The cornerstone of successful neighborhoods are its residents. The keystone of successful residents and families is access to safe, clean and decent affordable housing.

First we must clean up our own house by mandating that all Public Housing in the city be inspected and scrutinized for public safety, structural integrity, building maintenance and quality of life issues.

Then, we must hold the private sector accountable to the same standards. Elevators must work, heating and cooling must be sufficient, buildings must be clean and secure.

As Mayor I will enact guidelines to stop redevelopment and zoning that destroys a neighborhood’s cultural make up and I will fight to preserve historic neighborhoods to keep them from falling victim to the gentrification that drives up housing costs.

Promote and encourage developers to create more LEED housing and a sustainable alternative to conventional plans for rental units and condos

Seek new opportunities to protect landlords and tenants, by providing more resources for advocacy, oversight and dispute resolution.

Most importantly we must create programs that transition public housing residents into homeowners. Increasing a neighborhood’s homeownership increases the pride in and commitment to keeping that neighborhood stable.

And more new homeowners create a new tax base and revenue that can assist in closing the deficit and helping local schools.