Community leader Steven Figueroa announces campaign
TROY, N.Y. » Steven Figueroa, a community leader with years of experience dedicated to fighting food insecurity and uplifting Troy’s youth, announced his campaign to represent District 2 on the Troy City Council on Saturday.
“Growing up, I didn’t have a lot of opportunities and that’s what makes me want to do the work I do today — I want to bridge that gap and provide my community the support and resources that I didn’t have,” Figueroa said.
“I know I can serve and represent this diverse district with my professional skills and volunteer experience working on the ground,” Figueroa explained.
Figueroa, a registered Democrat, has received endorsements from the Democratic and Working Families parties. Incumbent City Council member Kim AsheMcPherson is the endorsed Republican candidate for District 2.
Figueroa serves as co-director of Team HERO, a non-profit aimed at supporting youth and families in Troy, and works as the Outreach Director for the Boys and Girls Club of the Capital Area (BGCCA). He also owns a small business, Executive Limousine, LLC.
An alumni of YouthBuild and Americorps, Figueroa has built homes for low-income families including the Fox Hollow homes on Burden Avenue in South Troy. He has since represented YouthBuild on a national level, traveling throughout the country to meet with legislators and securing millions in funds for programs.
Figueroa believes the top three issues facing Troy, especially District 2, are the need for increased opportunities for the city’s youth, continued reform of policing, and ensuring affordable, safe housing for all city residents.
“Steven will bring a new perspective to the city council that is much needed, now more than ever,” Jerry Ford, founder of Team HERO, commented.
“Over the years I’ve seen him grow as a leader, moving from a participant in community programs to now facilitating those programs and mentoring others,” Ford noted.
“I’ve known Steven Figueroa as a teacher and mentor of young adults at YouthBuild, as a member of the Board of Directors at CEO, and as an effective community leader in North Central Troy,” Rensselaer County Legislator Mark Fleming stated.
“He is principled and motivated. I am proud to be his friend, and wholeheartedly endorse Steven’s candidacy,” Fleming added.
The announcement event was held at Troy Central Little League.