Anthony's Priorities
Affordable Housing: Salinas is at a crossroads. We are confronted with the need for more housing, but we must ensure the housing being built meets the needs of our current Salinas residents, and ensures future generations are not priced out. As your City Councilmember, I will advocate for smarter growth that includes stronger inclusionary housing ordinances, mixed use development, multi-family housing, low income housing, senior affordable housing, and housing that is affordable by design. We must also be creative and consider re-zoning underutilized commercial lots or underutilized city owned properties to residential zoning and partner with affordable housing developers to develop housing that is truly affordable and meets the needs of our working families. In addition to affordability, there must be attention to the quality of life for residents in our city which is why I will advocate for community benefits agreements on developments and stronger tenant protections. Well thought-out developments should include funding for schools, parks, libraries, and much needed infrastructure repair.
Homelessness: As your Councilmember, I will work with our local government partners to expand affordable housing production efforts, increase emergency rental assistance funds, rapid re-housing programs, and create permanent supportive housing programs for residents experiencing homelessness. These programs would include substance abuse counseling, mental health services, case management, and assistance in securing employment. Our focus should be on securing permanent housing for residents experiencing homelessness, and preventing future housing insecurity by creating more affordable housing, enacting stronger tenant protections, and developing support systems for the many hard working families in our city who are living paycheck to paycheck.
Libraries/Parks and Youth Development: As a School Board Member, I understand the importance of making sure our public budgets reflect strong investments in our youth. Our libraries need to be fully staffed, our parks need to be well maintained, and our recreation centers should be thriving. I will advocate for strong partnerships between the city, school districts, and nonprofits to make sure we are providing every young person in our city with a strong foundation for success.
Supporting Small Businesses: Small Businesses are the backbone of our local economy, and their success must be a serious focus for our city. We must prioritize investments in local entrepreneurial spirit, and ensure our permitting is effectively used as a tool for job creation. This means creating grants for small business start-ups, streamlining the business permitting process, and developing business models that support local success. The sixth district especially is in need of new small exciting businesses such as restaurants , coffee shops, book stores, and clothing stores.
Homelessness: As your Councilmember, I will work with our local government partners to expand affordable housing production efforts, increase emergency rental assistance funds, rapid re-housing programs, and create permanent supportive housing programs for residents experiencing homelessness. These programs would include substance abuse counseling, mental health services, case management, and assistance in securing employment. Our focus should be on securing permanent housing for residents experiencing homelessness, and preventing future housing insecurity by creating more affordable housing, enacting stronger tenant protections, and developing support systems for the many hard working families in our city who are living paycheck to paycheck.
Libraries/Parks and Youth Development: As a School Board Member, I understand the importance of making sure our public budgets reflect strong investments in our youth. Our libraries need to be fully staffed, our parks need to be well maintained, and our recreation centers should be thriving. I will advocate for strong partnerships between the city, school districts, and nonprofits to make sure we are providing every young person in our city with a strong foundation for success.
Supporting Small Businesses: Small Businesses are the backbone of our local economy, and their success must be a serious focus for our city. We must prioritize investments in local entrepreneurial spirit, and ensure our permitting is effectively used as a tool for job creation. This means creating grants for small business start-ups, streamlining the business permitting process, and developing business models that support local success. The sixth district especially is in need of new small exciting businesses such as restaurants , coffee shops, book stores, and clothing stores.