Addressing the Affordability Crisis Facing Working Families

A New Way Forward means a new way of thinking about how county leaders confront the real pressures facing working families and seniors in our community. For too long, rising housing costs, higher everyday expenses, and limited economic opportunities have been treated as problems beyond the reach of county government. Having spent years working at multiple levels of government, I understand both the limits and the responsibilities of the County Legislature and I know there are concrete steps we can take locally to make life more affordable right here in Onondaga County. These are the practical, responsible policies I will pursue as your County Legislator to help families stay, work, and build a future in the community they call home. 

• Prioritize starter homes and smaller units in county-supported projects by tying county infrastructure support, tax abatement, or bonding to developments that include modest, affordable homes and apartments.
   
• Use county land strategically by working with the Syracuse Land Bank and local municipalities to fast-track vacant or underutilized parcels for affordable homeownership and workforce housing.
   
• Push zoning coordination across municipalities to reduce barriers to town-homes, duplexes, and accessory dwelling units, especially near commercial corridors.

• Expand property tax relief for first-time homebuyers by exploring county-level exemptions or targeted relief programs coordinated with towns and school districts.
   
• Lower everyday costs through better county services by investing in shared services across municipalities to reduce duplication and keep local taxes down.
   
• Expand access to affordable child care by supporting county partnerships with providers, nonprofits, and employers to increase capacity and stabilize costs for working families.

• Create stronger pipelines from school to work by expanding paid internships, apprenticeships, and county-supported entry-level positions tied to local employers.
   
• Partner with Micron and other major employers to ensure local residents, especially young workers, have access to training and entry-level roles connected to long-term careers.
   
• Support community college and workforce training programs that lead directly to jobs that exist in Onondaga County today, not just theoretical credentials.

• Improve public transit reliability and reach so people can get to work without needing a second car or paying rising transportation costs.
   
• Invest in infrastructure upgrades that support housing growth while preventing higher taxes down the road through smart, preventative maintenance.
   
• Support walkable, connected communities that lower transportation costs and make neighborhoods more livable for seniors and young families.