Interview with Candace Nelson
Candidate for City Council At-Large
This interview is part of the Ward 2 Democrats Candidate Interview Series, designed to give voters direct insight into the candidates running to represent them. In this conversation, Candace Tiana Nelson discusses her vision for strengthening Washington, DC through accountable, inclusive, and community-centered leadership.
She outlines her approach to Council priorities including agency oversight, housing affordability, homelessness services, small business support, public spaces, libraries, recreation centers, economic development, and equitable growth. Nelson also shares how her decades of experience in D.C. government and Democratic Party leadership - including work with the Department of Healthcare Finance, the Department of Human Services, advisory councils, and service as chief of staff to Councilmember Janeese Lewis George—inform her commitment to making government more responsive, measurable, and connected to the residents it serves.
About This Interview
Candace Tiana Nelson introduces herself to Ward 2 Democrats as a candidate for DC at-large council member, emphasizing leadership that makes people feel seen, heard, and valued and focusing on education, healthcare, and housing.
She highlights 20 years of experience in DC government and community service, including work at DSLBD, DHCF, Human Services, Employment Services, and Mayor Gray’s office, plus serving as an ANC commissioner and chief of staff to Ward 4 Council Member Janeese Lewis George.
Nelson argues good policy requires strong implementation and calls for stronger, data-driven oversight tied to budgets, public dashboards, and more accessible hearings. She discusses Ward 2 concerns like 311 responsiveness, rats, street activity, homelessness, and affordability, proposing streamlined housing and business processes, support for small landlords, exploring social housing, expanding library and rec center hours, activating corridors through advisory groups, and reimagining downtown as a neighborhood with transportation coordination including WMATA and COG.
00:03 Introduction
02:02 Experience in DC Government
06:14 Accountability & Measurable Results
10:57 Housing & Homelessness
14:07 Public Spaces, Parks & Libraries
20:10 Small Businesses & Vacant Storefronts
23:59 Equity, Inclusion & Economic Growth
27:46 Closing Remarks
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