Monroe’s Golden Era

Has Begun

RE-ELECT MAYOR ROBERT BURNS

Accomplishments of Mayor Robert Burns’ FIRST TERM

“Building a Stronger, More Prosperous Monroe”

“I serve the people of Monroe. It takes a team for all this to happen, because it’s impossible for one person to do it all. It’s just my job to lead the charge and fight for the city's well-being.” ~ Mayor Burns

Fuel the Momentum: Build Monroe’s Golden Era With Us!

Join Us in Building Monroe’s Golden Era!

Monroe is on the brink of something extraordinary — a true Golden Era of growth, opportunity, and community pride. Under my leadership as Mayor, we’ve made tremendous strides in revitalizing Downtown, attracting new businesses, strengthening our infrastructure, and ensuring a brighter future for every resident. But this progress doesn’t happen alone — it requires you.

Your support fuels our mission to create a stronger, more vibrant Monroe. Every contribution helps us sustain the momentum, drive bold new initiatives, and continue the work that has already transformed our city into a beacon of progress. Together, we can finish what we’ve started and build a legacy that will benefit Monroe for generations to come.

Be part of Monroe’s next great chapter — donate today and let’s keep moving forward, together.

“It’s amazing what can get accomplished when you don’t care who gets the credit.” ~ Ronald Reagan

Economic Growth & Downtown Revitalization

Highlighted Accomplishments:

  • Elevated Monroe's Business-Friendly Reputation – Under his leadership, Mayor Burns has guided Monroe to be ranked as the 10th best city for small businesses in North Carolina, surpassing larger cities like Charlotte (19th) and Indian Trail (24th). This recognition stems from the city’s low sales tax rate, affordable commercial real estate, and strategic location near Charlotte, attracting both local and big-city customers.

  • Established the Greater Monroe Economic Development Department – Mayor Burns spearheaded the creation of a department dedicated to attracting new retail, small businesses, and manufacturing/industrial growth, while promoting job creation and incentive opportunities for all businesses. Visit DevelopMonroe.com today!

Other Accomplishments:

  • Revamping Downtown Master Plan with parking, road upgrades, and business incentives.

  • Streamling permitting and zoning.

  • Advocated for airport expansion.

  • Supports local businesses.

  • Enhanced UDO for sustainable growth.

  • Started the Winchester revitalization (Mayoral Committee) and leads with drive and commitment to get things done.

  • Actively planning infrastructure growth.

  • Leading efforts for improved roads and sidewalks while keeping costs low.

Transparency & Fiscal Responsibility

Highlighted Accomplishments:

  • Relentless Steward of Taxpayer Dollars – Mayor Burns has consistently opposed unnecessary tax hikes, especially during Union County’s revaluation period. Instead of rubber-stamping increases, he’s championed budget reviews and spending cuts to ensure Monroe lives within its means. His message is clear: Monroe’s families work hard for their money—and so should their government.

  • Defender of Free Speech and Citizen Voice – A staunch supporter of the First Amendment, Mayor Burns has led the charge to enhance public comment access during city council meetings—even in the face of pushback. He believes citizens deserve to be heard, not managed, and that local government should work for the people, not around them.

  • Trailblazer for Transparency – Mayor Burns has brought a level of openness to city leadership that Monroe has never seen before. Through daily engagement on social media—Facebook for community updates and live forums, Instagram for events and civic insights, and X (formerly Twitter) for policy and political positions—residents can follow every major update in real time. Add to that his podcast, guest video episodes, and YouTube channel, and it’s clear: Mayor Burns is not hiding behind bureaucracy. He is out front, fully accessible, and unafraid to lead with conviction. While some label this transparency as “loud,” what’s far worse is a politician who hides from the public or folds under pressure. Monroe deserves leaders who show up, speak up, and stand firm.

Other Accomplishments:

  • Working to implement KPI Scorecard for city planning.

  • Reduced waste, increased efficiency.

  • Strengthened Union County partnerships.

Public Safety & Community Programs

Highlighted Accomplishments:

  • Defender of Public Safety – Mayor Burns led efforts to significantly strengthen Monroe’s police, fire, and emergency services. This includes securing one of the most competitive police compensation packages in North Carolina—with pay raises dating back to January 2024 and ongoing annual increases—ensuring Monroe recruits and retains the best.

  • Builder of Civic Engagement – Launched multiple mayoral advisory committees to bring transparency and citizen voices into city governance. This includes dedicated teams for youth leadership and Monroe’s Community Violence Intervention Program (CVI), empowering local families and stakeholders to be part of real solutions.

  • Workforce Champion – Founder of MonroeWorks.org – Mayor Burns created MonroeWorks to connect Monroe’s local talent pipeline with employers. The initiative fosters partnerships with businesses and schools to offer career readiness, hands-on apprenticeships, and mentorships from middle school through high school—preparing the next generation for high-demand careers while strengthening the local economy.

  • Advocate for Animal Welfare – Founded the Animal Welfare Committee to increase accountability and improve the treatment of animals citywide. Under his leadership, the city enacted stricter leash laws with enforceable criminal penalties, banned roadside animal sales, and is advancing a comprehensive spay-and-neuter program to protect animal wellbeing and public safety.

  • Driving Force Behind Winchester Revitalization – Mayor Burns created the Winchester Revitalization Committee to end decades of neglect. He is leading the effort to not only restore the neighborhood but also make it a vibrant destination—investing in quality of life, safety, and opportunity for longtime residents.

  • Protector of the Vulnerable – Created the Special Needs & Disabilities Committee to ensure Monroe is an inclusive city. This committee builds bridges between city services and families with unique challenges, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs considered in all city functions.

  • Fighter for Ethical Homelessness and Addiction Response – Formed the Homelessness & Addiction Committee to deliver compassionate, structured responses to these critical issues. The initiative prioritizes ethical care, community reintegration, and family reconnection—giving loved ones a seat at the table while driving long-term solutions.

  • Hands-On Community Leader – Mayor Burns is deeply engaged in the community, partnering with nonprofits, schools, churches, and civic groups. From leading service events to advocating for violence prevention programs, he remains a visible, active presence championing unity and common-sense governance.

Other Accomplishments:

  • Advancing public transportation for Monroe.

  • Improved police hiring process.

  • Restructured police leadership.

  • Upgraded fire stations.

  • Advocating for enhanced EMS response through the state legislature.

  • Improved parks with courts, programs, and staff.

Infrastructure & Sustainable Development

Highlighted Accomplishments:

  • Advocate and Visionary for Monroe’s Water Independence – The vision to make Monroe self-reliant for water originated directly from a conversation with Mayor Burns and Manager Watson. After hearing from residents about their concerns on growth and the city’s long-standing water quality concerns, he worked with the city manager to trace the origins of a historic well at the Monroe Service Facility in Five Points, where people once traveled from all over to collect pure water in the early 1900s. This led to the discovery of a state-owned aquifer and quarry site within city limits. With bold leadership and strategic foresight, Mayor Burns instructed the city to acquire the property for just one dollar, and with the help of the PEC and city council, secured a water source capable of providing over 1 million gallons per day for 200 years. This initiative ensures Monroe will no longer need to depend on the county or external sources, making it a fully resource-independent city—a generational win for taxpayers and families alike.

  • Cutting Utility Costs While Expanding Infrastructure – Under Mayor Burns’ leadership, Monroe residents saw a 10% decrease in energy costs and a 4–6% drop in water rates through a tiered pricing model. This approach didn’t just offer immediate relief—it laid the financial foundation for the city’s water treatment facility expansion, set to begin in 2027, without raising taxes. It’s common-sense governance in action: growing infrastructure while protecting your wallet.

Other Accomplishments:

  • Promoting homeownership as a cornerstone of economic and community stability.

  • Leading infrastructure development with a master plan that supports responsible growth and long-term independence.

  • Improving roads, sidewalks, and public spaces across neighborhoods—not just in downtown.

  • Prioritizing smart growth that balances expansion with quality of life and resource management.