The Policies Behind the Norfolk Forward Vision

Thriving Families

I envision a Norfolk where families have abundant opportunities for career growth, opening businesses, and supporting a family. A city full of flourishing families supported by high-paying wind energy jobs, high-tech maritime work, a strong military presence, locally owned restaurants, and world-class entertainment. A place where parents can afford the best for their children, where our public education is delivering the education our children deserve, and a place where the cost of living allows families to prosper and build lasting roots.

I know we can achieve this future by making investments in high tech and high growth industries so our residents have plenty of high quality jobs to choose from. Norfolk should step up to secure our burgeoning wind-energy industry so that it can support the entire east coast in constructing and running wind farms while creating jobs at home. In addition to wind energy, I’ll make sure we’re aggressively exploring options to win over high paying jobs in industries like maritime construction, shipping logistics, military contracting, and more.

I envision a Norfolk that doesn’t just bring in new folks to match our job growth but makes sure we build the path for our neighbors from all parts of the City to get those jobs. Workforce training programs with direct connections to high paying jobs must be a part of the equation. These pathways to prosperity are critical to our success.

Learn more about my policies to support thriving families below:

Abundant Homes

In order for Norfolk and it’s residents to thrive, the city needs an abundance of beautiful and budget-friendly homes for everyone. We can achieve this by building our community up in ways that honor its past and enrich its future. By thoughtfully filling in the open spaces across our neighborhoods with neighborhood-scale homes, we can keep housing affordable while preserving the unique character of our communities.

To address the affordable housing crisis in Norfolk, we must both increase the housing supply and control the rising costs of our existing housing stock. We can achieve this by funding the housing trust fund, enacting sensible zoning reforms to unlock new development opportunities, and streamlining the building permit and site plan review processes that currently add significant costs and deter developers. Additionally, Norfolk should expedite the sale of city-owned vacant parcels to local developers while encouraging the development of accessory dwelling units and missing middle housing that provide opportunities for home ownership, wealth building, and aging in place.

It is also important to remember that property taxes contribute significantly to housing costs for both owners and renters alike. I supported the recent property tax rate reduction and believe we should continue to carefully consider the impact of property taxes on housing affordability.

Creating opportunities for home ownership across our city is equally important. Home ownership fosters pride of place, strengthens communities, and provides a foundation for generational wealth building. We must ensure that our housing policies make it possible for more Norfolk residents to own their homes and secure a brighter future for their families.

Learn more about my policies to support abundant homes in Norfolk below:

Great Neighborhoods

Norfolk knows how to make great neighborhoods, but we need to take better care of them and invest more in their future. We already have several award-winning neighborhoods and incredible experts in placemaking, but there’s more we can do to ensure every part of our city thrives.

To achieve this, we need to prioritize essential city services such as lighting, road and sidewalk maintenance, flooding mitigation, traffic and code enforcement, upkeep of parks and city properties, general cleanliness, and customer service. These basic services must be done with excellence to ensure that every street in Norfolk is a place where parents feel comfortable sending their kids out to nearby playgrounds and parks. It’s about creating a city where everyone can feel safe, secure, and supported.
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I will be a persistent advocate for elevating these fundamental city services to ensure a safer, more vibrant, and thriving Norfolk for all residents.

Learn more about my policies to support great neighborhoods below:

A City For More Than Work

I envision a Norfolk that is so much more than just your work. A city of abundance where you have opportunities to visit world-class museums, explore vibrant arts and culture scenes, dine at award-winning locally owned restaurants, meet new people, and enjoy our beautiful waterfront. A place where there’s always something to do, from catching a show to biking along the Elizabeth River on the ERT. A city where you aren’t constantly working overtime to make ends meet or stuck behind a train that is blocking traffic.

It’s a city that welcomes you with open arms and has the means to support you. You have schools and daycares that you’re proud to send your children to. Streets, parks, and playgrounds that are safe for your children to play at. Cultural amenities that are the envy of the world, and which residents get to enjoy every day.

Learn more about my policies to support a city more than work below:

City Government As An Ally

Too often residents and businesses see our city government as an adversary or a road block. We can and should strive to make it be more like an ally, a partner, or a neighbor. I envision a city hall that is easy to navigate, that is responsive to the needs of taxpayers, and that starts with Yes rather than No for the small business owner looking to setup shop in our city. Businesses should see the City as a partner co-invested in their success and guiding them through opening and expanding in our city.

Residents should be able to get the help they need when there's a problem on their street with clarity about who to call and what the status of an issue is. Residents should truly feel like Norfolk cares when reporting an issue through Norfolk Cares.

Learn more about my policies to support city government as an ally below:

Let me know Your thoughts

I'm excited to hear from you! Your thoughts and ideas are vital to shaping the future of Norfolk. Whether you have feedback on my vision or new ideas on how we can move our Norfolk forward, I want to hear from you. Together, we can build a Norfolk that works for everyone. Please share your insights and let's make progress together!

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