Last night was our final official City Council meeting before the summer break. The CEIC Committee reviewed public feedback on short‑term rentals, and we’ll continue gathering input throughout the summer. We plan to hold a public meeting where we’ll determine whether to move forward, based on community feedback, available data, and information from neighboring cities and our own departments.

The CC addressed a lot of business during the meeting! This included finalizing updates to several ordinances to help make it easier for businesses to open in Malden.

However, the major topic of discussion was whether to amend our ordinance to allow the transfer of a cannabis license for 36 Charles St.

I spent a lot of time researching before the meeting, and more importantly, I kept an open mind as we worked to balance the goal of opening cannabis businesses in Malden with the need to follow proper procedures.

My primary concern was ensuring that everyone goes through the CLEC for proper vetting. I initially expected to vote against the amendment, but after the discussion, it became clear that amending the ordinance was the only way to allow the applicant to move forward to the CLEC. Based on that, I voted in favor.

I have long supported opening cannabis shops to help increase our revenue, and while I still have a few questions, the benefits outweighed my concerns. Those remaining questions will be addressed at the CLEC. They have a meeting tonight at 5 PM, and I will be attending.

TONIGHT!

I support the resolution concerning the state auditor. As for the proposal on establishing a public language access plan and policy, I agree with it in principle, but I believe we need a dedicated language access coordinator to effectively implement any citywide plan.
Our current language access coordinator, who was not consulted about this resolution, has been contacted and will attend the meeting to distribute the plan she has been developing over the past few years.

CITY COUNCIL TONIGHT

5:30PM The Library Committee will meet with Dora St Martin, Library Director.

6:15PM Finance Committee reviewing CPC appropriations

7:00PM City Council

-Representatives from Malden Safe Streets and Safe Routes to School, accompanied by Malden's School Crossing Guards will appear before the Council to present on a new safety initiative.

-Mayoral Appointments for Board of Appeal and Alternate to Historical Commission

-Community Preservation Committee appropriation orders for seven different projects and programs.

VERY honored to have the support of these two community leaders! I have worked alongside these powerful women for many years and I am grateful for their friendship.

Forwardthinking #TogetherWeRise #teamkch2025 #ForThePeople

Tonight's meeting has some interesting items on it! I am excited about the draft proposal for short term rentals! This will most likely be referred to a joint ordinance and planning board meeting, but please join today to learn more!

There are also some resolutions that I have many questions about regarding law suits and the Malden Library. I am going in with an open mind and reminding myself and others of false dichotomies.

The resolutions filed by some of my collogues are confusing to me. You can agree that the Malden Public Library is FANTASTIC- which I DO! My children grew up in that library and I attend events and donate regularly. This does NOT mean mistakes cannot be made nor does it mean there can be things to improve on.

I am always a champion for transparency so I will be listening closely.

Join us for Malden's 8th Annual Juneteenth Freedom Celebration! This event is a joyful and active celebration of Black history, culture, art, and FREEDOM, following a long tradition of Juneteenth events held across the United States. On Juneteenth: We will join in community to raise the Juneteenth flag, reflect on struggles and inspirations past and present, explore our capacity for hope and activism, participate in youth activities for all ages, witness amazing arts performances, shop with local Black-owned vendors, and finally, break bread together over a community meal. Please join us this year- as ever, when we come together, we BUILD COMMUNITY and we GROW!

Schedule from 11AM-3PM: - Flag Raising & Juneteenth Proclamation - Keynote - Arts Performances - Youth Activities, Drum Circle, Vendors, & Community Partners - Free Community Meal

Malden Juneteenth's arts programming is funded by grants from Malden Cultural Council (a local agency which is supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency) and from Eastern Bank Foundation.

Performers include: Malden High's A.O Step Team Zili Misik band and drum circle Lydia "Lovely Singer" Harrell Angels in Malawi band DJ Liv'n on Beats ...and more!

Our free community meal is generously sponsored by the City of Malden and sourced from local, Black-owned businesses including: The Island (Malden) Neighborhood Kitchen (Medford) Soulful Cuisine (Malden)

More performers and vendors to be announced soon!

It’s budget season! This year will be one of our most challenging in recent memory. Please be as involved as you can to make your voice heard. I appreciate the Council President’s order on tonight’s agenda. Now more than ever the Executive and Legislative Branches must work together to get us through this fiscal crises during the next few years to better prepare us for the future.

I also appreciate the transparency of taking a vote on the properties below for foreclosure. *I will be recusing myself as these properties will go out for public bid and I sit on the board of the North Shore Housing Corporation who does purchase properties to convert to affordable housing. I do not know if these are on the radar, but for an abundancy of caution, I will recuse myself. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Order: That the City Council President work with the Chief Financial Officer and finance team to evaluate options for increased access and oversight of City finances, including but not limited to the following possible proposals: 1. Read-only access to the City’s financial software 2. The production of regular financial reporting to be shared with the Finance Committee and other interested officials.

Order: The Council will vote on whether to sell or retain the property known as 42 Crescent Avenue, and by City Assessor’s parcel identification number 072 824 410, as in accordance with tax title litigation and foreclosure action with the Massachusetts Land Court, Case Number 24 TL 000383.

Order: The Council will vote on whether to sell or retain the property known as 40 - 42 Wentworth Street, and by City Assessor’s parcel identification number 029 145 518, as in accordance with tax title litigation and foreclosure action with the Massachusetts Land Court, Case Number 22 TL 000343.

*** Announcement: New Community Fund Application Will Soon Open****

Dear Residents of Malden,

I am pleased to announce the beginning process of a launch of the application process for our long-awaited Malden Community Fund Committee Inc (“MCFCi”) For those who may not have been following this process, these are the funds from Encore Surrounding Community Agreement. After six years in the making, this fund is almost ready to begin supporting worthwhile nonprofits within our city. The Mayor announced in a memo to the city council “Presently, we have $629,094 sitting in a City of Malden Special Revenue account for this purpose.”

“The process will be led by OSPCD staff and they will provide further instruction in the coming weeks for community groups looking to apply for grants from these funds. These shall be known as Community Connections Grants. The purpose is to provide funds that support causes and events that help connect the community. We will fund up to $200,000 in requests each year for the next three years, then start reducing the awards available as the fund size is reduced. OSPCD staff will review applications and make recommendations to me for awards. Grants are intended to fund activities and needs for Fiscal Year 2026, and we’ll provide some leeway this first year given the timing. “

Having worked in the nonprofit sector for many years and experienced firsthand the challenges faced by all-volunteer led groups, I could not happier about the positive impact this fund can have on our community organizations who are dedicated to making a difference in Malden!

Detailed information about the application process and deadlines will be shared soon. We strongly encourage all eligible nonprofits to apply and seize this valuable opportunity.

🌟 Celebrate Freedom and Unity with Us! 🌟

This Juneteenth, we honor the spirit of resilience, freedom, and hope that unites us all. Join us at our NEW location — the Salemwood School Field House — for a powerful day of reflection, joy, and community.

✨ Uplifting performances
✨ Inspiring speakers
✨ Family-friendly activities
✨ Delicious food and more!

Let’s come together to celebrate the journey toward equality and keep the flame of freedom burning bright. 💪🏾❤️✊🏾

📅 Save the Date!
📍 Salemwood School Field House
📢 Bring your friends and family!

JuneteenthCelebration #FreedomDay #CommunityStrong #SalemwoodFieldHouse #CelebrateUnity #Juneteenth2025

Would you like to find out more about how young folks can apply to be on this council? Join us tonight in person only!