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Resolving Issues For Real People 

Dennis Clark is committed to improving the quality of life for every resident in District 5 through his Thrive for Five Action Plan. With over 20 years of experience in community development, nonprofit leadership, and small business ownership, Dennis has the expertise and dedication needed to bring real solutions to the people. His plan is built on five core pillars, each with specific, actionable steps to ensure every neighborhood in District 5 receives the resources, safety, and support it deserves.
Delivering Results: Thrive for Five Action Plan

Supporting Our Seniors: Advocating for and Protecting Our Senior Community

Our senior citizens have built the foundation of our community, and Dennis is dedicated to ensuring they can continue to thrive. He will advocate for more accessible and affordable services, such as senior transportation, healthcare support, and neighborhood-based programs that enable them to stay active, engaged, and supported within our community. Dennis believes our elders should have a voice in policy decisions that affect them, and he will listen and respond to their needs.. 

 

  • Senior Help Desk: Create a dedicated helpline for seniors to get assistance with services like 311, finding local resources, and getting help with tasks like lawn care.

  • More Programs for Seniors: Add more programs at local senior centers, including health check-ups, tech training, and social activities.

  • Protecting Affordable Housing: Work on zoning policies that prevent developers from displacing seniors from affordable housing.

  • Improving Access to Healthcare: Partner with healthcare providers to expand access to transportation for appointments and telehealth options for seniors.

Improving Community Health: Expanding Access and Addressing Challenges

A healthier community is a stronger community. Dennis Clark is committed to prioritizing public health in District 5 by:

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  • Expand Access to Quality Healthcare: Partner with local health departments to extend services, improve clinic hours, and ensure accessibility for all residents, especially seniors and low-income families.

  • Address Community Violence as a Public Health Crisis: Collaborate with public safety and healthcare professionals to create programs that reduce violence, provide trauma support, and address root causes through conflict resolution and education initiatives.

  • Promote Mental Health Awareness: Advocate for mental health resources, including mobile counseling units and workshops to reduce stigma and increase access to care.

  • Combat Food Insecurity: Establish partnerships with local organizations to create community food pantries and farmers’ markets, while encouraging urban gardening and healthy eating programs.

  • Enhance Recreational Spaces for Wellness: Improve and maintain parks, walking trails, and fitness areas in District 5 to encourage physical activity and community engagement.

Our Fair Share: Ensuring City Services Reach Every Part of District 5

District 5 deserves reliable access to quality city services. Dennis Clark is committed to ensuring that the basics—like road maintenance, sanitation, public transit, and utility management—are fairly distributed and promptly delivered to our neighborhoods. He will work to make city service delivery more transparent and accountable so residents know exactly what to expect and when. 

 

  • Upgrading Our Streets and Sidewalks: Push for repairs to roads, sidewalks, and better street lighting in underserved areas.

  • Improving Public Transit Access: Work with local transit providers to increase routes and frequency for District 5 neighborhoods, making it easier for residents to get around.

  • Service Transparency: Create an online tool where residents can check the status of city services like street repairs, sanitation, and planned improvements.

  • Better Response Times for Resident Requests: Collaborate with city departments to make sure District 5 residents get faster responses when reporting issues like potholes, sanitation, or utility needs.

Economic and Business Corridor Development: Bringing Life Back to Brainerd Road and Highway 58

Revitalizing the Brainerd Road and Highway 58 corridors is essential for our district’s growth and prosperity. Dennis will prioritize policies and partnerships to attract new businesses, support existing ones, and improve the infrastructure needed to make these areas vibrant commercial hubs. His vision includes accessible public transit options, pedestrian-friendly development, and investment in beautification efforts, making these corridors not just routes but destinations.

 

  • Attracting New Businesses: Start a campaign to bring essential services and businesses, like grocery stores and local restaurants, back to the Woodmoore/Brainerd area.

  • Supporting Local Entrepreneurs: Set up a grant program to help new businesses, especially minority-owned ones, cover start-up costs.

  • Improving the Look of Business Areas: Work on beautification efforts along Brainerd Road and Highway 58, including better signage, landscaping, and lighting to make these areas more appealing.

  • Connecting with Local Chambers: Partner with local business groups to support small businesses with networking opportunities and training.

Safer, Stronger Neighborhoods: Reducing Crime and Property Theft

Safety is a top priority for District 5 residents. Dennis Clark’s approach to community safety will focus on reducing violence and car and home break in, by supporting more community policing, enhancing neighborhood watch programs, and partnering with local organizations to provide mentorship and conflict resolution for youth. Through proactive and cooperative strategies, Dennis will work to create neighborhoods where residents feel safe and connected.

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  • Expanding Community Policing: Collaborate with law enforcement to increase patrols in neighborhoods during late night early morning peak crime hours to decrease car and  home break-ins.

  • Supporting Neighborhood Watch Groups: Provide resources for neighborhood watch programs to increase community involvement in keeping our areas safe.

  • Youth Programs to Prevent Violence: Partner with schools and community centers to create youth programs focused on mentorship and conflict resolution.

  • Home Safety Initiatives: Provide residents with access to home security resources like cameras, alarms, and lighting to help prevent property crime.

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