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Amanda Grady Sexton, Concord City Council At-Large Candidate

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  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, September 24th 2025 at 17:30 GMT by Patch
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Amanda Grady Sexton’s Quest to Reshape Concord: A Look at Her City‑Council Bid

When the long‑time City Councilmember and former mayor of Concord, New Hampshire, announced her decision to run for the open seat, the local political scene buzzed with anticipation. The candidate who has spent most of her adult life in Concord’s civic life—most recently as the city’s executive—has now thrown her hat into the ring for a council seat she says could help steer the city toward a more inclusive, transparent, and forward‑thinking future. Her name, Amanda Grady Sexton, is familiar to many residents, and her campaign promises to bring a blend of experience, pragmatism, and a clear vision for the city’s next decade.

A Familiar Face in an Unfamiliar Role

Amanda Grady Sexton is no stranger to Concord’s public sphere. She earned her reputation as a thoughtful, steady leader while serving as the city’s Executive Officer and later as Mayor from 2016 to 2022. In those roles, she oversaw the city’s budget, led emergency management efforts, and managed a variety of departments that range from public safety to parks and recreation. She has also been a long‑time volunteer with local nonprofits that focus on community development, youth mentorship, and economic empowerment.

In the article on Patch.com, the author notes that Sexton has a reputation for “bridging divides,” a skill she says will be essential in a city council where diverse viewpoints often clash. She has a track record of building coalitions, working cross‑party, and pushing through reforms that benefit residents without jeopardizing the city’s fiscal health.

The Issues She Wants to Tackle

The article outlines three main pillars of Sexton’s platform: housing affordability, economic revitalization, and civic engagement. Each of these priorities reflects the current concerns of Concord residents and the council’s agenda.

1. Housing Affordability

Concord, like many New England cities, faces a steep rise in housing costs that has left many longtime residents priced out of their neighborhoods. Sexton calls for a comprehensive plan to increase affordable housing stock, including:

• Re‑zoning of under‑utilized commercial sites for mixed‑use developments that combine rental and commercial spaces.
• Partnerships with the state Housing Finance Agency to secure low‑interest loans for developers who commit to preserving affordability.
• Implementation of inclusionary zoning policies that require a set percentage of new developments to be affordable.

She also cites an upcoming partnership with the Massachusetts Housing Authority and local nonprofits to streamline the permitting process and reduce bureaucratic hurdles.

2. Economic Revitalization

Sexton argues that Concord needs to diversify its economic base to maintain long‑term stability. She proposes:

• Supporting small businesses through low‑interest micro‑loans and a “starter grant” for first‑time entrepreneurs.
• Investing in workforce development, specifically training programs in tech, green energy, and healthcare.
• Enhancing public‑private partnerships to redevelop underused spaces into incubators and coworking hubs.

The Patch article highlights Sexton’s enthusiasm for the city’s “Innovation Hub” initiative, a proposal that would convert a former factory into a mixed‑use development with an emphasis on tech startups and community services.

3. Civic Engagement

Sexton sees a need to reconnect citizens with the council’s decision‑making process. Her ideas include:

• Regular “Town Hall” meetings in neighborhood districts where residents can voice concerns directly to council members.
• An open‑data portal that would allow the public to view budget allocations, project timelines, and council voting records in real time.
• Volunteer committees that allow residents to participate in the planning of local events, park improvements, and neighborhood safety initiatives.

She also references a partnership with the Concord School District to involve students in civic projects, emphasizing a future‑focused approach that engages young residents in governance.

Endorsements and Support

Sexton’s campaign has quickly amassed a wide range of endorsements, illustrating her broad appeal. In the article, a handful of notable names are highlighted:

• The Concord Times praised her “record of steady leadership” and “commitment to transparency.”
• The Concord Chamber of Commerce signed a letter of support, citing her track record in fostering business growth.
• Local nonprofit leaders from the Concord Community Development Corp. and Youth Action New Hampshire endorsed her commitment to youth empowerment.
• A prominent state legislator, Representative John A. McCluskey, also expressed support, noting that Sexton’s “vision aligns with our state’s goals for urban revitalization.”

These endorsements reinforce her image as a candidate who can rally support across a spectrum of stakeholders—critical in a city that often splits along lines of economic development versus preservation.

Challenges and Criticisms

No campaign is without its detractors. The article points out that Sexton will face scrutiny over her use of city funds during her tenure as mayor, especially regarding a controversial $4 million bond that upgraded the city’s water infrastructure. Critics argue that the bond’s terms were too steep for the city’s taxpayers, though Sexton has defended it as a necessary long‑term investment.

Additionally, a few community groups have expressed concern about gentrification as a side effect of the affordable housing plan. Sexton’s response has been to incorporate strict safeguards, including tenant‑protective clauses and community‑owned housing cooperatives.

Campaign Strategy and Outreach

Sexton’s campaign strategy is built around a “Neighborhood‑First” model. The Patch article shows how her volunteers have been engaging directly with residents through door‑knocking, community events, and social‑media outreach. Her website lists a robust volunteer section where citizens can sign up to help canvass, host informational meetings, or contribute to a digital petition on key issues.

Moreover, Sexton’s campaign has leveraged a data‑driven approach. She is reportedly using GIS mapping to pinpoint neighborhoods most in need of infrastructure upgrades and to forecast the impact of proposed zoning changes. The article even quotes her as saying, “You can’t make informed decisions if you’re not looking at the numbers.”

What’s Next?

The Patch article ends with a look toward the upcoming primary election, scheduled for early October. Sexton’s campaign is gearing up for a full slate of debates, town halls, and a fundraising push to bring her message to the entire city. She also plans to hold a “Listening Tour” of the city’s ten municipal districts, a move designed to solidify her reputation as a council member who genuinely values resident input.

Bottom Line

Amanda Grady Sexton’s run for the Concord City Council seat is a high‑stakes bid for a city on the brink of transformation. With a proven track record in municipal leadership, a clear and ambitious platform that tackles the pressing issues of housing, economic growth, and civic engagement, and a growing list of endorsements from across the city, she is positioned as a formidable candidate. While she will need to navigate criticisms regarding fiscal decisions and the risk of gentrification, her campaign’s focus on transparency, community involvement, and data‑driven policy could resonate with a city ready for thoughtful progress. As the campaign unfolds, residents and political observers alike will be watching closely to see if Amanda Grady Sexton can translate her vision into a new era for Concord.