Vince for Mayor

 Affordable Housing/Homelessness

We will provide fast-tracked permitting and grants to developers who include affordable units in their projects or focus entirely on affordable housing. The last thing our city needs is another high rise with $3,000 a month studio apartments.

We will establish the Phoenix Housing Trust Fund (PHT), a dedicated housing fund to support low-income housing projects, rental assistance programs, and housing for vulnerable populations, funded by contributions from the city, private donors, and grants.

To further tackle the housing crisis in Phoenix, we will focus on innovative solutions that address both immediate needs and long-term affordability. One key initiative will be to establish public-private partnerships to fund and build mixed-income developments that integrate affordable housing with market-rate units, fostering economically diverse and inclusive communities. We will also implement programs to assist first-time homebuyers, including down payment assistance and financial literacy workshops, helping more families achieve homeownership and stability.

In addition, we will explore zoning reforms to increase housing density in appropriate areas, encouraging the development of multi-family units and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) without compromising neighborhood character. To support renters, we will create a Renters’ Bill of Rights to ensure fair practices, reasonable rent increases, and improved living conditions for tenants.

Finally, addressing homelessness will be a top priority. We will expand access to emergency shelters, transitional housing, and wraparound services such as mental health care, job training, and addiction recovery programs to help individuals regain stability. Together, these efforts will create a comprehensive and sustainable approach to solving the housing crisis in Phoenix.

We will create the Revitalize and Repurpose Program (RAR)

Through this, we will identify vacant or underutilized properties that can be converted into affordable housing units. We will incentivize redevelopment of older properties into multi-family affordable housing. Thus, reducing the costs and environmental impact of new construction and quickly provide more affordable housing options.

Green Affordable Housing Initiative (GAHI)

We will encourage sustainable building practices in affordable housing developments, such as energy-efficient appliances and solar power, to reduce long-term costs for residents. This will lower utility costs for residents and help Phoenix meet sustainability goals, creating a model for environmentally conscious affordable housing.
 

Drug Epidemic

We will develop a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) and expand specialized response teams composed of trained mental health professionals, social workers, and law enforcement to respond to non-violent emergencies involving mental health crises or substance abuse.

To address the drug epidemic in Phoenix, we will implement a comprehensive strategy that goes beyond creating a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT). While the CIT and specialized response teams—composed of trained mental health professionals, social workers, and law enforcement—will respond to non-violent emergencies involving mental health crises or substance abuse, our plan extends further. We will establish community resource centers to provide on-demand access to substance abuse counseling, mental health services, and connections to treatment facilities, ensuring no one seeking help is turned away. By strengthening partnerships with nonprofits and healthcare providers, we will create a unified network of support that increases the availability of addiction treatment programs and recovery housing.

Additionally, we will launch education and prevention initiatives, implementing evidence-based programs in schools and communities to inform youth and families about the dangers of substance abuse while providing resources to prevent addiction.

To ensure long-term success, we will enhance post-crisis support by connecting individuals to recovery programs, peer support groups, and vocational training to help them rebuild their lives.

We will also promote harm reduction practices, such as expanding access to needle exchange programs and overdose prevention resources, to minimize immediate risks and encourage individuals to seek treatment.

Water Sustainability

To ensure water sustainability in Phoenix, we must adopt a multifaceted approach that addresses both immediate conservation needs and long-term resource management.

One key strategy is to expand water recycling and reuse programs by investing in advanced technologies to treat wastewater for non-potable uses, such as irrigation, industrial processes, and groundwater replenishment.

Additionally, we can promote conservation by introducing incentive programs for residents and businesses to adopt water-efficient appliances, fixtures, and landscaping practices, including rebates for low-flow plumbing, smart irrigation systems, and xeriscaping.

Securing and diversifying our water supply is also essential. Phoenix should work with regional partners to secure long-term water rights from the Colorado River while exploring alternative sources such as desalination, stormwater harvesting, and aquifer recharge projects.

Upgrading and modernizing water infrastructure to reduce waste from leaks and inefficiencies will further support our sustainability goals, with smart water meters and real-time monitoring systems playing a critical role.

Public awareness campaigns will be vital in educating residents and businesses about the importance of conservation and providing practical tools for water-saving practices, such as fixing leaks and optimizing outdoor water use.

Collaboration with agricultural partners to implement water-efficient irrigation methods, such as drip systems and soil moisture monitoring, will help reduce consumption in one of the state’s largest water-use sectors.

Urban development policies must also prioritize sustainability by requiring water-efficient designs in new projects, including graywater systems, rainwater harvesting, and water-conscious landscaping.

To guide these efforts, we will establish a Phoenix Water Sustainability Task Force (PWS) composed of experts, community leaders, and policymakers to regularly assess challenges, propose innovative solutions, and monitor progress. Through these combined efforts, Phoenix can address water scarcity effectively and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.

Economic Growth & Jobs

To drive economic growth and create quality jobs in Phoenix, we must focus on fostering innovation, supporting local businesses, and attracting diverse industries to the city. By investing in infrastructure, we can create an environment that encourages business expansion and new investments. This includes improving transportation networks, modernizing utilities, and developing state-of-the-art business hubs to attract high-tech industries and startups.

Supporting small businesses is critical to our economic vitality. We will establish grant and loan programs for entrepreneurs, reduce bureaucratic barriers, and offer training programs to help local businesses thrive. Additionally, we will prioritize workforce development by partnering with educational institutions and private-sector leaders to create apprenticeship programs, vocational training, and reskilling initiatives, ensuring our workforce is prepared for the jobs of the future.

To diversify our economy, we will focus on attracting industries such as renewable energy, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and technology while leveraging Phoenix’s strategic location to enhance trade and logistics. Expanding partnerships with local universities and research institutions will help create innovation hubs that drive new technologies and entrepreneurial ventures.

Investing in underserved communities will also be a priority, ensuring equitable access to economic opportunities. We will provide resources and incentives to encourage business development in historically overlooked areas, creating jobs and revitalizing neighborhoods.

Through these initiatives, Phoenix can build a robust and inclusive economy that not only supports its residents but also positions the city as a leader in innovation and sustainable growth.

Public Safety, Crime Reduction, and Police Reform

To improve public safety and reduce crime in Phoenix, we must take a comprehensive approach that prioritizes community-based solutions, criminal justice reform, and social services alongside traditional law enforcement. Public safety begins with addressing the root causes of crime—poverty, lack of opportunity, and mental health challenges—and creating a city where all residents feel supported, safe, and valued.

We will invest in community policing initiatives that build trust and cooperation between law enforcement and the communities they serve. By focusing on de-escalation training, cultural competency, and accountability, we can foster stronger relationships between police officers and residents, ensuring that all communities feel respected and heard. We will also work to implement alternatives to incarceration, such as diversion programs for non-violent offenders, mental health crisis intervention, and restorative justice programs that aim to repair harm and reintegrate individuals back into society.

To reduce crime, we must also invest in youth programs, education, and workforce development initiatives to provide young people with positive alternatives to involvement in criminal activity. Expanding access to mentorship, after-school programs, and job training will give young people the skills and support they need to succeed and thrive in their communities.

We will also partner with developers, businesses, and community organizations to revitalize vacant lots and buildings in high-crime areas, converting them into community centers, parks, or affordable housing.

Ultimately, our goal is to create a Phoenix where public safety is not defined by an over-policed community but by strong, supportive, and resilient neighborhoods where all residents have the opportunity to thrive, live without fear, and feel protected by a system rooted in fairness, justice, and compassion.

Transportation & Infrastructure

To build a more sustainable, accessible, and efficient Phoenix, we must focus on modernizing and expanding our transportation and infrastructure systems. A robust transportation network is essential not only for the daily needs of our residents but also for fueling economic growth, reducing traffic congestion, and addressing climate change.

We will prioritize expanding and improving public transit options, including increasing bus routes, introducing light rail extensions, and exploring the potential for electric buses and bike-sharing programs. This will ensure that residents have affordable and convenient alternatives to driving, reducing traffic congestion and lowering emissions. We will also focus on making public transit more accessible to underserved neighborhoods, ensuring that every part of Phoenix is connected.

To encourage sustainable transportation, we will invest in expanding pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, creating safer and more accessible routes for walking and biking. This includes building dedicated bike lanes, improving sidewalks, and creating pedestrian-friendly zones in commercial districts. We will also promote the development of “complete streets” that accommodate all forms of transportation, from cars to pedestrians to cyclists.

In addition to enhancing transportation, we must modernize our city’s infrastructure to meet the demands of a growing population. We will invest in upgrading water systems, energy grids, and waste management infrastructure to ensure reliability and sustainability. This includes transitioning to renewable energy sources, implementing water conservation technologies, and expanding recycling and waste diversion programs to reduce our environmental footprint.

To support Phoenix’s growth and enhance connectivity, we will invest in smart city technologies that improve the efficiency of transportation and infrastructure systems. By integrating sensors, real-time data, and AI-driven solutions, we can optimize traffic flow, reduce energy consumption, and provide city services more efficiently.

Finally, we will focus on reducing environmental impacts through green building practices and sustainable urban planning. This includes incentivizing the construction of energy-efficient buildings, expanding green spaces, and promoting eco-friendly development in new neighborhoods.

Together, these initiatives will create a Phoenix that is well-equipped for the future—providing reliable, equitable, and sustainable transportation options for everyone while fostering a city that is resilient, connected, and prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.