Vision:
The City is on verge of bankruptcy and the Securities & Exchange Commission is investigating the City’s accounting practices. To overcome these catastrophic social and economic conditions will require vision, innovative thinking and creative reengineering.
As I pondered my candidacy for the City of Miami Commission, I realized that winning would give me a great opportunity to plan, develop and implement an economic stimulus program that will generate jobs through sustainable economic growth. To that end, I assembled several of the brightest minds in this county, and together, we gave birth to a plan that will stimulate economic growth and bring much needed job opportunities to the district’s urban core. The plan will facilitate the development of a community revitalization initiative that will impact both the distressed neighborhoods and enhance economic growth in the district’s affluent communities and business corridors.
The plan represents a two pronged approach to addressing the district’s most urgent problems. We will not only speak to the long standing deficits such as economic development and jobs, but will also address major social issues like crime and violence, unabated poverty, and the need to house the City’s workforce. The core component of the plan focuses on improving the living space resulting in the change of appearance in each community.
For far too many years, District 5 has been neglected and exploited by its elected officials. This attitude and behavior has permeated through the community and has been translated into a feeling that no one cares about District 5’s urban core neighborhoods. This perception has changed these historic neighborhoods into violent ghettos and an unwelcomed haven for Miami’s illicit drug trade.
This plan has been specifically designed to not only change the district economically, but, to also improve the quality of life of residents across the socioeconomic divide. While this plan is not a panacea, it is an excellent first step on the road to recovery after years of ignored.
District 5 should be a safe and thriving community where hope is shared from neighbor to neighbor. We need jobs. I will put people to work by supporting investment in small businesses, community organizations, and training programs. Together we can build a District 5 with clean and safe neighborhoods; parks and green spaces; strong schools and after school programs that develop the next generation of leaders.
Integrity:
Austin is a political outsider, who does not represent the status quo and is not a member of the “old boys” network. In fact, she brings the female voice and perspective. Most importantly, Austin is offering a fresh new approach to addressing old unresolved social and economic problems. Since Austin owes no favors to the political establishment, she can listen to the people and speak in a loud clear voice on their behalf.
District 5’s economic strength is measured in the success of small businesses and the prevalence of district-wide income opportunities. It is a community where success is rooted in personal sacrifice, where hope is contagious and life is shared through cultural exchange.
One of the major components of the plan is to change the District’s image from that of a corrupted “pay to play” influence peddling environment, into an inviting, open and supportive milieu where business is welcomed and encouraged. Where the shameless pursuit of economic growth and jobs will be the order of the day and racketeering, fronting, and kickbacks are a thing of the past.
This section of the plan, once implemented, will take on a life of its own. Vendors and businesses seeking to work with the City will know that transparency is the rule in District 5 and that every action, sidebar and vote must be for the improvement of the District or in the best interest of City. There will be no secret meetings or side deals, but, rather, all business will be conducted in the sunshine.
Leadership:
Alison Austin is currently the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the historic Belafonte TACOLCY Center, in heart of Liberty City. She has also worked extensively in Caribbean and Latin America. During her tenure with United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Organization of American States (OAS) she planned, developed, and implemented projects that improved the quality of life in impoverished countries. Her work in these underdeveloped countries prepared her for leadership. It taught her to value and respect the culture of others.
While living and working outside the United States for more than 14 years, Alison co-founded the Windsor Primary School in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. She was the Director of Program Services for the Organization for Rural Development and the in-country director for AFS International Youth Exchange.
Upon returning to the United States, she was recruited as Director of Communication and Outreach for Audubon of Florida, the first woman of color in a management position, in the organizations 105 year history. She led an effort to get the Florida Department of Transportation to turnover a local Liberty City dump site, which the community then made into a butterfly garden, which still awes residents of all ages. In fact, it has become a Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden community partner.
During all this work, Austin discovered that “Miami’s minority young people had tremendous interest in environmental concerns. But they had never been exposed to ideas, facts and actions they could take. This led her to shift from her passion for nature and beauty to focus on her other passion: education.
Alison’s life work, skill and dedication to this community and commitment to public services have given her the tools and experiences to change the image of District 5 and facilitate economic growth and opportunity across all domains.