Affordable Housing

I will advocate for new initiatives to build affordable housing units, work to reduce homelessness in Madison, and eliminate barriers to access that marginalized communities face in getting housing. Affordable housing sits at the intersection of other priorities such as employment and sustainability and will require a holistic and collaborative solution. With many initiatives by the Council already on the horizon, I will help create partnerships to make housing a possibility for all. However, the city and the county need to do more to not only provide shelter and Day Resource Center but have a clear path to permanent housing and eventually ending homelessness and stray away from short term fixes. In light of the pandemic, it is imperative that we provide solutions for the most marginalized individuals in our community and address the root causes. We should be a leader in this area for other cities. 

As someone who worked in various organizations, I know the importance of small local businesses to our community. The city must invest and create opportunities for small businesses to access investment capital and grow. I will work with city leaders to establish strong communication and alignment between city departments that oversee economic development and small businesses in our community.  The city should subsidize development projects that bring good paying jobs especially during this pandemic time. Our city is previlaged to have many businesses and high tech companies  and should collaborate with them to create jobs and retain diverse talent in our city

I believe that public safety begins with eliminating barriers for the most vulnerable and marginalized in our community. I will address traffic issues, resident and pedestrian safety – especially around schools and partner with the county to address the root causes of crime. The stigmatization of a criminal history doesn’t improve public safety, rather it puts in place incredibly difficult barriers for individuals to overcome. Additionally, the stigmatization of young adults committing petty crimes that are then circled through the juvenile system fails to address the root causes of poverty, mental health, and broken homes. We should promote community in our neighborhoods, so that people may know each other. I will advocate for the city to begin spending reentry programs and support organizations working on crime prevention. I will promote respectful relationships and trust between police and neighborhoods and encourage investment in community policing. A strong community is one that is protective, healthy, and collaborative.  

It's important not only to invest in our present community but also in the future of our community for future generations. Sustainable innovations are essential to keeping our city green and healthy. There should be an emphasis on advocating for sustainable futures for all communities. Whether its investing in sustainable affordable housing or ensuring that transportation is accessible and green for all areas of our city, sustainability and social justice go hand-in-hand. Zoning that allows for businesses, people can walk and bike to should be considered. Central to the growth of the city is a balance of improving the downtown, which is the primary economic engine and center of new ventures and the investment in local neighborhoods. This balance should be grounded in sustainable practices to ensure a holistic solution for all parts of our city. I will ensure that our vibrant and growing city is addressing the needs of the community while also investing in future generations.