Alex Cull

Housing Ensuring that everyone has access to affordable and appropriate housing is a cornerstone of my campaign. My commitment to affordable housing is unwavering, and I recognize the need for a balanced approach that respects the character of our neighborhoods. As a local activist, I have actively opposed the proliferation of short-term rentals like AirBnBs in our residential areas. The State Government has made clear that its cities are unable to effectively regulate short term rentals on their own accord. This leaves Lake Worth Beach with two options: Enforce the existing ban that has been on the books for almost twenty years, or remove any and all regulations, giving private corporations with no love for our community a blank check to do as they please without our consent.  Given the options the State of Florida has given us, upholding our existing ban is a common sense solution. I believe in preserving the integrity and tranquility of our neighborhoods, which are often disrupted by transient rentals. In addition, we will unlock valuable housing stock, with over 600 AirBnB's in 33460 alone, these will be the market for long term residents. Infrastructure / Transportation The state of our city's infrastructure, particularly our storm-water system, is a pressing concern that I plan to address head-on. The long-overdue repairs and upgrades to our storm-water infrastructure have been consistently delayed due to a lack of focused and efficient leadership. This issue is critical, not only for the immediate well-being of our city but also in light of the escalating effects of climate change, which exacerbate flooding on our roads, alleys, and in our yards. No one's home should be threatened with flood waters that are a result of mismanaged infrastructure. I pledge to prioritize these necessary improvements to protect our community and infrastructure from the increasing risks of severe weather events. Infrastructure / Transportation I am also committed to the implementation and success of the Lake Worth Circuit, a vital public transportation system designed to be accessible and affordable, if not free, for all citizens. Understand that Lake Worth Beach has the highest rates of public transit usage in the county, and some of the highest rates of people without regular access to a car; think of how many family's you see towing their groceries in a wagon home from the grocery store. This is a necessity for many in our community, and a welcome luxury for everyone else. Parking is always top of mind, but consider that public transit and parking solutions are interconnected issues that require thoughtful, inclusive planning. The Lake Worth Circuit will provide a crucial link from the Tri-Rail to our downtown and beach areas, enhancing mobility for both residents and visitors. It will drive businesses to and from downtown as where residents are, and tourists have an affordable, regular means of transportation throughout the city and downtown areas. I will ensure that these essential services are not only introduced, but maintained regularly and integrated into the fabric of our city, reflecting our commitment to a connected, accessible, and sustainable Lake Worth Beach. Arts / Culture Lake Worth Beach is a tapestry of cultures, and the Hispanic heritage is one of its most vibrant threads. I am dedicated to preserving and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of our Hispanic community. This includes supporting cultural festivals, ensuring language inclusivity in city communications, and promoting Hispanic-owned businesses. By investing in infrastructure which connects the East & West sides of downtown, we can ensure that our Hispanic/Latino neighborhoods are included in the downtown boom. Having a city government that reflects the diversity of its people is paramount to a healthy, connected community. My administration will actively work towards this, ensuring that Hispanic voices are both heard and represented in city planning and community initiatives. Arts / Culture Celebrating Palm Beach Pride annually is a testament to our shared  commitment to the LGBTQIA+ community, but our efforts must extend beyond symbolic gestures. I will work tirelessly to foster an environment where every individual, irrespective of their sexual orientation or gender identity, feels valued, respected, and supported. I am committed to implementing policies and programs that further this cause, making sure that Lake Worth Beach is not only a city that tolerates diversity, but one that celebrates and thrives on it. My goal is to ensure that anyone who chooses to make Lake Worth Beach their home experiences the same open arms and welcoming spirit that I did, contributing to our mission of building a beautiful, prosperous, and inclusive city. Economy My commitment to protecting unions and their members, especially those employed by our city government, is unwavering. Unions are essential in ensuring fair labor practices and advocating for the rights and benefits of workers. We must protect the existing rights of union workers while also actively supporting and facilitating the growth of union representation in various sectors across our city. This includes endorsing apprenticeship programs, which are vital in providing practical training and skill development, leading to well-paying jobs that support a decent living, a secure means of retirement, and improvement to one's overall well-being. It is important that we create more avenues for our residents to access quality education and training that lead to fulfilling careers right here in Lake Worth Beach. This approach aligns with my vision of a city where economic opportunities are abundant and accessible, and where every individual has the means to build a prosperous life. By championing unions and apprenticeships, we invest in our greatest asset – our people – and in doing so, we strengthen the foundation of our community. Housing I propose innovative solutions like allowing Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) on single-family properties, and simplifying the process for homeowners to convert their properties into multifamily housing (duplexes and  triplexes). These measures will enable us to expand our housing stock, welcome more residents to contribute to our vibrant city, and maintain the unique allure that defines each of our neighborhoods without drastically adjusting the skyline. Social Services My journey from humble beginnings to executive leadership has been marked by perseverance and hard work—values that resonate deeply within the Hispanic community. I empathize with those who are building their lives and dreams in our city, just as I did. My administration will focus on creating equal opportunities for all (particularly in terms of affordable housing), access to quality education, and fostering local entrepreneurship. I am committed to supporting programs that empower our Hispanic youth and adults alike, providing the tools and resources necessary for success. Environment / Energy We must look to modernize our electrical infrastructure. By investing in and expanding solar energy capabilities, we can significantly reduce our carbon footprint and pave the way towards a cleaner, greener, and more affordable future. We must do more than simply meet current standards, we must set a precedent for what a city can achieve in environmental stewardship and energy affordability. Environment / Energy Environmental stewardship is a fundamental aspect of my vision for Lake Worth Beach. Recognizing the critical role of native flora in maintaining ecological balance and promoting biodiversity, I am committed to enhancing our city's natural beauty while also protecting our environment. To achieve this, I propose further prioritizing native plants, shade trees, pollinators, and butterfly-friendly plants (yes, butterflies are pollinators, too!) in our city's landscaping code. This initiative is about more than just the aesthetic improvements that native flora and shade trees bring; it fosters a sustainable and healthy ecosystem that benefits everyone. Economy We must revitalize and harness the potential of private-public partnerships, especially in supporting our local, family-owned businesses. Every business that calls Lake Worth Beach home is a gift that pays dividends, and it is critical we foster these relationships and leverage resources to elevate them. We depend on them, and in turn they depend on us. I recognize that the city has, in the past, missed valuable opportunities to drive meaningful business to these establishments that form the backbone of our local economy. My commitment is to redirect and optimize the use of city funds and resources to not only attract people to Lake Worth Beach, but ensure they engage with businesses throughout the city. This especially includes the often-overlooked areas, such as our Hispanic/Latin majority downtown west of Dixie Highway, which too often is excluded while hosting block after block of thriving, charming, family owned businesses.