“Peoria is home. It is where we started our family, where I served my city, and invested years of leadership and service. This district matters to me because strong neighborhoods are the foundation of a strong city, and Pine District residents deserve leadership that is collaborative, accessible to everyone and delivers.” - Joysaphine Waitman-Powell
Priorities for Peoria
-
Peoria is growing, and growth must be guided responsibly. I support development that strengthens the city while respecting history, existing neighborhoods, infrastructure capacity, and long-term planning goals. I believe decisions about our city and neighborhoods center the residents’ voice and co-governs with them as our city grows.
In the Pine District, this means addressing traffic impacts, infrastructure needs, and zoning decisions that affect daily life. Growth should add value without overwhelming neighborhoods or changing their character.
-
Safe neighborhoods are built through thoughtful planning, well-maintained infrastructure, public safety and strong community relationships. I support practical approaches that improve safety while preserving quality of life.
For Pine District residents, this includes safety, lighting, walkability, and neighborhood design that helps people feel secure and connected.
-
Thriving families are the foundation of a healthy city. I have been an active mental wellness advocate for years, supporting veterans, seniors, mothers, young adults, and working families.
I will prioritize partnerships and policies that strengthen family stability, expand access to support services, and foster community connection.
Keeping our city mentally healthy keeps our community safe and thriving.
-
I come from an entrepreneurial family and grew up seeing firsthand what it takes to keep a small business open. My mother owned several salons, giving me early insight into the realities faced by small business owners and working families.
As a non-profit executive I spent several years building small business support networks statewide and promoted local businesses.
I have been a consistent advocate for small and local businesses, supporting efforts that keep money in Peoria and help families and businesses prosper. I want to bring that experience to City Council and be in thought-partnership with business owners to make that happen.
-
I believe leadership works best when people are willing to talk, listen, and work together. My strength is relationships, and I am known as a leader who connects with people from all walks of life and respects everyone.
I am committed to transparency, open communication, and accountable leadership that connects with everyone so residents are included in the decision-making processes shaping their community and understand how city decisions are made and how those decisions affect their neighborhoods.