Elijah Wilson, Ward 4 Concord City Council Candidate

CONCORD, NH — Elijah J. Wilson

Position Sought

Concord City Council, Ward 4

Family

Husband to my beautiful wife, and the father of two brilliant, young sons

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?

No

Education and-or work experience

Business Marketing Major/ Military Science Minor: Technology and Software Executive: Small business owner in the commercial and residential construction industry

Previous or current elected or appointed positions

N/A

Campaign website

N/A

The single most important pressing issue facing the community is _______ and this is what I intend to do about it

Affordability and housing are the most pressing hand in hand issues I hear about almost every week from my neighbors in Ward 4. People are working full time, raising families, and doing everything they are supposed to, yet they are still struggling to get ahead. Some are paying more in rent than what a mortgage would cost in most cities, leaving them unable to build any equity or long term stability, the kind that keeps families rooted and stimulating the local community in the long run. Homeowners tell me they are being stretched thinner every year by rising property taxes, while the services and quality of life in the city only fractionally reflect those tax increases and overall remain the same.

It is hard to watch hardworking people fall behind like that, and it is clear we need more than slogans. We need real, practical solutions backed by numbers and accountability.

In Concord, the median household income is around $80,000 +/- a few thousand, but many families simply cannot afford today’s housing costs when the median sale price of a home is $450,000. Realistically, a $3,000 monthly mortgage payment at a 7% interest rate is out of reach for most working people, especially when home prices continue to rise and available housing remains limited. The math just doesn’t work for families who are trying to live, work, and build a future here.

The good news is, there is light at the end of the tunnel. We can make progress on housing affordability without raising taxes if we take a smart, disciplined approach. First, we need to modernize our zoning so we can build more housing in areas that already have roads, utilities, and public services. That is just common sense... Second, we should be turning vacant or underused buildings into homes that people can actually afford, instead of letting them sit empty. And third, we need to aggressively pursue the funding that already exists at the state and federal levels. Programs like InvestNH, Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC), and Workforce Housing Grants can bring millions of dollars into Concord. We just have to be proactive and go after them.

At the end of the day, my goal is simple. I want a balanced housing market that works for everyone; families, seniors, and young professionals, all while keeping the character of our neighborhoods intact and protecting taxpayers. This is not a partisan issue; it is a community issue. Everyone deserves the chance to live, work, and thrive right here in Concord.

List three other things you would like to work on if elected or re-elected

Beyond housing and affordability, there are three key areas I want to focus on that I believe will make a lasting difference for Ward 4 and the city as a whole.

First, I want to strengthen public safety by making sure our police and fire departments have the staffing, tools, and training they need to serve a growing community. Concord Police are doing an outstanding job with the resources they have, but as call volumes increase, we need to keep supporting them so residents and businesses continue to feel safe.

Second, I want to prioritize responsible spending and transparency. Families and small business owners are stretched thin by rising costs, and the city needs to lead by example. That means holding every department accountable, using grant funding and partnerships whenever possible, and ensuring that taxpayers can clearly see where their money goes and what value they’re getting in return.

Third, I want to keep downtown and Ward 4 neighborhoods vibrant and livable. That means maintaining safe, clean public spaces, supporting local businesses, and encouraging thoughtful development that complements the character of our city. Downtown is the heart of Concord, and keeping it strong benefits every neighborhood, every resident, and every visitor.

My focus is simple: work to keep Concord safe, affordable, and accountable. Concord should be a city where families can thrive, and where smart planning and responsible leadership guide our growth for years to come. Our neighbors, our families, and everyone who calls this community home deserve nothing less.

Name a couple of accomplishments in the past that show you can handle this position

In both my business career and my military service, I have learned that leadership is built on collaboration, accountability, and ultimately, results. The strength of any community does not come from one person alone, but from the collective effort of people working toward a shared goal. As City Councilor for Ward 4, my hope is to be a true spokesperson for our community as someone who listens, unites, and helps turn our shared priorities into real progress.

In the private sector, I have managed multimillion-dollar budgets, led diverse teams, grown revenue at multinational organizations, and negotiated key partnerships that created long-term growth while keeping expenses in check. Those experiences taught me how to make disciplined financial decisions, solve complex problems by using proven systems, and bring people together around shared goals.

Before starting my business career, I had the honor of serving in the United States Army as both an Infantryman and a Military Police Officer. I led teams of fellow service men and women who were responsible for protecting lives, safeguarding mission critical assets, and completing the mission at any cost. Those years shaped me more than any title ever could. They taught me discipline, integrity, and the importance of leading by example, lessons that continue to guide me in my work, and my family life.

Whether it was leading in the Army, or working with business partners across different industries, I have always focused on finding solutions, taking responsibility, and delivering results. That same approach and collaborative leadership is what I plan to bring to the City Council.

Share any other thoughts or ideas you would like voters to know about yourself

If elected, I plan to launch what I am calling the "Ward 4 Listening Tour," an effort to meet residents "where they are," instead of waiting for them to come to City Hall. The best way to serve my neighbors is by listening to the people who live here. I believe that when listening is paired with action, concern turns into progress.

So on November 4th, I am asking for your vote. Let’s keep the conversation going, and keep Ward 4 moving forward together!