JoAnna Kelley

Q1. What is the biggest problem Portsmouth is facing, and how would you solve it?

There isn't a singular 'biggest' problem facing Portsmouth. Much like many communities, we experience a range of evolving issues.

At present, our primary concern centers around housing affordability and availability. We find ourselves amidst a nationwide crisis marked by a scarcity of housing and escalating prices for what is accessible. Portsmouth is no exception. Many individuals who grew up here, having left for education, employment, family, or a multitude of other reasons, now find it difficult to return home and secure appropriate housing. Moreover, long-term residents are feeling the strain of the rising cost of living.

The sensation of being on the brink of transformation can sometimes feel as though the 'new' is overshadowing 'old' Portsmouth. However, I believe it is imperative that we pursue the development of more housing in a smart and sustainable manner, carefully considering the implications for schools, infrastructure, and land use.

Q2. Portsmouth’s budget has reached nearly $150 million and its payroll has 260-plus people earning $100 000-plus. As a city councilor, what steps would you take, if any, to address the tax burden on residents?

It’s important to clarify the misconception regarding the value of city employees in relation to their salaries. We offer fair and competitive compensation based on careful contract negotiations, and it's clear that our pay scales tend to be lower than those in the private sector for similar roles.

City employees play a crucial role in securing millions of dollars in federal and state grants, which significantly reduce the reliance on taxpayer funds for various projects. These grants include programs such as the Housing Opportunities Planning Grant, CDBG, Coastal Resilience Grants, and those focused on preventing crimes against children, among others.

As we all know, our budget has been affected by the rising costs of living. Over the last three budget cycles, I've consistently posed an essential question to our community — and to myself as a taxpayer: “What would I be willing to reduce, eliminate, or forgo to save money?”

Post-COVID, we witnessed a notable budget increase. However, it’s critical to remember that during the pandemic, we also experienced a reduction in certain services while expanding others. This led to some tough decisions made by the city council and the school board regarding which services to maintain or cut from the budget.I firmly believe we should continue advocating in Concord for increased education funding from the state. Additionally, I support exploring a "pillow" fee that could potentially help ease the tax burden on our residents.

Q3. With affordability being such a challenge in Portsmouth, what would you do to make it more accessible to people with a wide range of incomes?

A strong focus has been placed on supporting low- and restricted-income seniors to maintain their housing. Many may not be aware that over the past 3.5 years, we have raised the income and asset limits for seniors to the highest levels in the state. This initiative provides much-needed relief for seniors as they navigate the increasing tax burdens associated with rising property values.

I am consistently exploring ways to enhance our revenue streams while ensuring efficient use of our workforce to alleviate tax pressures. It is also crucial for the council to collaborate closely with charter departments—such as Schools, Fire, and Police—to uphold manageable and equitable budgets.

This discussion leads to a broader question: What is our community prepared to do to assist our neighbors? We have observed a growing demand within our welfare department for housing assistance, emergency funding, and living expenses. Furthermore, our local food pantry, Gather, has seen an uptick in need. Unfortunately, federal funding cuts have significantly impacted numerous programs that support lower and middle-income individuals.

Since taking office, I have consistently advocated for Coast bus services and the development of walkable and bikeable pathways for those without access to cars, not by choice but due to financial constraints. Personally, I make it a priority to contribute to programs that aid individuals struggling within our community and encourage others who are able to do the same.

Q4. The Portsmouth Housing Authority has projected rents for the apartments the agency is building on city-owned land at the former Sherburne School will range from $1,580 for a one-bedroom unit to nearly $2,200 for three bedrooms. Are those rates low enough for working people? If not, what can be done to lower them?

We recognize the limitations faced by developers, both for-profit and non-profit. While current rental prices may feel high, they remain substantially lower than market rates. A quick search reveals that one-bedroom rentals average around $2,200 per month, and three-bedroom homes in Portsmouth hover around $4,200. This indicates a projected reduction of nearly 30-50% compared to market rents. The vision for our project remains clear: to establish permanently below-market-rate housing, a goal we still believe is achievable.

It's important to note that the Sherburne School initiative is just one of the many approaches the city is taking to tackle the housing crisis. The Affordable Housing Committee is actively collaborating with the planning board to address parking requirements, rezone certain parcels into Gateway districts for workforce housing, update zoning regulations that facilitate the conversion of older homes into multifamily units, and work with city staff to adopt NH RSA 79-E, incentivizing a broader spectrum of affordable housing options. It has been a rewarding experience to revitalize and co-chair this committee, fostering inclusive discussions along the way.

Q5. Should the city commit to using more city-owned land to build truly affordable housing or has Portsmouth done enough?

I firmly believe that we are making significant strides in the public sector to support the creation of affordable housing units. I'm optimistic that we can encourage the private sector to come forward and contribute as well.

Since 2020, the escalating costs associated with construction, land, and tariffs have become increasingly burdensome, adversely affecting all forms of housing, whether subsidized or not. This has coincided with a decline in federal and state funding that has historically supported affordable and below-market-rate developments.

Q6. Should the city reconsider the scope of a potential police station and City Hall renovation and upgrade project with a projected $42 million cost?

The committee is evaluating several cost options for this project that will soon come before the city, and we need to carefully weigh each option. It is essential to find a balance regarding both size and scope for the police project while also considering the importance of other projects, such as the renovations for New Franklin and the high school, which are equally significant to the updates at the police station and city hall.

In light of the recent updates from the space study, I propose that we explore the possibility of relocating the dispatch center to Fire House 2. This facility has a fully operational command center and could help us free up valuable space in the current station. We need to be innovative in our approach to space utilization, even with a smaller addition.

Q7. Should Portsmouth do something to encourage development at the McIntyre building site, where the owner says city zoning has made redevelopment difficult?

I believe it’s important for the owner to have conducted thorough due diligence prior to acquiring the property. Any concerns should have been addressed and researched well in advance of the purchase.

Over the years, we've seen various plans proposed for this space, given its existing zoning. I am confident that the owner has the capability to develop a successful project here, and I hope that vision comes to fruition.

Q8. The City Council has put forward ideas to address traffic flow and walkability in high-profile locations like State Street and Congress Street. What is your opinion on these efforts?

It is essential to acknowledge that the impetus for any updates on Congress Street is rooted in the water separation project. This initiative builds on the previous work completed on Islington Street and aligns with the requirements set forth by the EPA consent decree, which mandates the establishment of separate sewer and stormwater systems.

This endeavor also coincides with the revitalization of Market Square. A citizen committee has been actively engaged in providing input over the past year, collaborating with a consulting firm that has diligently gathered feedback from residents. Within this committee, various topics have been explored, including the potential to limit motor traffic in the core of Market Square, expand sidewalk widths, enhance certain street dimensions, modify traffic flow, and implement updates to greenery and spatial design.

In our analysis, the consultation has presented a variety of options, such as reducing the number of lanes on Congress Street, widening the two lanes and sidewalks, and reevaluating the placement of parking and loading zones. I am confident that these changes could significantly enhance the walkability of the central access to Market Square.

Regarding State Street, I look forward to the insights we will glean from the study approved last year. However, I remain cautious about the idea of converting it into a two-way street, as I question the practicality of that approach.

Q9. Should the city begin looking for a site where it can build its third municipal parking garage? If so, what part of the city makes the most sense? If not, how can the city meet its increasing parking demand?

The recent parking study indicates that, if current demand trends persist over the next 5 to 10 years, we will likely require an additional parking garage.

I propose that the optimal site for this facility would be within a 5 to 10-minute walk from downtown or a major bus route. This could involve incorporating public transit options, such as buses, or even exploring a city-operated shuttle system to alleviate the congestion that often plagues downtown during peak seasons.

It is crucial that we engage in a thorough public consultation process to gather input on potential locations for the garage. We must also be mindful of avoiding any burdens that increased parking may impose on local residents.

Q10. What else would you like voters to know about you?

It's essential for voters to recognize that everyone running for office shares a genuine love for our community. While our approaches, viewpoints, and backgrounds may differ, no one commits to this journey without a passionate desire to serve Portsmouth.

Representing my community has always been my top priority. I decided to run because I sensed a lack of diverse perspectives within our councils. At the time, there were ongoing conversations about the needs of "restaurant workers, downtown employees, younger residents, and renters," yet their voices seemed largely absent from our local leadership. When I was first approached to run, my immediate reaction was, "But I'm not qualified." The reply I received transformed my perspective forever: "If you love Portsmouth, you are qualified."

I hold this belief close to my heart today, just as I did in 2019. My time on the council has truly inspired me and ignited my passion for furthering my education in public administration and governmental law.

I firmly believe that our government should be run by the people — by the everyday Jo(e)s who experience both the highs and lows of life. It's this commitment to inclusivity and representation that drives my enthusiasm for this role. Together, we can make a difference!