Jamestown Mayor Kim Ecklund is pictured taking the oath of office in January. As she wraps up the first year in office, Ecklund has looked back at some of the challenges and is looking forward to the future. P-J file photo

As the world reaches the end of 2024, Jamestown Mayor Kim Ecklund is also reaching the end of her first year in office.

For Ecklund, the first year as Mayor of Jamestown has been “both challenging and deeply rewarding.” Previously serving on the city council for over 20 years before becoming Mayor is something that she said has only strengthened her love and commitment to the city.

“In this new capacity, my dedication to Jamestown’s success and well-being has grown even deeper,” Ecklund said. “While my experience on the Council has provided a solid foundation, transitioning into this leadership role has revealed the complexity of city governance and the immense responsibility I carry in serving the people of Jamestown. Every decision I make is driven by the desire to improve the lives of our residents and ensure Jamestown’s continued growth and prosperity for future generations.”

This is a responsibility that Ecklund said she does not take lightly, adding that she is committed to working tirelessly on a daily basis to make the best decisions for the city and its residents, adding that she has not taken a day off all year.

“Throughout my first year, my team and I have faced a range of challenges, each presenting unique obstacles we had not anticipated,” Ecklund said. “Some situations were unexpected and required quick, decisive action, while others revealed deeper, systemic issues that require long-term strategies. Our staff has remained dedicated to addressing both immediate concerns and the underlying causes of persistent challenges, always keeping our community’s needs at the forefront. Each of these experiences has tested our resilience and sharpened our approach, reinforcing our commitment to making Jamestown a stronger, more prosperous city for all its residents.”

Possibly the biggest and most pressing issue of Ecklund’s first term has been homelessness and the declaration of the state of emergency. Specifically, Ecklund said part of this issue was the rise of illegal encampments that placed a “tremendous strain” on the community.

“This summer, we allocated over $100,000 to address the immediate and urgent need to clean up these encampments,” Ecklund said. “While this was necessary to ensure public safety, prevent environmental damage, and protect the health of our residents, it was only a small part of the larger issue.”

The Declaration of a State of Emergency in regards to the homelessness issue Ecklund described as a pivotal moment that allowed vital lines of communication between various agencies, government entities, non-profits and faith-based groups to be established, a collaboration that Ecklund said is crucial.

“Our efforts have shown that when we unite as a community, we can make meaningful strides,” Ecklund said. “The coordinated clean-ups not only addressed the immediate physical concerns but also encouraged several individuals to seek long-term solutions for their homelessness, as well as for the mental health and addiction issues that often accompany it. While we have made progress, we know that homelessness is a complex, evolving issue that will require continued focus and adaptation.”

While this is not a challenge unique to Jamestown, Ecklund said by maintaining partnerships with local organizations, state agencies, and other municipalities, the city is confident that they can continue to find effective, sustainable solutions and are committed to providing compassionate care and practical resources, and will keep pushing for long-term strategies to end homelessness in the community.

A second critical issue for Ecklund this year has been maintaining the financial health of the city.

“We have faced several challenges, but we are actively taking steps to stabilize our finances and set a strong foundation for the future,” Ecklund said. “A major priority was completing the 2022 audit, which had been left unfinished by the prior administration. We are now in the process of finalizing the 2023 audit, and moving forward, we will ensure that audits are completed on time to comply with state regulations and provide transparency for our residents.”

Other financial problems have included serious issues in the 2024 budget, impacted by “overly optimistic” revenue projections for sales tax and EMS collections, and Ecklund said the failure to apply for key funding sources and other miscalculations — such as underestimating costs for the Police and Fire Retirement systems, health and dental expenses, and Medicare premiums — have added additional pressure to the city’s financial outlook. Other issues include ARPA funds no longer being available to cover gaps in the budget, and stagnant AIM funding from the state.

The city is also in the midst of ongoing labor negotiations, which are expected to bring additional costs to the city and the city is also facing challenges from tax assessment litigation, with several cases already happening and more expected to come.

“Despite these difficulties, we are committed to making the tough decisions necessary to keep Jamestown financially strong,” Ecklund said. “We are working diligently to manage expenses, pursue new revenue opportunities, and advocate for support from both state and federal resources to ensure that our city remains on a path toward long-term financial health.”

One other priority for Ecklund during her first year has been to connect with the local businesses of Jamestown, including retail, service industries, manufacturing, and other small businesses.

“I have visited numerous local businesses, conducted many tours, and had the opportunity to engage with both business owners and their employees,” Ecklund said. “I have seen firsthand the pride and dedication that goes into their work, from the high-quality products manufactured in our factories to the exceptional customer service offered in our shops. Hearing directly from employees and learning about the challenges they face has been both eye-opening and inspiring.”

Ecklund said she has worked on creating open lines of communication between City Hall and these local businesses of all types, to make sure they are not only listening but also actively seeking ways to support them. She added that the success of Jamestown’s businesses is vital to the future and ensures Jamestown remains a great place to live, work, and invest.

Looking forward now as she prepares to enter her second year as Mayor, Ecklund said she is approaching the year with greater confidence and clarity.

“The first year provided valuable lessons, and with that experience, my team and I are ready to tackle the challenges that lie ahead,” Ecklund said. “There are several key areas where I am focusing my efforts to ensure the continued success and stability of Jamestown.”

Ecklund will be working on careful planning as several city departments will be seeing retirements, and will also be focused on union negotiations that are continuing, saying that working collaboratively with unions is essential to ensure fair agreements, and will balance serving employee needs with the city’s financial health.

Ecklund will also be focusing in her second year on ARPA spending as ARPA is set to run out and all contracts must be signed by the end of this year, with allocations to be completed by 2026.

“We will continue to manage the remaining funds carefully, ensuring that every expenditure aligns with the planned objectives,” Ecklund said. “Our team is committed to completing all projects on time and within budget, staying diligent in fulfilling all necessary audits and documentation. By doing so, we ensure that Jamestown benefits from these funds for years to come.”

The completion of the city’s comprehensive plan is a significant milestone for the city to serve as a blueprint for Jamestown’s future, and Ecklund said their plan will outline key strategies for urban revitalization, housing development, and economic expansion, ensuring a sustainable and vibrant future for the community.

“It will guide our efforts in addressing long-term challenges while creating opportunities for growth and prosperity,” Ecklund said. “However, the success of this plan heavily relies on filling the Economic Development position, which is a critical role in our ongoing efforts to attract investment, foster job creation, and support local businesses. This position is essential to driving economic progress and ensuring that the vision outlined in the comprehensive plan is realized.”

Maintaining financial stability will remain another top priority for Ecklund in her second year, and she said it is crucial to continue to balance the city’s budget, maintain adequate financial reserves, and control spending while still providing essential services that residents rely on every day.

“As we face mounting fiscal pressures, it is more important than ever that we take a disciplined approach to budgeting and spending, ensuring that every dollar is used wisely and efficiently,” Ecklund said. “We must also be proactive in exploring innovative funding opportunities, whether through grants, partnerships, or alternative revenue sources, to support vital services and infrastructure projects. This will help safeguard our financial stability in the long term and reduce our reliance on fluctuating state or federal funding. We cannot afford to be complacent, especially as we work through the lingering financial challenges from previous years.”

Ecklund said being committed to fiscal responsibility means not just managing the current budget but preparing for future challenges while preserving the services and quality of life for Jamestown’s residents.

“While my second year will undoubtedly come with more challenges, I am committed to making thoughtful, strategic decisions that will lay the foundation for

a prosperous future,” Ecklund said. “By focusing on these key areas, I am confident that we can overcome the obstacles ahead and continue working toward the success and growth of Jamestown.”

Looking to the future, Ecklund hopes the city will continue to grow, saying she envisions a future where downtown thrives as the heart of the community.

“I want to see Jamestown become a place where families can find safe and affordable housing, neighborhoods are welcoming and full of life, and our residents enjoy access to good jobs and recreational opportunities,” Ecklund said. “My goal is for Jamestown to be a city where residents feel a deep sense of connection and belonging — a community that honors its past, celebrates its present, and builds an exciting, thriving future for generations to come. Together, through collaboration, innovation, and hard work, I believe we can make this vision a reality.”

One last main goal for both Ecklund and the city is to ensure every resident feels heard, informed and supported. She said at city hall people are always available to answer questions, provide resources and guidance.

“In an age where misinformation can easily spread, especially on social media, we encourage everyone to seek the truth directly from the source,” Ecklund said. “If you ever have doubts or need clarification, reach out to us — whether by phone or email — we are here to provide accurate, reliable information. By fostering open lines of communication, we can help dispel misunderstandings, build trust, and create a stronger, more connected Jamestown where everyone is empowered with the facts they need to make informed decisions.”