Eddie’s Priorities for Ferndale:
Community, Affordability, Trust
Ferndale needs thoughtful, community-centered growth that works for the long haul, not unchecked profit-driven development. Let’s stop chasing short-term wins and start planning for long-term affordability, sustainability, and stability. That means making deliberate investments in maintaining city-owned buildings, and proactive thinking on infrastructure investments, and implementing city programs that address the needs of our community:
Restore the Kulick Center- we need a publicly owned community center
Keep public land in public hands- we need to responsibly invest in parks and community spaces, not give land away to speculative developers
Expand community programming for seniors- like home and auto repair assistance, wellness resources, and legal aid and estate planning
Invest in Ferndale’s youth- partner with our schools and library to promote participatory democracy at all ages
Restore Kulick & Invest in Public Spaces and Services
Too many residents feel shut out of decision-making in Ferndale. We need to rebuild trust by making city government more transparent, accessible, and human. This isn’t just about being transparent—it’s about being available, clear, and accountable. Residents deserve to know how our tax dollars are being used, a say in how our city grows, and elected officials who show up, listen, and follow through. As a member of City Council, Eddie will:
Hold regular office hours- (in-person and virtual) and rotating meetups at local businesses, parks, and the library
Provide plain-language reports- and budget summaries
Engage community members- with communication via text, phone, and social media
Neighborhood town halls- and pilot programs that test new ways to engage
Open Up Local Government
We don’t want developers driving decisions behind closed doors, let’s center residents from the start. We can build a Ferndale that reflects the people who live here, not just the companies that profit here. We can start by implementing:
Fix what we have- maintaining city land and municipal buildings is a sound financial and environmental strategy. “Demolition by neglect” can cost us big in the long run
Responsible contracting- city contracts should be awarded based on the overall bid quality first, not the cheapest estimated cost, with an eye toward long-term
Development based on what we need- building for the sake of building isn’t going to solve the issues our community is facing
Meaningful community input- engage the public throughout the process, not just after a plan is finalized
Equity first- growth must support renters, homeowners, and local businesses alike
Community-Lead Development
Ferndale should lead the way in sustainable, community-first housing. That means ensuring affordability, protecting tenants, and using our public land and resources to serve people-not profit. To practice what we preach, we must:
Use Public Land to Support Community-Centered Needs
Ferndale owns several parcels of land that could be used to intentionally meet pressing community needs, including housing. We should take a close look at how these public assets are currently being used and whether they’re serving long-term public benefit. Underused spaces, and new acquisitions, could be used to create pathways to lasting affordability. This doesn’t mean the city becomes a developer, it means we plan smartly, partner wisely, and make sure publicly owned land serves public good.
Whether through a community land trust, mixed-income housing, or strategic nonprofit partnerships, the goal is the same: keep Ferndale accessible to people of all income levels, especially seniors, working families, and first-time homebuyers, people who are too often pushed out by rising prices and unchecked development.
Support a Community Land Trust/Co-op model- A CLT or cooperative housing model creates housing that is permanently affordable and community-owned. These approaches keep people housed, build local wealth, and put decision-making power in the hands of residents. They also align well with our sustainability goals, prioritizing long-term, local solutions over profit-driven turnover. We must also continue to support and strengthen our partnership with the Ferndale Housing Commission (FHC), ensuring its two apartment buildings and 43 homes are preserved and expanded as key parts of our affordable housing strategy.
Protect renters and elevate their voices- renters make up a significant portion of our city, and they deserve to feel just as connected to Ferndale as homeowners or business owners. Their voices should shape local policy. We need to proactively engage renters and enact protections that ensure housing stability—this includes transparent lease terms, caps on late fees, common-sense pet policies, and more.
Regulate short-term rentals to protect neighborhoods- especially on the east side, where residents are expressing feeling the pressure of short-term rentals (like Airbnb and VRBO). We must evaluate the impact these units are having on neighborhood stability and affordability. That means listening to residents, reviewing code violations, and updating local policy to ensure short-term rentals serve the community, not disrupt it.
Sustainable Housing Affordability and Renter Protections
A city’s progress shouldn’t just be measured by the number of new developments and fiscal responsibility means more than a transparent budgeting process. We need to examine when, and where, we spend our hard-earned money.
Tax Dollars At Work- we need to provide residents with reliable and accessible city services that show our tax dollars at work, for all of Ferndale.
Keep public land in public hands- we need to responsibly invest in parks and community spaces, not give land away to speculative developers
Expand community programming for seniors- like home and auto repair assistance, wellness resources, and legal aid and estate planning
Invest in Ferndale’s youth- partner with our schools and library to promote participatory democracy at all ages
Responsible Growth & Restrained Spending
All Ferndaliens deserve a safe and healthy environment within which to live and grow.
Repair aging infrastructure- police and fire facilities are in dire need of attention. Addressing these needs in a measured way will be good for keeping valued talent while remaining financially responsible.
Public Health Resources- a Health & Wellness Commission will offer valuable resources to our residents.