A Strong Economy + Accessible Jobs = Collective Prosperity.

City Hall has a direct impact on the local economy by enabling business growth and job creation. That impact must be inclusive of all of Syracuse's residents.

Poverty is a category defined by the financial status of a household. Increase that financial status and we reduce the number of people living at or below the poverty level. Workforce training AND job placement is the pathway to success. I have been closely involved in these efforts and repeatedly declared: “No more people with file folders filled with training certificates and no job!” I also firmly believe that people should not simply enroll in training programs at their own expense, but should be paid while receiving this necessary training. As Mayor, I will identify new collaborations that will expand this successful approach. Our collective workforce skill building efforts must result in a living wage job. I am steadfast in my commitment to raising the economic status of all individuals and their families in Syracuse.

Right now in Syracuse, we are in a moment where companies and individuals both locally and globally are seeking to invest in our community, and the business opportunities here. Public-private partnership is critical to meaningful economic growth and must involve digital and physical infrastructure investment.

As Central New York becomes a global leader for tech manufacturing and innovation, we must ensure growth is equitable and these benefits are experienced by the people who call our community home.

As Mayor, I will:

Increase household wealth by supporting individuals and families

• Continue and enhance training initiatives to assist workforce organizations and colleges align training programs to support high demand industries, while advocating for new solutions that provide financial support to individuals who enroll and graduate from these programs.

• Expand high-speed internet access using programs such as Surge Link in order to ensure every Syracuse neighborhood can experience the benefits of this digital access and the opportunity that comes with being connected.

• Work with community partners and employers to address barriers that are preventing individuals from entering the workforce, such as childcare, transportation access, etc. in order to expand access to new job opportunities.

• Support SMTC, CENTRO and other state and federal partners to implement a Bus Rapid Transit System (BRT) and enhance the frequency and scope of bus service so that all residents of Syracuse have access to work, education, shopping and leisure facilities.

• Dedicate greater resources and assistance to entrepreneurs seeking to start and grow a business here in Syracuse, and work to ensure they have the support needed to secure City licenses and permit approvals.

Position the City of Syracuse to capitalize on the growth and investment coming to our region

• Expand city services to spur economic growth that includes digital methods for permit submissions and options for building plan review that reduces process time.

• Fully implement Syracuse’s progressive zoning laws to foster continued growth, continue to build affordable and market rate housing, and incorporate smart growth land use principles.

• Enable the Syracuse Economic Development Corporation (SEDCO) to increase technical and financial support for BIPOC, small and LGBTQ+ businesses to ensure inclusion of their vision for a vibrant Syracuse within our growing landscape.

• Identify training and small business pathways specifically for our New Americans who now call Syracuse home, making us an international city. I recognize the education and skills they bring from their native home and see their place in our emerging economy.

• Expand the Resurgent Neighborhoods Initiative to invest in our neighborhood business corridors to foster small business opportunities and meet neighborhood amenity needs.

• Work with the Syracuse Industrial Development Agency (SIDA) to pursue innovative and equitable uses of tax incentives that encourage investment while ensuring they facilitate community benefit from private real estate investments.

• Further advance the redevelopment of vacant land and underutilized property to bring new housing and investment into our neighborhoods. This includes using City-owned land to spur private investment, and continuing to provide financial support to the Greater Syracuse Land Bank as a critical partner in our land use redevelopment plans.