Stabilize Our Budget
Our city budget is a statement of our values and our vision. City Hall must strengthen Melrose's financial foundation to ensure a thriving, equitable future for everyone in our community.
First, let’s get back to basics and rebuild trust.
Our Schools
Melrose families deserve to have the best schools in Massachusetts. We already have dedicated educators, committed families, and an engaged community. Let’s form a clear vision, strategic plan, and commitment from the whole community, including how we fund it.
We’ve starved the schools for too long. As Mayor, I want to build a true needs-based budget that starts with our school building and program leaders to finally have an accurate understanding of what our students deserve. We owe our kids and our community better.
Public Safety Buildings
Our first responders deserve safe buildings and a workplace that respects the value they give our community. The time to act is now. Melrose Police and Fire Department staff need our support for an investment in our public safety buildings.
City Services
Let’s deliver the best services we offer in partnership with our residents, and staff according to our expectations.
Housing and Development
Affordable Housing
Affordable Housing is not only essential but also a requirement. The whole region needs more housing. This isn’t unique to Melrose. I want Melrose to meet our 10% Affordable Housing Requirement with intention, sensitivity, and engagement, especially with abutting neighbors, so we can be more confident and comfortable that what gets built is what’s best for the city.
Affordability
The housing market can be a profitable opportunity for some and also has the power to push people out of their homes. Let’s get creative with the possibilities, including in our Affordable Housing Trust Fund, to satisfy housing needs for neighbors who want to upsize, those who want to downsize, and those who want to stay where they are.
Development
New development projects should work for everyone. I want to work with developers to invest in Melrose through their structures as well as with a community benefit that all Melrosians can enjoy.
Kind Words on Vision
I could not be more excited to support Sam Hammar for Mayor of Melrose! Sam’s creative vision for economic development, ability to listen empathetically, collaborate and put community above self, and depth and breadth of experience is everything we need in the next leader of Melrose.
Jen Leclerc
Melrose resident
Sam knows the way. In this crazy, divided world we need someone to help our city get back to working together for our common goals. Sure, we all have different philosophies and viewpoints, but we all want basically the same things. And, everyone wants and deserves to be heard. Sam will listen and get us back to working together!
Michelle Walsh Carson
Melrose resident