I believe in the power of ordinary people to do extraordinary things.
Together, we can solve many of the problems we face. I’ve seen it first-hand, as I’ve worked with residents to ensure more equitable development, create jobs, increase access to affordable housing, and invest more in our parks and public spaces.
I also believe in the power of government to be a force for good in our communities and in our city. But instead of politicians empowering themselves, I think our elected officials should empower people to work together for the common good.
That’s why I’m offering an agenda that shifts power back to residents and neighborhoods, and provides a new vision for how our communities can tackle our biggest challenges.
I believe in People Power. If you do, too, I ask for your support to become Councilmember for the 3rd District.
Tackling Gentrification
Empower long-time residents and community organizations by:
- Ending councilmanic prerogative and building the capacity of organized neighbors to engage with land use and development.
- Passing legislation to implement the zoning recommendations contained in “Philadelphia 2035”.
- Expanding “Just Cause” legislation to better protect renters from unfair evictions.
- Fixing the broken property tax assessment process to prevent homeowners from being priced out of their neighborhoods.
- Expanding resources for home preservation and repair, so that more people can stay in their homes.
Tackling Poverty
Empower neighborhoods, community organizations, and local businesses by:
- Expanding programs, such as the West Philadelphia Skills Initiative, that train unemployed and underemployed residents for family-sustaining jobs within our local medical and educational institutions.
- Holding institutions accountable for using their buying power to procure from local businesses in the 3rd District, thereby helping to grow the local economy.
- Investing in the equitable development of all of our commercial corridors, including 52nd Street, Lancaster Avenue, Woodland Avenue, and 60th Street, to bring businesses and jobs back to our communities.
- Streamlining our tax code and improving the way our City supports small, locally-owned businesses, to facilitate their advancement and growth.
Expanding Access to Quality Education
Empower students and teachers by:
- Ending the 10-year tax abatement, to direct increased funding towards our schools.
- Partnering with local institutions in the 3rd District to invest more resources per year into every public school in the 3rd District.
- Implementing a moratorium on charter schools.
- Organizing parent and community support groups to assist schools in their mission to prepare our students for the future.
Tackling Climate Change
Empower citizens and activists by:
- Establishing a Community Commission to create a Green New Deal for Philadelphia.
- Transitioning to 100% renewable energy in Philadelphia by 2030.
- Investing more in our parks and public green spaces to help draw down greenhouse gasses.
- Rethinking our infrastructure to allow for more active transportation and car sharing, and increased transit ridership.
Addressing Public Safety and Justice Reform
Empower those most affected by violence and injustice by:
- Supporting community leaders and organizers committed to interrupting the cycle of violence.
- Prioritizing the expansion of trauma-informed programs and services.
- Creating opportunities for returning citizens to access stable housing and employment.
