If elected, how would you ensure that older adults who live in Durham are included in zoning decisions, particularly individuals from communities that have been historically marginalized?
I have tried to be as transparent and accessible as possible during my short time on the Council, and I am dedicated to continuing to be so. I continue to work to be in relationship with people of color or other historically marginalized people who are directly impacted by the policies or zoning changes being discussed. I have also pushed to maintain a variety of methods of interaction during the City’s community engagement process, understanding that not all elders (or otherwise) have the skills or resources to interact via app or online. But simply hearing concerns is not enough; we must also be listening and applying what we learn to ensure that our policies are not having disparate or negative impacts or adding
unnecessary barriers to entry.
Do you support requiring developers to build accessible, affordable housing? We are aware of the state-level limitations on local municipalities.
Yes
If elected, how would you use the City’s contracting process to incentivize the expansion of affordable and accessible housing for older adults and people who have disabilities?
I know that Durham is growing, but I also know that we can grow in ways that are smart and sustainable – ways which allow everyone to access green space, which ensure Durham does what it can to mitigate the devastating impacts of climate change, which prioritize affordability, and which honor the legacy and history of this amazing city. Though I vote yes on the vast majority of rezoning that comes in front of me, I am not afraid to say no to developers when the project is not right for Durham and does not serve our population, which is a crucial part of incentivizing better commitments and proffers. I am also interested
in adding incentives for 100% affordable projects so that we do not have to fight over single digit percentages of affordability. I also hope to encourage different structures in the rental market; although renting is not something that helps grow wealth, there are many people who are forced to rent for various reasons. Having coop-style management or the opportunity to rent-to-own can drastically increase competition in an otherwise not competitive rental market. Finally, all these incentives must be paired with continued investment in eviction diversion, home-buyer assistance programs, and robust homelessness services so that we can ensure no one is falling through the cracks.
Durham currently has at least 1 public school building that is not being used. Considering the examples of New Bethel Homes and the Veranda at Whitted senior housing communities, do you support renovating former schools into housing for older adults and adults who have disabilities?
Yes
Because of factors like low salaries, lack of professional advancement, the growing aging population and burnout – Durham has a shortage in people who are working in home health. One of the objectives in the City of Durham’s current strategic plan is to build a talented and competitive workforce. If elected, what will you do to support current home health workers?
First, I will continue to use my position and voice to advocate for fair pay, benefits, and opportunity for advancements in the field of home healthcare. Second, I plan to work closely with the City’s new director of Workforce and Economic Development to prioritize skill training and mentorship of Durham’s young folks, allowing them true pathways to gainful employment, including in healthcare and home health work.
What is your vision for the City to support older adults so that they can age in-place safely and with dignity? If elected, how will you support organizations that are currently providing resources to older adults, including advocacy?
We know, and unfortunately I’ve seen first hand, that older folks are the group most at risk of homelessness at this time. I don’t believe anyone should be unhoused, but I also understand the added difficulties for elders facing homelessness and am doing all I can to prevent their displacement. The City, in conjunction with the County, provides tax payment assistance based on age and other factors, and I will continue to support placing budgetary allotments aside for this purpose. We also support eviction diversion, and I would like to see the County placing more money in for diversion resources to assist with this diversion program. However, it’s not just about people being displaced, it is also ensuring that they
have the ability to receive care and live safely in the spaces where they reside. I am working on some code enforcement changes and other incentives to hopefully encourage landlords – including the Durham Housing Authority – to keep their units in good shape for their tenants.
I have also met with seniors who have been experiencing poor management and helped connect them with the right people to begin addressing their concerns. I am committed to continuing to show up for elders in this community and to support them or others who are organizing on their behalf.
The federal bill H.R. 1 (Big Beautiful Bill) will significantly reduce access to essential resources that people in Durham need including SNAP, Medicaid and affordable health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace (Obamacare). If elected, give 2-3 examples of how you will support Durham’s collective well-being given that there will be less access to essential needs like food and healthcare?
We know that, along with people in Durham losing access to absolute necessities like healthcare and food stamps, we are also seeing massive cuts to nonprofits and government agencies that provided additional gap-filling services. My hope is that the Council can come together to
1) consider how we can support nonprofits serving affinity groups or marginalized people monetarily (this might be in the form of a regular city fund that is divvied up among groups by a board that isn’t directly related to the council);
2) join with our county colleagues to determine where there are overlaps and inefficiencies in our services
that can be used instead to support essential needs; and
3) push our larger for-profits, institutions, and foundations to step up their service to the community during this time.
