ISSUES | Mavrick Afonso

The ISSUES

Housing:

Mavrick knows that without a safe, affordable place to call home, everything else is harder—jobs, health, education, and family stability. That’s why he’ll put his experience at the Massachusetts Office of Housing and Livable Communities to work for us. He’ll fight to expand the programs that help our neighbors find and keep housing, and support homeowners in improving the properties they already have—because when our people are secure, our city can truly thrive.

Work with our partners in state government to create more housing ownership possibilities, focusing on low and middle-income levels.

Drive the City to collaborate housing organizations, community groups, and with developers to build quality, affordable housing units.

Identify funding opportunities for financial assistance and education for potential homeowners to navigate the process and secure affordable mortgages.
Prioritize the development of housing units for working families and middle-income citizens.

By creating a variety of housing types and sizes, we can serve different family structures and needs.

Mavrick will advocate for mixed-use zoning and density bonuses to encourage developers to incorporate workforce housing in their projects.
Mavrick knows that a thriving city depends on giving some of our neighbors a helping hand.

Work on offering adequate housing and resources for our city's most vulnerable residents by collaborating with non-profit organizations and government agencies including the Mayor’s Office of Housing Stability to provide subsidized housing, rental assistance, and support services for low-income and homeless individuals.
Develop the city's unused land to produce more housing options.

Work with the City’s Planning Department to identify underutilized public properties and collaborate with developers to build affordable housing projects.

This will also contribute to the city's smart growth and revitalization efforts.
Tackle impediments to increasing housing production and meet the growing demand.

Streamline the permitting process, reduce regulatory burdens, and encourage responsible development to accelerate housing production.
Resolve zoning obstacles in the district and beyond, encouraging responsible development.

Review and update zoning codes to allow for higher-density housing, an easier path to accessory dwelling units, and other innovative housing solutions.
Ensure current housing remains affordable and secure for residents.

Protect tenants from unlawful evictions.

Provide financial assistance for homeowners to maintain and improve their properties.
Invest in improving and preserving the quality of public housing units and resources.

Allocate funding for repairs, upgrades, and maintenance of public housing units and common areas.

Advocate for increased federal and state funding to support public housing initiatives.

Economic Development:

Mavrick believes every neighborhood in our city is bursting with talent, resilience, and creativity. He’s committed to making sure our communities get the investment, attention, and support they need to grow and thrive—because when every neighborhood is strong, our whole city moves forward.

Prioritize and create workforce development initiatives and programs for citizens to thrive.

Collaborate with local schools, vocational training centers, and businesses to develop curricula and training programs that meet the demands of the local job market.

Provide job placement services and support for participants.
Work on increasing retail space options in the district, fostering growth and economic activity.

Attract and incentivize retail businesses to invest in the district, focusing on locally-owned and operated businesses that align with the community's needs and preferences.
Address challenges and remove obstacles for small businesses and startups to flourish.

Provide technical assistance, mentoring, and networking opportunities for small business owners.

Advocate for policies that reduce regulatory burdens, simplify tax codes, and provide access to capital.
Support opportunities and resources for underrepresented entrepreneurs to succeed.

Establish partnerships with local business associations, chambers of commerce, and financial institutions to provide access to capital, mentorship, and networking opportunities for minority, veteran, disabled, and women-owned businesses.
Encourage and support supplier diversity throughout the city, benefiting various businesses, especially locally-owned.

Strengthen supplier diversity programs in city procurement processes and advocate for similar practices among large corporations and institutions in the district.

This will create a more inclusive and equitable thriving local economy.

Education:

Having grown up in Boston Public Schools, Mavrick knows firsthand the challenges our students face every day. From serving as Class President at Charlestown High School, to student government at Colby College, to leading as President of the Graduate Students of Color Collective at Northeastern University, Mavrick has always listened to students and fought for what they need to succeed. As City Councilor, he’ll continue that work—advocating to ensure every child in District 7 has access to the high-quality education they deserve. At a time when public education is under attack at the federal level, Boston has a responsibility to lead—and Mavrick is ready to make sure we do.

It is essential that educational opportunities are accessible to all students in District 7. As City Councilor, Mavrick will work to increase resources and support for under-resourced schools, ensuring equitable access to quality education regardless of zip code.
Mavrick founded C-Town Spirit to launch an economics course that gives high school students real-world business experience. Through that lens, he has seen how innovative programs harness the power of sports, arts, music, business, or even civics to engage our young people. These dynamic elements of learning should be available to every student and this investment will reach beyond the classroom.
Students, educators, parents, and community leaders need a seat at the table to ensure Boston Public Schools are meeting the needs of our students. Mavrick will work hand-in-hand with these groups to ensure a productive collaboration that prepares our students for success in and out of the classroom.
In a rapidly changing economy, strategic partnerships with local businesses can create mentorship and internship opportunities that will give BPS students the skills needed to thrive beyond their K-12 education.

Transportation:

As a lifelong Boston resident, Mavrick knows how vital a strong, reliable transit system is to our daily lives. He believes that every resident of District 7 should be able to get to work, school, and essential services safely, affordably, and without hassle. As City Councilor, he’ll fight for the transit investments our communities need—because reliable transportation is a key to opportunity.

Mavrick is committed to upgrading our infrastructure for the long-term benefit of all Bostonians. He will work with federal, state and local leaders to ensure the announced, significant investments in transportation reach our neighborhoods.
Working in the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, Mavrick understands the value of coordinated planning. He will advocate for transportation solutions that align with housing initiatives to reduce commute times and better connect our residents with the community.
We need greener, more sustainable transportation options. Mavrick will support common sense initiatives that improve our current transit network while paving the way for a cleaner, more efficient transit future.
Boston’s transportation plans must be responsive to the needs of our community, and Mavrick will ensure community stakeholders are seen and heard. Engaging with members of the community is the surest way to use transportation investment to foster economic opportunity for all.

Public Safety:

Mavrick believes Boston deserves a City Councilor who understands that justice and safety go hand in hand, not head to head. As your City Councilor, he’ll take a balanced approach: tackling the root causes of crime by addressing social, educational, and economic disparities, while ensuring our communities have the trained professionals and resources needed to respond when harm occurs. Because real safety means everyone feels secure, supported, and seen.

The root causes of crime often stem from poverty, lack of affordable housing, and limited access to mental health and substance use services. Mavrick will seek investment in community-based solutions that are proven to break these cycles and provide support to those who need it.

Boston already has fantastic organizations engaged in this work. Mavrick will continue to uplift robust youth programs, job training programs, and restorative justice initiatives in their efforts.
We need to reimagine public safety, shifting away from over-reliance on punitive measures and towards a model that prioritizes prevention and intervention. We often hear it said even by our neighbors in law enforcement: “We can’t arrest our way out of our problems.”
Mavrick recognizes the legitimate concerns of residents who seek safe neighborhoods. True public safety demands that we support our police officers with the resources and training they need to effectively serve our communities.

Achieving safe neighborhoods means

investing in de-escalation training

mental health support for first responders

fostering strong community-police relationships built on trust and mutual respect.

Accountability, communication, and transparency must always remain at the center, ensuring that policing practices are fair and equitable for all residents.

Mavrick’s vision isn’t about choosing between progressive values and practical solutions—it’s about bringing them together. He believes we can reduce crime and improve quality of life by tackling the root causes while also keeping our neighborhoods safe and secure. As your City Councilor, Mavrick will work to build a Boston where everyone feels safe, supported, and has the chance to thrive. That means listening to every voice in our community and pushing for data-driven, community-led strategies that deliver real results.

Supporting Boston’s Older Adults:

Mavrick believes our city’s most experienced generation brings wisdom, strength, and richness to Boston—and they deserve our full support. Our older adults have given so much to our communities, and now it’s our turn to ensure they have the programs, resources, and respect they deserve. As City Councilor, Mavrick will champion policies that prioritize their safety, health, and well-being—because aging in Boston should come with dignity, security, and opportunity.

Expand access to affordable housing designed for senior living

Improve the permitting process to increase the number of units accessible to seniors and people with disabilities
Leverage the City Council bully pulpit to advocate for robust and affordable healthcare options for older adults

Ensure that programs serving our older population in Boston have the support they need from City Hall to operate effectively and safely

Advocate for coverage and programs that help older adults age in place wherever possible, allowing them to stay in their homes and remain as independent as possible.
We must make meaningful investments in senior centers, which foster a sense of community and can also act as safety hubs during extreme weather events or other emergencies.

Support transportation options for older adults, going beyond The Ride to find innovative ways to keep our seniors mobile.

Support social activities designed for older adults to keep minds and bodies active and create opportunities for social connection.

As a longtime Boston resident, Mavrick understands the importance of a strong and reliable transit system. Our transit system should allow District 7 residents to easily access their jobs, schools, and essential services safely and seamlessly.