Spotlight On: Martin Mudd, Mayor, City of Dayton
September 2024 — In an interview with Invest:, Mayor Martin Mudd of Dayton underscored that the city has prioritized infrastructure enhancements and economic development. Focused on promoting growth while maintaining Dayton’s unique sense of community, Mudd’s administration has strategically targeted the industrial and retail sectors to bolster employment opportunities and economic diversity.
What are the major contributions or impacts of your office in Dayton?
My administration has prioritized infrastructure improvements, focusing on enhancing our city’s infrastructure. This includes significant upgrades and new additions to stay ahead of our rapid growth. We’ve also worked on bolstering our incentive programs for local businesses and supporting the Gulf Inland Logistics Park.
What unique perspectives do you bring to your role, and how do you plan to address Dayton’s needs?
We’re focused on delivering what the public desires, from retail options to job opportunities. By engaging with our residents and keeping them informed about developments, such as new housing and anticipated job growth, we aim to fulfill their priorities. Our community is our top priority, and we’re committed to meeting their needs.
What specific industries or sectors does Dayton aim to attract or develop for economic growth?
Dayton is currently focusing on sectors that offer significant employment opportunities, given their potential to strengthen our economic base. A prime example is the Gulf Inland Logistics Park, an industrial facility in Dayton that has recently facilitated the entry of two companies into our town, promising numerous job opportunities. This focus aligns with our community’s demand for employment and supports our broader objectives, such as improving road conditions and expanding water and sewer infrastructure to accommodate growth. The strategic location of the Logistics Park, near major corridors like Hwy 146, Hwy 90, and the Grand Parkway, enhances our transportation capabilities, essential for moving goods and people efficiently. Initially started with approximately 13,000 acres for industrial development, we anticipate this will lead to the creation of thousands of jobs, thereby offering substantial employment prospects for our residents. In addition to industrial development, we’re targeting the retail sector to complement the increase in residential developments. Over the last two years, plans for 5,000 new residential lots have been proposed, which will naturally attract retail businesses, including fast food and shopping outlets, further diversifying our economic landscape. Additionally, attractions like the Angel Lagoon and potential new entertainment venues like skating rinks and a beer garden are part of our strategy to make Dayton a comprehensive community for living, working, and playing.
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How does Dayton stand out as a unique city in Texas?
Dayton’s uniqueness stems from its strong sense of community and unity. Despite our growth, we’ve managed to maintain the close-knit, community-minded spirit that defines our town. This cohesion was highlighted in my recent state of the city address, where I emphasized our collective efforts to support one another despite any differences. Initiatives like the “Buy Local, Shop Local” program have successfully encouraged residents to invest their spending within Dayton, strengthening our local economy and reinforcing our community bonds. As Dayton continues to expand, we face challenges inherent to growth, yet the unity between the council, the mayor’s office, and the city manager’s office has been instrumental in navigating these challenges effectively. This collaborative approach is reflected in the community’s overall spirit, making Dayton stand out as a supportive environment for both new and established businesses. Our commitment to supporting each other is a testament to what sets Dayton apart, fostering a welcoming and supportive atmosphere for business ventures and new residents alike.
What channels are available to foster community engagement?
Our council meetings are always open to the public, offering a direct platform for participation. We hold several public meetings, especially during updates to our comprehensive plan and our downtown master plan, to gather input from the community. It’s crucial for us to listen to public feedback during these times, including our budget meetings and workshops, which are also open to the public. Additionally, to improve accessibility, council meetings can now be viewed on YouTube, a change I was keen to implement. Ensuring availability to the public is something I take seriously, to the extent that it sometimes impacts my personal time, but I see it as vital to our work.
We’re introducing “Coffee and Donuts with the Mayor,” a quarterly event designed to foster open dialogue. It’s an informal opportunity for community members to meet not only with myself but also with other city officials, enhancing our approach to transparency and engagement.
What steps is your administration taking to ensure financial stability and transparency?
Misconceptions about our financial status have been challenging. Our city is performing as it should, though we faced issues with our utility fund due to long-standing rates that were too low. We’ve adjusted these rates, ensuring the fund is self-sufficient and no longer requires subsidies from the general fund. Our finance director provides monthly reports to the City Council, and we maintain a page on our website detailing our financial status to ensure ongoing transparency. Dayton is in a strong position, though, like any city, we’re looking to improve our infrastructure, which requires funding. Our commitment to transparency and open communication remains a top priority.
How are you ensuring the development of affordable and accessible transportation systems for residents?
Transportation in Dayton presents unique challenges as we lack extensive public transportation. Our primary system is the Brazos Valley Transportation System, which services not just Dayton but the broader Liberty County. It’s our sole public transit option. In collaboration with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), we’re working on enhancing traffic flow. A significant upcoming project is the overpass at State Highway 90. Given our major rail system, this overpass is crucial for improving the movement of goods and people, addressing the interruptions caused by train traffic.
How are you improving public safety in Dayton?
Public safety is a priority in Dayton. We work closely with county and state officials to implement comprehensive safety measures. Our police officers, firefighters, and first responders do an exceptional job. Without divulging sensitive details, I can say our police department has been remarkably effective at addressing crime swiftly, even in ongoing situations.
We’re committed to maintaining high standards for our public safety personnel. This includes competitive salaries for our police to attract and retain top talent. Our recent budget enhancements have focused on providing the police and our volunteer fire department with the necessary resources, including new equipment funded through grants and budget allocations. While our safety efforts are not perfect, we continuously adapt to our growing population’s needs to ensure their safety and well-being.
How have economic shifts impacted Dayton?
The economic climate has impacted Dayton, particularly around development. The rise in interest rates has led to a slowdown in residential development. Some projects have been put on hold, waiting for more favorable conditions. While growth hasn’t stopped, the pace of development, from the planning stages to actual construction, has noticeably slowed.
What are your strategic priorities for the city?
Our priorities are largely influenced by council directives, with our foremost priority being to address our road infrastructure. This encompasses not just the major corridors but also residential and collector streets. We’re utilizing bonds to fund these initiatives, focusing initially on upgrading our underlying water and sewer infrastructure to facilitate road repairs. Secondly, we’re closely monitoring our financial health, having recently completed an audit to ensure we maintain a robust utility fund. Lastly, transparency is key for us. We aim to keep the public well-informed about city developments through various communication channels, including text messaging for rapid updates.
What is your outlook for Dayton over the next two to three years?
Over the next few years, our focus remains on infrastructure and road maintenance. We’ve allocated significant funds for these projects, supported by state grants to address aging water and sewer lines alongside road repairs. We’re also prioritizing the development of a new overpass to improve traffic flow and emergency response times, working closely with state agencies to ensure its completion. Transparency and accountability in our operations, engaging with our community and ensuring they see the value in their contributions through enhanced city events and programs, remain pivotal. This approach supports our goal for measured, sustainable growth that accommodates our infrastructure and community needs.
Dayton is open for business. We are actively seeking business development and relocation opportunities. We’re positioned as a central hub with excellent accessibility, underscored by our readiness to support and incentivize new businesses. Our community’s resilience and strategic planning make Dayton an attractive option for business owners and developers alike, emphasizing our commitment to growth and prosperity for all.
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