"The word I hear around Whistler now is community. Whistler is at a crossroads," Crompton said in an interview ahead of his official announcement.
"Many of us feel as though some of what made us sacrifice for Whistler is challenged. I'm an optimist about the future of our community, but we need to take action to preserve what makes this place special, so housing, transportation, but overall, community."
Crompton's platform is built on four main pillars: Housing (build it), environment (protect it), our town (invest in it) and mountain culture (nurture it).
In terms of housing, Crompton said his priorities would be to build the next phase of Cheakamus Crossing now, pursue Village-based dormitory housing for employees and deliver a 30-year housing plan that commits Whistler to staying invested in resident housing in the long run.
"For the environment, I want to pursue a reduction in single-use consumption of all kinds, deliver on the Community and Energy Climate Action Plan now, work with corridor partners in the province to deliver regional transit and continue my work with the SLRD (Squamish-Lillooet Regional District), Pemberton and Squamish to manage backcountry capacity," he said.
On investing in Whistler, Crompton said he would find a home for the museum, finish the Valley Trail, find more daycare spots, pursue transit queue jumper lanes on Highway 99 and invest in the local trail network.
"Under mountain culture I want to put our artists on our stage (and) support local business through village zoning," he said.
"I intend to challenge Vail (Resorts) to keep Whistler unique, Canadian and available to our region, and nourish and grow our relationships with the Squamish Nation and Lil'wat Nation."
Crompton was first elected to council in 2011, and has served as SLRD chair since 2014. This year he was also elected president of the Lower Mainland Local Government Association for a one-year term.
"Leading our regional government has put me in a unique position," he said. "I understand the region better than I did four years ago, I have deep relationships with neighbouring communities, I understand how to negotiate with the province and the federal government. I feel well prepared to be mayor."
Crompton's family has been coming to Whistler since 1966, and the 42-year-old (43 on June 29) husband and father of four has lived here since 1998.
Crompton founded Resort Cabs in 2003 and sold it in 2008. He also launched Transportation Whistler and RideBooker, as well as working with Empowered Startups-a locally based tech incubator.
"Carolyn and I are proud of the businesses that we've built in Whistler. I love being involved in transportation; I love being involved in software and technology," he said.
"My intention is to be a full-time mayor, so if elected, one of my partners will operate my companies."
Looking to the future, Crompton said he sees the growth of Metro Vancouver (and its subsequent pressures on affordability and livability) as a key challenge to be addressed, along with addressing increasing backcountry visitation, climate change and wildfire.
"It's critical that Whistler continue to invest in protecting ourselves," he said. "I'm an advocate for more investments in wildfire protection and wildfire response."
A campaign website will be launched at www.jackcrompton.ca.
"I love Whistler, and this is an extremely exciting opportunity for me," Crompton said.
"I want to listen well, I want to lead well. I want to see this community continue to thrive."
The nomination period for the Oct. 20 election runs from Sept. 4 to 14.
Those interested in running can find more info at www.elections.bc.ca.
