Charlie Clark, Mayor of Saskatoon - Civic Leader in Action
Early Life:
Charlie Clark was born on March 1, 1971, in Kerrobert, Saskatchewan. His father, Jim Clark, was a farmer, and his mother, Catherine Clark, was a teacher. Charlie grew up on a farm near Unity, Saskatchewan. He attended the University of Saskatchewan, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in agriculture in 1993. After graduating, he worked as a farm consultant and a financial advisor.
Entry into Politics:
Charlie Clark entered politics in 2006 when he was elected to the Saskatoon City Council. He served as a city councillor for 10 years, during which time he held several key positions, including Chair of the Planning, Development and Community Services Committee and Chair of the Board of Police Commissioners. In 2016, he was elected Mayor of Saskatoon.
Priorities as Mayor:
As Mayor, Charlie Clark has focused on several key priorities, including:
- Affordable housing
- Economic development
- Climate change
- Social justice
- Diversity and inclusion
Affordable Housing:
Mayor Clark has made affordable housing a top priority. He has implemented several initiatives to address the issue, including:
- Creating a new affordable housing trust fund
- Increasing funding for social housing programs
- Working with developers to build more affordable housing units
Economic Development:
Mayor Clark is also focused on economic development. He has worked to attract new businesses to Saskatoon and to support existing businesses. He has also led efforts to diversify the city's economy. In 2017, he launched the Saskatoon Economic Growth Plan, which aims to create 10,000 new jobs and grow the city's GDP by $2 billion by 2023.
Climate Change:
Mayor Clark is a strong advocate for climate action. He has committed to reducing Saskatoon's greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050. He has also implemented several initiatives to green the city, including:
- Investing in renewable energy
- Improving public transit
- Making buildings more energy-efficient
Social Justice:
Mayor Clark is committed to social justice. He has worked to address issues such as poverty, homelessness, and discrimination. He has also implemented several initiatives to promote social inclusion, such as:
- Creating a new poverty reduction strategy
- Increasing funding for homeless services
- Working to reduce discrimination against marginalized groups
Diversity and Inclusion:
Mayor Clark is a strong supporter of diversity and inclusion. He has worked to make Saskatoon a more welcoming and inclusive city for all. He has also implemented several initiatives to promote diversity and inclusion, such as:
- Establishing a new Office of Diversity and Inclusion
- Creating a new diversity and inclusion advisory committee
- Working to increase the representation of marginalized groups in city government
Leadership Style:
Mayor Clark is known for his collaborative leadership style. He works closely with his council colleagues, city staff, and the community to develop and implement policies. He is also a strong advocate for intergovernmental cooperation. He has worked with the provincial and federal governments on a number of issues, including affordable housing, economic development, and climate change.
Personal Life:
Charlie Clark is married to Kim Clark, and they have two children. He is an avid runner and cyclist. He is also a member of the Saskatoon Kinsmen Club and the Saskatoon Community Foundation.
Conclusion:
Charlie Clark is a visionary leader who is committed to making Saskatoon a better place for all. He has made significant progress on his key priorities, and he is well on his way to achieving his goals.
