1. What is the MonroeStrong Initiative?

MonroeStrong is a vision and plan for building the best city in America to raise a family, start a business, invest in the future, and leave a legacy. It focuses on responsible growth, conservative fiscal policy, and protecting the values that make Monroe strong.

2. What are Mayor Burns’ top priorities?

Mayor Burns is focused on:

• Public safety and child protection

• Revitalizing downtown Monroe

• Attracting businesses and boosting local jobs

• Improving infrastructure without raising taxes

• Strengthening Monroe’s airport as a business hub

• Enhancing transparency through KPIs and media communication

3. How is Monroe protecting children and families?

Mayor Burns has led efforts to strengthen definitions and enforcement around adult entertainment laws, aligning with state and federal protections to ensure children are not exposed to inappropriate content. This includes clearer ordinances, better enforcement, and collaboration with law enforcement and social services.

4. Is Monroe raising taxes to pay for all these initiatives?

Mayor Robert Burns—and Councilmember David Dotson—have not supported any tax increase. While the City Council recently passed a budget that increases taxes by approximately 5 cents per $100 of valuation, Mayor Burns and Councilmember Dotson voted against it.

This increase, when combined with Union County’s recent property tax reassessment, means higher costs for Monroe families and businesses—a burden Mayor Burns strongly opposes.

As Mayor, Robert Burns remains a steadfast advocate for lower taxes and disciplined city spending. He is committed to rooting out waste, ensuring every tax dollar is spent wisely, and holding the line against unnecessary increases. Unlike the rest of the Council, Mayor Burns will continue to fight for the hardworking taxpayers of Monroe.

5. What’s happening with downtown Monroe?

Downtown Monroe is the beating heart of our city, and under Mayor Burns’ leadership, it’s coming back to life. With the creation of the new Monroe Economic Development Committee, the city has launched targeted incentive grants designed to attract and support new businesses in the downtown core.

These grants are part of a strategic plan to revitalize downtown, enhance its walkability, and make it a daily destination for residents and visitors alike. Weekly events, beautification efforts, new restaurants, shops, and housing developments are all part of the vision to make downtown Monroe vibrant, family-friendly, and economically strong.

Mayor Burns sees downtown not just as a location, but as a symbol of Monroe’s future—and he’s committed to making it thrive.

6. What’s the plan for Monroe’s airport?

The Charlotte-Monroe Executive Airport is a key driver of economic growth. Plans include expanding hangars, attracting more business traffic, and even exploring restaurants and museums on site. The goal is simple: turn the airport into a profit center for Monroe.

7. How can residents give feedback or get involved?

Mayor Burns has a Mayoral Advisory Team of volunteers to stay engaged with all parts of the community. He’s also more connected than any area politician on social media channels in effort to keep residents informed and involved.

8. What’s being done to improve infrastructure and housing?

Growth is evaluated through the lens of impact on infrastructure and home value. Developers are expected to invest in or mitigate their impact. Water quality, fair housing, and smarter zoning are also top priorities.

9. How is Monroe supporting veterans?

Mayor Burns is pushing to make Monroe a hub for the Veteran Transportation System (VTS), working with the VA and local organizations to improve access and care for our heroes.

10. How is Monroe ensuring transparency?

A City Scorecard will track key performance indicators (KPIs), council votes, crime, and spending in a non-partisan way, ensuring citizens can see results—not just promises.