Accomplishments and Plans

A Medford Moving Forward for Us All

We’ve made real progress laying the groundwork for a more vibrant, more inclusive Medford. 

As our city continues to change and plan for the future, I’ve spoken out to make sure we are building a future that puts people like you, me, and our neighbors down the street front and center. We must prioritize affordability and justice for all.

I fought hard and brought bus transit options back to Medford, kept our library open, and increased school funding. We took on big developers and stood up for renters. We uplifted voices that have been left behind for far too long, started work on plans that would make Medford a leader in climate action and life science development, and pursued bold reforms to tackle systemic injustice. 

Learn more here about the Medford People’s Platform, which Ive has signed onto, check out a map of Justin’s First Term Accomplishments here, and learn about Justin’s work on the official City Council Governing Agenda here.

Table of Contents

  1. Social and Racial Justice
  2. Housing Affordability
  3. Youth and Education
  4. Climate, Infrastructure, and Transportation
  5. Revitalizing Medford’s Economy
  6. Public and Mental Health
  7. City Services and Quality of Life
  8. Transparency in City Services and Budgeting

SOCIAL AND RACIAL JUSTICE

A MORE JUST MEDFORD FOR US ALL
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What Justin's Done

  1. Helped pass an ordinance to establish community control over public surveillance
  2. Drafted ordinances to protect those seeking and providing gender-affirming healthcare and reproductive healthcare, establish a gender equity commission, and create a youth commission
  3. Provided constituent services in foreign languages, including Chinese and Spanish
  4. Working on ordinances to:
    • Ensure foreign language access to city services
    • Codify our city’s non-cooperation policy with Immigration and Customs Enforcement
    • Disaggregate and re-evaluate best practices with racial data to ensure better outcomes and better targeting of city funds
  5. Pushed the City government to update its Social Justice Roadmap and to commission an independent racial equity study
  6. Led proactive efforts to address increasing diversity in hiring for higher-level positions and to help enroll more eligible residents in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
  7. Ask the Elections Commission and Diversity Department to collaborate an action plan to increase immigrant civic participation 
  8. Engaged with the Chief of Police to hold the City accountable for racial inequities in traffic stop outcomes and to address anti-Asian violence, receiving written responses
  9. Ensured that social and racial equity are central to the City’s Comprehensive Plan, Housing Production Plan, and the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan
  10. Asked City staff to help provide resources and support to those without housing
  11. Increased representation of immigrant cultures with City Council celebrations and statements
  12. Led Medford in a regional coalition that successfully pushed the Biden Administration to reverse discriminatory policies against Haitian immigrants



What Justin Plans to Do

  1. Continue to counter all forms of systemic racism, reform policing, and bring a critical eye to policymaking
  2. Finish drafting and pass ordinances to: 
    • Protect those seeking and providing gender-affirming healthcare and reproductive healthcare 
    • Ensure translation services and foreign language access to city services, including increasing staff and translating the city website
    • Codify our city’s non-cooperation policy with Immigration and Customs Enforcement
    • Promote the disaggregation and evaluation of best practices with regard to racial data 
    • Pass ordinances to create a gender equity commission and a youth commission
  3. Support funding a comprehensive, community-centered response to crime and safety issues by funding social services and allocating responsibilities to specialized responders trained to handle specific cases
  4. Support the implementation of a civilian review board to provide greater community input and control over policing
  5. Hold a listening series across Medford targeting communities that traditionally participate less in city meetings, and explore creating a subcommittee to do this
  6. Create an immigrants’ commission to institutionalize more opportunities for immigrants to participate in politics
  7. Make our community liaison positions permanent and expand the program to cover more immigrant- and traditionally overlooked communities
  8. Work with and empower the Human Rights’ Commission to push for a transparent re-evaluation of existing municipal policies, address rental discrimination, invest in underserved and historically excluded groups, and recommit to fair hiring and contracting practices
  9. Collaborate with the Administration and the School Committee to increase the racial diversity of the city and school staff, by improving recruitment practices, instituting a pipeline to leadership, and increasing pay
  10. Expand access to gender-neutral bathrooms in city facilities and support efforts to build gender-neutral, public restrooms in parks and public spaces  
  11. Replace hostile infrastructure with more benches, seats, and public toilets
  12. Provide access to mental and physical health resources to LGBTQIA+ individuals in need, who are disproportionately likely to report facing mental health challenges and homelessness
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HOUSING AFFORDABILITY

A MORE AFFORDABLE MEDFORD FOR US ALL
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What Justin's Done

  1. Passed an ordinance promoting housing stability, informing renters of their rights and resources available to them
  2. Working with City partners to create an Affordable Housing Trust, to allow our City to make investments to provide affordable housing opportunities
  3. Raised the income cap for the Senior Tax Deferral to the maximum allowed by the State, helping seniors tackle the cost-of-living crisis
  4. Cut red tape for affordable housing development by passing the first zoning recodification in 60 years, which lowered parking minimums, legalized accessory dwelling units, regulated short-term rentals, and instituted performance design standards for multifamily and commercial developments and site plan review for large, tax-exempt institutions
  5. Passed the Housing Production Plan, which lays out a strategy to get more housing built and allows our city to have more say in the developments being built
  6. Began the second phase of zoning reform, which will seek to encourage even more housing to be built, engage residents about redrawing our zoning map, and ensure the needs of Medford residents take priority over the interests of big property developers
  7. Supported Tenants’ Unions in their efforts to negotiate with big landlords over living standards and displacement
  8. Exploring regulations on condo conversion 
  9. Voted to increase the cost of living adjustment for municipal retirees
  10. Initiated discussions on a primary residence property tax exemption 
  11. Informed residents of federal and state aid for residents, including student loan relief, clean energy rebates for home improvements, and discounted broadband internet programs

What Justin Plans to Do

  1. Continue working on Phase 2 of zoning reform which will focus on expanding inclusionary zoning, focused on transit-oriented, environmentally-friendly development, a key approach to the Housing Production Plan we passed last year
  2. I will work to expand income restrictions to expand access to housing affordability to more residents, with a target to make housing affordable for households making below 80% area median income (AMI)
  3. Advocate for an Affordable Housing Overlay, and explore capital projects that will expand housing supply in Medford
  4. Continue to take advantage of federal and state programs that aid in funding affordable housing. We should claim federal HOME funds, use the Community Development Block Grant for public or public/private developments, use Low Income Housing Tax Credits, and take advantage of tax opportunity zones.
  5. Make housing work for all by recognizing the intersectional effects of social inequality, disproportionate power dynamics, and housing. 
    • I commit to fighting systemic racism and housing discrimination. This means using the city’s legal powers to challenge past redlining practices and fighting against measures to keep new, potential and residents of color out of our community.
  6. I will work to ensure low-income housing in Medford is accessible to people with disabilities.
  7. Strengthen health and safety code enforcement, including funding a more comprehensive rodent mitigation strategy
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YOUTH AND EDUCATION

A MEDFORD THAT INVESTS IN OUR FUTURE
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What Justin's Done

  1. Negotiated and won hundreds of thousands of dollars for our public schools in the FY2023 and FY2024 Budgets and kept the Medford Public Library open on Saturdays when funding cuts threatened service cuts
  2. Worked with the City and the School Committee to begin the process of building a new high school building by submitting a Statement of Interest to the Massachusetts School Building Association
  3. Supported efforts led by student leaders and called for increase engagement with students to get feedback for City policies
  4. Pushed for a larger, proactive conversation on youth mental health, leading resolutions on increasing access to mental health resources and preventing poor student behavior in schools
  5. Engaged City staff to identify opportunities for Medford’s youth to work in local activism, climate work, and in City Hall

What Justin Plans to Do

  1. Continue to prioritize funding for our schools, in order to avoid the underfunding we have seen historically and which have disproportionately affected students in need
    • I would advocate for a “hold harmless” provision for charter school reimbursements to prevent up to $8 million in lost public school funding.
    • I will vote down any budget that cuts our education budget even further
  2. Work with community partners and fellow elected officials to find sustainable solutions to the lack of after-school placements
  3. Fund the recommendations of the Medford High School Safety, Security, and School Climate Review, which highlights the need for more administrative support, more substitute teachers, and better bargaining agreements with staff
  4. Create opportunities for Medford students to volunteer, intern, and work with the city government
  5. Improve classroom outcomes by working with the School Committee to ensure racial and social equity in the classroom and attracting diverse and high quality teachers by increasing pay for teachers, paraprofessionals, substitutes, before-school, and after-school staff
  6. Work to remove financial barriers to accessing arts, sports, and other extracurricular activities
  7. Continue to push for a study of school infrastructure to guide our investments and support modernizing Medford High School
  8. Collaborate with Medford Recreation and Medford Arts Council to increase access to sports and arts opportunities and education, especially for those with lower incomes
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CLIMATE, INFRASTRUCTURE, AND TRANSPORTATION

A MORE SUSTAINABLE AND ACCESSIBLE MEDFORD FOR US ALL
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What Justin's Done

  • Climate
    1. Passed millions in funds to revitalize and modernize parks across the City to increase accessibility for disabled residents and offerings for all ages
    2. Passed ordinances banning polystyrene products, limiting the usage of noisy gas-powered leaf blowers, and promoting the preservation of our existing tree canopy
    3. Began executing the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan 
    4. Informed residents of federal clean energy rebates for home improvements
  • Transportation and Infrastructure
    1. Collaborated closely with residents and City staff to organize feedback for the MBTA Bus Network Redesign and liaised with MBTA officials, getting service restored to South Medford and Medford Hillside and bringing an express bus back to Medford 
    2. Pushed for and supported City staff in negotiating new biking and sidewalk infrastructure in developments, which will serve as models for future negotiations and developments
    3. Passed $1,000,000 to begin repaving our city’s sidewalks and to bring sidewalk repairs in-house
    4. Actively supported and prioritized the expansion of Blue Bikes network into Medford
    5. Advocated for electrifying our municipal (and MBTA) fleet, which is now starting with the introduction of hybrid vehicles to the Police and Parking Departments
    6. Advocated for residents during the Orange Line shutdown to ensure low-cost, rapid transportation
    7. Inquired and pushed City staff to explore expanding bike lanes to serve more neighborhoods and connect to regional networks 
    8. Asked the City administration to seek grants for Vision Zero projects to reduce fatal traffic incidents

What Justin Plans to Do

  1. Continue to carry out the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and usage of non-sustainable materials in Medford 
  2. Expand our green canopy, which will reverse the effects of heat islands, which disproportionately affect poorer neighborhoods, and create more livable communities
  3. Push for a quicker transition to cleaner energy sources:
    • Support changes to downsize municipal fleet vehicles and electrify Medford’s municipal fleet 
    • Install more electric vehicle charging stations
    • Work with City staff to explore ways to expand access to electric bikes and normal bikes for low-income families and children, such as via a voucher program
    • Staffing new green projects with union jobs and union workers
  4. In particular: tackle emissions from buildings, which contribute 67% of Medford’s total carbon dioxide equivalents (MTCO2e)
    • Encourage electrification and the use of solar and renewable energy via financial and zoning regulation incentives
    • I would support creating a net-zero/carbon-neutral requirement for new developments
    • Help facilitate green renovation projects
    • Ease out natural gas use in municipal buildings 
    • I would support powering all publicly owned or operated facilities with 100% renewable electricity by 2030 and a municipal-wide commitment to transition to 100% renewable energy by 2035
  5. Holds companies accountable to our residents 
    • I would support requiring gas companies to check for and repair all gas leaks, protect consumers from paying for leaked and unaccounted-for gas
  6. Continue to advocate for increased funding to repave our roads to be safer for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers, free and expanded MBTA transportation, accessible transit stops for people with disabilities, and clear priority sidewalks and crosswalks during and after snowstorms
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REVITALIZING MEDFORD’S ECONOMY

A MEDFORD THAT IS VIBRANT FOR US ALL
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What Justin's Done

  1. Passed the first zoning recodification in sixty years, allowing for major life science and commercial developments, which will in turn bring more jobs and more entertainment options to Medford
  2. Leading city efforts on the City Council side to repurpose and redesign Medford Square to bring in more housing, more businesses, and a more reasonable parking plan
  3. Worked on ordinances to modernize food truck and outdoor dining regulations
  4. Working on providing paid family and medical leave to municipal employees
  5. Voted to increase the cost of living adjustment for municipal retirees
  6. Coordinated with other councilors and community stakeholders to protect Chevalier Theater from an illegal, out-of-town competitor development
  7. Asked the Administration to look into providing more opportunities for public art and beautification
  8. Supported efforts to bring more access to city squares, including new Blue Bike stations, more frequent bus service on the 96 Route, and safer pedestrian and bike lanes

What Justin Plans to Do

  1. Support local businesses and entrepreneurs through difficult times
    • Continue being a leader and team player to explore ways to finance revitalizing Medford Square and other local squares
    • Work with local businesses to publicize local businesses and create incentives for residents to shop and live local
    • Connect local businesses with resources and advisors to improve business operations
    • Support City efforts to reach out to business owners in various languages to make sure that City communications and requests for feedback are being received
    • Provide grants to help with beautification and modernizing business practices
  2. Use Phase 2 of zoning reform to that will create 15 minute neighborhoods and allow business growth
    • Encourage smart business and housing growth in Medford Square and along the Mystic Ave. and Mystic Valley Parkway corridors, which will increase economic vibrancy, housing availability/affordability, and commercial tax revenue
    • Explore using District Improvement Financing and Certificates of Participation to finance new buildings, new civic spaces, better sidewalk and roads, and to attract investors
  3. Continue to stand up for working folks by:
    • Tackling wage theft
    • Establishing a Office of Housing Stability to protect residents and support tenants
    • Supporting union labor and requiring/incentivizing that new development projects use union labor
  4. Increase tree canopy in downtown streets to create a more attractive, welcoming environment
  5. Expand art in public spaces by continuing to increase opportunities for local artists to make the city a more vibrant place
  6. Partner with neighboring municipalities to prevent a fight to the bottom regarding labor rights and tax rate
  7. Advocate for greater public transit access to our squares
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PUBLIC AND MENTAL HEALTH

A HEALTHIER MEDFORD FOR US ALL
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What Justin's Done

  1. Voted to immediately create municipal positions to respond to the health and economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic
  2. Led advocacy for increased spending on mental health resources and staffing, particularly for Medford students dealing with pandemic-related challenges
  3. Increased access to and strengthened communication regarding testing and vaccinations, while addressing structural inequities and higher-risk populations, such as our seniors
  4. Regularly pushed for the Administration to update public health data and information on the city website
  5. Supported and aided the City in its efforts to reach out to nonprofits, community groups, community liaisons, and religious organizations in various languages to help us close the vaccination gap between racial and income groups
  6. Passed resolutions informing the public about best health practices and asking the administration to provide access to better masks and more testing
  7. Got ahead of the curve on a preventative monkeypox response

What Justin Plans to Do

  1. Continue to advocate for increased health investments in our municipal and school budgets
  2. Develop and invest in a comprehensive rodent mitigation strategy 
  3. Prepare for future public health crises by requesting that City Hall establish emergency protocols and long-term support for city services and facilities, including schools and nursing homes and advocating for better ventilation for municipal facilities
  4. Destigmatize mental health with a proactive messaging campaign
  5. Push for increased outreach to all Medford residents about obtaining affordable mental health services
  6. Make sure applications of 504s and IPEs are accessible, and information in regards to obtaining them is readily available
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CITY SERVICES AND QUALITY OF LIFE

A MORE LIVEABLE MEDFORD FOR US ALL
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What Justin's Done

  1. Provided constituent services in foreign languages, such as Chinese and Spanish
  2. Improved City Council communications and accessibility by increasing updates on social media and modernizing City Council rules, including institutionalizing public participation 
  3. Passed $250,000 to remove tree stumps, which will remove up to half of existing tree stumps
  4. Passed $1,000,000 to begin repaving our city’s sidewalks and to bring sidewalk repairs in-house
  5. Worked with City and State partners to remove litter from public spaces and streets
  6. Leading efforts to reduce nip and sharps litter in public spaces
  7. Pushed to expand City offerings, events, and meetings into different neighborhoods
  8. Passed a home rule petition in favor of reviewing the City Charter to consider ward representation and a better balance of power
  9. Advocated for and prioritized increasing accessibility
  10. Regularly checked in on city efforts to tackle airplane noise
  11. Made formal recommendations for snow removal including, prioritizing pedestrian access, creating a priority sidewalk snow removal program, increasing community engagement, and finding alternative solutions for those unable to clear snow on their own
  12. Provided feedback for the newly established Parking Department
  13. Led the effort to garner community feedback for an updated City website
  14. Address speeding, noise pollution, and cut-through traffic on residential streets

What Justin Plans to Do

  1. Push for streamlining of city communications and ways to communicate with those not on email or phone lists
  2. Guarantee the upkeep of and evaluate the city’s revamped See-Click-Fix program 
  3. Pass an ordinance to ensure funding translation and interpretation for all services and engage underserved communities
  4. Invest in technology that would accurately solicit community feedback and civic engagement in our planning processes
  5. Continue to work with city staff to combat rodent infestation
  6. Move ahead with an ordinance to regulate blasting in construction
  7. Continue to engage federal stakeholders on airplane noise concerns
  8. Provide access to pads and tampons in all city facilities
  9. Expand access to public, gender-neutral bathrooms in city facilities, parks, and public spaces  
  10. Ensure all city facilities comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and center disability justice in capital projects/services
  11. Collaborate with Medford Recreation and Medford Arts Council to increase access to sports and arts, especially for those with lower incomes
  12. Promote a culture of trust and accountability in our city departments
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TRANSPARENT GOVERNANCE

A MORE TRANSPARENT MEDFORD FOR US ALL
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What Justin's Done

  1. Stood with fellow councilors to demand a long-term financial plan
  2. Led the charge to put more budget and spending info on the City website, and have open data practices to facilitate greater resident participation
  3. Helped hold frank conversations on the need for increased revenue to meet service needs and the possibility of owner-occupied tax exemptions
  4. Worked with the Mayor and other partners to create task forces and reform measures to develop transparent revenue growth plans
  5. Supported the Budget Needs Assessment Ordinance, PILOT Commission Ordinance, and amendments to the City Charter which would create greater opportunities for residents to participate in our budget process
  6. Created a series of updates on social media for residents to keep up with City Council work and debates
  7. Piloted a Community Budget Survey to make it easier for residents to give feedback and input to councilors

What Justin Plans to Do

  1. Continue working on ordinances that would institutionalize greater transparency and opportunities to participate in our policy- and budget-making processes
  2. Advocate for hiring translators and permanently funding community liaison positions to reach out to immigrant and under-represented communities
  3. Write an Open Data ordinance to allow residents to contribute to understanding municipal problems and developing solutions
  4. Continue to post regular updates on social media and surveys to solicit input and feedback
  5. Ensure that civic feedback processes are conducted with greater professionalism and transparency, including using more inclusive, representative, easy-to-use technology
  6. Be open about our city’s need for increased revenue, exploring ways to increase commercial tax base through encouraging smart growth on vacant lots, zoning reform, and a strengthened business office at City Hall, certain real estate transfer fees, and a potential Prop 2 1/2 override if revenue levels remain insufficient to adequately fund crucial services
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Contact
The Committee to Elect Justin Tseng
contact@justin4medford.com
36 Wellington Rd. Medford, MA 02155
(781) 866-2572
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