ROANOKE, VA – After a dramatic and drawn-out election, Mayor Joe Cobb is finally in office. With a month under his belt, he’s set his sights on the future.
“It’s been exciting. We’ve hit the ground running. A lot of things, a lot of moving pieces,” Cobb said.
He’s surrounded by a team of fresh faces ready to make big changes in Roanoke.
“It’s been great to bring on three new council members, to welcome a new city manager, to begin to build this new team of leadership,” Cobb said.
Last month, Valmarie Turner officially stepped into the role of city manager, and Cobb says working closely with her is a top priority - especially as we navigate the challenges of budget season.
“When we’re looking at our budget, how we continue to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars, she’s an eagle eye,” he said.
But that’s not the only partnership Cobb is focusing on.
We’re seeing a decrease in violence overall. It’s something he credits to a partnership with Chief Booth.
“We’re seeing these lower numbers, that’s really great, but how do we continue with that?” 10 News Anchor Abbie Coleman asked.
“One reporter asked me, when are we going to see results? And I said, ‘We may see them as early as five years, but it’s going to take a good ten years to see that as sustainable.’ And I kind of got mocked by the public for that, but it’s a reality. This is relational work. It’s shifting the culture,” Cobb said.
Another top priority is affordable housing but not only for low-income families.
“Also people who want to move here, because they’re going to work for the new cancer center or the new cardiac care center,” Cobb said.
“Who may not need that low-income housing, but can’t afford others,” Coleman said.
“And they want to find a place to live in the city, so we need to increase inventory and availability,” Cobb said.
As we move forward, Cobb is focused on open communication
“I think if people feel like they have access to their local government leaders, then they’re more apt to reach out to them and connect with them. And I’ve been touched by the number of people who have reached out to me,” Cobb said.
He wants that open communication not just with his team, but with everyone in the city.
Cobb is also focusing on economic opportunity and growth.
One of his goals is to make Roanoke an attractive destination for businesses.
That’s why he’s reviving the Mayor’s Business Summit on March 10th, aiming to provide the support businesses need to thrive in Roanoke.
“The enthusiasm we’re starting to see from the small business community. The idea behind this summit is from start to development. How do you start that business, how do you develop that business to sustain it,” Cobb said.