The Mid Life Dating Files 2025

How would you improve your community?

How to Fix My Community (According to Me, Before Coffee)

Let me start by saying this: I love my community. Like, really love it. The kind of love where you brag about it to outsiders, defend it fiercely, and also complain about it like family.

Because let’s be honest—every family has “stuff.”

Lately, one of our biggest “stuff” situations is the growing homeless population. Now before anyone grabs their pitchforks or their Facebook keyboard, hear me out—I’ve worked in this space. I’ve seen the needs, the struggles, the stories. It’s complicated.

But also… it’s complicated.

Some days, downtown feels like a mix between a Hallmark movie set and an unexpected episode of “Survivor: Sidewalk Edition.” You’re trying to enjoy a peaceful walk, maybe pop into a shop, maybe live your best small-town-charm life—and suddenly you’re dodging smoke, being asked for cash, and speed-walking like you’re late for a meeting you don’t actually have.

And yes, we have ordinances. And yes, sometimes they seem to be treated more like “suggestions.”

Here’s the real issue: our community has a big heart—and word has gotten out. When you offer more resources than surrounding areas, people will come. Sometimes they come on their own. Sometimes… they get a little “help” arriving here.

So now we’re in this awkward position where we’re trying to be compassionate and maintain quality of life and not become the unofficial drop-off location for neighboring cities.

No pressure, right?

The good news? We have leadership that’s actually trying. That matters. This isn’t a “no one cares” situation—it’s a “this is really hard to solve” situation.

So what do we do?

Well, probably not my first instinct, which—if I’m being honest—involves a one-way bus ticket program and a strongly worded note that says, “Respectfully, we are at capacity.”

(See? This is why I shouldn’t make policy decisions before coffee.)

The real answer is less dramatic and more practical:

Better coordination with surrounding cities so responsibility is shared Stronger enforcement of existing ordinances (because what’s the point otherwise?) More focus on long-term solutions like housing pathways and treatment—not just temporary fixes Protecting the experience of our downtown so people actually want to be there

Because here’s the thing: we can care about people and care about our community at the same time. Those aren’t mutually exclusive.

I want a downtown where families feel comfortable, businesses thrive, and visitors leave thinking, “Wow, what a gem.”

And I also want solutions that don’t just move problems around like a game of municipal hot potato.

So no, I don’t have all the answers. But I do have strong opinions, a deep love for this place, and just enough humor to keep from losing my mind over it.

Which, honestly, might be the most “community leader” thing of all.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to solve the rest of our problems… right after coffee.