Our Commitment to Progress
In January 2023, the City of London began a journey to enhance community service and improve the lives of its residents. Driven by Mayor Weddle's clear directives and example, city employees embraced a culture of innovation and collaboration. City Departments accepted the challenge to take ownership, implement impactful solutions, and achieve remarkable results in just two years. This report highlights these successes, showcasing how the city is working together to build a stronger, more vibrant community.
Stronger Neighborhoods & Community
Invested in neighborhood improvements, creating more vibrant, accessible, and connected public spaces.
Sidewalk & Infrastructure Improvements
- Repaired and replaced significant sections of sidewalks throughout the city, including near the old jail, on McWhorter Street, Morgan Street, and East 3rd Street, improving pedestrian safety and accessibility.
- Addressed critical infrastructure needs, including replacing a footbridge structure on Morgan Street and repairing ADA bricks at Green Street.
- Installed three new lights and speed humps at Veterans Park, increasing safety and usability.
- Implemented a crosswalk in Levi Jackson Park, improving pedestrian safety.
- For a full list of pending and completed projects go to Public Works Projects.
Community Engagement
- Launched the "Spotlight Program," an interview series with Mayor Weddle highlighting local businesses and fostering community pride.
- Engaged residents of all ages through events like fire hydrant play, gospel concerts, senior programs, blood drives, and National Night Out, strengthening connections between city departments and the community.
- City employees showcased their dedication by volunteering for projects like building wheelchair ramps, supporting flood relief efforts, serving meals at a hospital, and helping with events like the Block Party and Mayor's Prayer Breakfast.
Investing in Our Future
Committed to building a sustainable and thriving future through strategic investments in infrastructure, technology, and long-term planning.
Roadway and Infrastructure Improvements
- Resurfaced and improved over 14,000 feet of roads citywide, including W 7th, Lovelace, 13th Street, Watts Avenue, Bruce Street, Robison, N. Locust, Cornett, Randall Hill, Kaylie Ln, Nazareth Hill, Chestnut Street, S Locust, Willow St, North Hill St, Holt St, and Parman, ensuring smoother and safer travel.
- Upgraded storm drain systems by rebuilding storm drain boxes, replacing tiles, and implementing jet washing and vacuuming, reducing flood risks and enhancing infrastructure longevity.
- Completed 22 improvement projects, with more underway.
Technology and Process Improvements
- Modernized network infrastructure at City Hall, Street Department, Recycle Center, Rescue Squad, Police Department, and Fire Department, improving efficiency and reliability.
- Installed security cameras at key facilities, including City Hall, Police Department, and Fire Department, enhancing safety and asset protection.
- Implemented improved digital record-keeping and backups through a partnership with Google, strengthening data management and security.
- Introduced new software for open records requests, increasing transparency and ensuring timely responses.
- Overhauled HR systems for personnel tracking and payroll, improving accuracy and operational efficiency.
- Developed digital systems for PO tracking and approval, code enforcement case management, employment applications, employee status changes, and online payment collection, reducing paperwork and streamlining workflows.
- Implemented real-time meeting minutes tracking for the City Clerk, improving accuracy and record-keeping.
- Created a tracking and billing system for the Trash Transfer Service, enhancing billing and tracking capabilities.
- Transitioned to paperless for many operations by introducing digital forms and workflows, reducing paperwork and streamlining operations.
Building Inspection
- Expanded jurisdiction to streamline projects requiring state permits, allowing the city to issue approvals directly and reduce delays.
- Successfully permitted major construction projects, accelerating development and supporting local growth.
A Safer London
Strengthened public safety through targeted investments in personnel, equipment, and training, creating a more responsive and effective emergency response system.
Law Enforcement Enhancements
- Expanded investigative capabilities for child exploitation and abuse cases, providing detectives with ICAC and Cellebrite certifications, new software, and specialized training to better protect vulnerable children.
- Implemented the London Police Case, Incident, and Collision Tracking system for real-time case management.
- Launched an intelligence analyst program to strengthen crime prevention and response.
Fire Department Advancements
- London Fire Department now responds to EMS calls, significantly improving emergency medical response times.
- Hired 3 full-time and 3 part-time firefighters, moving toward national safety standards (NFPA 1710-1720) and enhancing fire protection.
- Invested in critical life-saving equipment, including EMS/Lucas Device and other equipment.
- Expanded professional qualifications, with multiple firefighters earning IFSAC certifications and EMT/Advanced EMT status, ensuring a highly skilled team.
- Strengthened leadership with a defined command structure and achieved command certifications for several firefighters.
- Achieved command certifications for several firefighters.
Rescue Squad Improvements
- Acquired grants from local businesses to fund essential equipment.
- Upgraded operations with a new dive communications system, Sky Hook Rescue Systems, new PFDs, dry suits, and muck boots.
- Advanced the dive team’s capabilities, with six divers earning Level 1 ERDI certification.
- Expanded the team with six part-time employees to strengthen emergency response.
- Modernized infrastructure with a new phone system, upgraded network, and enhanced camera system.
Efficient & Responsive City Services
Streamlined internal processes, adopted new technologies, and expanded services to better meet the needs of London residents.
Modernizing City Operations and Services
- Launched a pickup assistance program to help residents unable to move their trash cans, promoting accessibility for all.
- Established an on-site paper shredding service for secure and convenient paper recycling for businesses.
- Introduced a Trash Transfer Service for improved waste management.
- Streamlined online payment options for various services
- Began live-streaming city council meetings, increasing government transparency and public engagement.
- Public Works now handles most internal fleet services and repairs in-house, leading to significant cost savings across departments.
- Established a Code Enforcement Board and updated ordinances to strengthen compliance efforts.
Securing Resources for Improvement
Secured $2,244,776 in grants and other funding across all city departments to enhance operations and services, with minimal or no cost to the city.
Funding Support & Contributions
- Main Street Sidewalk Improvements, $1,723,000.00, 20% match
- Smoke Alarm Equipment, $200
- Tactical Medical Vest, $2,000
- Mobile Data Terminals, $94,200
- Medical Supplies, $750
- SSI M85E with Ram Assist, $290,400
- Galbreath Container Handler, $23,683
- Bobcat sweeper bucket, $7,282
- 8yrd Front-load Dumpsters, $20,136
- Metal used to build Recycle Center Bins, $7,695
- Radios, $3,000
- KLC Grants, $7,500
- Bob's Furniture, $500
- Pilot, $1,000
- Dive Communications, $4,650
- Sky Hook Rescue System, $8,050
- Emergency Road Funding, $48,330
- Chainsaws, $2,400
Looking Ahead
The progress happening in London, from the revitalization of downtown to the improvements in community services, is made possible by the hard work of dedicated city employees, our invaluable community partners, engaged residents, and the mayor, who all care deeply about our city’s future. We are excited to build upon this progress and invite you to join us in shaping London's bright future. We know that continued collaboration is essential to maintaining this momentum. Thank you to everyone who continues to take pride in London and passionately strive to make it a better place every day!