Unlocking the Secrets of My Bronx Upbringing
I still remember the day my family first stepped foot in the Bronx. My parents, my two brothers, and I had just emigrated from the Dominican Republic, embarking on a quest for a better life. As we rode the subway through the bustling streets, I couldn’t help but feel a mixture of excitement and trepidation. This was our new home, and it was up to us to carve out our place in this vibrant, diverse community.
Growing up in the Northwest Bronx, I witnessed firsthand the challenges that my neighbors faced – the constant battle against tenant harassment, the heartbreak of being displaced from our homes, and the frustration of being treated as second-class citizens because of our immigrant status or limited English proficiency. These experiences shaped me, instilling in me a deep-rooted commitment to empowering the very people who had raised me.
As I reflect on my journey, I realize that the lessons I learned in those formative years have become the foundation for my approach to affordable housing solutions. I know that the people closest to the problems must be the ones closest to the solutions, and that true change can only come when we uplift the voices of those who have been marginalized and silenced for far too long.
Bridging the Gap: Collaborative Policymaking
When I look at the housing landscape in my community, I see a complex web of systemic inequalities – a legacy of discriminatory policies, predatory practices, and a deeply entrenched racial wealth gap. Solving this crisis requires a multifaceted approach that brings together diverse stakeholders and centers the needs of the most vulnerable.
That’s why I’ve dedicated my career to fostering collaborative policymaking that empowers community voices. During my time as the New York director at the Regional Plan Association, I fought tirelessly to secure seats on the board for organizations like Community Voices Heard and New York Communities for Change. These groups, led by the very people who have borne the brunt of the housing crisis, have an intimate understanding of the challenges their neighbors face.
As a recent New York Times opinion piece eloquently stated, “When community members are involved in the policymaking process, the resulting policies are more likely to address their real needs and concerns.” This is the philosophy that guides my work, and it’s a principle I’ll continue to uphold as a City Council member.
Putting Theory into Practice: A Blueprint for Change
But how exactly do we translate this collaborative approach into tangible, equitable solutions? Well, my friends, I’m glad you asked! Let me take you on a journey through the three pillars of my affordable housing platform.
Pillar 1: Advancing Racial and Economic Justice
At the heart of the housing crisis lies a deep, persistent inequality that disproportionately impacts communities of color. That’s why my first priority will be to address the racial wealth gap through direct wealth-building initiatives, such as expanded homeownership programs and economic democracy-focused development.
As the Urban Institute has detailed, the legacy of discriminatory housing policies and predatory lending practices has robbed generations of Black and Latinx families of the opportunity to build intergenerational wealth. By investing in pathways to homeownership and community-controlled economic development, we can begin to right these historical wrongs.
But the work doesn’t stop there. I’ll also advocate for comprehensive land use reform that centers racial and economic justice, ensuring that neighborhood investments are equitably distributed and that community-level goals are transparently integrated into the city’s planning process. After all, what good is affordable housing if it’s not accessible to the people who need it most?
Pillar 2: Empowering Community Voices in Policymaking
As I mentioned earlier, true change can only happen when we elevate the perspectives of those most impacted by the housing crisis. That’s why I’ll work tirelessly to strengthen the role of community boards, community education councils, and other grassroots organizations in the policymaking process.
Equitable development is not just a buzzword – it’s a fundamental principle that must guide our efforts to build affordable, inclusive communities. By ensuring that community members have a meaningful seat at the table, we can develop solutions that are tailored to the unique needs of each neighborhood.
Moreover, I’ll push for increased transparency and accountability in land use and budget decisions, so that the public can track the progress of our efforts and hold elected officials like myself accountable. After all, it’s your tax dollars and your neighborhoods on the line – you deserve to have a say in how they’re being used.
Pillar 3: A Holistic, Decarceral Approach to Housing
Finally, I believe that we must address the intersections between housing, criminal justice, and public health in order to create truly transformative change. That’s why I’ll advocate for the decriminalization of poverty, homelessness, and substance use, and work to reinvest resources from the bloated police budget into community-based solutions.
As the Vera Institute has shown, the criminalization of homelessness and other survival behaviors only serves to further marginalize the most vulnerable members of our society. By shifting our focus towards harm reduction, restorative justice, and wraparound support services, we can begin to break the cycle of incarceration and housing instability.
And speaking of support services, I’ll also fight for increased funding for public health infrastructure, including community-based mental health resources and comprehensive substance abuse treatment. After all, safe, stable housing is inextricably linked to overall well-being – and we can’t achieve one without the other.
Unleashing the Power of Community: A Call to Action
Folks, I know that the challenges we face when it comes to affordable housing can feel overwhelming. But I also know that when we come together, when we amplify the voices of those who have been silenced, and when we tackle these issues with a deep commitment to justice and equity, we can achieve the impossible.
That’s why I’m asking you to join me in this fight. Whether it’s advocating for policy changes, supporting community-led initiatives, or simply spreading the word about the importance of inclusive housing solutions, your involvement can make all the difference.
Together, we can build a more affordable, equitable, and vibrant community – one that truly reflects the rich diversity and resilience of the Bronx. So let’s roll up our sleeves, get to work, and show the world what can happen when we empower the people to be the architects of their own destinies.