Stephanie Hand
Charlotte City Council District 6

Find out more: https://www.stephaniehand.com/

Candidate's Questionnaire Answers:

1. How will you ensure LGBTQ+ people are fairly represented on advisory boards and commissions? Do you support the creation of an LGBTQ+ Liaison on staff to better communicate and represent LGBTQ+ issues within the City Manager's office?
   It is essential to ensure that people in the LGBTQ+ community are represented fairly in our city, especially when equity and our freedoms are being challenged. Because of this, I will seek advice from leaders in the LGBTQ community in our city for suggested representations on the advisory boards and commissions. I will remain assessable to listen and discuss the vision, objectives, and goals for LGBTQ+ liaisons and representatives. 

2. What will you do (or have you done) to address the affordable housing crisis that plagues Charlotte? What plans do you have to ensure Charlotte develops sustainably for future generations?
   In the past, I have worked with non-profit organizations and faith communities to be a part of the solutions to create Affordable and WorkForce housing in Charlotte. If elected to Charlotte City Council District 6, I will continue to push for Affordable and WorkForce housing in Charlotte while bringing together leaders from faith, local business, philanthropic and governmental communities to ensure we build thriving communities for everyone in our great city!

3. What actions do you support (or have you supported) to ensure people's jobs pay a wage sufficient enough to live and thrive in Charlotte? What next steps and investments do you support to strengthen the Corridors of Opportunity?
   I will continue to advocate raising the minimum wage. Covid proved it is possible to pay our great employees the wages they deserve, allowing the people in our communities to have an excellent quality of life and the ability to thrive in our city. Along with this, it is essential for the continuous strengthening of the Corridors of Opportunity in the six focus areas, with semi-annually evaluations of the progress with the established goals for vibrant local business, strong economy, great paying jobs, affordable housing, safe neighborhoods, interconnect transportation, and quality of life in all communities.

4. What specific actions do you support (or have you supported) to address the racial inequities and lack of economic mobility in Charlotte?
   As a consultant with Cultural Intelligence and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for organizations nationwide, I understand the importance of recognizing and addressing present inequalities that linger from past discriminatory systems and policies. All of our communities benefit when we care for and build up the least advantaged communities. I will continue to advocate for affordable housing, workforce housing, higher-paying jobs, training, and mentorship opportunities for our underserved communities to create a safer and more prosperous Charlotte for everyone.

5. What actions do you support (or have you supported) to create a transportation network that provides people with efficient, affordable, and timely options to get around the city? What steps do you believe are necessary to address the inefficiencies and safety issues with CATS?
   Our city must be strategic and innovative and have the brightest minds locally, nationally, and internationally around the table to research and collaborate on how to enhance our present transportation systems and processes and create new interconnected transportation systems.