Building a Real Future, Not a Virtual One: Why Kingman Must Grow Naturally

vote4cblack
Dec 3
2 min read

For too long, Kingman’s growth strategy has felt like a bad game of SimCity. Our leadership over the past couple of decades has focused on grand plans and sprawling developments, as if they were placing virtual buildings on a digital map—without considering the real-world consequences for our community. Now, instead of strengthening the heart of Kingman, they’re doubling down on building a “new Kingman” outside of town. This approach isn’t just misguided—it’s failing us.

The Problem with Playing SimCity

In a video game, you can bulldoze neighborhoods, drop in skyscrapers, and instantly create jobs with a click. But real cities don’t work that way. People’s lives, businesses, and futures are at stake. Unfortunately, Kingman’s general plan has ignored this reality. It has failed to deliver what matters most: good-paying jobs and responsible growth.

Instead of focusing on revitalizing our existing community, leadership has chased shiny projects and expansion far from the city center. The result? Sprawl without substance. We’ve seen new developments spring up while our core neighborhoods struggle, and job opportunities remain scarce.

Why Smart Growth Matters

Smart growth isn’t about endless expansion—it’s about balanced, sustainable development that strengthens what we already have. It means:

Investing in infrastructure that supports residents and businesses.
Encouraging local entrepreneurship and attracting employers who offer good wages.
Building housing that fits our community’s needs—not just luxury developments for outsiders.

Smart growth respects Kingman’s character and ensures that progress benefits everyone—not just developers.

The Consequences of Bad Planning

When growth is poorly managed, we all pay the price:

Lack of good-paying jobs forces families to commute or leave town.
Strained infrastructure, including roads that are falling apart and traffic congestion that feels like downtown L.A. during rush hour on Stockton Hill Road.
Growth without foresight, where planning for traffic and infrastructure should have happened decades ago.
Disconnected communities weaken our sense of identity and pride.

Kingman deserves better than a patchwork of developments that look good on paper but fail in practice.

My Vision for Why Kingman Must Grow Naturally

We need to stop chasing the illusion of a “new Kingman” and start building a real future—one rooted in accountability, transparency, and community input. That means:

Prioritizing job creation and economic development within Kingman.
Supporting local businesses and revitalizing existing neighborhoods.
Making decisions that reflect the needs of residents, not just developers.
Planning for infrastructure improvements before growth—not after the damage is done.

Growth should feel natural, not forced. It should strengthen our city—not scatter it.

A Call to Action

Kingman’s future is too important to leave to failed plans and virtual thinking. Let’s demand responsible growth, better leadership, and a commitment to building a city that works for all of us. Share your thoughts, get involved, and help shape a Kingman that thrives—naturally.