Leading Chico Forward

By Ann Schwab

As Chico's Mayor, Ann Schwab has built a reputation as a strong leader, working hard to strengthen our economy, create jobs, achieve a balanced budget and address community needs.

Since her election to the Council in 2004, Mayor Schwab has prioritized building a strong economy in the City of Chico. Through the Mayor's Business Advisory Council, she tours local businesses and meets with owners to find out how the City can help them grow their businesses. Introducing the monthly Business Spotlight at Council meetings, Council attention is focused on business needs. Serving on the Economic Development Committee, Mayor Schwab approved funding for the Innovation Lab, providing entrepreneurs space for product development and business consultation. Mayor Schwab initiated the creation of a Sustainable Business Rating System to recognize businesses efforts and provide them with ongoing education. Mayor Schwab regularly attends the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Chico Chamber of Commerce meetings.

As the Chair of the Sustainability Task Force, Mayor Schwab promotes a culture of stewardship within our community to enhance our natural resources, economic interests, and quality of life for present and future generations in the City of Chico by collaboratively developing programs and initiatives which distinguish Chico as a leader in sustainability efforts. Mayor Schwab directed the creation of the City's Climate Action Plan, reinforcing Chico's commitment to reduce global warming. In addition, the Task Force updated the City's Residential Energy Conservation Ordinance to improve the energy efficiency of older homes and administered an Innovators Grant from PG&E designed to implement the changes while providing job force training to City residents. As a member of the Northern Sacramento Valley Integrated Water Management Board, Mayor Schwab is protecting the Tuscan Aquifer, by developing a comprehensive plan to identify projects focused on safeguarding North State ground and surface water.

Believing in building a stronger community, Mayor Schwab is responsive to community concerns. Promoting inclusivity in government and accessibility to City services, Mayor Schwab led the creation of Diversity Action Plan, adopted by Council in 2011. Strengthening partnerships, Mayor Schwab chairs monthly Town Gown Committee meetings to discuss issues of mutual concern of the City, CSU, Chico and Butte Community College and is a member of the Police Community Advisory Board. In addition to meeting with constituents, Mayor Schwab holds regular "Meet the Mayor" events throughout the community to hear community members concerns and answer questions.

Representing the City regionally, Mayor Schwab is a strong advocate for Chico. Mayor Schwab was instrumental in updating the B-Line schedule, decreasing wait times on the busy Route 15 on the Esplanade, making public transportation easier to use. Engaged in the creation of the Regional Habitat Conservation Plan, Mayor Schwab is ensuring this comprehensive tool will allow predictability for development while protecting endangered species and open space In February, Mayor Schwab hosted the first annual State of the Community to bring together representatives of governmental agencies to share their challenges and provide a venue to build a stronger community.