P: To achieve real public safety, we need perspective on what that means.  We cannot over-police or arrest our way to a safer Urbana.  Cities that solely fund police, while neglecting the social programs and economic support that prevent crime, struggle with finding solutions to the systemic issues that causes it.  That's why we're embracing alternative response models and community-focused policing.  It's important to note that 72% of calls for Urbana police service are non-criminal and non-violent.  I support City Council's goal to develop and implement a response model.  Best practices show that a model outside of the police department will increase effectiveness while reducing officer workload.

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E: Community engagement is something we will prioritize on day one.  I will support Chief Boone's vision for a police department that is available and engaged with the community, building rapport with youth, faith based leaders and crisis responders.  I'm dedicated to not only involving residents in our administration's public safety initiatives, but making sure all feel welcome and safe.  How do we do this?  It includes programs like Urbana Citizens Academy, where we will provide civic engagement programs, trainings, and support for all who seek it. 

Urbana U, a program for continued education, utilizing the talent and passion

of our local educators, will provide financial literacy and other basic

educational assistance for working adults and teens.  The alternative response

unit we will lead, will also lead on community engagement and outreach. 

We will be an administration for the people, and that couldn't be more

important for public safety.

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A: Public Safety isn't just policy, it's perceived.  People's lived experiences

inform them about how safe - or unsafe - Urbana feels.  That's why we will work

to reform traditional law enforcement practices and work alongside the police department to ensure our vision for safety is felt within our community.  When we change policy and perception, all of our people will feel the difference.

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C: Community collaboration - it's a founding principle of my campaign.  Every community in our city has to be at the table to make our city work for all.  Nobody understands our city's challenges - and the solutions to those issues - better than all of us as residents.  That's why I am going to fully fund an active, engaged Police Review Committee, and encourage honest dialogue.  Policy creation and oversight at the community level doesn't just foster trust, it ensures good government.

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E: We must empower and create citizens of change in Urbana.  I am excited to work alongside our police chief to build a safer community, and that work will involve all of us.  I will lead a holistic approach to public safety by addressing systemic issues that cause crime and poverty in our city.  We can't expect a different outcome doing the same things we've always done.  Accountability will be prioritized.  I support council goals in updating the police safety governance model by revising Civilian Oversight policies and ensuring public transparency.  This is a collaborative effort to ensure we become leaders in the 21st century policing model.  We will reinvest in the people and organizations that make public safety possible by creating opportunities for our community and first responders to thrive.  Starting with our youth, under my leadership we will prioritize an Urbana Police Athletic League, as well as a continuation of our KidzBiz youth entrepreneur pop-up shop.  Through these programs, we will engage with our community, reinvest in our youth and build trust between cops and community.