Building Accessible and Stable Communities

Growing up in a lower-income home with my single mother and three siblings, housing was a constant struggle. My mother, who had only recently earned her GED, worked tirelessly to provide for us. We were always renters, moving from one-bedroom apartments to affordable housing projects, basement apartments, and converted single-family homes.

It wasn’t until the last year of her life that we lived in a space that wasn’t shared with others. That year, we had a home of our own—a space where we could feel grounded and safe. But it came at a cost. My mother, working a minimum-wage job, commuted over 90 minutes each way on public transit so that I, her youngest child and only son, could have the opportunity to survive and thrive.

Her determination shaped who I am today. It also left me with an unshakable question: why should the working class be forced to live so far from where they work? Why can’t we ensure that every family has access to affordable housing within the communities they serve?

Affordable and workforce housing are more than policy priorities—they’re lifelines for families like mine needed when I was growing up. When we talk about housing, we’re talking about more than buildings; we’re talking about creating homes that offer stability, security, and opportunity.

For me, that means:

• Expanding Workforce Housing: Teachers, first responders, service workers, and other essential professionals shouldn’t be forced to live hours away from their jobs–if they don’t personally elect to do so. We must prioritize developments that allow workers to live near where they work.
• Innovative Development: Sustainable building practices and creative financing can help us meet the demand for housing without compromising affordability or quality.
• Preserving Community Identity: Growth doesn’t have to mean displacement. We can expand housing while protecting the character and culture of our neighborhoods.

Every person in Columbus deserves access to a safe, affordable place to call home—one that allows them to build their future without sacrificing their well-being.

Many people in our community call home a place which they have rented. And behind every rental agreement is a family or individual hoping for stability. Too often, unfair practices, housing discrimination, and predatory landlords undermine that hope. I’ve seen firsthand the toll it takes when renters are left vulnerable, and I believe it’s our responsibility to change that.

To support renters, we must:

• Enforce Fair Housing Laws: Every resident deserves protection against discrimination, and landlords must be held accountable to ensure these protections are upheld.
• Empower Renters: Knowledge is power. Providing resources that educate tenants on their rights and offer legal assistance when needed is essential.
• Protect Stability: Unjust evictions can destroy lives. Policies that promote long-term rental agreements and protect tenants from predatory practices are crucial.

I believe that housing is a human right, those who are housed understand the sense of safety it creates, and our policies must reflect that. Renters deserve a secure living environment where they can thrive.

Imagine a Columbus where every person—regardless of income—has access to a safe and affordable home. A city where workers can live close to their jobs, neighborhoods are vibrant and diverse, and families are protected from unfair practices.

This isn’t just about housing; it’s about equity, opportunity, and dignity. Affordable and workforce housing lay the foundation for a thriving community. When we invest in housing, we invest in the stability and future of our city.

I’m committed to a Columbus where housing isn’t a privilege for the few but a right for everyone. Together, we can create a city where my single mother with her four kids, and families like yours and mine, have the opportunity to not only survive but to truly thrive.

Let’s build that future together–follow me on Instagram or sign up for more information!

.d.