Watson for Aurora

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Watson for Aurora

Watson for AuroraWatson for AuroraWatson for Aurora
  • HOME
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  • Get more Info
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  • FIVE POINT PLAN

Welcome to FIVE POINT PLAN!

Introduction

As This campaign proposal outlines a comprehensive vision for Aurora, focusing on affordable housing, education, childcare, public safety, and job creation. The objective is to foster inclusive and sustainable communities where every family can thrive.

SUMMARY

As your next City Councilmember, I am committed to advocating for:

  1. Affordable housing and community-led redevelopment.
  2. Support for education and early childhood programs.
  3. A compassionate approach to homelessness.
  4. Improved public safety through community trust.
  5. Job creation rooted in local investment.

OBJECTIVE

This campaign proposal outlines a comprehensive vision for Aurora, focusing on affordable housing, education, childcare, public safety, and job creation. The objective is to foster inclusive and sustainable communities where every family can thrive. This 

THE PROBLEM

Aurora faces a pressing issue of inequality in housing, education, and employment opportunities. Many families struggle to find safe, affordable housing while lacking access to quality education and childcare. The homelessness crisis continues to grow, exacerbated by inadequate support systems. Furthermore, public safety measures often lack community trust and accountability, leading to heightened fears rather than safety. Addressing these interconnected challenges is crucial for fostering a thriving, inclusive city where every resident feels secure and valued.

This campaign matters because it aims to create a sustainable future for all families in Aurora, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive in a safe and supportive environment.

1. Housing, Neighborhoods, and Redevelopment

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.

 

Funding Plan

How Aurora Can Pay for Each Major Initiative Without Overburdening Taxpayers:
Below is a detailed funding framework that is realistic, transparent, and aligned with how mid-size cities like Aurora typically operate.

Reallocation of Existing City Funds:
Redirect a small portion (e.g., 0.25%) of the general fund currently used for vacant land maintenance and underutilized assets.

Developer Impact Fees:
Dedicate a share of fees from new large-scale developments specifically to the trust fund.

Short-Term Lodging Tax (Hotel & Airbnb):
Increase by 1% to support affordable housing construction and transitional housing.

Voluntary Business Partnerships:
Encourage local corporations to contribute to the fund as part of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

Public-Private Partnerships (PPP):
Offer city-owned land at reduced cost or long-term lease to developers who commit to 25–30% affordable units.

Tax Increment Financing (TIF):
Use projected increases in property tax revenue from new developments to fund upfront construction and infrastructure.

Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC):
Partner with developers to apply for federal and state LIHTC, which can fund 30–70% of eligible affordable housing costs.

State and Federal Grants:
Pursue various state and federal grants to support housing initiatives.

Dedicated Bond Program (Voter-Approved):
Create the “Aurora Housing & Infrastructure Bond” (10-year plan) to raise capital for major projects, supportive housing, transitional homes, bike lanes, sidewalks, and green redevelopment.

Accountability Measures:
Require annual public audits and a citizen oversight committee.

Nonprofit and Philanthropic Partnerships:
Leverage expertise and funding from established community organizations.


2. EDUCATION/ENVIRONMENT

Enhance Teacher Compensation and Retention

Boost Funding:
Create incentives for teachers in underserved schools, including loan forgiveness programs.

Fully Fund Public Education:
Advocate for increased funding for K–12 schools, updated technology, and smaller class sizes. Support essential services such as mental health counseling and after-school programs.

Expand Early Childhood Education:
Partner with community organizations to establish accessible pre-K programs and early learning hubs.

Transform Community College into City University:
Advocate for program expansions in technology, healthcare, and trades, and seek funding to reduce tuition costs.

Address Local Student Debt Crisis:
Support scholarship funds and promote financial literacy initiatives in high schools.

Make Schools Community Hubs:
Keep schools open for adult education, job training, and community events.

Champion Career and Technical Education:
Expand vocational training in high schools and create pathways for dual enrollment.

Education/Environment:
Quality education is a cornerstone of a thriving community. I aim to enhance educational opportunities while also addressing environmental issues. This includes investing in green initiatives within schools and promoting curricula that focus on environmental stewardship. A well-educated populace is vital for tackling future challenges and ensuring a sustainable environment.

3. CHILDCARE ACCESS

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.Every 

PUBLIC SAFETY WITH COMMUNITY ACCOUNTABILITY

Public Safety with Community Accountability
Public safety must be grounded in justice and collaboration. As your councilmember, I will advocate for a system where residents are protected by law enforcement, fostering trust within our communities.

Establish a Community Public Safety Council:
Create a permanent advisory council composed of diverse community members to influence safety policies.

Enhance Civilian Oversight and Accountability:
Strengthen the powers of oversight bodies to investigate misconduct and require public reporting.

Implement a Restorative Justice Initiative:
Offer alternatives to arrest for non-violent offenses through community mediation and restorative sessions.

Improve Officer Training and Involvement:
Equip officers with de-escalation and cultural competency training while encouraging community engagement.

Ensure Transparent Data Access:
Develop a dashboard to track public safety data and hold regular community discussions.

Invest in Violence Prevention Programs:
Fund community-based initiatives to address the root causes of crime.

5. JOB CREATION

A Safer, Stronger Aurora
A safer, stronger Aurora begins with job creation. My plan aims to generate quality, community-centered jobs through investments in childcare, public safety, and restorative services.

Initiate a Community Jobs Corps:
Create a program to hire local residents for essential public service roles, focusing on safety and equity.

Invest in the Childcare Workforce:
Expand and elevate the childcare workforce while ensuring better wages and standards.

Grow Public Safety Jobs with Accountability:
Redirect resources to create community safety roles that foster trust.

Enhance Mental Health and Crisis Response Jobs:
Hire skilled non-law enforcement responders to manage crisis situations effectively.

Develop a Digital Job Hub:
Launch an online portal to connect residents with job opportunities created through city initiatives.

Support Small Business Growth:
Provide grants and resources to fuel local entrepreneurship and job creation.

MTOGETHER AND UNITED, WE CAN BECOME A BETTER CITY. I AM OPEN TO ANY FEEDBACK.

As your City Council member, I will advocate for working families and ensure every child in Aurora receives the best possible start. This is more than a jobs plan; it’s a vision for community prosperity. By investing in essential services, we will build a city where every resident has access to opportunities and a pathway forward. Let’s ensure Aurora works for everyone.

Justice must be a foundational principle, not an option. With your support, I will work to create a public safety system that prioritizes community voices and protects all residents with dignity and transparency.. 

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