Name: Jeremy Mason

Age: 40

Website: https://www.masonforward6.com

Biography:

Jeremy “JC” Mason is a dedicated and visionary leader, committed to advancing Norfolk’s future through community engagement and effective governance. Born in Port of Spain, Trinidad, and raised by his parents, Dr. Steadman Mason and the late Dianne Mason, who migrated from Jamaica, Mason’s journey began when his family relocated to Virginia Beach at the age of five.

Mason is a proud alumnus of Tallwood High School and pursued higher education at Grambling State University, where he earned a degree in Marketing. He furthered his academic journey at Southern University Law Center, graduating with distinction and becoming a respected member of the American Inns of Court.

For the past seven years, Mason has been a resident and practicing attorney in Downtown Norfolk, primarily focusing on Real Estate Law through his firm, Regis Title & Escrow. In addition to his work in real estate, Mason owns and operates Mason Legal Law Firm, where he has dedicated his career to assisting individuals with various legal issues, including criminal and personal injury cases, as well as supporting business owners through transformative events.

In 2022, Mason was honored with the AACCS Distinguished Award for his significant contributions to the community. His leadership is characterized by a proactive approach to addressing local issues and an unwavering commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all residents of Superward 6.

Mason’s personal life is filled with joy and fulfillment. He shares his life with his partner, Diamond, and their son, Jace, with whom he shares a birthday. Together, they embody the spirit of family and community dedication that defines Mason’s approach to both his personal and professional life.

Elect Attorney “JC” Mason for Norfolk City Council, Superward 6 – “Your voice, Our future.

Why are you running for this office?

I’m running for office because I see Norfolk’s potential, and I know we can do better. As an Attorney, I’ve dedicated my career to advocating for those who often don’t have a voice, serving indigent clients and fighting for fairness in public service. Now, I want to bring that same sincerity and dedication to Norfolk City Council. I’m committed to making our city a place where everyone can thrive—whether you’re a student, a service member, or a lifelong resident of Norfolk. We’re here to build on what’s working, but also to confront the tougher issues head-on, like the lack of educational resources, violence in our neighborhoods, and barriers to accessible housing to members of the workforce. With $1.9 billion allocated to Norfolk, we have an incredible opportunity to create meaningful change—using tools like the C-PACE program that rewards business owners and investors when using energy efficient compotes when building commercial buildings and housing units of 5 or more. improve transportation, and keep our citizens and entrepreneurs thriving. We’re going to make sure Norfolk is not just a great place to live, but a city where everyone can grow and succeed together.

What is the top challenge facing Norfolk, and how would you address it?

In my opinion the most pressing challenge facing Norfolk are the intersections of the housing crisis the city’s unique flooding issues and down numbers of schooling accreditation within the city. Rising housing costs are pushing out residents, especially military personnel, students, and young families. We need to address this head-on with innovative, sincere solutions. I’m committed to using the C-PACE program to fund sustainable, energy-efficient housing that’s also resilient against flooding. This isn’t just about adding more homes—it’s about creating a Norfolk that’s future-proof, affordable, and welcoming to all. By making our housing accessible, ensuring our workforce can live where they work, we’re creating a city that truly serves its people. We can’t ignore the challenges in our schools and the violence impacting our neighborhoods—these are issues we must tackle with urgency and innovation, alongside supporting our local businesses and community initiatives like eliminating food deserts.

What is your view on addressing the affordable housing crisis?

Affordable housing is more than just a policy issue—it’s about giving people a real chance at a stable, fulfilling life. Norfolk’s housing policies need to be as diverse and creative as our community. As someone who understands the intricacies of policy and law, I’m committed to leveraging the C-PACE program to develop housing that’s both affordable and sustainable. We’re not just building houses; we’re building communities where students, military families, and lifelong residents can thrive together. By ensuring housing is accessible to our workforce and connected to reliable transportation, we’re also boosting our tourism and local economy—everyone benefits from a city that’s truly welcoming. We have a real opportunity without allocating the $1.9 billion given to the city to invest in housing, and community infrastructure, ensuring we keep our citizens and businesses right here in Norfolk.

What is your view on transparency, and how do you feel the city can improve, if at all?

Transparency isn’t just a policy; it’s a commitment to honesty and trust. Norfolk can lead the way in open government by fully embracing technology and innovation. I’m committed to continue making every City Council meeting accessible to all, with livestreams and detailed online records. We need interactive platforms where residents can engage with their leaders in real-time. This isn’t just about checking boxes—it’s about genuinely empowering our community, making sure that every resident feels informed, involved, and valued. By being transparent, we build trust, and with trust, we build a stronger, more united Norfolk.

Do you believe the city focuses too much of its efforts downtown at the expense of other areas in the city?

Downtown Norfolk is a gem, but our city’s brilliance extends far beyond it. It’s time we invest equally in all our neighborhoods, from Ocean View to Berkley. Every part of Norfolk deserves attention and resources. With programs like C-PACE, we can promote sustainable development that enhances each neighborhood, making every corner of Norfolk a place where people want to live, work, and visit. This approach isn’t just about fairness—it’s about recognizing and celebrating the unique strengths of each part of our city, ensuring that all of Norfolk shines brightly. While we do that, we must also confront the harder issues—like ensuring that all neighborhoods have safe streets, quality schools, access to transportation, and the infrastructure to support a thriving workforce.

What is your view on taking money from individuals who will likely have business before the city?

Norfolk deserves leadership that’s not just competent but genuinely committed to fairness. As an attorney who has dedicated my career to justice, I’m running a campaign that prioritizes transparency and integrity. I refuse to take contributions from entities looking to influence decisions unfairly. My campaign is about representing the people of Norfolk—no strings attached. We’re focused on grassroots support, ensuring that every decision made is in the best interest of our residents, not driven by special interests. local businesses—without any outside influence.

Norfolk has long been accused of having a shadow government, in which decisions are made by influential business leaders who support certain elected officials. Is this a fair criticism?

Whether this criticism is fair or not, it highlights a crucial issue: we need to build more trust in our city’s governance. I’m dedicated to making Norfolk’s decision-making process as transparent and inclusive as possible. Every decision should be made in the open, with input from all stakeholders, not just a select few. By sincerely engaging with the community and ensuring that every resident’s voice is heard, we can dispel the notion of a shadow government and create a system where the only influence is the will of the people. It’s time for an approach that’s not just open but genuinely inclusive and empowering. We want to build on the positive, but we won’t shy away from addressing the negative issues that are holding our community back. I’m excited to discuss how we can make Norfolk an even better place to live, work, and visit. Together, we can build a future that’s not just brighter, but bolder, and most importantly, genuinely focused on the needs of our community