Norfolk has some incredible neighborhoods, but we shouldn’t rest on our laurels. Every neighborhood deserves to have parks, playgrounds, recreation centers, and schools that are the envy of the world. As a member of the City Council, I will work to make sure that these amenities aren’t just usable- I will work to ensure that they are best in class. I’ll advocate to make sure that no parent has to go too far to find a safe and enjoyable playground. I’ll support policies that fully fund the maintenance and programming of our recreation centers and libraries, and I will commit to significantly improving the upkeep and overall maintenance of our parks and open spaces.
It is vital that all neighborhoods, particularly those that have historically been underserved, also receive attention and investment. I am committed to ensuring that every community in Norfolk, regardless of location or income level, enjoys world-class amenities. This includes prioritizing improvements in areas where resources have been lacking, so all residents have access to the same high-quality parks, playgrounds, and community spaces.
Access to high-quality parks, playgrounds, and recreational facilities is crucial for the physical and mental well-being of our residents. By investing in these amenities, we are not just enhancing the aesthetic appeal of our neighborhoods, but also promoting healthier, more active lifestyles for all Norfolk residents. The well-being of our communities is deeply connected to the availability of safe, accessible, and well-maintained public spaces.
In addition to these physical amenities, I will also champion the integration of arts and cultural spaces into our neighborhoods. Whether it’s through public art installations, community theaters and gardens, or cultural centers, these amenities contribute to the vibrancy and uniqueness of each neighborhood, making Norfolk a more culturally rich and diverse city.
Schools are one of the most important amenities in any neighborhood. Check out my full
Education Excellence policy. Outside of the amenities that the City of Norfolk can directly control, families also had proximity to essential services like grocery stores and pharmacies, and non-essentials like coffee shops and restaurants. We can enable these businesses to open up shop in every neighborhood by making sure they have the foot traffic they need to be successful. By working towards
Housing Abundance, and
Walkable and Bikeable Streets, we can make sure that there are more customers nearby and they can easily get to their business. Similarly, when we make City Hall
Easy To Work With, we can make sure setting up shop is as easy as possible.