Tiawana Brown - Charlotte City Council District 3

Find out more: https://tiawanabrown.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?
   I am an advocate for LGBTQ and have been from the beginning. I stand with family members, friends, colleagues and strangers in the fight for the rights and fair treatment of the entire LGBTQ community- honestly I am fierce defender of the LGBTQ- I am will to do whatever is required as the City Council District 3 rep. Being the advocate, and Liaison to communicate directly to the City Managers office for any concerns or issues. I have stood in solidarity in Marches and Protests for the LGBTQ community and Family Members and will continue to do so. It is a complete honor to stand with the LGBTQ community.

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?
   I am a Charlotte Native. I was born in poverty. I know first hand through lived experience of being homeless- that everyone deserves a safe place to stay and call home. I am formerly incarcerated and I recently open two safe homes in Charlotte , NC- for formerly incarcerated persons, & LGBTQ, I did it so that we would have a safe space to live and call home. Currently living in my home I have people who identify as members of the LGBTQ community. I have been an advocate for LGBTQ to have a safe and affordable place to live.

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 am currently an airport worker. I am a member of the labor union and I am always working with the union to advocate for increased and higher wages so workers can live and thrive. I support next steps and investments to strengthen the Corridors of Opportunity by always making opportunities available for all people. Supporting opportunities and new project launches that allows time for all that want to pursue them to be included. Supporting diversity and inclusion for all people is one of may ways to Strengthen the Corridors of Opportunity.

4. What specific actions do you support (or have you supported) to address the racial inequities and lack of economic mobility in Charlotte?
   I have always advocated for the undeserved and used my platform as the basis to support, uplift and fight for racial equity and the lack of in Charlotte, NC-I have used my small business owner skills, non -profit experience ,professional engagement, customer advocate, people skills and community service to challenge the status quo, to create new opportunities in the area of racial inequities- including meeting with stakeholders in the community to address the challenges we face in the areas of racial inequities.

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?
   I support the framework of establishing a more equitable and efficient transportation system (CATS) to improve accessibility disparities in transportation options- in order to get around the city in a timely manner. Some of the steps to necessarily to address inefficiencies would be to include employees on what a safe experience and environment as a CATS driver entails-(those closest to the problem are closest to the solution.) All feedback and input through survey and data on ways to improve- engaging community members and leaders. -For CATS drivers- increase in wages, hire more team members, offer flexible schedules and flexible days off. Better Time Management always help with efficiency.