DEAR NEIGHBORS,

My name is Allie Schachter, and I am running for Burlington’s East District City Council seat. I am deeply committed to Burlington's future, and it would be a privilege to serve you in this role.

I am a proud East District community member, where I live with my husband, Mike, and our two awesome kiddos. I also co-chair the Sustainability Academy PTO, and I walk downtown to work every day at The Flynn.

Like you, I understand the opportunities, challenges, and stakes for our city’s future.

I am running to be your East District City Councilor because I love our city. I love the ways in which neighbors show up for one another; I love exploring our local businesses on Church Street; and I love the beauty of Lake Champlain. I am so proud of the diversity of life experiences, identities, and backgrounds that make our community unique and special.

At the same time, Burlington is facing serious challenges. We are grappling with an affordability and housing crisis, a shortage of police officers and community support staff, significant public safety concerns, increased drug use, the very real impacts of climate change, and a budget gap. We must address these issues with credible, actionable solutions that bring our community together.

Too many of our neighbors are in unstable housing or experiencing homelessness. Both renters and homeowners alike are facing untenable increases in housing costs. As your councilor, I will ensure that we expand housing options and affordability through re-establishing our MOU with UVM, thoughtful implementation of the new Neighborhood Code, and ensuring high-quality rental standards.

We also need to rebuild public safety. I will work to ensure we have a police department that is properly staffed, trained, and supported, alongside adequate crisis response teams for mental health and substance use issues. A thriving Burlington requires a thriving downtown, and I know far too many community members who no longer feel comfortable venturing into the heart of our city. I will help rebuild a safe Burlington that is based on a foundation of trust, compassion, equity, and a comprehensive 21st-century approach to public safety.

While we have our challenges, there is much to celebrate in our remarkable city. We are a national beacon for what is possible when hearts, minds, and grit come together to build a brighter future for all. As your councilor, I promise to build upon our strengths, work in partnership with all of you, and get to work creating meaningful solutions.

I know that we can overcome the challenges before us. If you share my optimism for our future, please reach out. I would love to hear from you, and I invite you to get involved in my campaign. We are in this together.

Yours,