I am Jillian Duclos and I am running for Mayor with a deep sense of commitment and hope for Northampton.

I was born and raised in Holyoke, but began what would be my career here in Northampton at Sylvester's Restaurant to help pay my way through community college and then a Francis Perkins Scholar at Mount Holyoke College. Since then, I have been a dedicated leader deeply committed to Northampton through my entrepreneurial ventures and extensive community service. As a mother of a four-year-old, I intimately understand the daily challenges of our city's families.

My diverse professional roles, including serving as Executive Director of the Downtown Northampton Association and as Vice President of Operations for Sylvester's and Roberto's Restaurants, showcases my consistent ability to lead robust and adaptive teams that meet challenges and critical demands.

I co-created The Sphere [Northampton], securing a $200,000 grant for female and nonbinary entrepreneurs. I was named Holyoke Democrat of the Year for my political leadership and voter participation efforts, my advocacy with the New Jersey Reentry Corporation, establishing and operating workforce development programs for folks returning from prison, and experience with Senator Elizabeth Warren, both in Springfield and Washington D.C., further highlight my thoughtful approach and commitment to solving complex societal issues. 

My vision for Northampton focuses on bringing strategic financial management, proactive community engagement, and collaborative governance to our city.

Northampton is at a critical juncture, and the decisions we make now will shape our community for years to come.

My platform prioritizes:

Strengthening Public Education

I am committed to strategically investing in Northampton Public Schools (NPS). This includes advocating for resources, sustaining Fiscal Year 2026 budget investments, leveraging technology, and engaging the community. I will pursue initiatives to free up general operating funds for NPS, such as shifting capital expenses to free cash and maximizing the reprogramming of unspent mid-year appropriations to cover non-personnel costs, thus freeing funds for critical personnel.

Fiscally Responsible Governance

Strategic financial management prioritizes the operational budget over capital improvements to ensure essential daily services and personnel are fully funded. While capital projects are crucial for future growth, a stable operational foundation is paramount. This approach clarifies available funds for capital projects, preventing overextension and ensuring fiscal responsibility, thus maintaining the city's financial health and enabling sustainable development.

Community Well-being and Safety

I will prioritize financial transparency and accountability to ensure the safety and well-being of students, educators, and all residents. This involves transparent, accountable, and inclusive financial decisions, ensuring taxpayer money is wisely used for the greatest benefit. It also includes proactive community engagement and collaborative governance to address city needs, ensuring all voices are heard in Northampton's governance.

I am particularly passionate about empowering residents through initiatives like "participatory budgeting," where you would have a direct say in how a portion of our public budget is spent. I am also committed to making Northampton an affordable place to live at every stage of life, through expanding affordable housing options, supporting living wages, and reducing the cost of essential services.

My vision for Northampton is a city where every voice is heard, every resident feels safe and supported, and every child has access to a high-quality education.  My commitment to strategic financial management, proactive community engagement, and collaborative governance, along with transparency, accountability, and inclusive decision-making, qualifies me to effectively lead the city and deliver positive outcomes for all residents.

Northampton needs a mayor to unite residents, uphold values, and solve challenges.

I respectfully ask for your vote on Tuesday, September 16.