In our vibrant city, every resident deserves the chance to thrive and realize their aspirations. It’s not just about living; it’s about flourishing with dignity and security. I envision a community where stability isn’t a luxury-it's a given. We can ensure that essentials like nutritious food, affordable housing, and personal safety are accessible for everyone as well as providing a Living Wage for all public employees.
Together, we can build an Asheville that is not only prosperous but also equitable and inclusive. Economic security should be a right, not a privilege, for every resident of our beloved city.
- Affordable Housing: As a social worker I fully understand that mental health and life outcomes are dependent upon stable housing. As a city we need pro-housing policies that increase housing stock at all income levels. An urgent response is necessary: delayed housing is denied housing. Asheville's Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) must be reformed to reflect the urgency of our moment, reducing or removing barriers to development that meets our "missing middle" needs. I have many practical ideas for reforming access to rentals below market value, including implementing blind section-8 housing vouchers so that residents do not face discrimination from potential landlords. As a renter myself, these policies directly affect me and many other workers here in the city.
- Leveling the Economic Playing Field: I am dedicated to minimizing disparities in start-up funding for budding entrepreneurs. By fostering an environment that supports innovation and enterprise, we can empower individuals and families to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams with confidence.
- A Robust Social Safety Net: I am committed to ensuring that essentials like nutritious food, housing, and personal safety are accessible for everyone. I want to live in a city that cares for the people who make it great, and that nobody feels left behind by our city's growth.
- Continued support of Public Transportation: A well-connected city is an empowered city. Efficient and reliable access to public transportation means that every citizen can easily access work, education, and healthcare facilities. New development should be transit oriented to improve connectivity and community in our neighborhoods.
- A Living Wage: I have signed the PCNCDP Living Wage Pledge, which means that I will work together with other council members to use the city budget to raise and maintain starting salaries of all public employees to a living wage and commit to incentivizing private businesses who are awarded contracts to provide their employees with the minimum of a living wage.
Together, we can build an Asheville that is not only prosperous but also equitable and inclusive. Economic security should be a right, not a privilege, for every resident of our beloved city.