Support Watson for Aurora and make a difference
Join the Watson for Aurora Community
Increase Affordable Housing/Community-Driven Initiatives
Empower City Development:
I will promote a program where Aurora takes on the role of a builder, not just a regulator, to decrease costs and guarantee affordability.
Incentivizing Affordability:
Collaborate with private developers by providing incentives, expedited permitting, and flexible zoning for projects that incorporate affordable housing units.
Support First-Time Homebuyers:
Expand down-payment assistance and housing counseling to help working families secure their first homes.
Revitalize Neighborhoods with Purpose and Equity
Redevelopment with Dignity:
Convert vacant lots and neglected spaces into vibrant housing, small business areas, and green public parks.
Sustainable Practices:
Ensure that all redevelopment adheres to green building standards to minimize environmental impact.
Cultural Preservation:
Safeguard historic sites and culturally significant regions to maintain community pride.
Promote Homeownership and Stability
Educate Communities:
Offer free workshops covering budgeting, home upkeep, and tenant rights.
Tax Relief for Residents:
Advocate for controlled rent increases.
Invest in Community Infrastructure and Quality of Life
Enhance Connectivity:
Improve sidewalks, bike lanes, and public transportation in housing zones.
Comprehensive Services:
Collaborate with nonprofits to offer integrated services such as childcare, healthcare, and job training near affordable housing.
Engage the Community in Decision-Making
Community-Led Planning:
Establish neighborhood forums and advisory boards that empower residents to influence redevelopment.
Inclusive Representation:
Ensure that BIPOC, immigrant, and low-income voices shape housing decisions.
Plan for Sustainable Growth
Focus on Density:
Encourage mixed-use developments near public transport and job centers to limit sprawl and protect green spaces.
Ensure Balance:
Make certain that new developments include parks, libraries, and community centers for improved livability.
Address Homelessness with Compassion and Solutions
Homelessness is a systemic issue, not a personal failing. As your City Councilmember, I will tackle homelessness as a solvable challenge in housing and public health.
Expand Permanent Supportive Housing:
Invest in “Housing First” initiatives that provide stable housing without preconditions, alongside supportive services like mental health care. Utilize city-owned land for the development of permanent supportive housing.
Establish a Homeless Response Task Force:
Collaborate with housing experts and community members to create data-driven strategies. Foster coordination among police, health services, and outreach teams for comprehensive care.
Prevent Homelessness Before It Occurs:
Offer emergency rental assistance and mediation services to avert evictions. Streamline access to state and federal support systems.
Create Transitional Housing and Safe Shelter Options:
Develop tiny home villages and safe overnight shelters with on-site services. Support low-barrier shelters that accommodate families and individuals with pets.
Prioritize Outreach and Comprehensive Services:
Fund outreach teams trained in trauma-informed care and mental health. Provide mobile clinics and job readiness support for those experiencing homelessness.
Collaborate with Regional Initiatives:
Work alongside the Metro Denver Homeless Initiative to align resources and expand outreach efforts.
Ending Homelessness
Every family in Aurora deserves access to safe, high-quality childcare, irrespective of income or work schedule. We must take bold actions to provide families with extended hours and financial support.
Collaborate with Community Organizations:
Increase capacity by partnering with trusted local nonprofits and offering microgrants for childcare programs.
Strengthen Access to State Assistance:
Establish a task force to help families navigate childcare assistance programs.
Expand Aurora Public Schools’ Early Childhood Offerings:
Advocate for extended hours and increased city investment in before- and after-care services.
Support Cooperative Childcare Networks:
Facilitate the formation of licensed micro co-ops to reduce costs.
Extend Operating Hours for Daycare Services:
Partner with providers to offer extended care hours for working families.
Create an Online Resource Hub:
Develop a centralized portal for affordable childcare information in multiple languages.