiber optics and identify shovel ready land for development with room to grow. We will partner with our energy suppliers using solar and hydropower to help reduce costs and the carbon footprint. We will attract and retain tech talent through education offered by our area colleges and universities. I propose our city increase our population by implementing a program to provide incentives for remote workers who move to and buy or rent a home in Olean. This model has been successful in other cities. Tulsa Remote has welcomed over 3,500 talented remote workers with the help of financial incentives and community benefits and support. Detroit has emerged as a tech hub due to its automotive history in manufacturing, fostering innovation and growing tech ecosystem. Olean has the possibility for this type of growth. Olean has access to an airfield within twelve miles of the city; Cattaraugus County/Olean Airport can serve both corporate and personal aircraft. And Olean is strategically located adjacent to Interstate 86, providing convenient travel routes and easy access to various amenities. With this kind of development, it will require an increase in home options. Every comprehensive study of Olean repeats the same suggestion for more urban living options. Let us take that advice and look to the future with increasing the housing market options with our existing developers, which will increase our property tax base and share the cost of services the city provides for all.
Our natural resources and beautiful surroundings are a huge asset to Olean. We need to maximize the potential of our year-round outdoor activities. Kayaking on the Allegheny, leaf peeping, Santa Claus Lane, world-class public art, and some of the best food in the nation, Olean is a unique city with much to celebrate. We will expand and improve the quality of our parks and recreational facilities by introducing revenue-generating activities and events that attract tourists for extended visits rather than just a single day. We will improve the appearance of our green spaces and keep them well maintained, because public spaces such as our parks speak for our community and convey what we value the most. Marketing Olean is at an all-time low, which is unacceptable in the informational age of social media. I see a future where the climate and quality of life in Olean will surpass the fast pace and cost of living in other cities. I vow to create a comprehensive plan to brand our community as the place to be, market our strengths, capitalize on our assets, and open the door wide open for new businesses by making it advantageous for start-up companies and remote workers who bring their company with them. And I will lead this effort as a mayor who delivers on promises with a home-grown exuberance and love for our community.