Affordable and Accessible Housing

Many neighbors in Rochester are struggling to stay in their homes with rising costs and taxation. Rochester has a dire housing crisis that needs collaboration, commitment, and creativity to create permanent affordable housing. When my children and I faced financial challenges, we waited in line at CFR (Community Food Response) listening to stories of neighbors who worked multiple jobs yet still could not afford their increasing rent/mortgage. When I volunteer at the Warming Center, I listen to barriers of people experiencing homelessness. The main challenge is simply the lack of affordable housing. In addition to firsthand listening to struggles, I have reviewed research like the Maxfield study, and connected with leaders in different levels of government share ideas, combine resources, and utilize existing tools, like grants, state/federal programs, and TIF (tax increment financing).

 

DMC, developers, and contractors are also essential partners to maximize resources to help create more single family, mix-use housing, while preserving existing naturally affordable housing. Rochester needs all types, from larger family homes to accessible, transition, and senior housing in areas accessible to green space and amenities. I have networked with local, state, and national leaders exploring options such as tiny homes, ADU (assessable dwelling units), prefabricated units, rebates, and tax incentive options. It is also important to include experts in IRA (Inflation Reduction Act), Jobs Act, and Infrastructure investment to keep a sustainability focus.

 

In addition to attending committees, planning sessions, and monthly meetings like the Housing Alliance Coalition at the Rochester Area Foundation, I work with leaders in Olmsted County and help partner and with organizations like Three Rivers Community Action, First home, Family Promise, and other public, private, and non-profits who are essential to identify gaps and increase housing options. The public also needs to be included to actively brainstorming and provide input. I have advocated for increased community engagement and longer tables to get more resident and community stakeholders into this important conversation. I will continue to be a strong advocate for affordable and accessible housing as our city grows. Every person needs to have a roof over their head, and we need to work together to find lasting solutions together.

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Safe Community

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One of the Mayor's primary roles is to work with our Police Department to promote public safety. That is done by being curious, listening to residents and law enforcement. It is being present and engaged to listen and support community.

 

Although I believe more training, fiscal transparency, and reform is needed, as a Council member I have voted to fund and support our devoted Rochester's local law enforcement. Rochester's Police Department plays a vital role in our community to ensure residents and visitors feel safe. Thank you.

    As mayor, I will work directly with our police and all department leaders, I will ensure voices are heard from the public, and I will take advisement from the civilian board of the Rochester Police Policy Oversight Commission.

 

   I have the utmost respect for law enforcement who operate under ethical leadership. As your Mayor, I will ensure fiscal transparency of RPD and support our dedicated law enforcement in keeping Rochester safe.

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Accessible and Affordable Transportation

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Essential workers, such as those in public transit are my heros.  Living in Rochester nearly 20 years and having worked on City Council I have gotten to know the amazing teams of professionals who drive us safety and ensure affortable and accessible transportation or residents and visitors of our Rochester.

    My children rode public school buses and I have ridden many times on Rochester Rapid Transit. I see how dangerous and difficult that job is. I support the drivers and help makes our Rochester community connected.

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Local and Small Businesses

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To be an affordable city we need to have good jobs and flourishing businesses.   As a Rochester city council member I have always spoke up, shown up, and advocated for local businesses.  If you watch past meetings, you will see that I have been a strong supporter of the HPC (Historical Preservation Committee) to protect our history for future generation.

   I have also spoken up for the needs of small business owners so they have a voice at the table. As you can see by my proven voting record, I will continue to be a fierce advocate for local business and diversification of employment here in Rochester.  In order to have fun affordable things to do here in Rochester we need to have companies that can survive.

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Below are photos of affordable housing apartment that I have voted for.  We need to partner with more community members so that we can get more projects like this here in Rochester.  Everyone needs a place to call home