All in for Salisbury.
VOTE ON NOVEMBER 4TH, 2025
Meet Adrian.
Adrian Maldonado Jr. is a dedicated civic engagement professional with extensive experience in electoral politics, voter engagement, and advocacy. His passion for advocacy began at the young age of 15, shaping his career as a strategist committed to strengthening democracy and empowering underrepresented communities.
Originally from Salisbury, North Carolina, Maldonado has played a pivotal role in numerous organizations that drive grassroots engagement and policy change. He formerly served as the National Senior Campaigns Strategist for Main Street Alliance, where he worked to amplify the voices of small business owners, advocating for policies that foster economic equity and community-driven development. In this role, he had been instrumental in shifting the narrative around small businesses, ensuring they are recognized as key stakeholders in the political process.
In addition to his work with Main Street Alliance, Maldonado is the Chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party Hispanic Caucus, where he leads crucial efforts to mobilize Latino voters across the state. Under his leadership, the Caucus has strengthened its outreach initiatives, expanded voter education programs, and built coalitions to increase Latino representation in North Carolina politics. His ability to connect with diverse communities and drive grassroots action has made him a leading voice in Democratic organizing.
Beyond his electoral work, Maldonado is an expert in coalition building and advocacy, having served as the North Carolina Deputy State Coordinator for the Fair Elections Center and the National Director of State Advocacy for Voters of Tomorrow. In these roles, he worked to expand voter access, protect election integrity, and engage young people in the democratic process. His work has spanned from on-the-ground organizing to high-level strategic planning, always with the goal of creating a more inclusive and participatory democracy.
Through his years of experience, Maldonado has established himself as a key figure in progressive politics, using his expertise to build movements, uplift marginalized voices, and drive meaningful change at both the state and national levels. Whether working with small business owners, young voters, or underrepresented communities, his leadership continues to shape the future of civic engagement in North Carolina and beyond.
Let’s get working for a Salisbury that works for us.
Adrian Maldonado is running for Salisbury City Council to bring bold, people-centered leadership to the city. With a proven track record of civic engagement and advocacy, he is committed to ensuring that Salisbury grows in a way that benefits all residents. His platform focuses on strengthening economic opportunity, public safety, and affordable housing, while fostering a government that is transparent, accountable, and responsive to the needs of the people.
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As a City Council member, Adrian will work tirelessly to create an environment where small businesses thrive and local entrepreneurs can succeed. Salisbury’s economic future depends on supporting its small business community, which is the backbone of our economy. Adrian will:
Advocate for grants and low-interest loans to help small businesses open, expand, and hire locally, ensuring that capital is accessible to entrepreneurs who are often shut out by traditional banking systems.
Support tax incentives and relief programs to help small businesses remain competitive and reduce the burden of taxes, making it easier for them to hire employees and invest in growth.
Push for commercial rent stabilization policies to prevent local entrepreneurs from being priced out of their businesses as property values rise, ensuring that small business owners can maintain affordable leases even as the city grows.
Promote business incubators and mentorship programs to help new entrepreneurs navigate the challenges of starting and growing a business, from legal advice to marketing strategies.
Champion employee retention initiatives by providing small businesses with access to training programs that enhance employee skills, and improve overall job satisfaction.
Advocate for affordable and accessible childcare programs for working families, which would enable employees to stay in their jobs longer and reduce turnover.
Simplify city regulations that disproportionately affect small businesses, making it easier for them to start, operate, and scale within Salisbury.
Encourage partnerships between local businesses and schools to create job-training programs that align with the needs of the workforce, ensuring that students are equipped with the skills needed to remain in Salisbury after graduation.
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As Salisbury grows, Adrian will fight for housing policies that ensure residents of all income levels can afford to live in the city. He will:
Promote zoning reforms that encourage the development of affordable housing while protecting neighborhoods from displacement.
Strengthen tenant protections to prevent unjust evictions and rental hikes.
Support smart infrastructure planning that ensures affordable housing is connected to jobs, schools, and public transportation.
Partner with developers and community organizations to expand homeownership opportunities for working families.
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Strengthen community-based policing to foster trust between law enforcement and residents, ensuring officers are active and engaged in the neighborhoods they serve.
Advocate for full staffing and increased funding for Salisbury’s police, fire, and EMS departments, ensuring first responders have the personnel and resources necessary to respond quickly and effectively.
Address the firefighter staffing crisis by pushing for increased recruitment efforts, competitive salaries, and better retention policies to support Salisbury’s understaffed fire department.
Improve neighborhood lighting to deter crime, enhance walkability, and strengthen trust between residents and law enforcement through visible, well-maintained public spaces.
Invest in youth outreach and violence prevention programs to keep young people away from crime and provide them with positive opportunities.
Expand mental health crisis response teams to reduce unnecessary arrests and ensure individuals in distress receive the appropriate care instead of being funneled into the criminal justice system.
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Salisbury deserves an economy that benefits everyone. As a City Council member, Adrian will:
Attract high-paying jobs to Salisbury by working with local industries and business leaders.
Expand job training and workforce development programs to prepare residents for careers in technology, clean energy, and manufacturing.
Advocate for a living wage so that no one working full-time in Salisbury struggles to afford basic needs.
Invest in infrastructure projects, including roads, public transit, and broadband expansion, to support long-term economic growth.
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As Salisbury grows, we must ensure our infrastructure and public spaces keep pace with the city’s needs. Adrian will champion smart, sustainable development that enhances quality of life while preserving Salisbury’s historic charm. He will:
Advocate for comprehensive city planning that balances growth with environmental sustainability.
Invest in road improvements, sidewalk expansions, and safer pedestrian and bike routes to make the city more accessible.
Prioritize public transit expansion to better connect residents to jobs, schools, and essential services.
Support downtown revitalization efforts to attract new businesses, promote cultural arts, and preserve historic landmarks.
Work to modernize water, sewer, and energy infrastructure to ensure Salisbury’s long-term sustainability.
Promote green spaces and community parks to enhance quality of life and encourage outdoor recreation.
