Jessica L. Avery for Chicopee City Council At-Large

My Vision on Key Issues Facing Chicopee Residents

My role as City Councilor At-Large is gaining and sharing information with Chicopee residents, taking feedback, and voting to reflect community needs and wants.

Please click the arrows below to learn more about key issues impacting Chicopee Residents:

Community Safety: The Culture and Quality of Life
  • Speeding: Speeding leads to increased car and pedestrian accidents, which Chicopee has experienced year after year. 75% of drivers with a suspended license on speeding continue to drive. I support legislation that allows for adoption of intelligent speed assistance, technology that tracks speeds.
    • This technology allows individuals to remain licensed, critical to maintain work for many, while allowing direct accountability and enforcement while driving.
  • Homelessness: I will work with city leaders to secure state and federal grants, such as the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Admin. These grants will be used to hire housing-focused social workers to do direct outreach and scaffolding to services including transportation and housing.
  • Substance Misuse: Chicopee’s opioid crisis recently made the news, showing that overdoses are occuring in private spaces at high rates. Like too many, I’ve seen the impact of this epidemic. Risk factors for substance misuse
    • Veterans and manual laborers make up a significant percentage of Chicopee’s population. Research shows these populations are at an increased risk for substance misuse due to mental and physical health. I support wrap around services for those with physical injuries on worker’s comp to promote a strong transition back to work or in another opportunity, education.
    • I will work with the city to get grant funding to hire social workers under the Housing Authority and in the schools, for students and parents to utilize as a resource.
Road Infrastructure: Investing in Upkeep
  • Road concerns, from safety to physical upkeep, are the main issue at the doors. Staffing shortages and material costs remain two of the most significant barriers to road repairs.
  • Staffing shortages extend repair times and overwork personnel, leading to higher turnover, increased project costs, and longer completion times. The state is expected to significantly increase municipal road funding (Chapter 90). As your City Councilor at-large, I am ready to maximize these funds to address these concerns using the strategies below:
    • I will collaborate with city leaders to promote full utilization of the state’s municipal employee reimbursement allowed in Chapter 90, expanding staff capacity for capital projects.
    • Additional state and federal money for capital projects boosts overall road revenue, enabling flexible fund reallocation without extra costs to residents. I believe in and will support utilizing state transportation programs, such as the LEAP Program, which offers municipal funding for early-stage road planning and design.
    • Chicopee’s bylaws encourage bulk purchasing to lower costs as needed. I will advocate for the purchasing department to explore additional collective purchasing agreements with other municipalities and/or the state to boost Chicopee’s purchasing power while reducing overall costs.
Housing: Building Chicopee Together
  • About 57% of Chicopee residents live in a home they own, while the other 43% rent.
  • Chicopee remains a destination to put down roots due to our:
    • Affordability, comparatively in the region
      • The average cost for a single family home in Chicopee is just now over $300,000
    • Location – Access to employment and major highways
    • Services – From education to Veterans’ services, Chicopee’s reputation speaks for itself.
  • I will support policies that increase housing supply such as single family housing and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) to make housing more affordable and accessible.
Seniors and Veterans: Supporting All Generations
  • Fraud is an ever growing problem, and data shows that those 55+ are especially vulnerable to digital and phone scams. I believe we must partner with local organizations teaching fraud prevention, and adequately communicate how and when the City will engage to reduce scam risks.
  • I will advocate for increased communication around tax abatement programs to ensure those who need them can utilize them
    • While tax abatements reduce tax revenue, the benefit in services returned to the City, while allowing folks to remain in place, is invaluable.
  • Explore creation of student support programs, using state and federal grants, designed for those on a fixed income to stay in Chicopee and in their homes.
    • Currently, homeowners can be fined for overgrowth. I believe in developing programs with our Horticulture program to support our high need residents, while students gain skills and deepen community bonds.
Education: Supporting Students, Teachers, and Parents
  • Data shows that students, educators, and support staff are experiencing and dealing with increased social emotional and behavioral needs.
    • Using funding from the Student Opportunity Act and revenue from the Fair Share Amendment, Chicopee must invest in services that bridge the gap between schools and families.
    • I will advocate for funding that further develops outreach programs, including meal and program based community events.
  • Currently, some school system employees are turning to the Mass Health Connector to afford healthcare, reducing our insurance pool and putting greater burdens on taxpayers.
    • I support a fully-funded contract that provides livable wages and healthcare.
Municipal Budgeting and Procurement: Responsible Funding
  • I support Chicopee exploring adoption of public purchasing cooperatives for procurement.
    • Cooperative purchasing allows for competitive solicitations, leading to better prices and greater material purchasing power.
  • I aim to expand community engagement through increased print, digital, and in-person awareness around current and new municipal policies.
Municipal Energy and Utilities: By the Community
  • Chicopee’s is one of 50 municipal utilities, providing reliable energy and competitive rates.
  • As energy needs evolve, I will advocate to the Municipal Light Board to maintain affordability while protecting community health.
  • I support Chicopee Electric Light’s NetZero energy efficiency programming, and will advocate for increased funding opportunities.
Conservation and Green Space: For the Community
  • Chicopee hosts beautiful natural wonders from the State Park to the Riverwalk, and we must invest in their aesthetic, safety, and function to promote use and improve visibility.
    • I will advocate for federal and state funding to invest in green space for tourism and conservation.
Public Health: Physical and Financial Costs
  • Asthma: Chicopee sits in the Springfield Metropolitan Area, which has one of the highest asthma rates in the country. I support adding air purification and air quality to municipal energy programs for a healthier Chicopee!
  • Interpersonal Violence: Chicopee’s domestic violence rates remain high, and we continue to invest in programming and personnel to address it.
    • I will advocate for additional revenue through state and federal funding including grants.
    • Increasing domestic violence resources in Chicopee will increase access, as technology and location can reduce survivor engagement with services.

Contact me with any questions on these priorities or additional input on other local matters important to you at avery4chicopee@gmail.com or 413-206-9874.