Crystal Smitherman

Criminal Justice / Public Safety Install more cameras. Economy Create more job openings. Education Expand dual-enrollment and vocational training access through city-school partnerships. Social Services More mental health services in our schools and for our adult residents. Social Services Projects to construct or improve community health centers that, in addition to engaging in health monitoring, provide a broader range of services to the communities they serve, including activities such as access to job counseling employment services, as well as health education classes or internship programs for medical professionals. Legislation More funding and programming to address gun violence prevention. Environment / Energy Clean energy initiatives: Promote the adoption of renewable energy sources for municipal buildings and support community solar projects. Legislation Advocate for affordable housing trust fund. Legislation Menstrual Equity Program. Criminal Justice / Public Safety Emergency services: Ensure adequate staffing and resources for fire, police and emergency medical services to maintain rapid response times. Legislation Increased funding for more implementation of community violence intervention programs. Wages / Job Benefits Advocate for more work to hire our local labor unions. Economy Job training programs: Partner with local educational institutions to offer vocational training aligned with market demands. Government Reform Neighborhood watch for animals: Create a volunteer-driven program to report concerns and assist with lost pets or emergencies. Environment / Energy Maintain and improve stormwater system. Housing Housing initiatives: Promote the development of affordable housing units through incentives for developers and streamlined permitting processes. Criminal Justice / Public Safety More street and park lighting. Social Services Mental health services: Integrate mental health professionals into emergency response teams to address crises effectively. Infrastructure / Transportation Sustainable Infrastructure: Advocate for green building standards in new developments and retrofitting existing structures to improve energy efficiency. Housing Homelessness services: Expand access to shelters and support services, aiming for long-term solutions to homelessness. Social Services Projects to construct or improve libraries and recreation centers that provide public access to the internet for purposes including work, education, and health monitoring such as offering digital skills programs and support for community members engaging in virtual learning. Government Reform Responsible pet ownership ordinances: Propose stronger leash laws, licensing requirements, or public education. Environment / Energy Addressing illegal dumping. Arts / Culture Farmers' markets for the district. Education Projects to construct or improve full-service community schools that provide a comprehensive academic program to their students and adult education in the community at large; health monitoring to their students and the community; and workforce training or career counseling services that provide community members with the knowledge needed to engage in work, including digital literacy training programs. Education Support and fund after-school tutoring, literacy programs, and summer learning. Economy Support for local businesses: Implement programs that provide grants or low-interest loans to small businesses, fostering economic resilience. Environment / Energy Green spaces: Commit to expanding and maintaining parks and community gardens, enhancing urban biodiversity and providing recreational areas for residents. Education STEM Computer Lab at Hemphill Elementary and Recreation Centers and Libraries. Social Services More funding and programming for our re-entry programs like RESTORE youth re-entry program. Criminal Justice / Public Safety Community policing: Enhance trust between law enforcement and residents through community engagement and transparency initiatives. Economy Infrastructure projects: Invest in public works that create jobs and improve community facilities. Environment / Energy Better recycling; plus recycling clubs & program in our schools. Criminal Justice / Public Safety Launch hospital based violence intervention program to UAB and Princeton Hospital ER. Legislation Community spay & neuter clinics: Partner with vets or nonprofits for affordable or free services to reduce stray populations.