Zachary Parker

Where Parker stands

Topic headings are Vote Book’s; quoted words are each candidate’s own, with the source under each one. “As reported” items are a news outlet’s description, not an exact quote.

Crime & public safety

What do you see as the root causes of crime in DC? What policies would you propose to address the issues?

The root causes of crime in DC are unmet basic needs, untreated mental health and trauma, and gaps in education and opportunity. We must invest in prevention: expand affordable housing—I’ve delivered hundreds of units in Ward 5—and create job pathways, which I've delivered by securing hundreds of union, good-paying jobs through the RFK deal and expanding pre-apprenticeship pathways at DYRS for incarcerated youth. We also need to expand access to mental health and trauma-informed care in our communities.

What are your ideas for improving outcomes for youth in the justice system?

As Chair of the Council’s Committee on Youth Affairs, my top priority is supporting youth rehabilitation and driving down recidivism. We’ve taken real steps to end harmful isolation practices and expanding services that actually support young people, including education and pre-apprenticeship programs. We’re seeing progress, with youth population numbers trending downward. But we know the work doesn’t stop there. Our approach is rooted in prevention, rehabilitation, and strong re-entry support. That means investing in mental health care, education, and job pathways while young people are in the system, and making sure they have stable housing, continued education, and employment opportunities when they exit detention.

What are four things you will do to help DC residents now in prison and those who are returning home?

Provide strong re-entry support: Make sure returning residents have access to housing, jobs, healthcare, and case management from day one so they can get back on their feet. Expand education and job training: Increase access to GED programs, college courses, and career pathways that lead to stable, good-paying jobs. Improve support while incarcerated: Work with federal partners to expand education, mental health services, and re-entry planning before release. Remove barriers to success: Make it easier to get hired, find housing, and access benefits by advancing fair-chance hiring and record-sealing policies.

Housing

How do you propose to increase housing for our most vulnerable residents?

I would prioritize supply-side reforms like increasing density near transit, streamlining permitting, activating public land for mixed-income housing, and improving the Housing Production Trust Fund. On the demand side, I would expand rental assistance like ERAP and targeted vouchers for vulnerable populations through tools like the District’s Local Rent Supplement Program. These policies increase overall supply while ensuring deeply affordable housing is built and protected, reducing pressure on rents across the market. By pairing growth with targeted subsidies and stronger tenant protections, we expand access without concentrating displacement in specific neighborhoods.

Jobs, wages & cost of living

Should DC be admitted to the union as a state? Yes or No? *If yes, what immediate plans should be made, and actions taken, to begin preparing DC for statehood? *If no, what is your plan for achieving full voting rights for DC?

Absolutely, yes. DC Statehood is the District's North Star and it is essential we correct the centuries-long injustice of taxation without representation. More than anything, we need a strong public education campaign in all 50 states to build support. It would be great to see this embedded as a real component of the National Democratic Party. At the same time, we must keep pushing Congress to act while protecting Home Rule so DC residents have a stronger voice now and are ready for statehood. This is work I've done as my colleagues and I fight back against congressional interference.

Is it important to use this job to protect our rights and keep Congress and the President out of our local government business?

Very unimportant Somewhat unimportant Neither important nor unimportant Somewhat important Very important

Background & priorities

What are your top 2 priorities and how will you accomplish them?

My top priorities are making Ward 5 more affordable and strengthening opportunities for youth. I will continue fighting to expand deeply affordable housing, strengthen rental assistance, and lower everyday costs like childcare and utilities so families can stay and thrive in the District. This is work I've led on the Council. For our youth, I will work to improve attendance, invest in school facilities and support systems, and expand career pathways and out-of-school programs. By stabilizing families and investing in young people, we can build a Ward 5 where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.

Other priorities

Ward 5

The District is changing, and Ward 5 is changing with it. We’ve made real progress in recent years, from stronger investments in our schools to better support for working families. But as our city grows and shifts, too many neighbors are feeling left behind, priced out, or unheard. There is still more work to do to make sure change works for everyone, not just a few.