Maxwell Lord

Environment / Energy The best way to put out fires is to prevent them. This goes beyond building code and open space policy, but also education and community preparedness. This involves inter agency coordination and cooperation that is vital to the strength of our city. Infrastructure / Transportation The city needs to help people to modify their homes, not force them to. In the long run I believe this will save the homeowners money, the city will get what it needs, and also foster better relationships between builders, homeowners and the Planning and Zoning board. Immigration It is of the utmost importance that we protect our citizens, regardless of immigration status, from federal forces such as ICE. This means providing adequate forum and support for information on rights, but also ensuring that our local law enforcement does not participate in deputization or cooperation with federal forces. Social Services Saving up for a car, a security deposit, or a few months rent is a steep uphill battle for an unhoused person. We have city programs and independent non profits that address this, but there is more we can be doing. We must continue to help the non profits such as Bridge House or Building Home, but also create more solutions for people who want to help themselves. Housing There are dense, short-term living solutions that can help people living month-to-month. This would mean allowing boarding houses, shared kitchen units, or hostels where people can eat and clean to better stabilize their lives in these difficult times. Housing While a city must always be under construction to stay beautiful, it can not be at the cost of peoples existing homes, or the destruction of small business. Even when development is necessary, serious and long term plans need to be made not just for future residents, but also for the tenants that are currently there.