Mali's Focus on the Future
As an elected city commissioner, I am honored to serve my hometown. My public service has been steadfast and has voiced the cares and concerns that we face as a community over the years. Since the last city election in 2020, I have had many opportunities to vote on important projects and below are some of the ones I supported plus have included links to information that I hope you find the information informative of the groundwork that has been laid for future growth.
Sustainable Local Business Climate
I, like many of you, am dismayed when I hear of a local store or restaurant closure. Some of the closures are based on issues at a national corporate level (i.e. CVS and Walgreens merger, Big Lots), state and regional level (i.e. Badcocks and Sonny’s) or not enough business to support local shops.
I realized several years ago that online shopping would have a significant impact on our local economy. Because there are many items that aren’t available in town, I know it’s a balance for us all decide where we spend our hard-earned dollars. Cost of living inflationary impacts are felt deeply in rural communities and why shopping locally is in our best interest as a small town.
When local businesses thrive, the local community thrives—local businesses are the backbone of any community. A conductor of the multiplier effect is when local businesses are strengthened through local consumers spending money, and that money flows back into the local community. Local support is what helps to keep businesses from closing.
I strive to spend my money as much as possible in town and want to see a stronger and more collaborative effort made to encourage a sustainable local business climate for current and future mom-and-pop stores that contribute so significantly to a community's economy, charm, and character.
A More Attractive and Inviting Main Street US 27 Corridor
You can view the approved plans that will guide the Commission's work to achieving these important goals for our community below:
Main_Street_Revitilization_Plan.pdf
FDOT_Clewiston_Vision_Plan.pdf
Growing Clewiston's Footprint
For the first time since 1925, the Clewiston City Commission has taken steps to expand our city limits to include nearly 500 additional acres of land zoned for residential, commercial, and industrial uses as part of an Employment Hub District.
This will not only free up much needed land for residential, commercial, and industrial development but will also provide opportunities to expand the City's tax base.
Can view maps and information about his voluntary annexation on pages 65-67 at1720817467_82385.pdf (clewiston-fl.gov)
Capitalizing on Grant Funding
The City of Clewiston has been awarded approximately $66 million in grant funding (that does not have to be paid back) for various projects within our community thanks to strong legislative relationships with state and federal elected officials Senate President Kathleen Passidomo, State Representative Lauren Melo, and Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart.
You can view information on these grants at 2023_State_of_the_City_Report.pdf
Continual Improvement of Infrastructure
C-21 Bridge leading to Lake Okeechobee: THE CITY OF CLEWISTON C-21 BRIDGE OPENS – Johnson Engineering
Advanced Metering Infrastructure: Utility System Upgrades / City of Clewiston, Florida (clewiston-fl.gov)
Water Main and New Water Line Projects: CITY OF CLEWISTON INFRASTRUCTURE ENHANCEMENTS – Johnson Engineering
Ensuring the Vitality of Lake Okeechobee
As a farming and fishing community, Lake Okeechobee is the lifeblood of our community. I'm honored to stand on the front lines in the fight for Lake Okeechobee's health and vitality alongside local advocates who understand the issues.
For more information from reputable sources about the fight for Lake Okeechobee, please visit:
