Families across Hammond are feeling the pressure of rising costs. While local government cannot control inflation or national economic trends, it can take meaningful steps to reduce everyday expenses, expand opportunity, and make it easier for residents to build stable lives in our community.

My approach focuses on practical solutions that help working families, seniors, young professionals, and small business owners. By supporting affordable housing, reducing unnecessary barriers, improving access to resources, and strengthening local economic opportunities, we can help make Hammond a more affordable place to live, work, and raise a family.

Expanding Affordable Housing Opportunities

Housing affordability is one of the most significant challenges facing communities across the country. Young adults are waiting longer to purchase their first homes, and many working families struggle to find housing that fits their budgets.

I support encouraging a wider range of affordable housing options through:

• Incentives for developers who include affordable rental and ownership opportunities.

• Expedited permitting and review processes for projects that address community housing needs.

• Partnerships that encourage workforce housing for teachers, healthcare workers, first responders, and young professionals.

• Development standards that balance growth with affordability while protecting existing neighborhoods.

Reducing Everyday Costs

Small improvements can make a meaningful difference for household budgets.

I support:

• Reviewing traffic signal timing to reduce unnecessary congestion and fuel consumption.

• Evaluating city fees and fines to ensure they are fair and do not disproportionately impact low-income residents.

• Reviewing contracts with utility providers to ensure residents receive the best possible value.

• Identifying efficiencies that reduce costs without sacrificing service quality.

• Support the development of affordable housing, including both rental units and homes for purchase. The average age of a first-time homebuyer has risen to approximately 40 years old, making homeownership increasingly difficult for many young adults and working families. Hammond should be a place where recent graduates, young professionals, teachers, first responders, and healthcare workers can afford to stay, build their lives, and put down roots. 

To encourage the construction of affordable housing, I support exploring incentives such as reduced permit fees, expedited permitting and review processes, assistance with infrastructure costs such as sidewalks, drainage, and street lighting, and other tools that help lower development costs. For developments seeking annexation into the city, I also support exploring requirements that a percentage of homes be designated as affordable housing so that growth benefits residents across a range of income levels.

Supporting Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs

Local businesses create jobs, strengthen neighborhoods, and keep money circulating within our community.

I support:

• Simplifying the process of opening and operating a business.

• Creating clear, step-by-step guidance for permits, licenses, and approvals.

• Prioritizing local vendors in city purchasing when legally permissible.

• Working to reduce unnecessary barriers that discourage entrepreneurship.

Improving Access to Resources

Many residents are unaware of programs and services that could help them meet basic needs.

I support:

• Creating a centralized online directory for housing assistance, utility assistance, food programs, senior services, and other community resources.

• Improving access to information through a more user-friendly city website.

• Strengthening partnerships between city government, nonprofits, and service providers.

• Partner with the library to expand the range of educational, professional, and community services available to residents. The East Baton Rouge Parish Library system offers excellent examples of programs that support residents at every stage of life, including Small Business Services, Ask a Lawyer events, Medicare seminars, financial literacy workshops, job search assistance, and technology training. I would like to explore opportunities to bring similar programs to Hammond, helping residents access valuable information, professional guidance, and resources close to home.

Strengthening Food Access and Community Programs

Access to healthy food is an important part of community well-being.

I support:

• Expanding community garden opportunities where appropriate.  This includes identifying underutilized public spaces that can support local food growing.

• Encouraging partnerships that improve access to fresh and affordable food.

• Working with the library and community organizations to expand educational and support programs for residents, including small business services, legal information sessions, financial literacy resources, and senior support programs.

A strong local economy benefits everyone. When businesses succeed, they create jobs, expand opportunities, generate revenue for public services, and contribute to the overall quality of life in our community. Economic development should not focus solely on new businesses; it should also create an environment where existing businesses can thrive, entrepreneurs can succeed, and residents have access to the goods, services, and opportunities they need close to home.

My goal is to support responsible growth that benefits residents, strengthens neighborhoods, and helps make Hammond an even better place to live, work, and do business.

Creating a Business Friendly City Government

I've heard from business owners that navigating city processes can sometimes be confusing, slow, and frustrating. While regulations are important, city government should be a partner in helping businesses succeed.

I support:

• Creating a "Let's Figure It Out" culture within city government that focuses on problem-solving and customer service.

• Streamlining permitting, licensing, and inspection processes wherever possible.

• Creating clear, step-by-step guides on the city website that explain how to open and operate a business in Hammond.

• Assigning a dedicated staff member or business liaison to help entrepreneurs navigate city processes and answer questions.

• Identifying unnecessary delays and finding ways to make city government more responsive to residents and business owners alike.

Supporting Local Businesses and Entrepreneurs

Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy and help make Hammond unique.

I support:

• Prioritizing local vendors in city purchasing whenever legally permissible.

• Creating more opportunities for local artisans, creators, and entrepreneurs through pop-up retail events in parks, public spaces, and community venues.

• Partnering with the library and community organizations to expand small business resources, workshops, and educational programming.

• Reducing barriers that make it difficult for local entrepreneurs to start or grow a business.

Attracting Businesses That Meet Community Needs

Economic development should be intentional. Rather than simply chasing any development opportunity, we should focus on attracting businesses that fill gaps in our local economy and improve quality of life for residents.

I support:

• Offering targeted incentives for businesses that provide services residents currently have to leave Hammond to access.

• Considering incentives such as reduced permit fees, infrastructure assistance, or expedited reviews for businesses that meet community needs.

• Encouraging businesses that invest in underserved areas, hire locally, and provide stable jobs.

One example is grocery access. Many residents have expressed interest in additional grocery options, and I believe the city should actively approach retailers such as Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Sprouts, and other grocery chains with data demonstrating the strength of the Hammond market and the demand that exists within our community.

Revitalizing Hammond Square and Commercial Corridors

The future of retail is changing, and communities across the country are reimagining how shopping centers and commercial districts can serve residents.

I support exploring opportunities to revitalize underutilized commercial properties, including Hammond Square, through a combination of retail, dining, entertainment, services, and community-centered uses.

I also support:

• Beautifying commercial corridors (51, 51 Business, and 190) and major entry points into the city (12 and 55).

• Continuing efforts to reduce visual clutter and improve the appearance of public spaces.

• Enforcing existing sign ordinances and cleanup requirements so temporary signs, campaign materials, and other advertising materials do not become long-term litter.

• Working with local organizations, LSU Master Gardeners, approaching the Hammond Garden Club, and volunteers to enhance landscaping in city-maintained areas where appropriate.

• Encouraging redevelopment projects that strengthen neighborhoods and improve quality of life.

Incentives with Accountability

When public incentives are offered, residents deserve to know what the community is receiving in return.

I support focusing incentives on projects that provide measurable public benefits, such as:

• Creating local jobs.

• Expanding access to needed goods and services.

• Investing in underserved areas.

• Revitalizing vacant or underutilized properties.

• Improving quality of life for Hammond residents.

Economic development success should be measured by whether families have access to more opportunities, whether local businesses are thriving, and whether residents can find the services they need right here in Hammond.

Infrastructure affects our daily lives in ways we often don't notice until something stops working. Roads, sidewalks, drainage systems, parks, playgrounds, traffic signals, and public spaces all contribute to our quality of life and our ability to move safely through the community. Too often, local governments focus on new projects while falling behind on maintaining the infrastructure they already have.

I believe Hammond should adopt a "Fix It First" approach. Before taking on costly new projects, we should ensure the roads, parks, sidewalks, drainage systems, and public facilities we already have are properly maintained and functioning as intended.

Maintaining and Improving Our Roads

Well-maintained roads save residents money in car repairs, improve safety, and support economic development. 

I support:

• Conducting a comprehensive assessment of road conditions throughout the city.

• Developing a pothole reporting system.

• Establishing a regular paving and maintenance schedule that residents can review publicly.

• Prioritizing repairs based on road condition, traffic volume, safety concerns, and neighborhood needs.

• Coordinating road improvements with drainage projects whenever possible to maximize efficiency and reduce future costs.

Sidewalks, Accessibility, and Pedestrian Safety

Residents should be able to safely walk to schools, parks, businesses, and community destinations.

I support:

• Repairing broken sidewalks throughout the city.

• Prioritizing sidewalks near schools, parks, senior centers, shopping areas, and other high-traffic destinations.

• Improving accessibility through the installation and repair of curb ramps and pedestrian infrastructure.

• Adding crosswalks where residents are already crossing rather than waiting for accidents to demonstrate the need.

• Continuing to improve pedestrian safety through better design and maintenance.

Parks and Recreation

Every neighborhood deserves access to safe, functional, and welcoming public spaces.

I support:

• Conducting a citywide assessment of parks and recreational facilities to identify maintenance and improvement needs.

• Ensuring all parks receive attention and investment, not just our most visible facilities.

• Repairing broken equipment and addressing long-standing maintenance issues, including amenities that have remained out of service for extended periods. The splash pad at North Oak Park has been broken for at least 2 years, let's give the other city parks the same attention Cate Square Park receives.

• Establishing a maintenance schedule to ensure park facilities remain in good working condition.

Making Parks More Comfortable and Usable

Parks should be spaces families can enjoy throughout the year.

I support:

• Evaluating opportunities to add shade structures over playgrounds that do not currently have them (which is most).

• Installing additional benches, drinking fountains, and other basic amenities in parks that lack them.

• Improving accessibility and comfort for residents of all ages.

• Prioritizing investments that increase the usability of existing park facilities before pursuing major expansions.

Traffic Safety and Transportation

Residents deserve safe and efficient transportation infrastructure.

I support:

• Reviewing traffic safety concerns throughout the city and identifying opportunities for improvement.

• Working collaboratively with parish and state officials on roads and intersections outside city jurisdiction that affect Hammond residents. We need a light at North Oak and Natalbany Road; that is Parish property, but I will work with them to try and get that addressed. 

• Advocating for improvements at known problem locations, including intersections where residents have raised ongoing safety concerns.

• Using data, resident feedback, and engineering recommendations to prioritize transportation improvements.

Better Reporting and Transparency

Residents should be able to easily report problems and track progress.

I support:

• Creating simple online reporting systems for potholes, sidewalk damage, and other infrastructure concerns.

• Developing a public dashboard that allows residents to view planned, active, and completed infrastructure projects.

• Providing regular updates on project timelines and maintenance schedules.

• Making it easier for residents to understand how infrastructure decisions are made and where resources are being invested.

Good infrastructure is about making sure the systems residents rely on every day are safe, functional, and well maintained. By focusing on maintenance, transparency, and thoughtful investment, we can build a Hammond that works better for everyone.

Every resident deserves to feel safe in their home, neighborhood, and community. Public safety is one of the most important responsibilities of local government, but it involves more than simply responding to emergencies. Safe communities are built through strong partnerships, well-supported first responders, proactive code enforcement, neighborhood investment, and programs that help prevent problems before they occur.

I believe Hammond should take a balanced approach to public safety; one that supports our police officers, firefighters, and emergency personnel while also investing in prevention, transparency, and community partnerships that improve quality of life for everyone.

Supporting First Responders

Police officers, firefighters, and emergency personnel cannot effectively serve the community without the staff, training, and equipment they need.

I support:

• Regularly reviewing staffing levels, equipment needs, and department resources rather than waiting for shortages or problems to develop.

• Ensuring police and fire departments have the tools necessary to serve residents safely and effectively.

• Investing in officer training, including de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention, and mental health response.

• Encouraging strong communication and collaboration between city leadership, public safety departments, and the community.

Neighborhood Safety and Crime Prevention

Public safety begins in our neighborhoods.

I support:

• Expanding street lighting in dark areas and locations where residents have raised ongoing safety concerns.

• Working with law enforcement to address neighborhoods experiencing increases in vehicle break-ins, thefts, and other quality-of-life crimes.

• Tracking crime trends and identifying areas where targeted prevention efforts may be needed.

• Encouraging public reporting and communication to residents so they can stay informed about neighborhood safety concerns.

Transparency and Accountability

Residents deserve access to information about public safety in their community.

I support:

• Promoting the regular public release of crime statistics and public safety data.

• Creating easy-to-understand reporting tools that allow residents to track trends and understand community needs.

• Encouraging regular communication between public safety agencies, city leadership, and residents.

• Using data to guide decision-making and evaluate whether safety initiatives are producing results.

Safe and Well-Maintained Neighborhoods

The condition of a neighborhood often influences how safe residents feel.

I support:

• More proactive code enforcement to identify problems before they become larger issues.

• Establishing regular neighborhood code enforcement inspection drive-throughs to address concerns early.

• Addressing illegal dumping, littering, abandoned vehicles, and neglected properties.

• Ensuring unsafe structures and nuisance properties are addressed consistently and fairly.

• Working to maintain clean, attractive neighborhoods that residents can take pride in.

Prevention, Youth Opportunity, and Community Partnerships

One of the most effective ways to improve public safety is to address problems before they become crises.

I support:

• Supporting youth programs, recreation opportunities, workforce development initiatives, and job training programs.

• Strengthening partnerships between schools, nonprofits, faith communities, and local organizations.

• Encouraging programs that provide positive opportunities for young people and help build stronger communities.

• Supporting efforts that connect residents with resources before challenges escalate into emergencies.

Mental Health and Crisis Response

Not every emergency requires a traditional law enforcement response.

I support:

• Exploring partnerships that allow mental health professionals, addiction recovery specialists, homeless outreach teams, and social service providers to respond when appropriate.

• Identifying opportunities to connect residents with services that address underlying challenges.

• Supporting crisis response models that improve outcomes for both residents and first responders.

Harm Reduction and Emergency Preparedness

Simple, practical steps can save lives.

I support:

• Encouraging bars, restaurants, and entertainment venues to voluntarily keep Narcan available on-site.

This could directly benefit businesses if an incident occurs on their premises. It would also ensure that, if an emergency happens nearby, it is publicly known that anyone with the affected person could request the medication from a bartender or server. In these situations, seconds can save lives, and emergency services are not always able to arrive immediately.

• Exploring opportunities for public education on lifesaving interventions and emergency preparedness.

• Supporting initiatives that help residents respond effectively while emergency personnel are en route.

Public safety is strongest when residents, first responders, businesses, community organizations, and local government work together. By investing in prevention, supporting our public safety professionals, maintaining our neighborhoods, and improving transparency, we can build a safer Hammond for everyone.

A strong local economy depends on a strong workforce. When residents have access to education, training, internships, apprenticeships, and career opportunities, businesses are more likely to invest in our community and families are better positioned to achieve financial stability.

While city government does not directly control schools, colleges, or private employers, it can play an important role in bringing partners together, identifying workforce needs, and helping connect residents with opportunities. Workforce development is about creating pathways to good jobs and ensuring that Hammond residents are prepared to take advantage of those opportunities.

Building Strong Partnerships

Preparing residents for successful careers requires collaboration between schools, colleges, employers, and local government.

I support:

• Encouraging stronger partnerships between local schools, Southeastern Louisiana University, Northshore Tech, Compass, technical programs, and employers.

• Supporting apprenticeship opportunities with local contractors, skilled trades, and growing industries.

• Identifying opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience while still in school.

• Working with local employers to better understand workforce needs and skills gaps.

Internships and Career Exploration

Many young people struggle to gain experience because they cannot get their foot in the door.

I support:

• Creating internship opportunities within city departments for students and young professionals.

• Encouraging local businesses to establish internship and mentorship programs.

• Helping students and job seekers explore career options before making significant educational or financial commitments.

• Promoting opportunities that allow residents to gain practical experience and build professional networks.

Connecting Residents to Opportunity

Residents should have easy access to information that can help them make informed career decisions.

I support:

• Publishing information on growing industries and in-demand career fields so residents can better understand where opportunities exist.

• Improving awareness of local training programs, certifications, and workforce resources.

• Helping residents connect with available educational and career development opportunities.

• Working with community partners to ensure workforce information is easy to access and understand.

Workforce Readiness and Life Skills

Technical skills are important, but employers consistently identify communication, professionalism, and workplace readiness as critical skills for success.

I support:

• Expanding access to resume writing assistance, interview preparation, and workplace readiness training.

• Partnering with the library and community organizations to provide workshops and educational programs.

• Supporting financial literacy, professional development, and career advancement resources.

• Encouraging programs that help residents build confidence and succeed in the workplace.

Removing Barriers to Employment

Sometimes the biggest obstacle to employment is not job availability but access.

I support:

• Reviewing public transportation needs and identifying opportunities for improvement where appropriate.

• Evaluating transportation barriers that may prevent residents from accessing employment opportunities.

• Working with community partners to identify and address obstacles that keep residents from entering or remaining in the workforce.

• Supporting practical solutions that help connect people with jobs.

Aligning Economic Development with Workforce Growth

Economic development and workforce development should work hand in hand.

I support:

• Prioritizing the recruitment of businesses that offer stable wages, training opportunities, and opportunities for advancement.

• Encouraging employers to invest in workforce development and employee training.

• Supporting economic development strategies that create long-term career opportunities for local residents.

• Ensuring that when new businesses come to Hammond, local residents are prepared to benefit from the jobs they create.

Workforce development is ultimately about opportunity. By helping residents gain the skills, experience, and connections they need to succeed, we can strengthen our economy, support local businesses, and build a more prosperous future for Hammond families.