Our city deserves more than piecemeal fixes — it needs a strong, holistic vision for the future. This isn't about scattered ideas or short-term wins; it's about building a city where every neighborhood, every family, and every future has a place to thrive. Together we can build a city that truly serves all of us.
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New Bern has some of the best parks in Eastern North Carolina. What we lack is connectivity to these locations. My plan would better integrate our neighborhoods, our parks, and our local businesses. Bringing back local corner stores will work to strengthen that small town feel that makes our city so special.
HOW WE DO IT
Develop Martin Marietta to expand its natural beauty
Increase walking and biking connectivity to local parks
Integrate our neighborhoods with existing parks
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A government exists to protect the rights of its citizens and to serve the common good. But that only works if leaders are accessible and accountable. As your alderman, I will answer calls, show up to meetings, and do the work—not just hold the title. Let’s remove the barriers that keep citizens in the dark and make sure our government is truly working for the people.
HOW WE DO IT
I personally plan to posting a monthly update video that will quickly and accurately inform the public on all that our city is working on.
Creating a quarterly listening session in each of our 6 wards will allow us to hear the voices of all our citizens.
Commit being an accessible leader who shows up to meetings.
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We are in the midst of a global cost of living crisis. It is becoming more and more expensive to just maintain the same standard of living. This is especially difficult for young adults in todays economy. New Bern may not be able to change the world, but we can do our part to make sure our citizens know that our city is dedicated to not exacerbating this crisis.
HOW WE DO IT
Working with developers to increase the supply of quality housing.
Streamline Rezoning Policies to save citizen's money & speed up development.
Reforming Zoning and Permitting to allow young families to make New Bern home.
Adopt a Zero-Base Budgeting System to ensure your money is wisely spent.
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New Bern has grown by over 8k new residents since 2000. As we look at the next 25 years, New Bern needs a comprehensive plan that will direct our efforts to build a prosperous and beautiful community. This includes working with federal, state, and county governments to begin creating plans for public transit, new transportation alternatives downtown. Let's work to expand that character throughout the entirety of our city. New Bern is more than just Downtown. Communities like Greenbrier, Ghent, Fort Totten, and more all deserve
HOW WE DO IT
Increasing mixed-use zoning to ensure.
Strengthen the Redevelopment Commission to
Eliminating local regulations that restrict the growth of business.
Utilizing our federal "Opportunity Zone" designation to encourage business to start and relocate to New Bern.
Work with Federal, State, and County government to begin developing a safe and affordable 10 year plan for public transportation.
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Tryon Palace, Christ Church, the Pepsi Store: these are land marks that make New Bern what it is. Let's work to ensure that these landmarks and the areas around them are properly maintained. But that is just a beginning. We need to not only preserve the old, but seek to create new landmarks that will continue our legacy.
HOW WE DO IT
Create "Urban Village" zoning designation that will create downtown-like communities throughout our city.
Work with County, State, and Federal governments to ensure our local landmarks are protected and promoted.
Promoting distinctive and beautiful styles of architecture, lighting, and aesthetic in our public buildings and spaces
I Want To Hear From You
This is more than politics. This campaign is about creating a community that has its citizen at its center. I want to know hear from you.
By responding to the attached survey, you not only express your opinion, but allow me to create a wholistic vision for our city.
All information is kept private
REFRESH & RENEW OUR TOWN
MANNY RUIZ
ALDERMAN WARD 5