Lakeville Mayor Little Talks Job Growth in State of City

Editor's note: The following was a press release from Mayor Matt Little.

To view the 2013 State of the City address, click here.

At the Lakeville State of the City Address, on March 21, Mayor Matt Little addressed a crowd of over 100 people at Brackett’s Crossing Country Club. The mayor discussed Lakeville’s future and present “through the lens of its enduring past.”

He illustrated Lakeville as a figurative town square; “Whether from the business, nonprofit, or public sectors, each of you has played a crucial role in building Lakeville’s present strength. As we move forward, we must all work together to build Lakeville’s bright future,” he said.  He explained “this vision of my hometown may seem old fashioned but it’s important to me: because although Lakeville is now a big city, I still want to be a small town mayor.”

Mayor Little discussed Lakeville’s progression by “synthesizing new found tradition and old-fashioned innovation.” The majority of the address focused on growing Lakeville’s businesses and jobs.

Mayor Little stressed the importance of maintaining Lakeville’s “friendly” business climate in order to produce more jobs, noting that 35 new businesses in 2012 brought Lakeville’s city-wide total surpassing 1,097 employers.  This has resulted in a low unemployment rate of 5.4 percent.  He touched on the “Open to Business” program, the implementation of Lakeville’s “Business Marketing Strategy,” and the benefits of the “Business Incentive Package” he proposed during his 2012 campaign.  Little explained that these will “enhance” Lakeville’s regional “position and visibility.”

The address also discussed the expansion, maintenance, and modernization of Lakeville’s infrastructure and development. “These are essential city functions that can cultivate a fertile climate for job growth and neighborhood development,” said Little.

He gave significant credit to the Fire Department, Police Department, and Lakeville’s Parks and Recreation. He noted that Lakeville was recognized as one of the “100 Safest Cities in America.” Lakeville’s fire safety rating was elevated by the ISO, which will save homeowners money on insurance rates.  Mayor Little highlighted that Lakeville now has a top notch park system with 58 parks and 27 green spaces.

Little closed by referencing his vision of Lakeville in the context of a town square; “where everyone has a part to play, and job to do, to build a better city, and forge a brighter future.”