Executive Committee Spotlight: Douglas Mayor Uribe

Name, title & city/town: Robert Uribe, Mayor of the City of Douglas
Year elected to office: 2016
Years served as Mayor: 3.5 years
Hometown: New York

1. Why did you decide to serve in local government?

I wanted to show my gratitude to a community that took me in as their own. Members of the Douglas community encouraged me to run for office. When my wife Jenea and I opened Galiano’s Cafe in 2012, residents were inspired by the way we transformed the location into a contemporary, vibrant space with the mission to promote healthy eating and local art. Eventually, customers began encouraging me, “Robert, if you were able to transform your business into a successful coffee shop, can you imagine what you can do for Douglas if you were the Mayor?” Those words were everlasting, so I took a leap of faith and ran for the Mayor’s chair in 2016 and won.

2. What are the biggest challenges facing your town today?

Shrinking jobs, and we did not fully recover after the 2008 recession. Challenges facing rural America is deeply rooted in the economy and decreased population. However, we have been working on our infrastructure needs so that companies may have what they need to do business in Douglas. I am optimistic that with a new commercial Land port in Douglas, our economy will pick up, and we will see change.

3. What opportunities do you see for your community?

With trade, commerce, warehousing, distribution, and cattle, as the focal point, Douglas' rich history is centered in Downtown. G avenue, is our Downtown District, is the heart of the City. I believe that revising our Downtown District will bring a healthy, vibrant atmosphere to the region. Downtowns are iconic and compelling symbols for a community and often contain the most iconic landmarks, distinctive features, and unique neighborhoods. Currently, we have buildings for sale. We are simultaneously working on a new commercial port and revitalizing our Downtown District. This is the ideal time to invest in Douglas. We are anticipating growth.

4. What are you most proud of during your time in office?

I was honored to represent the City of Douglas at the State Leadership Day conference in Washington, DC. Visiting the White House and sharing the vision of our community with White House officials, including the Vice President, proved that nothing is impossible. Collectively we have worked tirelessly to elevate our Port of Entry project as a top priority, and to receive support from the highest office of the land was a pivotal day for Douglas. I will always do what is in the best interest of the City regardless of my party.

5. Why is the League important to cities and towns in Arizona?

The League is vital to the cities and towns of Arizona because not only does it connect all municipalities within Arizona, but also because the League serves as a huge proponent of municipal interests before the state legislature. They are one of our biggest resources and we can count on the League to fight for what is best for our communities.