BluePrint For District 41

BLUEPRINT FOR DISTRICT 41:

A Vision for Transformation and Progress

As a candidate for New York City Council in District 41, I present this comprehensive plan to address the pressing issues facing our community and chart a course for a brighter future in the 21st century.

Tackling Unemployment

The unemployment rate in New York City stands at 5.4% as of October 2024, higher than the national average. It is even higher in District 41 – especially among young women. I propose the following common-sense solutions to address this situation in District 41:

1. Partner with the New York Small Business Development Center to provide free, personalized business advisement and training for local entrepreneurs.

2. Establish a District 41 Job Fair initiative, connecting residents with local businesses and city agencies.

3. Create a workforce development program focusing on emerging industries and green jobs.

Revitalizing NYCHA Housing

NYCHA faces a crisis due to decades of neglect and underinvestment. To address this:

§ Advocate for a portion of the $2 billion in additional housing capital investments secured by the City Council to be allocated to District 41 NYCHA properties. Something that the present incumbent has CONSISTENTLY FAILED to do.

§ Implement a rapid response team for critical repairs in NYCHA buildings. And create a mechanism for checks and verification that is designed to hold the authority ACCOUNTABLE for all and all actions that compromises the safety and well-being of residents of the developments.

§ Create a tenant advocacy office within the district to ensure residents' voices are heard and complaints acted upon immediately.

Improving Healthcare Access

To enhance access to quality, affordable healthcare:

1. Establish mobile health clinics to serve underserved areas of the district.

2. Partner with local hospitals to create community health education programs.

3. Advocate for increased funding for mental health services in the district.

4. Partner with our Federal/Congressional representatives to increase funding to local Federally Qualified Health Centers, like Brownsville Multi-Service Family Health Center (BMS)

Boosting Small Business Development

To support local entrepreneurs:

A. Utilize the resources of the New York Small Business Development Centers to provide personalized guidance to District 41 businesses.

B. Create a "Shop Local" campaign with district stakeholders, Chambers of Commerce, Small Business organizations, CBOs and Business Development Districts (BIDS) to encourage support for district businesses. This will improve the local economy and create good jobs for our young people.

C. Establish a micro-loan program especially for small businesses in partnership with local banks.

Implementing Cure Violence Initiatives

To address high crime rates:

§ Expand the Cure Violence programs in District 41, focusing on at-risk youth, alternative sentencing programs (working with the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office) and enhanced skills and job training, especially for young women and first-time teen mothers.

§ Implement community policing initiatives to build trust between residents and law enforcement.

§ Create safe spaces for youth activities and mentorship programs.

Empowering Youth, Especially Young Millennial and Gen Z Women

To support and empower our young residents:

i. Establish a Young Women's Leadership Academy in District 41 and partner with existing programs and organizations that specifically address the challenges facing our young women.

ii. Create internship programs with local businesses and city agencies.

iii. Implement a mentorship program pairing successful women professionals with young women in the district.

Action Items for District 41's Transformation

1) Secure a portion of the $5 billion in commitments for the City for an All Housing Plan for District 41.

2) Implement zoning changes to create more affordable housing units in the district.

3) Establish a District 41 Economic Development Task Force.

4) Create a Youth Advisory Council to ensure young voices are heard in policy-making.

5) Launch a District 41 Beautification Initiative to improve public spaces and boost community pride.

This blueprint represents a commitment to addressing the unique challenges facing District 41. By focusing on these key areas and implementing these action items, we can work together to transform our district into a thriving, safe, and prosperous community for all residents.

APPRENTICESHIP & VOCATIONAL PROGRAMS

To expand apprenticeship and vocational training programs in District 41, several strategies can be implemented:

o Create partnerships with local community colleges and vocational schools to develop new apprenticeship programs in emerging industries like healthcare, clean energy, and technology while strengthening and enhancing existing ones.

o Establish an Apprenticeship Accelerator program in District 41 to convene employers, unions, workforce development boards, and community organizations to launch new registered apprenticeships.

o Engage with local businesses to address misconceptions about apprenticeships and provide one-on-one support to facilitate program development.

o Utilize intermediaries to serve as apprenticeship program sponsors, helping to identify career pathways and assist with program implementation.

o Partner with Minority Serving Institutions and Historically Black Colleges to create apprenticeship programs in fields like healthcare and cybersecurity.

o Implement a microgrant program to help small and medium-sized businesses in District 41 with the paperwork and administrative costs associated with starting apprenticeship programs.

o Host local events during National Youth Apprenticeship Week to increase awareness about Registered Apprenticeships and pathways into them, including career exploration and pre-apprenticeship programs.

o Collaborate with high schools in District 41 to introduce apprenticeship programs to students as young as 16, providing them with early career pathways and choices.

o Working with our federal congressional representatives to leverage federal and state grants, such as the American Apprenticeship Initiative (AAI), to support the expansion of registered apprenticeships in the district.

o Work with the New York State Department of Labor to implement their campaign introducing apprenticeships to high school students, including hosting presentations for school leaders, parents, teachers, and students.

Sincerely,

Jammel