NORFOLK, Neb. -- Josh Moenning has announced he will not be running for re-election as Norfolk Mayor.

“I did not go into this considering the mayor’s role to be a multiple-term enterprise, and I will not pursue a third term," Moenning said. "I’ve worked vigorously to help bring about sustainable growth in the community, seeking all the while to make it a more inviting, welcoming, and hospitable place to live. I will focus on guiding and completing several large projects over the next year, and my hope is Norfolk’s momentum and forward movement will continue for years to come.”

Moenning shared with News Channel Nebraska some of his thoughts on his mayoral record.

"I’ve sought to operate with laser focus on sustainable growth – that is, not simply growth for growth’s sake but growth that helps retain our young people and attracts newcomers - so that Norfolk remains a viable and attractive place for families," Moenning said.

Moenning has tried to bring cultural change to Norfolk while also making more people aware of the town of Norfolk.

"I’ve sought to...make clear that this is a place where taking risk and working both hard and smart will be rewarded with success," Moenning said. "I believe our entrepreneurial spirit sets us apart from other communities."

Moenning said he doesn't believe the formula for a successful community development is all that complicated.

"Be open to new ideas, new ways of doing things, and new people around the table," Moenning said. "Both my campaigns centered on three things: enhanced quality of life, improved infrastructure and city services, and economic growth that produces more good jobs. I think we’ve made progress on all three fronts."

Moenning said that there has been progress on all three fronts.

New and expanded business/industry development in the last year resulted in more than $280 million of investment. Sales tax receipts were nearly $12 million last year.

Here is a list of how Moenning has improved city services:

• Making development and building easier

• Street construction and maintenance reforms and snow removal

• Parks and trails additions and updating

• More responsive and nimble administrative team

This is a list of new initiatives and areas of focus that Moenning worked on during his terms:

• Beautification of corridors

• Living up to our Tree City USA billing

• Making community more welcoming, inclusive, and inviting

• Initiated first ever Mayor’s Diversity Council

• Elevated Norfolk’s engagement on the national level

• Elected by peers to the Board of the National League of Cities

• Cheaper, locally produced energy

• Energy Savings and Using Our Own Local Resources to Produce More Affordable Energy

• Built State’s Largest Solar Facility

• Integrated EV chargers

Moenning has also worked to improve the quality of life in Norfolk by doing things such as:

• Parks updates – Skyview, Liberty Bell, Johnson Park

• Riverfront redevelopment and Johnson Park

• Library expansion and renovation

• Downtown revitalization

• Riverpoint Square – Downtown Farmers Market, Summer Concert Series

• Incorporation of public art

Moenning said that this will be his last term after serving four years on the council before he ran for mayor.

"12 years is a long run in any elected position." Moenning said. "I’ll be proud of our record of accomplishments in that time. I’ll also be glad to have more time to spend with my children."