Zoe & Matt - Williamsburg

William & Mary students are the beating heart of Williamsburg. But our city government does not always consider our interests as well as it should. Student Assembly can elevate student voices and influence policy decisions. It should not feel like a burden to find housing and live in Williamsburg.

In past work, we helped students register to vote in Williamsburg and hosted off-campus housing panels. Matt works with community leaders on the Social Services Advisory Board and worked hard to elect Ayanna Williams, the first current undergraduate to serve on City Council.

Our Policies

Vocal Support of Affordable Housing Development

Housing in Williamsburg is unaffordable. Several affordable development projects have come before the city council, and they've failed. Students need to be loud about making sure we can live here without any undue burden. And the school should admit only as many students as it can house.

Bring Students to City Council

Students are, by the numbers, a large percentage of Williamsburg voters. The city council is accountable to our interests, so we will make sure they hear what we need as residents by bringing you to more city council meetings.

More Exceptions to the Three Person Rule

While the moratorium on exceptions to Williamsburg's three person rule has been lifted, residences who legally allow four unrelated students to live together are still few and far between. This forces some houses to have "ghost tenants", which makes students afraid to contact a landlord if they have issues. Combined with older off-campus houses with more issues and the high price point of newer residences, we know this is an untenable situation. We will work with the City of Williamsburg to promote their Rent Ready Program and increase the number of residences that legally allow four unrelated students live together.

Express Concerns About Police Enforcement

Students should be able to have fun and enjoy themselves, safely and responsibly. We will work to ensure that police enforcement is fair and not intrusive. If students have concerns, we will elevate them and make sure they're addressed.

Promote Pedestrian Safety

Student Assembly has played a huge role in promoting pedestrian safety, especially with the crosswalk lights. We will continue to work with administration and the city to ensure that students can get around Williamsburg knowing they are safe.