Council District: St Petersburg City Council, District 6
Q1 – Please describe your approach to addressing issues of race equity (2000 character limit).
I’m very proud to represent the most diverse district in our city. I’m always accessible to constituents from every part of the district and to constituents around the city for the services they need. In addition to efforts that specifically address needs raised by residents in Black and brown communities, I’m letting them know that I am here for them and I am always ready to partner with them to address any concerns in our community.
Racial equity must include more opportunity, involvement in the process, and an equitable share in the benefits of our city’s progress. Once I’m elected for a second term, I will continue to advocate for greater equity and more inclusive processes.
Q2 – Please list three (3) key issues related to race equity. Briefly explain how they relate to race equity. (2000 character limit)
Affordable Housing: Equitable access to affordable housing is crucial to lifting communities and must be taken seriously. In St Petersburg, especially in historically marginalized neighborhoods, many people are being priced out and are struggling to find quality affordable housing. I have worked to develop new initiatives that encourage developers to create affordable housing and strengthen programs to make it easier to purchase homes. I’ll continue my work to make housing more available for everyone, whether renting or buying, so people in every corner of the city can find a quality, affordable place to live.
Economic Development: Historically, minority groups have often been left behind when it comes to economic advancements, and St. Petersburg is no different. It’s vital that we ensure well-paying jobs are available to residents throughout the entire city. My work in bringing the bus rapid transit system to fruition will boost equitable economic development through efficient transportation for workers and future transit-oriented development, which can lead to better job opportunities. Additionally, I want to continue my work helping minority-owned businesses thrive through programs such as the Small Business Enterprise program. I’ll also continue working to provide relief to businesses impacted by COVID.
Environmental Resiliency: Negative impacts of environmental issues definitely fall heavier on lower-income and minority communities. We need to make sure we have the capacity to provide for those communities. Whether it is having more funding options after a disaster or creating better green spaces, the city can and should make sure this is addressed. We also need to continue improving our wastewater and stormwater systems to mitigate the environmental impact of storms.
Q3 – Of those issues identified in question 5, which priority/priorities will you address first? How and why? (2000 character limit)
My first priority will be working diligently with local and regional leaders to address our affordable housing shortfall.
While we’re absolutely taking an “all of the above” strategy to address both the availability of and access to affordable housing, my main priority has been to create long-term solutions while supporting funding for local organizations to connect residents with housing that’s already available and connect them with new housing when it becomes available. At the same time, we need to continue working with our national and state partners to increase funding to address the current shortfall. My work is focused on neighborhood solutions that target support to meet our needs block by block, not a one-size-fits-all approach that can lead to gentrification.
Our city is growing rapidly, and as our population increases, I’m advocating for the expansion of “missing middle” zoning – reasonable density increases – in neighborhoods where the scale would be appropriate for the neighborhood character. This sensitivity to what makes our neighborhoods special is one way to respond to residents who oppose density increases and new developments. The goal is to create more opportunities for housing at different price points so that St. Petersburg is more inclusive. As our city becomes more successful it’s critical that we don’t limit families from being able to call St. Petersburg home.
Q4 – Two ways I have previously worked to address race equity are: (1000 character limit)
During my first term, I have focused on improvements in areas that have not experienced the same progress found in other parts of our city. To achieve this, I worked to increase incentives and change land development regulations to create more affordable housing. I brought changes to the South St. Pete CRA grant programs so that more of our homeowners and small business owners can access these resources for their needs.
Additionally, I elevated the issue of nutrition insecurity to make healthy food access a high priority in our local government. This is an issue that largely impacts communities of color, with food deserts limiting access and nutrition insecurity affecting health outcomes. As part of the effort to tackle this issue, I not only passed a resolution declaring food as a human right in our city, but also founded the St. Petersburg Food Policy Council to identify solid solutions.
Q5 – Two ways I will collaborate with others to create more equitable systems are: (600 character limit)
Increased Access: I make it a priority to visit civic and neighborhood organizations around the city to hear from constituents and will continue to do so. I look for opportunities to help others get a seat at the table, and I have advocated for easier online access for residents to speak in Council meetings and make their voices heard.
Consensus Building: As the incumbent, I have built a reputation for consensus-building, and for my ability to work with people of all backgrounds. I believe our city is strongest when we stand together to take on the issues we face, and I’ll carry this with me during my second term.
