Project 2025? Not in Our Backyard.
By Chaz Stevens, Candidate for Mayor of Deerfield Beach
I love Deerfield Beach. Our city isn’t just where we live; it’s where we work hard, raise families, build memories, and support one another. From our sunny shores to our downtown, every corner of this city tells a story about what matters to us — and I’m running for mayor to make sure those values are the ones that guide our future.
But now, Project 2025, a sweeping national agenda, threatens to disrupt the autonomy of communities like ours. Conceived by the Heritage Foundation, this “blueprint” seeks to inject big-government mandates into local issues, attempting to override our voices with a one-size-fits-all vision that serves their ideals, not ours. Whether you’re left, right, or somewhere in the middle, most of us can agree: decisions about Deerfield Beach should be made here — by us.
Keeping Deerfield Beach in Local Hands
Let’s be clear: we are facing the possibility of national agendas that don’t just trickle down but bulldoze over our city’s needs and goals. It’s time to draw a line in the sand. As mayor, I will fight to keep Deerfield Beach’s governance in the hands of those who live and work here, because no one knows what Deerfield needs better than Deerfield residents.
So, what does that look like?
1. Real Economic Power for Local People
When outside forces push for less regulation, it usually means one thing: more power to big business and less protection for everyday people. Project 2025’s plans include cutting social programs and environmental protections, which could hurt our small businesses and local economy. In contrast, I believe that our city government should support those who actually power our economy — local businesses, workers, and families.
As mayor, I’ll launch the Deerfield Beach Economic Empowerment Plan, a set of policies focused on sustainable growth that doesn’t sacrifice our city’s charm or unique character. From microgrants to help small businesses thrive, to green-energy incentives that create jobs and save money, I’ll work to keep our economy strong while protecting the community we cherish.
2. Community-led Decisions, Not Top-down Directives
Project 2025 wants to centralize power, letting a handful of people far from here dictate policy. But Deerfield Beach deserves local leadership that listens to and respects our voices. My plan is simple: I’ll open the doors wide on our government. Through monthly town halls, transparent budget updates, and resident advisory boards, every voice will have the chance to be heard on every major decision.
Let’s build a city where your ideas aren’t just heard but acted upon, making sure that Deerfield Beach is shaped by those who call it home, not by those who would try to control it from afar.
3. Protecting Our Shores and Ecosystem
With Project 2025’s push for fewer environmental protections, our coastlines, waterways, and natural habitats could be at serious risk. I refuse to let our city’s most precious resources fall prey to pollution, overdevelopment, or neglect.
Regarding development, it’s clear that growth is necessary — but it must be done thoughtfully. That’s why I’ve started collaborating with developers, land-use attorneys, and experts in the field to ensure our approach is both strategic and sustainable.
I will prioritize initiatives like the Coastal Preservation Program, focusing on sustainable policies that protect our shorelines from erosion, our waterways from pollution, and our neighborhoods from the worst impacts of climate change. Every resident deserves clean water, fresh air, and green spaces — and under my leadership, Deerfield Beach will lead the charge on environmental stewardship.
4. Human Rights for Every Single Resident
Project 2025’s blueprint doesn’t leave much room for protecting civil rights, but I’ll make sure Deerfield Beach does. Whether it’s providing sanctuary from discrimination, ensuring equal opportunities in housing and employment, or fostering a community where diversity isn’t just accepted but celebrated, I believe we’re stronger when everyone feels safe and supported.
I will stand firm against any attempt to use our city as a testing ground for regressive policies that divide us.
As a private citizen, I successfully pushed back against Governor DeSantis’s book-banning laws. As your Mayor, I’ll take him on directly.
This isn’t just a campaign for mayor; it’s a movement to protect our city’s identity, to respect our voices, and to lead with values that we hold dear. I’m asking you to stand with me — not just to push back against an encroaching national agenda, but to move Deerfield Beach forward, together.
Let’s build a Deerfield Beach that’s independent, resilient, and inclusive. Because if we don’t stand up for our city, someone else will gladly shape it for us.
Join me in this fight. Let’s keep Deerfield Beach ours.
Visit RebootDeerfield.vote to learn more.