Blight

Beverly’s commitment to cleaning up blight extends beyond just the 3rd Ward. She is determined to tackle the issue citywide. With her leadership, grant funds that have sat unused or misallocated will finally be put to good use, restoring the beauty and safety of Flint’s neighborhoods. Beverly understands that addressing blight is about more than demolishing abandoned structures—it’s about rebuilding communities, creating green spaces, and giving residents a place to be proud of again.

Here’s how Beverly plans to clean up the blight across Flint:

1. Strategic Use of Grant Money: Beverly will ensure that the grant money available to Flint is directed towards immediate action to clean up blighted properties. For too long, these funds have been wasted or underutilized. Beverly will push for accountability in how these dollars are spent, ensuring they go directly toward removing unsafe structures, revitalizing neighborhoods, and creating cleaner, healthier environments.

2. Collaboration with Local Organizations: Beverly understands that the fight against blight requires collaboration not corruption. She will work closely (not taking gifts such as lawnmowers and campaign contributions)  with local non-profits, neighborhood associations, and residents to identify the most urgent areas for cleanup and develop community-driven strategies to maintain those areas. Beverly believes that residents should have a direct say in how their neighborhoods are restored.

3. Transforming Vacant Lots into Community Spaces: After clearing blighted properties, Beverly’s vision goes beyond demolition. She will work to transform vacant lots into green spaces, community gardens, and recreational areas that benefit the entire neighborhood. These spaces will not only improve the aesthetic of the community but also provide safe places for children to play and residents to gather.

4. Holding Property Owners Accountable: Beverly will push for stronger enforcement of existing laws that hold absentee property owners responsible for the condition of their buildings. Too many times, out-of-town or negligent landlords have allowed properties to deteriorate without consequences. Beverly will ensure they are held accountable and that Flint’s residents don’t have to suffer due to their neglect.

5. Citywide Cleanup Campaigns: Beverly believes in the power of community action. She will organize regular citywide cleanup events, bringing residents, volunteers, and city officials together to remove trash, debris, and graffiti from public areas. These campaigns will not only help beautify Flint but also foster a sense of unity and pride among its citizens.

6. Long-Term Solutions for Sustainable Change: Blight removal is just the first step. Beverly is committed to finding long-term solutions to prevent future blight. She will advocate for affordable housing development, home repair assistance programs, and initiatives that help residents maintain their properties. Sustainable change requires investment in people as well as places, and Beverly will fight for both.

Flint’s residents deserve clean, safe, and vibrant neighborhoods. Beverly Biggs-Leavy is dedicated to using every available resource to ensure that no one in the 3rd Ward or any other part of the city has to live in the shadow of blight. It’s time to clean up Flint, and with Beverly’s leadership, grant money and city resources will finally be put to good use, improving the lives of residents across the city. Let’s build a brighter, cleaner Flint—together.