Tito’s Issues

Jobs & Economic Development:

District 7 needs an economic recovery plan that develops working partnerships with local institutions and businesses to create much-needed jobs. This means generating jobs by growing local businesses, developing job training programs and encouraging entrepreneurships in our neighborhoods. We need to invest in local companies and residents by creating up-to-date, real-world jobs for today and tomorrow.

Connecting District 7 residents with job opportunities on both privately and publically construction projects throughout the city stream dollars in the district’s businesses, promoting growth in the local economy. Those construction projects will then lead to long-term growth as they will house new, innovative businesses that provide jobs in our community.

Education:

Children of Boston are entitled to access to a quality education. We need safe, well-equipped, world class schools across the City that allow students to reach their potential in a global economy. The Boston Public Schools need to continue its focus on closing the achievement gap for students of color, the developmentally challenged and special-needs students.

We can increase the graduation rate in the Boston Public Schools system by both encouraging students to seek alternative, vocationally-driven education, and also by ensuring that no student drops out of school before they reach the age of eighteen. Increased focus on vocational technical education will help the City develop a work-force for businesses throughout the City and the State. Raising the age of compulsory school attendance will guarantee that Boston’s young people are able to enroll in a two-year or four-year institutions, increase their educational and financial opportunities, and contribute to their communities in positive and productive manners.

Affordable Housing:

Promoting affordable housing and home loan opportunities such as those offered by MAHA (Massachusetts Affordable Housing Alliance) and Boston Community Capital’s SUN (Stabilizing Urban Neighborhoods) program will convert foreclosed properties into affordable housing. There are many local organizations that work with families in foreclosure prevention and mediation efforts. It’s important to encourage residents in need to seek the help of those organizations and my office helps to facilitate that process. Also, we need to offer benefits to long-term, stable homeowners and tenants who have made an investment in the community.

Public Safety:

Safeguarding the safety and security of our families and businesses is one of my highest priorities. We need to establish working groups in high-risk neighborhoods that encourage residents to participate in enforcing public safety. Job promotion access for young people will help keep Boston’s teenagers active and engaged, especially during the summer months. Informing residents as to the proposed economic development projects in their communities will lead to an understanding that neighborhoods are becoming safer as new businesses spur neighborhood activity at different times of day.

Partnerships that Include You:

We need to actively reach out to residents through community organizations to encourage people to engage in the City’s civic proceedings and proposals. Partnerships between businesses, community members and neighborhood organizations engage residents in promoting the welfare of the City, leading to safer and more secure neighborhoods. Opening the civic process and bringing City Hall into Boston’s neighborhoods will give citizens the power and will to advocate for themselves, their families, and their businesses.

Successful Partnerships:

In Education:

Councillor Jackson connected Science from Scientists, a science and technology education organization, to work to inspire young students to delve into STEM education. Science from Scientists has been collaborating with 3 Boston Public Schools in District 7. This is an example of one of many partnerships that the Councillor has helped establish with organizations in the district.

Councillor Jackson was able to work with Mayor Thomas M. Menino and Boston Centers for Youth & Families to keep community centers open in District 7 and even expand programming in some locations after many were slated to close at the beginning of the budget process for the 2012 fiscal year.

In Job Creation and Economic Development:

Councillor Jackson has been working with State and City officials, as well as private contractors, to ensure that construction projects comply with Boston Residents Jobs Policy. He and his office collaborate with Mass. Minorities Contractors Association, Boston Workers Alliance, Boston Building Trades, the State’s Access and Opportunities Committee, the City’s Small and Local Business Enterprise Office, and Gilbane Construction.

Councillor Jackson, with State Representative Carlos Henriquez, contributed to outreach efforts and helped organize information sessions for the Building Pathways program, which was organized and supported by Boston Building Trades, the Boston Housing Authority, and State Representative Martin Walsh. Building Pathways is a 7-week training program to prepare qualified Boston residents for apprenticeships in construction trades. Over 500 people attended the different information sessions throughout Boston, ensuring the program’s success.