Huron poised for growth

Through the ebbs and flows of the pandemic in 2021, Huron was fortunate enough to return to near normalcy after an unpredictable 2020 — as capital projects were initiated and completed and events and festivals populated our civic and social calendars. The ability to move forward, business as usual, was due to several major factors: prudent operational and capital spending in 2020, healthy revenue streams in 2021 and strong relationships with many partners including but not limited to Huron City Schools, EHOVE Career Center, Huron Township and the Huron Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, current and future investments have been reprioritized through an update of the Vision 2020 Masterplan — which aimed to reset the table for major city-driven investments for the next five years. This council-driven process, which was informed by prior community feedback, staff and planning commission members, highlighted several high-level priorities for the city, including: • Redevelopment of the former ConAgra property• Streetscape improvements to Main Street• Taking a more active role in spurring new housing development• Beginning a process to relocate the city's parks/recreation and service facilities• Bolstering investments in quality-of-life amenities such as — local street improvements, park upgrades and enhanced zoning and code enforcement This planning effort however, did not result in the city pausing projects. Several noteworthy investments and announcements were made in 2021. These projects aimed to balance the charm and aesthetic of the community while also positioning Huron to be an even more attractive community to live, work and invest in. Noteworthy projects from 2021 include: • Completion of U.S. 6, Phase I, resurfacing and safety enhancements — which also included the installation of dedicated and delineated bicycle lanes to promote multi-modal transportation and decorative streetlights• Installation of new water lines on Berlin Road which also included a complete resurfacing of the roadway• Completion of Phase III of the Mucci Farms facility and opening of the new Stride Mobility/Safe Harbor Insurance building• Announcement of the over $550 million investment into the former IAC facility by Ardagh Metal Packaging• Selection of NAI Harmon Group as the preferred developer of the former ConAgra site — who has committed to an approximate $25 million investment in residential housing, commercial uses and public green space• Moving forward on the annexation (in partnership with Huron Township) of Sawmill Creek Resort as part of Cedar Fair's $25 million investment As we enter 2022, it is critical we balance new projects and development with ensuring our provision of basic services remains strong. Although new development is needed to ensure the viability and vitality of Huron, it must not be carried out in a manner detrimental to the character and feel that Huron is celebrated for. Public and private investments and projects anticipated for 2022 include: • Through philanthropic support, installation of a new 60x100 public ice-skating rink at Fabens Park• Construction of the ODNR/city-funded public fish cleaning station at the boat launch• Commencement on the reconstruction of Sawmill Parkway which will add underground utilities and additional stormwater mitigation measures• Complete design work for the physical expansion of Huron Public Power to reach additional customers who can benefit from reduced energy costs• Likely commencement and possible completion of several larger economic development projects including Ardagh Metal Packaging, Firelands Scientific, Buckeye Sports and South Shore Marine to name a few• Commencement of Main Street visioning and community engagement process for the redesign of this corridor• Progressing on the redevelopment of the former ConAgra peninsula• Finalizing design and safety measures for U.S. 6 — Phase II• Completion of the Water Plant expansion which will nearly double the capacity of the system creating both greater water security for our residents but also allowing the system to take on additional customers• Adding an additional full-time police officer This year, we are striving to make major investments back into the community — ones that will strengthen Huron's social, cultural and economic well-being. This could not be possible without strong leadership at the council level. Additionally, we are witnessing council and the administration pulling in the same direction to make critical and beneficial investments — ones that have been informed by significant feedback from the public, namely residents, business owners and visitors. A lot of hard work remains to implement this agenda — but I could not be more confident in our ability given our tremendous staff, council guidance and continuous community input pushing us to do and be better.