Platform
Economic Development
With our current affordable housing crisis, as in many cities and towns Salem has become increasingly unattainable for too many. Families, young people working two jobs while going to school, older adults and veterans on a fixed income, people with disabilities, and many others are at risk of not being able to stay in their homes. I also know from my own lived experience of being housing insecure when I was a low income single mother with a one-year old how quickly someone can find themselves facing unstable housing. We need to create more affordable housing for low and middle income residents, and housing for our unhoused community members. As your City Councillor, I will continue to advocate for more permanent, supportive housing to help unhoused individuals achieve independence and stability, and support the efforts of the North Shore CDC, Lifebridge, and other organizations including public/private partnerships to create additional affordable housing.
Health/Quality of Life
Supporting programs and initiatives that improve the health and well-being of our Salem residents is a top priority for me. I am a regular volunteer for the Council on Aging and also several food insecurity services, and will push for continued support of these programs. I will continue in my role as a City Council focusing on increasing services tailored to underserved communities such as our LGBTQ neighbors, our BIPOC community, veterans, immigrants, and older adults. I also will continue to strongly support efforts to address our climate crisis, which is a public health crisis affecting all of us.
Racial and Social Justice
I am so grateful for our welcoming community here in Salem, rich in culture and diversity. Even with the progress we have made, I feel we have an obligation to recognize the legacy of systemic racism and inequities that exist in our society. And with the recent hostile acts towards our most vulnerable communities by the Federal Government, it is even more critical that we have elected officials that lead with courage and compassion. I will continue to support the work of our Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and our city leaders to evaluate our city policies and services, and our organizations and institutions as well to work towards maintaining equitable practices. I make every effort to listen and learn so I can continue to educate myself and effectively advocate as best I can for all our residents, and I welcome the opportunity for personal growth.
Especially here in New England, it is critical to maintain a strong, resilient infrastructure. As your City Councillor, my focus has been on the quality, integrity, and maintenance of our parks, public spaces, sidewalks and streets. I will continue to work with the Transportation Commission to implement their ideas/initiatives that improve the safety and quality of life of our residents. I will push for new and existing buildings to maintain the highest "green" standard possible and was proud to support our Green Building Ordinance for municipal buildings. I will continue to work with my council colleagues and with the Sustainability, Energy and Resiliency Committee, SAFE, Salem Sound Coastwatch, and the Conservation Commission to continue Salem's commitment to coastal resiliency, and to reducing the environmental impact associated with the climate crisis. I am also excited about the off-shore wind industry coming to Salem!
Historic Preservation and Thoughtful Development
Of all there is to appreciate and treasure here in Salem, our extraordinary history is at the top of my list. My focus is on maintaining the beauty and integrity of our historical buildings and structures, and I welcome the input and advice from our Historical Commission, Historic Salem Inc and community members to make that happen and ensure every effort is made to keep our rich history intact for many generations to come.
City Council Work:
Chair of the Administration and Finance Committee last year and this year. Addressing the climate crisis (ordinances; green municipal buildings, urban agriculture, etc), Safety (weapons ban in public buildings), Health (Ordinance ensuring safe access to legally-protected health care), Equity (Wage Theft ordinance), Affordable Housing (supported tax break for Leefort Terrace affordable housing, working on Condo Conversion ordinance, enhancement of ADU's, and implementation of the Housing Production Plan). Council liaison for last two years for Destination Salem, supporting the marketing efforts of our small business and creative community. Submitted a Resolution pressuring the state to reinstate the Healthy Incentives Program which provides SNAP recipients with increased healthy, local fruits and vegetables. Submitted a Resolution supporting and protecting our Transgender and Non-binary community which passed unanimously! I was the only councillor to attend the 2025 MA Municipal Assoc Annual Conference/Expo in Boston to continue my City Council training with various workshops over the two-day event. Please reach out to me if you would like more information or to have a conversation about my work on the City Council. alicemerkl@gmail.com 978-621-9693
