3. Prevention of Violence and Crime

The roots of Richmond’s violence run deep. Richmond’s chronic street violence is largely drug- and/or gang-related. This is not the only type of violence that exists in Richmond, but the price in young lives is unbearable and must no longer be tolerated. Richmond must start building the way out of the cycle. Yes, the availability of drugs to be traded and the use of guns to deal with conflict are key causal factors. Yet even deeper roots lie in our decimated educational system and a lack of jobs, leading to an ongoing vicious cycle of deprivation, desperation and anger, and erupting too often in senseless acts of violence on our streets.
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4. Better Education

The City of Richmond must intervene to save Richmond‘s children from inadequate and insufficient learning opportunities. Even though it is the responsibility of the WCCUSD to see that appropriate school services are provided, the reality is that generation after generation of our children are short-changed in their education. I am committed to the youth of Richmond and will ensure they receive learning support opportunities to compensate the shortcomings of our public schools.
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5. Better Environment

I will work to make Richmond a more sustainable city, by championing green energy and business practices to protect our scarce natural resources from further degradation by pollution and overuse, and make the city a healthy place for all of its residents. The formula for a better environment in Richmond is relatively simple: Do not build on toxic sites, mandate appropriate clean-ups under rigorous supervision; preserve the remaining open spaces; enforce the pollution control regulations both on industry and residents; promote and expand Richmond’s urban forest, parks and gardens; and promote environmental awareness in all residents.
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6. Better City For Families and Children

The diversity of Richmond families, from single parents and couples to multi-generational families living under the same roof, must be supported by City Hall. I will champion change that allows a more sustainable city with a stronger economy, a healthier environment, and a better future for all of Richmond's families. Richmond must also become a more child-friendly City, by making sure that all of our City agencies and policies address the needs of children, and that the city programs complement school district programs for the benefit of our kids. The future prosperity of our City lies in our City's future leaders. By investing in their safety, education, health, and environment, we improve the prospects for a better Richmond for all of our residents.
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7. Human Rights for all, including Immigrants & the Homeless

Richmond's immigrant population is a vital part of our community. The diversity of our City is what makes Richmond culturally rich. To maintain that diversity, we need to ensure protection of immigrant rights and improve their access to services. Immigrants should not be afraid to use City services that are meant to support them. As mayor, I will support legislation that levels the playing field, while strenuously opposing policies that scapegoat immigrant communities. Regarding homelessness, the existing system of criminalization of the homeless and reactive service provision has failed. Changing the system will take courage and the resolve to do what works, not what is politically expedient.
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8. Affordable Housing

Over half (51%) of Richmond residents are renters, a group that is often at the mercy of unfair eviction practices. I am committed to making Richmond a place where the rights of good tenants and of good landlords are protected. I am also committed to expanding homeownership opportunities to people of all incomes. A balanced housing strategy for Richmond includes protecting existing affordable housing, making additional permanently affordable housing available, and increasing the overall housing supply. The City must adopt smart policies that allow the private market, the nonprofit sector, and government to work together to keep the city affordable.
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9. Better City Planning

Richmond needs a Planning Department that plans in the public interest. As mayor, I will lead comprehensive reform of how we plan for the city's future, creating a Planning Department with the leadership to develop a unified and integrated people’s vision for the Richmond we want. I will strengthen the role of local communities and neighborhoods in the planning process, and ensure that new development contributes to a better, more equitable city for all residents of Richmond.
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10. The Arts, Culture and Global Connections

Richmond has many cultural expressions and a vibrant art community. The arts, often overlooked and marginalized, not only contribute to the cultural character of our City, as a venue for individual and collective reflection and healing, but also can act as a revenue-producing sector. I will foster partnerships between individual artists and groups of artists, local small business and not-for-profit organizations, and our local public TV station KCRT. These partnerships could result in expanding venues for Richmond’s artists.
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