MY PRIORITIES
I've been a strong voice for teachers, students, and parents on the School Board on some of the biggest challenges. I will bring this thoughtful, problem-solving approach and fierce advocacy to the City Council, advocating for a well-resourced school system, robust and reliable transportation and infrastructure, enhanced public safety and quality of life, and better housing affordability.
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I am committed to improving the quality of life for every Alexandrian while ensuring our city is affordable — because Alexandrians deserve livability and affordability, not either, but both — so that families, just like mine, can afford to raise their kids here and where elderly citizens, just like my parents, can retire comfortably in this wonderful city we all call home.
EDUCATION
Alexandria deserves a learning environment where every student can thrive, our teachers are supported, and our schools are equipped to meet the evolving needs of our community. I will work to build a foundation for educational excellence in Alexandria by:
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Leveraging my deep understanding of the ACPS budget to make sure the City Council fulfills its vital role in supporting our schools.
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Streamlining the relationship between our City Council and School Board to meet the educational needs of our students.
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Valuing our teachers by advocating for competitive salaries that align with the cost of living in Alexandria and retain top talent in our schools.
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Addressing housing insecurity for disadvantaged students so that every student has a stable and secure living environment in which they can thrive.
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Tackling equity and capacity challenges with sufficient resources for schools and renovations for deteriorating facilities.
A robust and reliable transportation system is the backbone of a thriving economy and enhances quality of life. Alexandria deserves a comprehensive and sustainable transportation system and flood-resilient infrastructure that not only facilitate economic growth, but also improve the daily lives of our residents. I will work to create a city that is well-connected, resilient, and conducive to the well-being of all by:
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Supporting the continuous improvement of multimodal transit and connected mobility options such as DASH and WMATA, as well as implementing Complete Streets and the Alexandria Mobility Plan to provide efficient and affordable public transportation options for our residents.
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Endorsing the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project to enhance connectivity, reduce commute times, and make public transit a more attractive option for our community.
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Improving road safety by investing heavily in well-paved and safer roads and supporting the implementation of the Vision Zero initiative to eliminate fatal and severe injuries by 2028.
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Making strategic infrastructure improvements and investing in flood resilience measures that mitigate the impact of floods on roads, neighborhoods, and homes.
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Implementing the new Energy and Climate Change Action Plan (ECCAP) to reduce our city's greenhouse gas emissions, including by prioritizing sustainability in new commercial and residential buildings and decarbonizing existing units.
TRANSPORTATION & INFRASTRUCTURE
PUBLIC SAFETY
A safer Alexandria is one where our approach to law enforcement is best-suited to meet our city’s needs, including by making sure our police department is well-equipped, accountable, and closely connected to the community it serves. I will work to improve public safety with accountability and transparency at the forefront by:
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Ensuring APD has sufficient staffing levels and resources, by advocating for competitive pay and cultivating a positive organizational culture in APD that boosts morale and retention among officers and creates a dedicated and effective law enforcement workforce.
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Supporting community and alternative policing resources that address the root causes of crime, including mental health, housing insecurity, investment in out-of-school programs, and enhancing economic opportunities.
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Implementing mechanisms that enhance accountability, transparency, and public trust such as clear protocols for reporting and investigating incidents, open communication, community engagement, and joint initiatives that address public safety concerns.
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Supporting comprehensive training programs, continuing professional development, and mental health services for police officers.
Every Alexandrian deserves to find a home that meets their needs, especially as rising rental costs and home prices outpace income growth. According to City of Alexandria, approximately 3,500 homeowner and 15,500 renter households in Alexandria with incomes up to $75,000 face housing cost burdens while the supply of housing across the region continues to fall short of demand. I will use City Council tools such as zoning and permitting regulations, tax incentives, and partnerships to address the housing affordability crisis and build a diverse and inclusive community with housing options for all income levels.
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Boosting assistance programs that support residents who face housing challenges and ensure individuals and families have access to resources such as housing vouchers and subsidies, as well as homeownership assistance programs.
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Supporting the expansion of our city's housing supply by aiming to achieve the City's commitment to 11,500 new housing units with 4,250 affordable or workforce housing, in alignment with Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments housing targets, and the city’s master housing plan goal of 2,000 affordable units by 2025.
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Increasing affordable housing, including committed affordable and market-rate housing so that households aren’t forced to bear a disproportionate housing cost burden.
HOUSING AFFORDABILITY
