REPRESENTATION and COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT

In District 126, there has been a historical concern among residents about a lack of representation and insufficient community engagement from elected officials. Many feel that their voices are not heard on important issues, leading to a disconnect between the district’s needs and the actions of its leaders. This sense of isolation and exclusion is particularly pronounced in areas where residents feel left out of decision-making processes and see little presence or involvement from their representatives.

As someone who values inclusivity and the power of community connections, I have already taken proactive steps to address these concerns. From my time as a precinct chair, I have prioritized building personal relationships through face-to-face meetings and one-on-one conversations with all residents, regardless of party affiliation, background, or status. I believe everyone’s voice matters, and it is our collective diversity that makes District 126 strong. Too often, residents have shared with me their feelings of being unseen, unheard, and excluded—a situation that is simply unacceptable. Rather than waiting for someone else to make a change, I have always been a leader who takes action. One initiative I have launched to address this gap is the “Let’s Taco’ Bout” series, a weekly community engagement event held in an upscale lounge setting where residents can come together to discuss various topics, network, and access resources in a friendly, informal environment. This series allows me to hear directly from residents, understand their concerns, and work on strategies to improve our district both locally and, in the future, at the legislative level.

Challenges Faced by District 126 Regarding Representation and Community Engagement: – Lack of Visible Leadership: Many residents feel disconnected from their elected officials, citing a lack of visibility, communication, and active participation in community events. – Exclusion of Marginalized Communities: Vulnerable and underserved groups often feel excluded from discussions and decision-making processes, leading to a lack of trust and engagement with local leadership. – Insufficient Platforms for Open Dialogue: There are limited opportunities for residents to engage in open, constructive dialogue with their leaders, contributing to a sense of being ignored or overlooked.

Proposed Actions to Enhance Representation and Community Engagement in District 126:

1. Expand the “Let’s Taco’ Bout” Community Dialogue Series Action: Continue to host and expand the weekly “Let’s Taco’ Bout” series to cover a wider range of topics, including education, public safety, healthcare, and economic opportunities. Partner with local businesses, nonprofits, and community leaders to co-host events and ensure a broad representation of voices at different venues and settings which also bring new clients and customers to area small businesses. Measurement: Success will be measured by attendance rates, participant feedback, and the diversity of attendees, with a goal of increasing participation by 50% within the first year.
2. Establish Monthly “Community Office Hours” Across District 126 Action: Host monthly office hours at different locations throughout the district, such as community centers, libraries, and parks, allowing residents to meet with me in person, voice their concerns, and discuss issues directly. This initiative will ensure that leadership is accessible and responsive to all communities, including those who feel marginalized. Measurement: Measure the number of office hours held and resident engagement, aiming to reach 1,000 residents within the first year and gather actionable feedback on district issues.
3. Create a District 126 Community Advisory Council Action: Form a Community Advisory Council composed of representatives from diverse backgrounds, including different cultural, socioeconomic, and special needs groups. This council will meet regularly to discuss community concerns, provide input on policy decisions, and serve as a bridge between residents and leadership. Measurement: Success will be evaluated by the council’s ability to propose actionable solutions, the frequency of meetings, and the level of participation from council members, with a goal of implementing at least three community-driven initiatives annually. 4. Launch a District-Wide “Voices of the Community” Survey Initiative Action: Conduct regular surveys and feedback sessions to gather input from residents on key issues affecting the district. Utilize both online and in-person methods to reach as many community members as possible, ensuring that all voices are heard. Measurement: Measure success by the number of completed surveys, the diversity of respondents, and the incorporation of survey results into policy decisions, with a target of reaching 2,000 responses per survey cycle.
4. Host Quarterly Town Halls with Focused Topics Action: Organize quarterly town halls that focus on specific community issues, such as education, public safety, or environmental concerns. These town halls will provide a structured platform for residents to engage with leadership and share their perspectives in a formal setting. Measurement: Track attendance, the number of issues raised, and actionable outcomes derived from town halls, with a goal of implementing at least one major community recommendation per session.