CAMPAIGN PLATFORM 6
Equity in Public Service

Platform: A City That Works for Everyone

• Prioritize underserved wards by increasing access to quality education, healthcare, and public infrastructure.

• Establish an Equity Office to audit government services and ensure fair distribution of resources.

• Expand affordable housing options by investing in projects in wealthier areas to fund equity-focused initiatives. 

• Projected Contribution: $30 million over 5 years.

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Signature Proposal: The Equity First Initiative – $300 million dedicated to schools, clinics, and infrastructure in Wards 7 and 8 over five years.

 

Funding Strategy: Funding the Equity in Public Services platform and the Equity First Initiative will require a multifaceted strategy, combining reallocation of existing funds, securing new revenue sources, and leveraging partnerships. Below is a detailed funding plan:

1. Reallocation of Existing Budget

• Efficiency Audits: Conduct audits across city departments to identify wasteful spending and redirect those funds toward underserved areas.

• Potential Savings: $20–40 million annually.

• Tax Increment Financing (TIF): Redirect a portion of future tax revenues generated from economic development projects in wealthier areas to fund equity-focused initiatives.

• Projected Contribution: $30 million over 5 years.

 

 

2. New Revenue Sources

• Progressive Tax Reforms: Increase taxes on luxury property sales (over $5 million) and higher-income brackets (top 1%).

• Projected Revenue: $50–75 million annually.

• Real Estate Transaction Fees: Apply targeted fees to high-value commercial transactions to generate funds specifically for public housing and infrastructure in underserved wards.

• Projected Revenue: $15 million annually.

 

 

3. Public-Private Partnerships

• Affordable Housing Incentives: Partner with private developers to incentivize affordable housing construction through tax credits or density bonuses in exchange for financial contributions to public housing renovations.

• Projected Investment: $75 million over 5 years from developers.

• Healthcare Collaborations: Partner with nonprofit healthcare organizations and hospitals to co-fund clinic expansions in underserved wards.

• Projected Contribution: $30 million over 5 years.

 

 

4. Federal and Grant Funding

• Federal Grants: Apply for competitive federal grants such as HUD’s Community Development Block Grants and U.S. Department of Education grants targeting underfunded schools.

• Projected Contribution: $50–70 million over 5 years.

• Infrastructure Grants: Leverage funds from programs like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for public infrastructure upgrades.

• Projected Contribution: $40 million over 5 years.

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5. Community Investment Bonds

• Issue Community Equity Bonds, allowing residents and local businesses to invest in the Equity First Initiative with guaranteed returns.

• Projected Revenue: $50 million over 5 years.

 

 

6. Philanthropic Contributions

• Partner with foundations and charitable organizations focused on urban development, education, and healthcare equity.

• Projected Contribution: $35 million over 5 years​

 

Projected Funding Breakdown​​​