Frequently Asked Questions - Trent for NYC

Meet Phoenix Trent

A New Yorker. A Builder. A Bridge. A Bold New Voice.

Phoenix Trent is a New Yorker — a husband, a father, nonprofit strategist, philanthropic advisor, and emerging civic leader. From helping veterans ride again at GallopNYC to crafting sponsorship campaigns for arts institutions and revitalization efforts, Phoenix has spent nearly two decades connecting people with possibility.

His career spans the worlds of civic engagement, economic development, and philanthropy — uniting purpose and pragmatism to deliver real results. Phoenix brings a fresh, solutions-oriented perspective grounded in service, integrity, and a deep love for New York City.

Why I’m Running

Bright Ideas. Proven Principles. Smart Policy. Forward-Looking Leadership.

I’m running as a write-in candidate for Mayor of New York City — not to divide or disrupt, but to offer a steady, pragmatic, and results-oriented alternative in a moment that calls for serious leadership.

Our campaign is grounded in experience, guided by integrity, and inspired by a bold optimism for what New York is and what it can become.

For nearly twenty years, I’ve worked at the intersection of progressive values and economic growth — advocating for equity, opportunity, and smart investments in people and places. Whether advising mission-driven entrepreneurs, helping nonprofits and family offices unlock capital, or working alongside local governments on economic development strategies, I’ve seen what works: when we align good policy with strategic partnership, everyone wins.

I believe in an economy that works because it works for everyone — powered by innovation, guided by values, and measured by results.

🧭 What are your core values?

Our campaign is built on Bright Ideas. Proven Principles.

That means:

• Pro–Business, Pro–Growth. A stronger economy means stronger schools, services, and futures.

• Pro–Public Safety with Reform. We can back our officers and raise our standards.

• Government That Works. No more delays, dysfunction, or deflection.

• Freedom & Opportunity for All. Rights, dignity, and upward mobility are non-negotiable.

• A City That Builds Again. From housing to broadband, it’s time to deliver.

• Revitalize Neighborhood Economies. We believe in smart, place-based economic development—from reviving commercial corridors and boosting local hiring to attracting anchor institutions and cultural investment. A strong economy starts on the block, not just in the boardroom.

🏛 What party do you belong to?

I’m a progressive Democrat with a pro–enterprise backbone. I believe the private sector is not the enemy—it’s the engine. Like FDR, Bloomberg, Hochul, and JFK, I believe in using bold ideas and credible leadership to build a stronger future for all New Yorkers.

💵 What’s your economic plan?

We’re going to make New York the best place in America to start, grow, or invest in a business. Here's how:

• Small Business Fast-Track. A single point of entry for permits, grants, and approvals.

• Microgrants and Tax Credits. For storefronts, local makers, and community anchors.

• Hospitality & Culture Revival Plan. Support restaurants, venues, and nightlife safely and creatively.

• Attract Big Business with Real ROI. Tech, media, finance, clean energy—come build here, hire here, stay here.

🚀 Startup NYC: Innovation for Every Borough

To supercharge our innovation economy, I will launch Startup NYC, a local counterpart to the successful START-UP NY program. By offering tax incentives, streamlined permitting, and co-working infrastructure in underserved boroughs, we’ll attract entrepreneurs, research spinouts, and mission-driven companies to grow right here in the five boroughs. We’ll prioritize partnerships with CUNY, health tech and climate innovators, and women- and minority-led ventures. Startup NYC will turn vacant buildings into opportunity hubs, spark high-growth jobs, and position New York as the best place in the country to launch and scale a business.

🧑‍🏫📈 What’s your position on job creation?

We’ll spark a next-generation jobs boom by:

• Partnering with CUNY, trade unions, and the private sector to expand apprenticeships.

• Launching “Workforce NYC”—a hub for job seekers, retraining, and career accelerators.

• Offer micro-credentialing programs in health, climate, creative, and AI sectors

• Expanding city contracts to women-, veteran-, and minority-owned businesses.

• Making NYC a clean-tech, green-infrastructure, creative capital of the 21st century.

🧑‍✈️ Where do you stand on policing?

I support the NYPD—and I believe in higher standards. Here’s what I’ll do:

• Back the Badge with Boundaries. Officers deserve good pay, world-class training, and public trust.

• A Return to Neighborhood Policing. By expanding community precincts and reintroducing foot patrols, we can rebuild trust block by block.

• Modernize Use-of-Force Standards. Protect officers and the public with clear, constitutional policy.

• Recruit Better, Promote Smarter. Diverse, professional, respected policing is key to real safety.

🏠 What’s your plan for housing?

We need to build more, better, and faster. My approach:

• Legalize gentle density in every borough.

• Incentivize mixed-income and middle-class units.

• Streamline approval processes for responsible developers.

• Partner with labor and nonprofits to create community-rooted housing solutions.

🧒 What will you do for families and schools?

Families are the future of New York. We’ll:

• Invest in universal early childhood care and after-school support.

• Modernize public school buildings and expand STEM, arts, and civics.

• Support parent choice within public systems.

• Build city-wide family resource centers for working parents.

🔄 How will you improve the MTA and city infrastructure?

While the MTA is controlled by the state, the City must lead on the rider experience, station access, and coordination. I support:

• Pressuring for full accessibility in every subway station

• Prioritizing bus lane enforcement and speed improvements

• Accelerating EV charging station expansion and smart grid upgrades

• Investing in resilient infrastructure to handle storms and flooding

🌍 What’s your climate plan for NYC?

Climate change is a local crisis. I’ll:

• Expand green jobs training and clean construction standards

• Incentivize solar panels, green roofs, and local energy generation

• Partner with NYCHA to modernize buildings and cut emissions

• Invest in coastal resiliency and urban cooling strategies

🧑‍⚕️ How will you improve health and mental health services?

I support a public health-first approach to city life. That includes:

• Expanding access to mental health crisis response teams

• Supporting overdose prevention centers and harm reduction

• Partnering with hospitals to reopen urgent care in under-served areas

• Fully funding school-based and community mental health resources

📚🏛️🎨 How will you invest in quality-of-life resources?

Every neighborhood deserves beauty and learning. I will:

• Fully fund NYC’s public libraries and restore 7-day service

• Expand maintenance and staffing for parks and recreation

• Prioritize cultural access across boroughs, not just Manhattan

• Support street festivals, local artists, and youth programming

⚖️🗽🏳️‍🌈 Where do you stand on civil rights?

I am unequivocally pro–LGBTQ+, pro–reproductive rights, and pro–freedom. This city must always be a safe haven for identity, self-expression, and bodily autonomy. We will:

• Fund LGBTQ+ mental health and housing services.

• Defend abortion access and partner with clinics.

• Protect trans youth and educators under city law.

• Champion dignity for all, regardless of ZIP code or background.

  
  

✡️ Where do you stand on Israel?

I believe in the right of the State of Israel to exist in peace and security, and I support a strong U.S.–Israel relationship rooted in shared democratic values, innovation, and strategic partnership.

I also believe we must uphold human rights everywhere. Supporting Israel’s security and advocating for peace, dignity, and safety for both Israelis and Palestinians are not mutually exclusive.

As Mayor, I won’t dictate foreign policy—but I will lead a city that proudly embraces Jewish life, supports interfaith harmony, and stands against antisemitism in all its forms. New York is a city of many heritages—and our diversity is our strength.

👩‍🦽What will you do to make NYC more accessible?

New York should be a model for inclusive design. I support:

• Universal design in all city-funded projects

• Accessibility audits for all public spaces and digital services

• Expanding paratransit, wheelchair-accessible transit, and sensory-friendly programming

• Hiring more people with disabilities across city agencies

🏟️🏅🏀 What is your plan for sports and recreation?

Sports build discipline, confidence, and community—and New Yorkers deserve more access. I will:

• Invest in upgrading and maintaining athletic fields, courts, and recreation centers

• Expand youth sports programming in partnership with schools and nonprofits

• Make permits for community sports leagues easier and more affordable

• Elevate NYC as a global sports destination while investing in local talent and equity

🧩 Are you serious about winning?

Yes. This is more than a write-in—it’s a wake-up call. I’m building a serious campaign for real leadership, grounded in smart ideas and strong coalitions. Whether I take office next year or in a future cycle, the work begins now. We’re not just running for office—we’re restoring the soul of the city.

✍️ How do I write you in?

It’s easier than you think:

1. Go to the “Mayor” section of your ballot.

2. In the write-in space, write: Phoenix Trent

3. Fill in the oval next to it completely.

4. That’s it—you’ve cast a vote for real change.

We’ll post how-to videos and walkthroughs ahead of Election Day.

💲 Can I Donate?

Yes — and your support matters. Your contribution directly funds targeted voter outreach, digital advertising, campaign communications, and high-impact events across the city. This is a lean, high impact operation focused on results — and every dollar brings us closer to a more effective, forward-looking New York City government. 👉 contribute.nycvotes.org/campaigns/phoenixtrent

🙌 How Can I Get Involved?

If you're serious about thoughtful leadership and better city governance, there's a place for you here. We welcome New Yorkers from all backgrounds who want to play a part in shaping this campaign. Interested? Email campaign@trentforny.com with the subject line: “Getting Involved – [Your Name]”

You might:

• 🏠 Host a conversation in your home or workplace

• 🚪 Join targeted field outreach and voter contact efforts

• 📣 Help amplify our message online

• 🎉 Host a meet-and-greet or fundraising event

• 💼 Lend your professional skills — communications, legal, design, strategy, research, tech, or operations

This isn’t just about one candidate — it’s about raising the bar for how campaigns are run and how this city is led.

📄 Full policy position papers will be released soon.

👉 Email: campaign@trentforny.com to get involved.