Avery grew up in Chicopee, attending preschool through high school in the city before continuing higher education at Mount Holyoke College and UMass Amherst. Jessica’s parents, a Chicopee educational support professional (ESP) and manufacturer, modeled for her and her sister what community care and advocacy looked like through active involvement in church, local PTO, and Girl Scouts.
During her academic years, Jessica dove head first into community service. Whether organizing school wide fundraisers benefiting autism awareness programs or National Honor Society volunteering at the Arbor’s Senior Center, Jessica took action to benefit her community and developed camaraderie with others for greater good.
“Growing up in Chicopee, my community modeled connection and hard work, which motivated me to pursue a career in service. I had the honor of working on the Joint Special Committee on the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke COVID-19 Outbreak and learned firsthand the impact government action and inaction can have.”
Jessica has supported constituent casework for Veterans across the Commonwealth and in Gateway Cities similar to Chicopee. “Constituent problems come in various sizes and require a thoughtful approach and solutions. My role in the city council will facilitate similar solutions for community members through improved communications and community feedback opportunities.”
In March 2022, Jessica began working on Representative Shirley Arriaga’s campaign, moving her way up to Campaign Manager. While at the doors, Avery further deepened her understanding about how state and local matters interconnect. Jessica advocated in front of the Finance Committee, a Council subcommittee, to ensure that mail-in voting remained for municipal elections to boost turnout and awareness.
Jessica lives intergenerationally in a two-family home, an experience familiar to many. “Addressing Chicopee’s housing needs requires public-private partnerships, homeowner education, and financial resources. As a city councilor, I will work with state and federal stakeholders as well as local financial institutions to expand resident housing access.”
The city council must find new ways and funding sources to address education funding, zoning reform, and more. Jessica Avery brings the experience and knowledge to make the decisions necessary to keep fostering Chicopee’s growth while leading that decision-making with the needs of Chicopee’s residents first.
Jessica L. Avery for Chicopee City Council At-Large 