About Katy
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About Katy ·
My name is Katy Rogers and I am running for City Council at Large because I want to make Everett more affordable, accessible, and inclusive for all. Everett is a strong and diverse community, and I want to ensure everyone who calls it home can continue to do so.
I am a 5th generation Everett resident, a product of Everett Public Schools, and graduate of Everett High School. I earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Montserrat College of Art and went on to become a photojournalist in my community, where I have documented life in Everett for more than a decade.
Today, I operate my own business providing photography for dozens of local and international clients and publications.
I am passionate about contributing to my community in an effort to make Everett a better place, which is why I have spoken up on behalf of the people as a private citizen before. I have advocated for laws to reduce pollution and successfully challenged developers who were putting private interests above those of our residents. I established the Lost and Found Pets Network, which has helped hundreds of local pet owners reunite with their missing animals. I have collaborated with The Everett Haitian Community Center, Everett Community Growers, and The DiDomenico Foundation to support community youth. I volunteer as a board member for The Everett Cultural Council, Art Lab Everett, and The E Club.
It is my goal to see Everett be a leading example as a litter free community in Massachusetts, and I will work to increase public trash and recycling options throughout the city. I will ensure our public areas have trees, shade, and water accessible to everyone. I will convert public buildings to solar energy.
I will work on improving our streets by repainting crosswalks, filling potholes, and fixing sidewalks.
I will encourage art and culture by supporting programs for youth and seniors. I will prioritize education by investing in our schools and reducing class sizes.
I am proud to call Everett my home, and I want to put the people of Everett first to make sure our community thrives. I am currently in the process of meeting residents at doors, and I welcome your input, ideas, and concerns. Please feel free to reach out directly: KatyForEverett@gmail.com
Thank you for considering me for 1 of your 5 votes in the primary on Tuesday, September 19.
Sincerely,
Katy Rogers
Candidate for Councilor at Large
SUPPORTERS
I have collaborated professionally with Katy on behalf of students in the community for over 6 years. I have witnessed first-hand her sincere sense of integrity.
I believe Katy will work for the well-being of the people of Everett and represent them faithfully.
— Rev. Myrlande Desrosiers, Community Leader
Katy has helped rescue and advocate for animals on multiple issues, all with successful outcomes due to her diligence and persistence. Katy’s level of honesty and dedication is undeniable and she would be an amazing asset to the City of Everett as Councilor at Large.
— Stacia Gorgone, Everett Animal Control
ENDORSEMENTS
We believe Katy is the best candidate for Everett City Council At-Large and we know she will do her best for all those she represents.
— IBEW LOCAL 2222
ISSUES
DIVERSITY & EQUALITY:
The city’s social and cultural diversity is a significant asset. How do you plan to promote inclusivity and ensure that all members of the community have equal access to opportunities and resources?
The diversity of our community is one of our greatest strengths. Having grown up in Everett, I have had the privilege of getting to know people of all backgrounds in the community, gaining insight into the city’s diverse needs. My focus is on issues that impact everyday life in Everett, such as affordable housing, improving streets and crosswalks, making sure public spaces have more trees and shade, ensuring our waterfront is accessible to the public, and supporting programs for youth and seniors. I love to participate in community cultural events, and this gives me the opportunity to learn from people of diverse backgrounds. One of the roles I currently volunteer for is the Everett Cultural Council, which provides grants to foster creativity, diversity, and culture in Everett.
How do you plan to work collaboratively with other council members and the mayor to address the needs and concerns of the entire community, including those from different backgrounds and political perspectives?
I value the importance of listening. I know collaboration is important to get the job done, and so it will be one of my priorities to move Everett forward in a positive direction together. I am committed to doing research and seeking the insight of my colleagues and the community when making decisions impacting our city. I strive to have open communication with my colleagues on an issue by issue basis in an effort to always keep my focus on seeking outcomes that benefit the people of Everett.
What is your stance on community engagement and public input in decision-making? How will you ensure that residents’ voices are heard and considered when making policy decisions?
I believe residents should always have the opportunity to be heard, and I would encourage new and diverse voices to speak up on issues they care about. I believe diversity is an asset, and I will seek the perspectives of residents of all ages, abilities, backgrounds, and perspectives.
HOUSING & DEVELOPMENT:
What kinds of policies will you advocate for that would help lower-income Everett residents be able to stay in the city as housing prices continue to rise?
I support affordable housing and developers who will sustain the integrity of our neighborhoods. Far too often, Everett residents are being pushed out of their homes, and I believe the people who call Everett home should always be able to afford to live here comfortably. If elected, I will hold developers accountable for affordability, and consider rent control as a solution to ensure no residents are priced out of their homes.
Many residents are concerned about issues such as affordable housing, public safety, and infrastructure. How will you address these concerns and advocate for solutions?
I am committed to making Everett affordable, accessible and inclusive for all. Together on the city council, we have a responsibility to work together to address issues impacting the everyday lives of Everett residents.
As a city council member, you will be making decisions on land use and zoning regulations. How will you balance the interests of developers with those of existing residents and businesses?
I am running for City Council to support our community and our people. I have a track record as a private resident of speaking up against developers putting private interests before the public. I will hold developers to higher standards of respecting the integrity of our neighborhoods, by ensuring they are inclusive of publicly accessible green spaces, small businesses, and nonprofits. I will insist all future developments in Everett are held to the highest of environmental standards and are mindful of the growing needs of our community, such as schools and fire stations.
The city faces various challenges and opportunities. How will you balance the interests of economic growth and development while preserving the community’s character and protecting the environment?
I believe we need to not only protect our environment, but celebrate it as well by preserving our green spaces and keeping our waterfront property accessible to all. My plan includes requiring all public buildings to be energy efficient and holding private developers accountable to the highest environmental standards possible.
JOBS:
Would you support a minimum wage increase, given the current cost of living in Everett following the pandemic?
Yes. I want to make Everett more affordable, accessible, and inclusive for all. I believe we are long overdue for a minimum wage increase, even prior to the pandemic.
What steps would you take to increase job availability for residents in Everett, including jobs with competitive wages such as biotech and green jobs?
All future corporations doing business in Everett should be required to prioritize jobs for Everett residents in all industries. Opportunities close to home reduce traffic, pollution, and commute time, which reduces our carbon footprint and improves our community’s mental health. Furthermore, it is essential we invest in Everett Public Schools and support programs to encourage opportunities for STEAM and trade-related education so youth are better prepared for competitive opportunities in adulthood. Additionally, I think it’s especially important we highlight and support the small businesses that make up the fabric of our community.
TRANSPARENCY:
How will you ensure that the city budget is managed effectively and transparently, and what are your strategies for fiscal responsibility?
The public should be aware of the City of Everett's expenditures and be assured their tax dollars are being used effectively. I will work my colleagues to maintain checks and balances of the city budget. We must hold private developers, corporations, and delinquent taxpayers accountable for their fair share of fiscal responsibility, and ensure our budget reflects the values of Everett residents.
How will you communicate with constituents, keep them informed about city matters, and be accessible to their concerns throughout your term?
I am running for City Council to support our people, and that means listening. In addition to maintaining public social media accounts, I am the only At-Large candidate with an active website. I spent the summer meeting with residents at doors in an effort to hear their concerns firsthand, and I will continue to meet residents where they are to hear their perspectives throughout my campaign and term. I welcome input and ideas directly from any community member who reaches out.
SCHOOLS:
What will you do to make the Everett Public Schools more welcoming and accessible to Everett’s diverse population of parents, and better meet the needs of its diverse population of students?
I will work to meet the growing educational needs of Everett's diverse population. I believe Everett schools need smaller classroom sizes and higher standards of safety. Additionally, I support breaking down language barriers by providing our students with more expansive opportunities to learn a second language as early as Kindergarten. I support programs for paid opportunities for teens in Everett.
How will you help improve the budget and available resources for EPS throughout your time as an elected official?
I will always prioritize supporting the Everett Public Schools. I will actively communicate with our teachers and state legislators to ensure Everett students get the resources they need and deserve.
GENERAL:
Give an example of where you’ve been able to use your leadership skills. What makes your leadership skills stand out from other candidates?
I have spearheaded multiple constituent-led policy victories in Everett as a private citizen throughout the past decade and I have shown I am unafraid to speak up for what is right on behalf of the people. One of my proudest moments and earliest introductions to Everett politics was an initiative to oppose a proposal for a slaughterhouse on Revere Beach Parkway. Many residents agreed that a slaughterhouse did not adhere to the vision of the neighborhood, so I got to work and petitioned more than 1,800 residents to oppose the project and spoke on their behalf during a public hearing in the council chambers. I am extremely proud to say, today, this space is now being used as a five star brewery—a far cry from what it would have turned into, had nobody spoken up. Additionally, I am extremely humbled to have received the full support of the entire Everett School Committee in my campaign for City Council At Large.
What inspired you to run for City Council and what specific qualifications and experiences make you the best candidate for this position?
I bring a unique and unbiased perspective to the table with genuine aspirations to look out for the best interests of the city as a 5th generation Everett resident with a creative professional background. The City of Everett is not only my home, it has always been an inspiration to me. I have been documenting Everett for more than a decade as a photographer and have had the unique opportunity to attend thousands of events in the community, gaining deeper insight into the city I call home. My work has been deeply influenced by Everett. My creative work has also expanded beyond Everett over the years, giving me the opportunity to gain invaluable perspective.
What are your top priorities for the city, and what concrete steps will you take to achieve these goals if elected?
Litter-Free Community: Everett should be a leading example as a litter free community in Massachusetts, and I will work to increase public trash and recycling options throughout the city. I will ensure our public spaces have trees, shade, and water accessible to the public.
Energy-Efficient Public Buildings: All public buildings should be required to be energy-efficient and private developers should be held accountable to the highest environmental standards possible.
Improved Streets and Public Spaces: I will fix our streets by repainting crosswalks, filling potholes, fixing sidewalks, and ensuring our main streets have efficient shade and trees.
Vibrant Programming and Quality Education: I will encourage community, art, and culture and support programs for our youth and seniors. I will prioritize education by investing in our schools, reducing class sizes, and urging opportunities to break down language barriers and promote education in STEAM and trades.
Katy has a record of speaking up
for the people of Everett and getting results.
Improved quality of life by advocating for laws to reduce pollution as a private citizen
Supported families by creating a Lost Pets Network and collaborating with Everett youth organizations
We need Katy on the City Council to tackle the high cost of housing, ensure students get the best education possible, support seniors, and secure clean air and water for all.
She has fought for change before, and won. She will do it again in City Hall.
Protected the community by blocking developers from putting profit above public health
KATY’S ACCOMPLISHMENTS
WBE Certified Small Business Owner / Award-winning photographer
Founder of Lost and Found Pets Network helping more than 3,000 pet owners
Board Member of The E Club — Funding scholarships for Everett students
Board Member of the Everett Cultural Council — Providing grants to public programs and arts
Board Member of Art Lab Everett — a non-profit supporting the growth and development of arts in Everett
Delivered more than $35K of toys with The DiDomenico Foundation to families in need
Fundraised more than $1500 to help spay/vaccinate/neuter local cats and dogs
Led more than three constituent policy victories as a private citizen