Aerial view of Malden, facing south with the Boston skyline in the background

Sustainability

Climate Action

We’re already feeling the effects of the climate crisis in Malden. From rising temperatures and worsening storms to increased flooding and worse air quality, we need to protect and prepare our communities while doing our part to help protect the planet.

In 2024, we adopted Malden’s first Climate Action Plan! It’s a strategic roadmap for all the ways the City can reduce our climate emissions and build a more climate resilient community. Starting a climate action plan was one of my campaign commitments when I first ran in 2021, and I served on the CAP Steering Committee for 18 months as we engaged thousands of people to hear about their priorities for climate action. We have built broad community support to move this plan forward in the years ahead.

  • Helped write a grant for $60,000 per year for Mass Save’s Community First Partnerships to do outreach to help homes and business get energy efficiency projects funded through Mass Save
  • Supported new city compost program through Black Earth, working with Clr. Amanda Linehan
  • On the planning team for Green Malden Fair
  • Advocated for increased tree planting and maintenece through a city-wide tree strategy working with Tree Warden, and for Malden to qualify for the Greening the Gateway Cities program
  • Voted for new Conservation Commission bylaws, essential for protecting the Malden River
  • Serves as Malden’s appointee to the Mystic River Watershed Association EPA Air Quality Project
  • Support the Malden River Works climate resilience project
  • Future Priorities – Continue implementation of the Climate Action Plan; create an energy coaches program, specifically targeted to help renters and non-english speakers electrify their homes
Looking down the street on the sidewalk in front of city hall, multistory buildings across the street

City Budget

As chair of the Finance Committee, I understand the financial challenges our city faces. We used $8.5 million to in one time funds this year, and I am committed to open and honest conversations about the decisions ahead to ensure we have a sustainable fiscal future.

  • Chair of the Finance Committee
  • Led open and accessible process for the city’s $200+ million annual budget for the past three years (City Budget site with full details)
  • Sponsored Council resolutions on our financial future – one on growing the tax base and other income sources (2023) and two on Chapter 70 school funding (2023, 2024)
  • Pushed for reporting and transparency on how the City spent $47 million in one-time Federal stimulus funds (ARPA site)
  • Future Priorities – ensure there is a sustainable budget plan, through building the tax base, reducing expenses, and reviewing local tax rates; continue to invest in schools, libraries and parks
Workers use a paver machine to pave a street

Infrastructure

Maintaining our infrastructure is about getting the basics right. We’ve ramped up investment in road paving, sidewalk construction, multi-use paths and park projects, to benefit Maldonians for years to come.

Affordability

Row of houses on a small street, van parked out front

Affordable Housing

The skyrocketing cost of housing is one of the biggest challenges our community faces. We need far more actually affordable housing in the lower and mid-levels of the market, and renters need support and protection from absentee landlords who don’t play fair. I’m committed to reducing the permitting costs of new housing and creating more incentives for affordable housing.

Utility Bills

With rising utility bills, Malden is helping residents get a better deal on their electricity supply with Malden Community Electrcity.

Malden Community Electricity is a bulk electricity purchasing program operated by the city. Launched in June 2024, it has stabilized electricity rates and increased the use of renewable energy for thousands of our residents. It automatically enrolls residents into a fixed price with a built in increase of renewable electricity sources, and you have the choice to opt out or choose 100% renewable electricity.

In the first year, MCE has saved Malden residents nearly $2 million and prevented 5 million tons of CO2 from going into the atmosphere. 

Future Priorities – Making it easier to install residential solar panels, or buy into community solar programs, which will reduce residents’ utility bills.

Inclusivity

A Malden fire truck with the door open is in a parking lot

Safety

Everyone deserves to be safe. Safety is grounded in our partnerships for mental health, addition services, public safety and public health resources.

Mural of an open hand in the sky with clouds, a rainbow ribbon with music notes rises up from it

Equity

No matter your race, religion, gender, sexuality, culture or language, you are welcome in Malden. We have to keep equity and accessibility at the forefront of our community’s leadership.

Photo credits Sunish Oturkar, Carey McDonald

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