“Affordable Housing Isn’t Affordable”: Realtor June Savage Aims to Redefine Housing in Miami
Name: June E. Savage
Campaign Website: www.MiamiMayorSavage.com
Contact Email: June67@me.com
Background: I’m a bilingual Miami native who believes that common sense, proactive planning and implementation are at the core of the development for a good future. I grew up in Pinecrest. With over 25 years of experience as a realtor, and my father having been a general contractor, I have superior knowledge of the Miami market.
I practice good work ethics and active listening. These are key components to a healthy and productive work environment and are absolutely essential to prosper. Among my strengths and key experiences are public speaking and international business, which I use continuously throughout my community involvement and are what I regard as most important after family.
I'm also a grandmother. I dabble in Art and road cycling, along with ballroom dance. I'm active in the proactive prevention of pedestrian accidents, speaking up frequently at City Hall regarding safety and security of residents.
I have one son, a lawyer in South Florida. My commitment to innovation and resident services set a new standard for commonsense intelligence. Helping residents navigate and understand current market conditions and trends, potential investment opportunities and factors that could impact property values.
Affordable Housing & Development: What is your definition of “affordable housing” for Miami residents?
What they call affordable housing is not affordable. With my knowledge as a realtor, I know the cost of living. I know what seniors pay and receive. We do not have affordable housing.
How many affordable housing units do you commit to building or preserving in your first term, and what is your timeline?
The timing can be 24 months or less to construct affordable buildings and homes if we can get the permitting delays out of the way. I know that having worked with developers in the Belle Meade areas, listening to residents and developers on the issues at hand, I’m on ground zero with experience.
Renters, Evictions & Tenant Protections: What policies will you support to prevent unjust evictions and protect renters?
Most renters have a security deposit; most homeowners need to also protect their investments. What we need is open dialogue to create a median with the board of realtors' advisors on what we can properly do to help situations as such.
During COVID, people received government assistance for one to two months for rent. We should look back at this program to see the feasibility of re-activating similar under tenant duress.
Homeownership & Equity: What policies will you propose to support first-time or low-income homebuyers in Miami?
There is no one solution for the home crisis in South Florida. Banks have not eased up on their tight requirements. What I would do is create an outreach bus for services like credit repair.
Credit is holding people back from homeownership. Commissioner King has set the bar for homeownership. I will look at her program. She is a real estate attorney and works together with her on solutions.
Public Land & Climate Resilience: Do you support using city-owned land for affordable housing? If yes, how would you prioritize parcels?
Response: Prioritizing parcels has to be met with proper infrastructure to get the residents into their jobs and healthcare facilities. Location is key.
Budget, Accountability & Governance: How will you fund affordable housing initiatives? If resources are limited, what would you deprioritize?
The government is giving credit to builders. I would need time to analyze how to reduce government waste. We can possibly use non-union associations to fund rehabilitation of the residents back to work. For example, jobs in need are plumbers, electricians, handymen and more.
What metrics will you use to measure progress, and will you commit to publishing annual accountability reports?
I’m a perfectionist. I will commit to a full-time position. Transparency is bringing sunlight to the obstacles, so we may execute and complete our missions.
Vision & Leadership: Why are you running for mayor, and what legacy do you want to leave in housing?
I'm running for Mayor to protect our history, our livelihoods, our families, our future. I’m not owned or governed by lobbyists, special interests, and developers. My common-sense approach will be unmatched.
What one major housing policy or project would you be most proud to accomplish by the end of your term?
The format of Lotus House to eliminate Section 8 and use the same format Lotus House throughout the City. It works. It makes life better. We will all benefit.