The Lewis for Mayor campaign is currently making updates to the Issues page to ensure that all information reflects the most current priorities, policies, and community feedback. These changes are part of an ongoing effort to provide clear, transparent, and accessible details about Dr. Kerry B. Lewis’s vision and plans for the city.

During this update period, some sections of the Issues page may be temporarily unavailable or display revised content. The updated page will include expanded information on key topics such as public safety, housing, economic development, education, and community engagement.

The campaign appreciates the community’s patience and understanding as these improvements are completed. The refreshed Issues page will be relaunched soon with comprehensive, easy-to-navigate content that better represents the campaign’s goals and commitments.

Key Issues & Solutions

Public Governance Plan for Daytona Beach

(Neutral, informational, non‑campaign)

🌆 City Operations Reform

A structured approach to improving transparency, efficiency, and accountability in city departments.

  • Audit of all departments — independent review of workflows, spending, and service delivery.

  • Public-facing dashboards — real‑time updates on permits, code enforcement, infrastructure projects.

  • Performance standards — measurable benchmarks for response times, inspections, and public services.

 

🏘️ Housing Stability & Neighborhood Safety

A balanced plan addressing affordability, safety, and responsible development.

  • Strengthened code enforcement to ensure safe rentals and reduce blight.

  • Responsible development rules — stormwater compliance, tree preservation, and infrastructure capacity checks.

  • Neighborhood safety zones — coordinated lighting, patrol presence, and community partnerships.

 

🚓 Public Safety Capacity Rebuild

A long‑term strategy to restore staffing and modernize emergency response.

  • Recruitment incentives for police, fire, and EMS.

  • Civilian support units to handle non‑emergency calls and reduce response times.

  • Technology upgrades — body‑worn cameras, digital reporting, and data‑driven deployment.

 

🚶‍♂️ Downtown & Beachside Revitalization

A plan to strengthen economic activity and improve quality of life.

  • Pedestrian‑priority corridors in select areas to boost foot traffic and business activity.

  • Small business support — streamlined permitting, façade grants, and pop‑up retail zones.

  • Clean & safe initiative — coordinated sanitation, lighting, and public‑space maintenance.

 

🌳 Environmental & Infrastructure Resilience

A forward‑looking approach to stormwater, flooding, and long‑term sustainability.

  • Stormwater system modernization with phased upgrades.

  • Tree canopy protection to reduce heat and improve drainage.

  • Coastal resilience planning — dune restoration, erosion mitigation, and emergency readiness.

 

💼 Economic Growth & Workforce Development

A strategy to strengthen local opportunity and long‑term prosperity.

  • Partnerships with colleges and trade programs for workforce pipelines.

  • Business incubators for local entrepreneurs.

  • Tourism diversification — sports, arts, and eco‑tourism initiatives.

 

🧭 Civic Transparency & Public Trust

A governance model centered on openness and accountability.

  • Quarterly public forums on budget, development, and public safety.

  • Open contracting rules — clear criteria for vendor selection and project approval.

  • Ethics and compliance training for all city staff.

Overdevelopment Plan (Strategic Framework)

Takeaway: The plan focuses on stopping harmful overdevelopment, restoring balance, and putting residents—not developers—back in control.

1. Assessment & Mapping

  • Identify all active, pending, and proposed development projects.

  • Map environmental impact zones, flood‑risk areas, and infrastructure strain points.

  • Flag projects that violate community standards, zoning intent, or long‑term sustainability.

2. Community Standards Reset

  • Establish a clear definition of “responsible development.”

  • Set thresholds for density, traffic load, environmental impact, and affordability requirements.

  • Require community benefit agreements for any major project.

3. Regulatory Tightening

  • Freeze approvals on projects that exceed infrastructure capacity.

  • Strengthen environmental review requirements.

  • Require transparent public hearings with mandatory disclosure of developer contributions.

4. Infrastructure Alignment

  • Tie development approvals to actual infrastructure readiness.

  • Prioritize water, sewer, transportation, and emergency services capacity.

  • Implement a “no net strain” rule—development must pay for its impact.

5. Neighborhood Protection Measures

  • Create buffer zones around historic, coastal, and vulnerable communities.

  • Enforce height, density, and traffic caps.

  • Protect long‑term residents from displacement through stabilization policies.

6. Transparency & Accountability

  • Publish all development applications online.

  • Require conflict‑of‑interest disclosures for officials voting on projects.

  • Launch a public dashboard tracking approvals, denials, and compliance.

 

Day One Actions (Immediate Execution)

1. Issue a Development Pause Directive

  • Temporary halt on approvals for large‑scale or high‑impact projects.

  • Allows time to review, audit, and reset standards.

2. Launch a Full Project Audit

  • Review every active permit, extension, and pending application.

  • Identify violations, inconsistencies, and projects that should be reconsidered.

3. Convene the Infrastructure Readiness Council

  • Bring together utilities, transportation, emergency services, and planning.

  • Require a readiness report for each development zone.

4. Announce the Community Standards Reset

  • Publicly declare the new rules of engagement.

  • Signal that the era of unchecked development is over.

5. Open the Resident Reporting Portal

  • Allow residents to report overdevelopment concerns, zoning violations, and environmental risks.

  • Build trust and transparency from day one.

6. Meet With Impacted Neighborhood Leaders

  • Prioritize communities most affected by overdevelopment.

  • Gather immediate feedback and set expectations for the first 90 days.

7. Publish the 30‑Day Review Timeline

  • Show residents exactly what will be reviewed, when, and by whom.

  • Establish accountability from the start.

 

 

General City Economic Development Policy Plan

Core Takeaway

A city’s economic development plan should build a clear strategic direction, strengthen the business ecosystem, improve workforce readiness, and ensure inclusive, sustainable growth. This requires data-driven planning, cross-department coordination, and transparent performance tracking. 

1. Strategic Vision & Governance

A city’s economic development strategy must begin with a unified vision and coordinated leadership.

  • Citywide Strategic Direction — Define long-term economic goals, success metrics, and priority industries. Strategic plans help cities align stakeholders and make data-based decisions. 
  • Cross‑department Coordination — Economic development is not just one department; planning, permitting, public works, and code enforcement must work together to reduce friction for businesses. 
  • Stakeholder Alignment — Councils, chambers, EDCs, and community partners must share the same priorities to avoid delays and conflicting agendas. 

2. Business Attraction, Retention & Expansion (BRE)

Cities grow fastest when they support existing businesses while strategically attracting new ones.

  • Business Retention & Expansion — Regular outreach, permitting support, and problem‑solving for local employers. BRE is often more impactful than recruitment.
  • Targeted Business Attraction — Use data to identify industries that match the city’s workforce, infrastructure, and market strengths.
  • Regional Collaboration — Neighboring cities provide insight into market trends and opportunities for joint recruitment. Collaboration strengthens the entire region. 

3. Workforce & Talent Development

A strong workforce is the backbone of economic growth.

  • Education & Skills Alignment — Partner with schools, colleges, and training centers to match programs with employer needs.
  • Workforce Recovery & Upskilling — Cities can support training programs, apprenticeships, and certifications, especially in high-demand sectors. 
  • Inclusive Workforce Access — Ensure residents of all backgrounds can access training, transportation, and job opportunities. 

4. Infrastructure & Land Use for Economic Growth

Economic development depends on strong physical and digital infrastructure.

  • Infrastructure Investment Planning — Transportation, broadband, utilities, and industrial sites must support business growth.
  • Urban Infill & Redevelopment — Revitalize underused areas to attract investment and reduce sprawl.
  • Zoning & Permitting Modernization — Streamline processes to reduce delays and increase predictability for developers. 

5. Entrepreneurship & Small Business Support

Small businesses are the largest job creators in most cities.

  • Entrepreneurial Development — Provide incubators, co‑working spaces, technical assistance, and microgrants. 
  • Access to Capital — Partner with CDFIs, banks, and state programs to expand funding options.
  • One‑Stop Business Support Centers — Centralize licensing, permitting, and business assistance to reduce barriers for startups.

6. Inclusive & Equitable Economic Growth

Modern economic development emphasizes shared prosperity.

  • Inclusive Growth Frameworks — Ensure economic opportunity is shared across demographics and neighborhoods. 
  • Neighborhood Revitalization — Invest in underserved areas through infrastructure, incentives, and community partnerships.
  • Access to Opportunity — Improve transportation, childcare, and digital access to remove barriers to employment

7. Tourism, Branding & City Reputation

A city’s reputation influences investment and visitor spending.

  • City Branding & Marketing — Promote the city’s strengths, culture, and business climate.
  • Tourism Development — Support events, attractions, and hospitality infrastructure to boost visitor spending.
  • Customer Experience in City Services — Every interaction—from permitting to public works—shapes the city’s reputation. 

8. Funding, Incentives & Financial Strategy

Cities must use incentives responsibly and transparently.

  • Data‑Driven Incentive Policies — Incentives should be tied to measurable outcomes like job creation and capital investment.
  • Public‑Private Partnerships — Leverage private investment for infrastructure and redevelopment.
  • Five‑Year Fiscal Planning — Use forecasts to align budgets with economic development priorities. 

9. Performance Measurement & Transparency

Tracking progress builds trust and accountability.

  • Economic Dashboards — Publish KPIs such as job growth, business openings, and investment levels. 
  • Annual Reporting — Share results with residents, council, and business partners.
  • Continuous Improvement — Use data to refine strategies and respond to changing conditions. 

Daytona Flea Market & Farmers Market Focus

The Daytona Flea Market and Farmers Market is one of the most unique community spaces in our city — a place where local growers, small vendors, families, and longtime residents all come together.

From fresh produce and local honey to handmade goods, tools, antiques, and weekend treasures, the market reflects the creativity and hard work of the people who make Daytona Beach special. It’s more than a shopping spot — it’s a community hub that supports small business owners and keeps local dollars circulating right here at home.

As a community leader, I’m committed to strengthening the places where our residents and small vendors thrive. That includes exploring ways to support local growers, improve vendor access, and ensure our markets remain vibrant, welcoming, and accessible for everyone.

The Daytona Flea Market and Farmers Market is part of our city’s heartbeat — a place where culture, commerce, and community meet. I’m excited to continue working with residents, vendors, and partners to help this space grow and stay strong for years to come.

Daytona Beach deserves markets that reflect our spirit: hardworking, creative, and full of opportunity. 🌱💛

🗺️ Daytona Beach Neighborhood Implementation Timeline — Starting 2028

🌆 1. Midtown (North & South)

2028–2032: Mid‑Term Implementation

  • Neighborhood Revitalization Zones fully activated with new sidewalks, lighting, and traffic‑calming
  • Mixed‑income housing development on vacant parcels to stabilize long‑term affordability
  • Cultural corridor improvements along Mary McLeod Bethune Blvd
  • Small‑business support for legacy shops and new entrepreneurs

2032–2036: Long‑Term Outcomes

  • Stronger neighborhood identity and safer pedestrian corridors
  • Reduced flooding and improved infrastructure reliability
  • Expanded youth and family services anchored in community centers

🏖️ 2. Beachside (North & South Peninsula)

2028–2032: Mid‑Term Implementation

  • Coastal resilience upgrades including dune restoration and seawall reinforcement
  • Main Street redevelopment with walkability, storefront improvements, and event programming
  • Mixed‑use redevelopment incentives for aging commercial blocks
  • Parking and mobility plan balancing resident and visitor needs

2032–2036: Long‑Term Outcomes

  • A modern, walkable Beachside district
  • Stronger storm protection for homes and businesses
  • A balanced tourism–residential environment

🌳 3. Derbyshire / Mason Avenue Corridor

2028–2032: Mid‑Term Implementation

  • Affordable housing preservation program for older rental units
  • Community health partnerships including mobile clinics and wellness events
  • Greenway planning and early construction linking Derbyshire to Downtown
  • Expanded recreation programming at Derbyshire Park and nearby schools

2032–2036: Long‑Term Outcomes

  • Safer streets with improved lighting and pedestrian access
  • Stronger youth and family support systems
  • A connected greenway network improving mobility and recreation

🌅 4. Downtown / Beach Street / Riverfront

2028–2032: Mid‑Term Implementation

  • Historic building restoration grants for façades and adaptive reuse
  • Pedestrian‑priority zones along Beach Street
  • Cultural district development including galleries, performance spaces, and public art
  • Riverfront activation with markets, concerts, and family‑friendly events

2032–2036: Long‑Term Outcomes

  • A vibrant, walkable Downtown with year‑round activity
  • Stronger arts and cultural identity
  • Increased economic activity and small‑business growth

🏡 5. LPGA / Westside Growth Area

2028–2032: Mid‑Term Implementation

  • New community center offering recreation, meeting space, and senior services
  • Greenway network construction connecting neighborhoods to Tiger Bay and Tomoka
  • Public safety expansion including a new fire station
  • Road capacity improvements on LPGA Blvd, Williamson, and Clyde Morris

2032–2036: Long‑Term Outcomes

  • A fully integrated, well‑planned growth corridor
  • Reduced congestion and improved mobility
  • Stronger public services for rapidly growing neighborhoods

✈️ 6. Airport / Embry‑Riddle / Industrial Corridor

2028–2032: Mid‑Term Implementation

  • Aviation & tech innovation hub development with ERAU and industry partners
  • Road improvements around Bellevue, Clyde Morris, and the airport loop
  • Noise‑mitigation strategies for nearby residential areas
  • Transit access upgrades for students and workers

2032–2036: Long‑Term Outcomes

  • A regional center for aviation, engineering, and logistics
  • High‑wage job creation and workforce development pipelines
  • Improved transportation connectivity across the corridor