Our accomplishments

Kerry is a leader who listens, learns, discerns, and then takes action. As Mayor, Kerry has made significant and meaningful progress on a whole host of issues—with more to come.

    • Streamlined resident service systems, dramatically reducing backlogs and improving response times for community requests and public records

    • Modernized Boards & Commissions application process, making it easier for residents to get involved

    • Established a clear set of administration-wide values to guide decision-making and communication

    • Launched priorities-based budgeting to better align city spending with community needs

    • Built a more unified leadership team focused on collaboration and results

    • Expanded direct community engagement through door-knocking, traveling town halls, and regular office hours

    • Initiated a full city website redesign to improve accessibility and usability (in progress)

    • Organized downtown community cleanups to strengthen neighborhood pride

    • Created a culture of performance measurement across departments, focusing on results and accountability

    • Achieved full staffing for the Fire Department and secured a new union contract

    • Advanced renovations at key fire stations to improve service delivery

    • Rebuilt the police hiring pipeline, welcoming the largest class of new officers in decades

    • Expanded alternative response programs, including 24/7 coverage and integrated social services

    • Reduced violent crime by over 24% in 2024

    • Invested in modern tools and facilities for public safety personnel, including a future police headquarters

    • Strengthened community-based safety efforts through targeted grants supporting outreach, recovery, and violence prevention

    • Expanded Mobile Integrated Health programs, including telehealth partnerships

    • Completed $2.5 million in downtown street and ADA accessibility upgrades

    • Developed a long-term roadmap to modernize water infrastructure

    • Advanced utility planning and rate case work to ensure system sustainability

    • Conducted parking and infrastructure studies to guide future investments

    • Strengthened emergency response through after-action reviews following major storms

    • Implemented improvements to water quality and odor control

    • Implemented market-based compensation citywide to ensure fair and competitive pay

    • Updated the employee handbook for the first time in over a decade

    • Digitized onboarding processes to improve efficiency for new hires

    • Established consistent job classifications and career pathways for employees

    • Expanded leadership and supervisor training to promote accountability and a positive workplace culture

    • Enforced housing standards by holding negligent property owners accountable

    • Resolved federal compliance issues, protecting critical housing funding

    • Implemented a more consistent, compassionate approach to encampment management

    • Advanced the Hopewell vision for inclusive, mixed-income housing

    • Increased public engagement in long-term housing planning efforts

    • Improved permitting processes and development standards

    • Secured a transformative $16 million investment through the Lilly College & Community Collaboration grant

    • Advanced the convention center expansion and supported new downtown development

    • Celebrated major community investments, including The Forge and Hopewell Commons

    • Launched a citywide branding and identity initiative

    • Welcomed over 100,000 visitors back to the Farmers' Market, signaling strong community recovery

    • Expanded public transit access, including service to Ivy Tech

    • Advanced the Downtown Action Plan to support a vibrant, inclusive downtown

    • Developed new tools like heat and air quality mapping to support public health

    • Strengthened regional partnerships through initiatives like Project 46

    • Expanded accessibility efforts, including digital access and inclusive park features

    • Increased environmental transparency and sustainability leadership

    • Launched programs to support tree canopy growth and neighborhood resilience