Brittany Hume Charm

Questions and Answers

Question 1: After 40+ years of Prop 2 ½, a very limited ability to pass overrides, steep increases in expenses such as employee benefits and utilities, and a relatively small commercial tax base, Newton faces fiscal challenges not encountered by our peer communities, making it increasingly difficult to adequately fund our schools and other city services. What are your ideas for raising revenues or otherwise addressing Newton’s fiscal challenges?

To ease pressure, we need to renegotiate the pension paydown from a 2031-32 end to closer to 2040. We should buffer our priorities–public safety and schools–from uncertainty by funding 3-year plans, with investment now to remediate COVID losses and alleviate hefty 1:1 student support (IEP) costs in later years. We need to support responsible development that grows revenue, funds schools and services, and revitalizes village centers–including by revising policies that deter investment in Newton. Finally, we must communicate openly about federal cuts and their implications, so residents can make an informed decision on any future tax override.

Question 2: What, specifically, can the City Council do to ensure that lower income residents, young families, and long-term residents looking to downsize, can afford housing in Newton?

If we want a welcoming community with successful businesses and revenue for schools and services–and I do!–we must increase the amount and diversity of available homes (market-rate, mixed-income, and affordable). To do this, City Council should APPROVE long-delayed projects like Riverside, ZONE for greater density near transit and village centers (building on MBTA Communities), and REFORM barriers like slow permitting by setting clear timeframes and design guidance. Furthermore, the Council should INCENTIVIZE desired projects with zoning flexibility or financial aid and ADVOCATE for housing to secure state funds and community support.

Question 3: What is Newton doing to address climate change, how effective are these efforts, and what else could/should we be doing?

Newton leads in climate action. To cut emissions, the city targets its biggest source—buildings—through BERDO for existing public and commercial structures, new home building standards that boost efficiency and phase out fossil fuels, and renewable options via Newton Power Choice. Now, 80% of Newton’s energy use is renewable. The city is also cutting vehicle emissions with EV fleet conversions, public chargers, and safer car-free travel. A new tree ordinance protects the canopy and biodiversity. Next, Newton must advance resilience and disaster preparedness under the 2026-2030 Climate Action Plan, mindful of costs and reduced federal aid.

Question 4: Government transparency refers to the obligation of a government to proactively share information related to the management of public resources and decision-making; it’s indispensable to accountability and to an informed electorate. A recent initiative conducted by Newton’s LWV identified significant deficiencies in Newton’s local government transparency and specifically with respect to the City’s website. How do you think improved transparency could benefit our city? What improvements would you advocate for to the City website or transparency in general?

Transparency builds trust. When residents feel surprised or confused—whether about school budgets, new development, or road changes—it fuels frustration and division. Better access to accurate, timely information helps people understand decisions and engage constructively. The City website should be the clear, central source, redesigned for ease of use with visuals, videos, and interactive tools. Persona-based design can anticipate and meet key needs. AI-driven search could summarize topics and link to primary sources. Finally, communication should meet people where they are—mobile-friendly, proactive, and on channels residents already use.