My Plan For Ward 6
YOUR VOICE, OUR FUTURE
Support for Small Local Businesses Objective: To empower small local businesses as the backbone of the community, ensuring they have the resources and support needed to thrive. Strategies: Small Business Grants: Establish grant programs to provide funding for startups and existing small businesses looking to expand. Microloans: Partner with financial institutions to create microloan programs that offer low-interest loans to small businesses. Business Development Workshops: Offer workshops and training sessions on business development, marketing, financial management, and other essential skills. Local Procurement Policies: Advocate for policies that prioritize local businesses in city procurement processes, ensuring they have opportunities to compete for contracts. Mentorship Programs: Create mentorship programs that connect small business owners with experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts.
Addressing Homelessness with Empathy and Solutions Objective: To address homelessness in Norfolk with a comprehensive approach that includes immediate relief and long-term solutions. Strategies: Expand Access to Support Services: Increase funding and support for shelters and transitional housing to provide safe and stable environments. Enhance access to essential services such as mental health care, substance abuse treatment, and job training programs. Strengthen Partnerships: Foster collaboration between local government, non-profits, and private sector organizations to create a coordinated response to homelessness. Leverage resources and expertise from diverse sectors to address root causes and improve service delivery. Preventative Measures: Implement programs designed to prevent homelessness before it begins, such as eviction prevention services, financial counseling, and supportive housing models. Addressing issues early can reduce the number of people falling into homelessness. Increase Support for Permanent Housing Solutions: Develop and support initiatives aimed at providing long-term, permanent housing solutions. Focus on affordable housing projects that integrate supportive services to ensure stability and self-sufficiency for individuals transitioning out of homelessness. Promote Employment Opportunities: Create programs that offer job training, placement assistance, and employment opportunities for individuals experiencing homelessness. Providing pathways to stable employment is crucial for long-term success and independence.
Community Engagement and Safety Objective: To build a safer community through increased trust, collaboration, and mutual support among residents. Strategies: Community Forums: Host regular community forums to discuss safety concerns, share ideas, and develop collaborative solutions. Neighborhood Watch Programs: Support and expand neighborhood watch programs to foster a sense of responsibility and vigilance among residents. Community Policing: Advocate for community policing strategies that emphasize relationship-building between law enforcement and residents. Public Safety Campaigns: Launch public safety campaigns to educate residents on crime prevention, emergency preparedness, and mutual protection. Youth Engagement: Involve young people in community safety initiatives, providing them with leadership opportunities and fostering a sense of civic duty.
Increase Housing Accessibility for Military & Students Objective: To make Norfolk a desirable long-term home for military personnel and students, encouraging them to stay and contribute to the community. Strategies: Lobby for Incentives: Advocate for state and federal incentives to support housing projects tailored for military personnel and students. Collaborate with Educational Institutions: Partner with local universities to develop housing solutions that meet the needs of students and recent graduates. Military Housing Programs: Work with military bases to create housing options that are attractive and accessible, ensuring military families can comfortably settle in Norfolk. Retention Initiatives: Develop programs that highlight the benefits of staying in Norfolk post-graduation or post-service, emphasizing career opportunities, quality of life, and community engagement.
Excellence in Public Education Objective: To elevate the quality of education in Norfolk’s public schools, making them a model for the nation. Strategies: Increased Funding: Lobby for increased funding specifically earmarked for STEM programs, afterschool activities, and community involvement platforms. STEM Focus: Expand STEM education opportunities, equipping students with the skills needed for the future job market. Afterschool Programs: Enhance afterschool programs to provide safe, enriching environments for students, supporting their academic and personal growth. Community Involvement: Foster greater community involvement in schools through volunteer programs, partnerships with local businesses, and parental engagement initiatives. Pioneer Initiatives: Position Norfolk schools as pioneers in education by adopting innovative teaching methods, integrating technology, and focusing on holistic student development.
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Sustainable Commercial Development & Flood Mitigation Objective: To foster sustainable economic growth and address flooding issues, making Superward 6 a model of resilience and innovation. Strategies: Support Local Developers: Prioritize local developers for new projects, ensuring community-based growth and job creation. C-PACE Funding: Utilize Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) financing to support energy-efficient and sustainable commercial developments. US Green Build Standards: Implement and adhere to US Green Building Council standards to ensure new constructions are environmentally friendly. Professional Sports Team: Lobby for the establishment of a professional sports team in Norfolk, creating jobs, boosting the local economy, and increasing tourism. Community Gardens: Establish community garden programs to eliminate food deserts, providing residents with access to fresh, healthy food. Flood Mitigation: Collaborate with leading experts in below-sea-level infrastructure to implement innovative flood mitigation solutions, protecting homes and businesses from water damage.