About Kiam
As a lifelong resident of Easthampton, Kiam Jamrog-McQuaid has witnessed the city's growth and transformation over his 27 years into this incredible community that we know and love. He feels incredibly lucky calling Easthampton home, having the opportunity to put down roots where he grew up. He is driven by this deep-rooted connection, and he is committed to building a thriving future for this city. Kiam has shown his commitment to Easthampton through active service to the community as a neighbor, volunteer, and advocate for affordable housing, sustainable growth, and community resilience.
Community Advocacy
Over the past four years, Kiam has served on the Easthampton Affordable and Fair Housing Partnership, a city advisory committee, leading the development of the recent zoning ordinance recommendations aimed at expanding housing options across the city.
As the coordinator of the Easthampton Housing Coalition, Kiam has worked to engage residents in housing policy discussions, organize community forums, and advocate for solutions to our city’s housing crisis. He helped author the city council resolution in support of lifting the statewide ban on rent stabilization, a critical issue as more and more residents face unfair rent hikes.
Work & Education
Professionally, Kiam works as a research analyst at the UMass Donahue Institute, conducting mixed-methods policy research and data analysis related to housing, workforce, and economic development. He previously served as a policy research and program assistant at Springfield WORKS, a nonprofit focused on equitable workforce development. He looks forward to bringing this professional background to the City Council.
Kiam holds a Master of Public Policy and Administration from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a Bachelor of Science from the University of North Texas, where he concentrated in sociology, anthropology, and jazz voice performance. He is also a proud graduate of the Easthampton Municipal Leadership Academy.
Personal Life
When he isn't focused on policy research or community advocacy, Kiam loves spending time exploring nature and hanging out with his partner Max and their two cats, Nova and Suki. He also enjoys tending to his backyard kitchen garden, growing veggies he uses to cook delicious vegan meals for his family and friends.
Some of his favorite local businesses to frequent are: Vegan Pizza Land, New City Brewery, Golden China Pan, Tandem Bagel, the Marigold Theater, Valley Art Supplies, and Mt. Tom’s Ice Cream.
Kiam is running for city council to build on his local advocacy work and fight for a community that's affordable, sustainable, and resilient into the future. As a lifelong resident, young homeowner, policy professional, queer person, and dedicated community advocate, he cares deeply about this city, and he is committed to building consensus while advancing progressive solutions that make Easthampton a local leader in housing policy and sustainable growth.
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