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Depends on the Lens

A Tippecanoe County Commissioner has far more influence over equitable, sustainable development than most residents realize. The role sits at the intersection of land use, infrastructure, budgeting, and intergovernmental coordination — the exact levers that determine whether growth benefits everyone or only a few. The following is in line with my vow to promote transparency, accountability, and customer service orientation: How a County Commissioner can lead measurable progress by using the right lens to view the job!



Use a New Lens to View Equitable, Sustainable Development in Tippecanoe County


A Smarter Approach to Growth

Tippecanoe County is growing fast. The question is whether that growth will be equitable, sustainable, and transparent — or whether it will leave residents behind. County Commissioners hold the levers that shape how development happens and who benefits.

As Commissioner, I will champion development that strengthens communities, protects natural resources, and works to ensure that every resident has access to opportunity.


1. Build Fair, Future‐Ready Communities

Commissioners approve re-zonings, subdivisions, and infrastructure commitments. These decisions determine the shape of our county for decades. I will:

  • Prioritize infill and redevelopment over costly sprawl

  • Support mixed‐income housing near jobs, schools, and transit

  • Require walkability, bike access, and safe road design in new developments

  • Ensure transparent impact analyses before major approvals


2. Expand Housing Affordability

Tippecanoe County’s housing shortage is structural — and solvable. I will:

  • Align zoning and infrastructure with workforce and affordable housing needs

  • Partner with cities, townships, and nonprofits to expand housing options

  • Use county‐owned land strategically for mixed‐income development

  • Support land banking and adaptive reuse of underutilized properties


3. Connect Transportation, Land Use & Economic Growth

Sustainable development requires mobility options that work for everyone. I will:

  • Coordinate with CityBus, APC, INDOT, and Purdue to align transit with growth

  • Require sidewalks, trails, and bike access in new subdivisions

  • Support regional trail networks and safe rural road upgrades


4. Protect Natural Resources & Rural Character

Our rivers, creeks, farmland, and parks are core to our identity and resilience. I will:

  • Strengthen floodplain protections and stormwater standards

  • Require green infrastructure in new developments

  • Preserve agricultural land through thoughtful zoning

  • Expand access to parks and natural areas


5. Deliver Transparency & Accountability

Residents deserve to see where tax dollars go and how decisions are made. I will:

  • Publish quarterly progress dashboards on capital projects and development

  • Create a public project tracker for roads, bridges, and major investments

  • Hold regular community briefings on development impacts

  • Require clear reporting on timelines, costs, and outcomes


6. Build Strong Regional Partnerships

Sustainable development is regional — and collaboration is essential. I will:

- Coordinate with Lafayette, West Lafayette, Purdue, and township trustees

- Work with school corporations on enrollment impacts and safe routes

- Partner with nonprofits on housing, food access, and environmental justice

- Engage employers on workforce housing and transportation needs

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A Commissioner’s job Is to ensure growth benefits everyone

Equitable development means asking, every time: Who benefits, who pays, and who is left out? I’m committed to a Tippecanoe County where growth strengthens communities, protects our environment, and expands opportunity for all residents.

 
 
 

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Thank you for your support and engagement.

Andrea Burniske for County Commissioner

 

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