Briarcrest candidate forum Malek and Snider spar over Housing Policy and Tree Canopy

During a candidate forum by the Briarcrest Neighborhood Association, Jack Malek and Valerie Snider shared their differing visions for the city’s future. Malek, aiming to grow the economy, focuses on increasing housing supply and attracting large employers to create a robust daytime population, asserting that local businesses struggle due to a lack of customers during business hours. He supports a plan to repurpose small homes for business use, which he believes can revitalize local commerce. Conversely, Snider emphasizes the need to protect small businesses from displacement and preserve the city’s tree canopy, advocating for financial assistance and training for local businesses. She pointed to recent displacements, such as Lena's Cafe, as evidence of the urgent need for action.

Malek argues that increased zoning density is essential to combat rising homelessness and affordability issues, noting that housing supply has stagnated despite population growth. Both candidates are competing for council position No. 1 in the city’s only contested race, while other incumbents run unopposed. Their contrasting approaches highlight the ongoing debate over economic growth versus community preservation.