About Marissa Marvelli
Marissa Marvelli is an award-winning historic preservation professional, the mother of two young girls, and an equitable housing provider with her husband. Community is very important to her. She first got involved in local government as a member of Kingston's Historic Landmarks Preservation Commission where she freely lent her expertise and worked to improve the review process for residents. She has seen firsthand how Kingston's deep well of talent, knowledge, and passion to effect positive change has been underutilized by the city administration.
Top Policy Priorities
Inclusive Government
City government is most effective when more, not fewer, residents contribute their perspectives, knowledge, and opinions on issues affecting our community. How do we improve and inspire public engagement in government?
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Consistent communication: Sharing information with residents via email, apps, and in-person ward meetings. Have a local issue you need help with? Contact me!
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Clear process: Outline review process steps for proposed projects and policies before they start so the public knows when and how to participate
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Charter reform: In 2026, a charter committee will reassess the organization, powers, functions, and essential procedures of city government. It is the best opportunity we have to make City Hall more democratic going forward.
Safer Streets
Vibrant streets make a vibrant city. Everyone using city streets should be embraced and accommodated. How do we make people safer while encouraging the use of alternative modes of transportation?
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Tackle dangerous streets: Enforce traffic laws and implement Complete Streets policies and practices, especially near schools and public facilities
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Prioritize pedestrians and cyclists: Increase funding for sidewalk maintenance and the construction of new and safer bike routes. Foster a participatory culture for alternative transportation.
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Public education: Collaborate with transportation experts and local artists on traffic safety campaigns
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Advocate for a better bus network: It shouldn’t take riders half a day to get from Midtown to the mall area
Affordable Housing
Rents are rising while salaries remain stagnant. More than half of Kingston's renters are “housing cost burdened.” How do we steward housing security and expand options?
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Make “affordable housing” affordable: The city’s definition of affordable is based on the county’s area median income (AMI), which is much higher than the city’s. Thus, new “affordable” units built under the city’s inclusionary zoning code are still out of reach for most tenants.
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Keep and expand tenant protections: The Emergency Tenant Protection Act, or ETPA, is vital during periods of severe housing shortages like the one we’re in now
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Do more incrementally: Incentivize the retention of existing rental units, especially in formerly single-family residences, and the creation of new units by small property owners
Climate Resilience
The local impacts of climate change are intensifying—more destructive storms, hotter summers, longer droughts, heavier rainfalls, and waterfront flooding. How do we make Kingston more resilient?
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End the tyranny of Central Hudson! Actively support efforts to develop publicly-owned renewable energy.
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Utilize city parks: Fund parks as the valuable community assets they are. They should be a refuge for residents, with abundant shade, dynamic playscapes, water play, and modern restrooms. Promote native landscapes and add solar arrays.
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Resident action: Increase public education about improving climate resiliency and storm preparedness in their homes and about NYS programs to support sustainability.
Help Elect Marissa
It takes a village. Here's how you can be part of the change:
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Make a plan to vote in the June 24, 2025 Primary
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Donate $10 to Marissa's campaign to help cover costs
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Show your support with a yard sign
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Knock on eight doors from our list of priority voters
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Host a Block Talk with me and your neighbors on your lawn or porch
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Spread the word about this race by sharing this website with others
Reach out by completing the form.