A Voice from the Next Generation of Portland Leadership

My Platform Spelled Out

Small and Local Business Support

My proposal:

Review permitting, licensing, zoning, and inspection processes to eliminate unnecessary delays and barriers, improve transparency, and establish clearer timelines for approvals. Business owners should have a predictable process, clear communication from the City, and a single point of contact when navigating projects so they can spend less time on complex administrative processes and more time creating jobs and serving customers.

Listen to the people investing in Portland. No one understands the challenges of running a business in our city better than the people doing it every day. They understand the challenges of operating in Portland because they experience such firsthand. The City should regularly engage with local businesses before making major policy decisions and create meaningful opportunities for business owners to share ideas, raise concerns, and help shape solutions.

Create an environment where customers want to shop, dine, and spend time. Businesses thrive when people feel safe and welcome. That means maintaining clean streets and sidewalks, addressing vandalism, graffiti, public drug use, and illegal dumping, improving lighting and accessibility, providing adequate parking and transportation options, and minimizing disruptions during construction projects whenever possible.

Support local entrepreneurs and invest in Portland's future. Starting and running a small business takes hard work, dedication, and risk. The City should encourage entrepreneurship by helping activate vacant storefronts, supporting outdoor dining and flexible public space use where appropriate, and creating an environment where local businesses can grow while preserving the character that makes Portland unique.

Recognize that when small businesses succeed, Portland succeeds. Small businesses create jobs, support local nonprofits, sponsor community events, and bring life to our neighborhoods. City policies should encourage people to shop locally, strengthen neighborhood business districts, invest in workforce development, and consider how every major decision affects the small businesses that keep Portland's economy and community strong.

Pedestrian Safety/Accessibility

My proposal:

Improve pedestrian safety through stronger traffic enforcement to discourage speeding, distracted driving, failure to yield at crosswalks, and other behaviors that put pedestrians, other drivers, and cyclists at risk.

Increase the reliability of public transportation by regularly reviewing bus routes, service frequency, and operating hours to better meet residents' needs. Reducing wait times, improving route connections, and evaluating early morning and evening service can help make public transit a more dependable and accessible option.

Clearer street signage by improving the visibility, consistency, and placement of directional, parking, crosswalk, bicycle, and traffic signs to enhance safety and make navigating Portland easier for residents and visitors alike.

Improving the condition of sidewalks and streets by repairing potholes, uneven pavement, and other hazards through regular maintenance.

Making accessibility improvements so residents, including those with disabilities and/or injuries, can safely navigate Portland by foot or bicycle.

Thoroughly cleaning up the streets of debris and particularly hazardous waste.

Responsible Tourism & Protecting Casco Bay

My proposal:

Protect Casco Bay by supporting policies that reduce pollution, including prohibiting the discharge of exhaust-gas scrubber washwater, while working with state and federal partners to ensure regulations are enforceable and backed by effective monitoring.

Improve traffic management and pedestrian safety during peak tourism periods by strengthening traffic planning, enhancing waterfront crossings and signage, reducing charter-bus idling, and evaluating existing programs to improve mobility for both residents and visitors.

Support sustainable tourism that continues to benefit locally owned businesses while balancing economic opportunity with neighborhood livability and preserving Portland's unique character.

Promote collaboration and transparency by maintaining ongoing communication with residents, local businesses, port officials, transportation providers, environmental organizations, and the cruise industry to guide future policy decisions.

Prioritize public health preparedness by ensuring clear protocols are in place for cruise ships experiencing infectious disease outbreaks and providing residents with timely, factual information coordinated through public health officials.

Use data-driven decision making by regularly reviewing cruise-related policies, evaluating environmental and transportation impacts, and adapting strategies as tourism evolves to ensure Portland remains both a welcoming destination and a great place to live.

Survivor Support & Violence Prevention

My proposal:

Expand access to age-appropriate self-defense and personal safety education for all ages by partnering with schools, law enforcement, and community organizations to offer affordable, practical training in situational awareness, de-escalation, and self-defense skills.

Strengthen resources for survivors of domestic and sexual violence by expanding access to advocacy services, crisis response, counseling, legal assistance, emergency housing, and community partnerships that support survivors throughout their recovery.

Increase public awareness campaigns about recognizing abuse, reporting options, and available community resources.

*I have been a certified Volunteer Advocate with SARSSM (Sexual Assault Response Services of Southern Maine) since 2023, serving weekly on its 24/7 helpline after completing Maine's mandated reporter training. In 2020, I also participated in the Portland Police Department's Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) program before it was suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic—a program I want to see return. Through these experiences, combined with a lifelong devotion for supporting survivors and promoting personal safety, I propose the above measures.

My proposal:

Improve permitting efficiency and reducing unnecessary barriers to housing development by streamlining application and approval processes, minimizing avoidable delays and costs, and reviewing regulations where appropriate while maintaining essential health, safety, and environmental standards.

Redevelop underutilized and vacant properties by supporting the adaptive reuse of existing buildings to create new housing and commercial opportunities, while making better use of existing infrastructure and strengthening neighborhoods.. Research consistently shows that bringing vacant or underused properties back into productive use can increase housing supply, strengthen neighborhood business districts, reduce development costs compared to greenfield construction, and make more efficient use of existing infrastructure.

Encourage a variety of housing options including apartments, condominiums, townhomes, workforce housing, and single-family homes, to better meet the needs of Portland's diverse population.

Ensure taxpayer dollars are invested wisely by prioritizing programs with measurable results and regularly evaluating their effectiveness, eliminating unnecessary spending, and maintaining transparency and accountability in how public funds are allocated.

My proposal:

Safe and stable housing: Expand access to emergency shelter, transitional housing, and long-term housing resources that provide a foundation for recovery and independence.

Substance use treatment and recovery services: Improve access to detoxification, inpatient and outpatient treatment, medication-assisted treatment when appropriate, mental health services, and long-term recovery support.

Employment, job training, and mentorship: Connect individuals with workforce development programs, vocational training, resume and interview assistance, mentorship, and employment opportunities that promote long-term financial stability.

Comprehensive case management: Provide ongoing, individualized support to help people navigate housing, healthcare, employment, benefits, transportation, and other essential services while tracking progress toward long-term goals.

I believe we must strengthen collaboration among:

Service providers to improve coordination of housing, treatment, and support services;

Healthcare professionals to address physical health, mental health, and substance use disorders through integrated care;

Law enforcement and first responders to enhance crisis response, connect individuals with appropriate services, and improve public safety; and

Individuals with lived experience to ensure programs are informed by firsthand knowledge and responsive to the real challenges people face.

By strengthening these partnerships and expanding access to coordinated services, we can help more individuals achieve recovery, stability, and independence while fostering a healthier and safer community for everyone.

Affordability

Addressing Homelessness & Substance Abuse