My Priorities for Maplewood
Strong communities are built by listening, working together, and making thoughtful investments in the people and places that make Maplewood home.
Economic Development
Creating a City of Opportunity
A stronger local economy starts with supporting the businesses already here while creating opportunities for new investment and good jobs.
- Prioritize small and local businesses in city contracting, events, and redevelopment opportunities.
- Encourage responsible growth near transit corridors and in underused commercial areas.
- Use data and technology to guide decisions and support long-term economic stability.
- Connect residents and businesses to training, career pathways, and support programs through regional partnerships.
Community Engagement
Building Trust, Voice, and Partnership
Residents should have a meaningful voice before decisions are made—not simply be informed after the fact.
- Host monthly Coffee and Conversation events with the Mayor.
- Strengthen relationships with cultural, faith, neighborhood, and community organizations.
- Make it easier to see how resident feedback influences city decisions.
- Improve language access and create more opportunities for two-way communication.
- Reduce barriers to participation and encourage broader representation on boards and commissions.
Public Safety
Safety Through Trust, Prevention, and Accountability
Safe neighborhoods depend on well-supported first responders, strong relationships, and strategies that address problems before they escalate.
- Invest in prevention through youth engagement, mental health response, and community support.
- Improve coordination among public safety teams, schools, nonprofits, and service providers.
- Promote transparency and accountability to strengthen public trust.
- Ensure first responders have the training, resources, and clear expectations they need.
- Measure success through community outcomes and relationships—not enforcement alone.
Infrastructure & Quality of Life
Investing in the Everyday Experience
Parks, sidewalks, public spaces, green spaces, and reliable city services shape how residents experience Maplewood every day. Protecting the natural places that make Maplewood special must go hand in hand with responsible planning for our city's future.
- Rebuild Maplewood's Parks and Recreation department and expand activities for all ages.
- Improve sidewalks, public spaces, facilities, and everyday infrastructure.
- Modernize city services to make them more accessible and efficient.
- Plan ahead for building maintenance and avoid costly deferred repairs.
- Coordinate investments in transit, housing, and public spaces to better connect neighborhoods.
- Protect parks, trails, natural areas, and green spaces through thoughtful stewardship and responsible development.
- Evaluate projects for their long-term quality-of-life impact as well as their cost.
Listening to the People Who Care for Maplewood.
“Chonburi is incredibly friendly, welcoming, and cheerful. He takes time to listen to residents to understand the details of their concerns. His considerate conversations and commitment to fairness are truly refreshing! Currently a dedicated city council member, he will be an excellent mayor for our city!”
Carole GernesRetired Maplewood Natural Resources Coordinator and former Nature Center naturalistMaplewood resident for more than 30 years
A City of Opportunity, Moving Forward.
Leadership begins with listening. Together, we can build a City of Opportunity for everyone who calls Maplewood home.