The Vision

1. Strengthening Mental Health Services & Support: A thriving community begins with safety and well-being. Councilwoman Vasquez Luna is committed to:

• Youth Crisis Response: Establishing opportunities to bring greater community awareness around the regional Crisis Receiving Center being built to address the growing mental health needs of adults and young people in collaboration with the school system, Prince William County and healthcare providers.

• Mental Health Resources: Advocating for additional mental health services, ensuring access to support for residents grappling with addiction, trauma, and crisis situations.

2. Environmental Stewardship and Sustainability: A thriving community is a sustainable one. Councilwoman Vasquez Luna envisions Manassas leading in green initiatives by:

• Sustainability in Development: Prioritizing environmentally conscious planning that promotes green spaces, walkability, and energy-efficient buildings.

• Green Jobs and Clean Energy: Encouraging investment in renewable energy and green technologies, which will bring high-paying jobs to Manassas while protecting our environment.

• Climate Resilience: Working to make Manassas more resilient to climate change through infrastructure investments, flood mitigation efforts, and conservation initiatives.

Deepen Partnerships with Building & Trades for Career Pathways

• Establish formal partnerships between Manassas City Public Schools (MCPS), local trade unions, and construction industry employers to create direct pipelines from high school into apprenticeships and skilled trades careers.

• Expand programs like Career & Technical Education (CTE) to include more hands-on learning, job shadowing, and mentorship opportunities with union members and local tradespeople, modeled after successful union-CTE collaborations in other regions.

• Promote awareness among students and families about the high-demand, high-wage opportunities available in the skilled trades, and the advantages of union apprenticeship programs as a “golden ticket” to job security.

Integrate Work-Based Learning and Certification Opportunities

• Increase access to work-based learning experiences, such as internships, job shadowing, and summer employment, in partnership with local contractors and trade organizations.

• Ensure that high school students can earn industry-recognized certifications and dual enrollment credits through programs like Grow Manassas and partnerships with Northern Virginia Community College, preparing them for immediate entry into the workforce or further technical education.

• Support the expansion of CTE offerings and infrastructure, including the potential use of new or renovated school facilities for advanced trades training and STEM centers.

Strengthen Council-School Board Collaboration and Advocacy

• Maintain regular joint meetings between the City Council and School Board to align on educational priorities, funding needs, and workforce development goals, with a focus on supporting teachers, administrators, and CTE staff.

• Advocate at the state and federal levels for increased funding for CTE, apprenticeship, and workforce readiness programs, ensuring that Manassas students have equitable access to resources and opportunities.

• Improve communication with families and community partners to promote available programs and gather feedback, ensuring that career pathway initiatives meet the needs of students, local employers, and the broader community.

This plan leverages Manassas’s existing strengths in CTE and workforce development, while building new bridges with the trades to ensure every student has a pathway to a rewarding, in-demand career.