2025 Candidate Profile: Darius Beckham for Dayton Commission

Candidate Information

Full Name:

Darius Beckham

Office Sought:

Dayton City Commission

Political Party (if applicable):

Democrat

Campaign Website or Social Media (optional):

https://www.dariusfordayton.com/ 

Email or Contact Info for Voters (optional):

info@dariusfordayton.com

Biographical Information

Current Occupation and Employer:

Consultant

Education (schools, degrees, certifications):

I earned my Bachelors degree in Political Science and Sociology from the University of Dayton and later completed a Master’s in Public Administration.

Relevant Professional Experience:

I have served in AmeriCorps, where I was a Neighborhood Organizer, strengthening relationships between residents, businesses, and local government to enhance neighborhood engagement and access to fresh food. I went on to serve as a Legislative Aide in the Office of Mayor Nan Whaley, gaining firsthand experience in public policy and city governance. Later, as Project Coordinator for the Hall Hunger Initiative, I worked to address food insecurity in the region by fostering partnerships and investing in sustainable solutions. Most recently, I served as Senior Policy Aide to Mayor Jeffrey Mims, where I played a key role in advancing the Mayor’s policy agenda, coordinating city initiatives.

Public Service and Community Involvement:

My leadership experience also extends to the nonprofit sector—I currently serve as Chair of the Omega Community Development Corporation Board, President of the Hall Hunger Initiative Board, and a member of the Montgomery County College Promise Board.       

Family (optional):

-

Candidate Q&A

Why are you running for this office?

I am running as a dedicated public servant, community advocate, and policy leader committed to building a stronger, more equitable Dayton. A lifelong resident of the city, I have spent my career working to uplift communities, improve public policy, and foster meaningful change for Dayton’s families.

I want to utilize these experiences to uplift my community through service and a position on the Dayton City Commission gives me the opportunity to have a larger platform to help my neighbors. My goal is to invest in our neighborhoods through cleaning up vacant properties, helping our small businesses grow in Dayton, and supporting public safety initiatives that make our community a safer place. Now is the best time to run for this open seat.

What are your top priorities if elected?

I am committed to building a more equitable, thriving, and safe Dayton by addressing the root causes of community challenges and creating opportunities for all residents. My priorities focus on:

• Housing & Neighborhoods: Holding vacant property owners accountable, increasing affordable housing, and expanding homeownership opportunities through down payment assistance and financial education.

• Public Safety & Community Investment: Expanding a violence interruption program, implementing community policing, and launching a neighborhood beautification initiative to foster pride and economic growth.

• Jobs & Economic Recovery: Supporting minority- and women-owned businesses, connecting young people to career pathways, and ensuring Dayton’s economy works for small businesses and entrepreneurs.

• Youth Development: Implementing the Dayton Youth Action Plan, creating an Opportunity Fund for Youth, and providing internships with the City of Dayton to engage the next generation.

• Downtown Revitalization: Strengthening partnerships to ensure ongoing economic growth, beautification, and business investment in our city’s core. Through bold leadership and collaborative action, I will fight for policies that make Dayton a safer, more prosperous, and inclusive city for all.

What qualifications, skills, or experiences make you the best candidate for this position?

As Board Chair of Omega Community Development Corporation, I’ve worked to bring together diverse communities around issues of affordable housing, economic development, and social equity. Omega CDC serves a broad range of residents in Dayton, and my role has required me to build partnerships across racial and socioeconomic lines to advance initiatives that benefit the entire community. Additionally, as Senior Policy Aide to the Mayor of Dayton, I’ve had to unite people from different racial and economic backgrounds to push forward citywide initiatives—whether in economic recovery efforts, neighborhood revitalization, or youth development programs.

What do you see as the most important issue facing [Community/County/State] right now, and how would you address it?

One of the most important issues facing our community is housing. As a City Commissioner, I will champion policies that increase access to affordable housing, expand homeownership opportunities, and hold property owners accountable to create thriving neighborhoods. My priorities include:

• Holding Vacant Property Owners Accountable – Requiring owners of vacant properties to register them, pay fees, and submit redevelopment plans to return them to productive use.

• Encouraging Affordable Housing Development – Supporting mixed-income neighborhoods by offering tax incentives and density bonuses to developers who include affordable units in market-rate housing projects.

• Expanding Homeownership Opportunities – Investing in down payment assistance programs and partnering with banks to provide affordable home loans, financial education, and low-cost banking options.

• Advocating for Additional Housing Investments – Seeking state and federal funding to support new affordable housing initiatives and housing rehabilitation programs in Dayton.

• Protecting Renters & Homeowners – Exploring policies that promote housing stability, fair rental practices, and pathways to homeownership for working families.

How would you engage with and remain accountable to the constituents you serve?

Community engagement and community input is critical to being an engaged elected official. I plan on being a responsive leader who will actively solicit input from community leaders, organizations, and groups. Active involvement is more than just civic association meetings, it means showing up to them but also expanding who we are listening to. Being present and visible around Dayton will help me achieve the goal of connecting with constituents regarding decision making as City Commissioner.

Is there anything else you’d like voters to know about you or your campaign? (optional).

Thank you for your support and please vote on May 6th!