We recently invited the candidates running for local office in the Nov. 3 General Election to write a post about why Arlington residents should vote for them. Find information on how and where to vote here.
Below is the unedited response from Matt de Ferranti, who is running for County Board.
I listen with care and I am committed to delivering for you. My experience as a teacher, lawyer, advocate for economic and educational opportunity, and public servant gives me a strong sense of how to improve life in Arlington for all our residents.
I am running for re-election to (1) help us meet this difficult moment—the challenge to our economy and ideals that is presented by the Trump Administration, and (2) expand opportunity for all Arlingtonians.
My decisions as a leader are rooted in our community and focused on what is best for all. I am focused on transitioning our economy from a tax base that relies significantly on office buildings to a balance that better reflects the reality that many now work from home. I’m honored to have the support of leaders across Arlington who know me well and are standing with me.
Inclusive Economy
I will fight for the 30,000 Arlington workers who depend on federal employment through policies that value your service and tools to help, including resource fairs and services. I am committed to the Commercial Market Resiliency Initiative (CMRI), our effort to convert empty office buildings into housing, attracting diverse employers like Costar, and standing with labor through collective bargaining and prevailing wage policies. While on the County Board, I have worked to protect Arlingtonians from the Trump Administration’s cuts and policies, supported Amazon’s HQ2 development, and championed CMRI. I will also continue to prioritize keeping Metro funded sustainably, so our economy can thrive.
Affordable Housing
I have led on preserving existing affordable housing, investing in new units, preventing evictions, and supporting expanded housing options. I was Chair when we invested $150 million to preserve 1,300+ apartments at Barcroft for families earning 60% of median income or below. I worked to help expand the number of units serve those earning 30% of median income or less, and to expand rental assistance programs to help thousands of Arlingtonians stay in their homes. I am committed to housing supply in our transportation corridors, policies that prevent homelessness, and that help make ownership more affordable and to investing in affordable housing. Learn more.
Immigration
With the exception of Native Americans, we are all immigrants. I stand with our immigrant communities against the cruel policies of the Trump administration. I led on providing thoughtful, targeted funding for the families of those who have lost a breadwinner due to removal by ICE. I strongly support no voluntary collaboration with ICE. To hear my full thoughts on this topic, go here, for my remarks on immigration from earlier this year: Immigration Statement
Hunger
8.8% of our Arlington community is at risk of hunger. The Trump Administration’s inhumane cuts to federal SNAP benefits are increasing these risks. To combat hunger, I am expanding food assistance, strengthening partnerships that address this issue, and ensuring that the 23,000 residents living below the poverty line have the support they need to put food on the table. I worked to create a Food Security Coordinator position to assess hunger and to develop a Food Security Strategic Plan, and a Food Insecurity Working Group. These tools are helping fight hunger in Arlington.
Climate Change
As a father, I believe we must make decisions that set the next generation up for success. Fostering a livable future for our children means prioritizing climate action today. For this reason and many others, I am dedicated to Arlington’s 100% renewable energy by 2035 goal. To help us get there, I’ve championed a solar farm partnership providing 79,000 megawatt-hours annually and I’ve received an award from the Faith Alliance for Climate Solutions. I will continue to make it easier for residents to act themselves, strengthen regulations that protect our environment, and work toward a future where solar powers county buildings, streetlights, traffic signals, and facilities.
Education
As a former teacher, I value education and understand how excellent schools benefit our children and community. I know the lasting impact good teachers have on students and their futures. I have stood for our schools in our budgets during my time on the County Board. I led in passing more than $500,000 in funding for after-school programs serving students in need and I advocate for investments that ensure all students have the skills to succeed in the 21st century economy. I will continue to partner with the School Board and Superintendent to ensure schools get the resources we need.
It has been my honor to serve Arlington on the County Board. I respectfully and humbly ask for your vote to continue to serve you. To learn more about me and my views on all the issues please visit mattforarlington.com here. To see the leaders who are standing with me, go here.
I would be honored to earn your vote on or before November 3rd.
