Rents are rising faster than wages.
Local workers are commuting hours because the High Desert doesn't offer viable jobs and opportunities.
Small businesses are struggling to survive while outside developers profit.

Derek Marshall’s Housing & Jobs Plan is built on one simple belief:
When people can afford to live here and work here, the whole city thrives.

This plan tackles housing supply, affordability, and job creation at the same time — because you can’t fix one without the other.

1. Fast-Track ADUs + Convert Empty Buildings Into Housing

Victorville has space. What we lack is housing that working families can actually afford.

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
Derek will:

• Streamline ADU permits so homeowners can build small rental units without endless delays.

• Create a standardized ADU design program so residents can build faster and cheaper.

• Prioritize ADU projects that help seniors age in place and help families stay together.

Conversion of Vacant & Underused Buildings
Across Victorville, empty motels, strip malls, and office spaces sit unused while hundreds struggle to find housing.

Derek will:

• Identify buildings suitable for conversion within the first 120 days.

• Fast-track zoning adjustments to allow housing where it’s feasible.

• Partner with nonprofits and mission-driven developers to create stable, long-term homes.

• Prioritize veteran and senior housing in conversions wherever possible.

Every empty building is a potential home. We will stop letting our resources sit unused.

2. Expand Move-Outs From the Wellness Center Into Permanent Homes

The Wellness Center is a critical first step, but temporary shelter only matters if people can move into real housing afterward.

Under Derek’s plan:

• The city will double the number of permanent housing slots available for Wellness Center clients.

• Create a dedicated “Housing Transitions Team” that ensures individuals don’t get stuck in temporary shelter.

• Partner with county and state agencies to expand subsidies for people exiting the program.

• Track all move-outs transparently so residents can see progress, not promises.

This approach reduces homelessness long-term and keeps people from falling back onto the streets.

3. Make Local-Hire the Rule on City Projects

Every major city project — road improvements, rail construction, public works — should create jobs for Victorville residents first.

Derek will:

• Require companies receiving city contracts to hire a minimum percentage of Victorville residents.

• Create a public dashboard showing how many local workers are employed on every major project.

• Partner with local unions, apprenticeship programs, and technical schools to prepare young people for high-wage careers.

• Ensure contractors who violate local-hire standards face real consequences, not empty warnings.

If tax dollars fund the project, Victorville residents should see the paychecks.

4. Launch a Small-Biz Help Desk for the Rail-Boom Economy

The new Brightline West rail project is about to transform Victorville — and we cannot afford to let outside corporations be the only winners.

Derek’s plan includes a Small Business Help Desk, offering:

• Assistance with permits, licensing, and grant applications

• Coaching for businesses preparing for increased tourism and foot traffic

• Connections to state and federal funding designed for transportation corridor development

• Monthly workshops for entrepreneurs looking to expand or start a business

• Advocacy for small businesses during major construction phases

When rail comes, Victorville can either grow with it or get swallowed by it. Derek’s plan ensures we grow.

This plan is fully funded through a combination of:

• State and federal grants (housing, small business, infrastructure)

• General fund trim and efficiency improvements

• Contract language in the city’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) requiring local hire and community benefits

• Public-private partnerships focused on housing reuse projects

We don’t need new taxes — just smarter use of the resources we already have.

The Vision

Imagine a Victorville where:

• Families can afford to stay rooted

• Young people see opportunity instead of a dead end

• Local businesses thrive

• Seniors don’t get priced out of the neighborhoods they built

• Workers get first shot at the jobs their tax dollars fund

This is how we build real stability, real opportunity, and a real future for Victorville.

This is how we build the next great American city.