Great cities are not measured by the number of skyscrapers, but rather the quality, inclusion and character of their neighborhoods. The real test for San Jose will be how healthy the neighborhoods are after the budget cuts.
Housing:
- Work with the CSJ Housing Dept. & local banks to work with home buyers purchasing foreclosures who need "disclosure costs" that would otherwise prevent them for purchasing the home.
- Expand the CSJ Housing Dept. First Time Homebuyer Program to include service industry professionals.
- Establish a "gap" financing program to help first time home buyers purchase foreclosed + as is- homes.
Public Safety:
- Coordinate with Office of Emergency Services & key community stakeholders to establish "emergency depots" of food, clothing, and water for neighborhoods.
- Work with Federal Government to educate/train residents in disaster preparedness.
- Expand the Alert SCC program so information can be transmitted immediately to the residents and business explaining what is happening and how to respond.
- Insure that the first responders have the tools to communicate efficiently as possible before during and after an emergency.
Schools:
- Allow the local school boards and communities to decide for them selves how they want to allocate their money and resources.
- Collaborate with school districts to support the healthy development of the whole child before, during and after school.
- Work with the schools and police department to ensure a safe learning environment.
- Re-invest in the trade apprenticeship programs to school age youth looking short and long term employment.
Community Building:
- Work to implement Top Ten neighborhood improvement plans for the Winchester & Blackford Strong Neighborhoods Initiative (SNI) areas.
- Work with city departments to increase communication and reduce barriers/fees that restrict community building
- Embrace the arts and arts community as not only an aesthetic benefit but as a catalyst for jobs and economic development.
- Establish a comprehensive leadership academy that grows neighborhood leaders, and future public servants.
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