TOGETHER WE WILL
Build Up
Allentown
PUNGO FOR ALLENTOWN CITY COUNCIL
CRISTIAN PUNGO
Cristian Pungo is a first-generation Latino-American, a passionate advocate for hard work, resilience, and community empowerment, dedicated to creating opportunities, and fostering a more inclusive and thriving Allentown.
Allentown is growing city with a diverse population and a long history. The once thriving manufacturing town has seen a resurgence of population and business growth brought about by the boom of warehousing and targeted investment in the city's downtown. As the city continues through this new era of growth, we must mold its future to be inclusive of ALL residents past, present, and soon to come.
THE MISSION
POLICY
Our campaign is focused on Building Up Allentown by creating real opportunities to impact our city through a multi-faceted approach to enact meaningful change for every resident.
Building Up
COMMUNITY
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Youth and Education: Collaborate with Allentown School District to advance initiatives to create a professional pipeline program for local youth to gain exposure to career opportunities.
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Public Safety: Address root causes of crime by tackling poverty and inequality, while fostering collaboration between residents and law enforcement to identify and address pressing safety concerns.
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Diversity and Equity: Strengthen diversity initiatives by expanding the city's network of Diverse Business Enterprises (DBE) and ensuring equitable city services for all residents.
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Community Resources: Grow partnerships with local non-profits to target areas of greatest need and bolster community programs as a collective effort.
Building Up
OPPORTUNITY
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Affordable Housing Expansion: Streamline contracting and permitting processes to expedite affordable housing projects, for truly affordable units (e.g., under 80% AMI requirements).
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Addressing Housing Insecurity: Launch a pilot program to eliminate barriers for individuals re-entering housing and create safe shelter plans for Allentown’s unhoused population.
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Restoration and Growth: Restore blighted property stock to increase housing and commercial opportunities. Additionally, create pathways for city residents to start businesses by giving support, grants, and partnerships that enable entrepreneurship.
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Equity and Accountability: Ensure city zoning and NIZ investments balance affordable housing needs with business growth, creating inclusive opportunities for residents and entrepreneurs.
Building Up
INFRASTRUCTURE
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Modernization and Accessibility: Prioritize critical traffic infrastructure upgrades, including road repairs, pedestrian safety measures, and accessibility upgrades for public transportation and walkways.
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Emergency Services and Safety: Upgrade EMS and fire department facilities while addressing emerging safety concerns through public education initiatives and new equipment investments.
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Sustainable Development: Implement efficiency standards for new city construction to reduce maintenance costs and carbon footprints. Embrace green initiatives such as tree planting, natural stormwater management, and energy-efficient city systems.
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Transparent Planning: Establish a database and annual report to track outstanding infrastructure needs to allocate funds.
ONE COMMUNITY
Our campaign needs you! Will you pledge your vote on May 20th to build the momentum we need to secure our spot in Allentown's future?
AND
JOIN THE CAUSE
Change starts with all of us.
Our efforts to Build Up Allentown is a community driven mission and that includes each individual, family, business, organization, and anyone else who will join the cause.
Whether you are looking to volunteer with our campaign or with a local organization, please connect with us below and see how you can help!