Amanda Coombs

The Mayor and City Council

One of my top priorities would be creating more economic opportunities for youth. Too many young people face barriers to employment, training and meaningful career pathways. For over 20 years, I’ve worked with youth in our community, connecting them to employment, mentorship, certifications, skilled trades and leadership opportunities. I would bring that experience to City Hall by advocating for more local hiring, paid youth opportunities, partnerships with employers and accessible pathways into good-paying careers.

Housing

Housing must be treated as a basic need. I would prioritize protecting tenants from displacement and renovictions, expanding deeply affordable and supportive housing, and strengthening eviction prevention. Having worked in several shelters across Toronto and completed needs assessments with clients, I’ve seen the barriers people face firsthand. We must also expand accessible mental health and addiction supports, helping people not only find housing, but remain safely and stably housed.

Cost of Living

I would reduce the everyday costs the City can directly influence, such as keeping TTC fares affordable, expanding low-income transit supports, limiting unnecessary increases to City fees, and protecting tenants from displacement. Residents are already making difficult choices between rent, food and transportation. City Hall must focus its budget on essential services while finding efficiencies that don’t download additional costs onto families.

Safety in Public Spaces

As someone who works with the Toronto Community Crisis Service, I’ve seen the importance of having the right support available when people are in crisis. I would advocate for expanding the program and increasing access to mental health and crisis supports in public spaces. I would also prioritize better lighting, safer transit stops, clean and well-maintained parks, youth outreach and community-led violence prevention. Safety means preventing harm while ensuring residents feel supported and secure

Getting Around the City

I would prioritize making transportation safer, more reliable and accessible for everyone. That means improving TTC reliability and affordability, addressing traffic congestion, repairing roads and sidewalks faster, and ensuring safer crossings, bike routes and accessible infrastructure.

Confronting Hateful and Hostile Behaviour

I would prioritize prevention, education and strong community partnerships to address hate and discrimination. Toronto’s diversity is one of its greatest strengths, and everyone deserves to feel safe and welcome. I would support community-led initiatives that combat racism and hate, strengthen supports for newcomers and equity-deserving communities, and ensure residents know how and where to report incidents. I would also work with community organizations, schools and City services to build understanding and belonging.