THE ISSUES
"My vision for Jacksonville includes increasing economic opportunities for individuals and small businesses, safer neighborhoods, job training for youth, crime reduction, and affordable and attainable housing."
ACTION STEPS
SAFER COMMUNITIES
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Invest in community programs that help keep youth off the streets and engaged in positive activities
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Advocate for mental health resources in schools and to the community
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Support measures that reduce violent crimes and promote responsible gun ownership
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Provide technical and career training to youth, returning citizens, low-income families, and Veterans
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Promote community-wide dialogues about race, religion, and other important sensitive topics
STIMULATE SMALL BUSINESS & ENTREPRENEURSHIP
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Offer tax breaks and incentives for small businesses
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Connect small businesses with larger companies who may be interested in their products or services
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Fund research and development programs to help small businesses create new, innovative products
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Relax regulations hindering small business growth
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Provide mentorship opportunities and business incubators for budding entrepreneurs
BETTER JOBS & PAY
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Support measures that encourage entrepreneurship, innovation, and attract new employers to the area
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Invest in small businesses and help to create an environment that is conducive to job growth
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Advocate for wage increases so that workers can afford to live without reliance on assistance
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Make sure that local taxes are fair and do not place an undue burden on workers and struggling families
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Invest in education and training, so that our workforce is prepared for the challenges of the 21st century
IMPROVE INFRASTRUCTURE
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Strive to improve the physical infrastructure of Jacksonville - including roads, buildings, bridges, environment, etc.
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Be a listening ear to resident's concerns and provide opportunities for them to be addressed
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Support environmental policies that improve waste management, community health, and mitigation of beach erosion
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Promote policies that provide green spaces, community gardens, parks, and recreational facilities
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Remain mindful of the benefits and unintended consequences of infrastructure policies
ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE
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Partner with the mayor and city council to create a more affordable healthcare system for residents
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Support legislation that makes it easier for small businesses to provide healthcare benefits to employees
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Advocate for funding that provides free or discounted medical, dental, vision, and wellness services to individuals who cannot afford them
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Collaborate with local hospitals and clinics to ensure that everyone has access to quality healthcare
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Facilitate dialogues between providers and the community to discuss new ways to improve the city's healthcare system
ATTAINABLE & AFFORDABLE HOUSING
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Promote that city officials include affordable and attainable housing in development planning
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Address social and economic barriers to affordable and attainable housing
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Improve systems and processes to reduce homelessness and increase access to housing
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Design and support policies that increase affordability, improve access to quality, and support the creation and preservation of affordable housing
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Advocate for incentives and tax breaks to renovate existing housing for affordable housing