Accomplishments
Economic Growth & Development
Created a regional water system, ensuring long-term affordable water rates while sharing decision-making authority with suburban partners.
Business Revitalization:
Championed Vibrancy Initiative Business Grants, including the White Box Grant Program, Facade Improvement Grant Program, and Commercial & Industrial Tax Abatement Program, helping businesses improve commercial spaces and revitalize neighborhoods.
National Recognition:
Under Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz’s leadership, Toledo was named #1 in the nation for economic development among mid-sized cities by Site Selection Magazine in 2020.
Restored discipline to the city’s budget, turning a $3 million deficit into a $60+ million surplus, even in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Public Safety
& Community Engagement
Police & Fire Expansion:
Allocated $2.1 million for new police and fire equipment to enhance safety services.
Crime Reduction: Homicide rates have cut in half over the past three years, reflecting strategic investments in public safety.
Community Transparency:
Launched a monthly "Wednesdays with Wade" public meetings series, corresponding podcast “Wednesdays with Wade,” and “Wednesdays with Wade” weekly newsletter to encourage greater transparency in city government, reaching more than 60,000 residents weekly.
Secured a $9.8M grant to demolish vacant properties, removing over 1,000 abandoned structures to improve safety, increase property values, and create opportunities for new development.
Infrastructure
& City Services
Road & Infrastructure Investments:
Announced the 2025 Residential Roads List, scheduling 114 roads for patch, seal, resurfacing, or complete reconstruction.
Filled 91,870 potholes and resurfaced nearly 42 lane miles to enhance road safety and accessibility.
Improved delivery of city services, such as increasing the number of roads repaired annually by nearly 15-fold.
Investments in Youth & Community Resources
Youth Programs & Jobs:
Allocated $7.2 Million in grants over the last 4 years for local youth programs focused on health, mentorship, and employment opportunities, supporting camps, sports, arts, and education.
Building a state-of-the-art YMCA in a historically disinvested central Toledo neighborhood.
The facility includes a multi-use pool, wellness center, gym, community spaces, and critical services like early childhood education, youth mental health support, and a food pantry.
The current site will be transformed into a new park and green space.
Educational Advancement:
Improved educational opportunities for Toledo’s youngest residents through the Hope Toledo partnership at no additional cost to taxpayers
Sustainability & Smart Growth
Green Infrastructure:
Leading Toledo’s push for sustainable infrastructure with a new materials recovery facility (MRF) to improve recycling efficiency and reduce the county’s carbon footprint.
Advancing sustainable redevelopment at Detwiler and Collins parks with eco-friendly designs to ensure long-term environmental viability.