About the Candidate
Prononciation: NEH* lee* dah
Pronouns: They/Them
My name is Nelida Jean-Baptiste Pellot, and I’m running for Gainesville City Commission because I believe our city works best when everyone has a seat at the table.
​
Gainesville has always been a place where people care deeply about their neighbors, our environment, and the future we are building together. Through my work in housing and community advocacy, I’ve seen firsthand how much thoughtful leadership matters when it comes to making sure people can afford to live here, feel safe in their neighborhoods, and have real opportunities to thrive.
​
I believe leadership begins with listening. Whether I’m speaking with residents about housing challenges, supporting local arts and culture, or working alongside community partners to solve problems, I approach every conversation with collaboration, transparency, and heart.
​
My journey to Gainesville wasn’t a typical one. I was raised in South Florida, and I came here after a life-changing tragedy when my home burned down. During my first months in Gainesville, I lived out of my car. That experience shaped my understanding of housing insecurity and strengthened my commitment to making sure others don’t have to face the same hardships alone.
​
Today, my work focuses on helping people navigate housing systems, advocating for stronger communities, and supporting the values that make Gainesville the quirky, thoughtful, vibrant place we love.
​
Outside of my work, I enjoy dogs, artistic expression, and the creative spirit that defines Gainesville.
I’m running for City Commission to build a Gainesville that is affordable, inclusive, and forward-thinking where every resident feels they belong and has a voice in shaping our city’s future.
​
I’m running to build a Gainesville where housing is stable, marginalized youth are supported, and our community grows in a way that protects people, native wildlife and the environment
District 2 deserves a commissioner who understands housing, believes in community, and will fight for the people who actually live here
Goals for Gainesville District 2
- Housing is a human right!
- Clarity and transparency
- Building a greener, more community centered Gainesville
Housing is a Human Right
This is a core belief that guides my work and my vision for Gainesville. Everyone deserves a safe, stable place to live. Yet too many people in our community are struggling with rising rents, displacement, and the fear that they may no longer be able to afford the city they call home. Through my work in housing and community advocacy, I’ve seen firsthand how deeply housing affects every part of a person’s life, from health and education to economic opportunity and community stability. When people have secure housing, families thrive and neighborhoods grow stronger. I won’t stop working until the idea that housing is a human right becomes one of the guiding principles of how our city approaches development, planning, and community investment. Building a Gainesville where everyone can afford to live isn’t just good policy, it’s the right thing to do.
Trust in local government begins with transparency and clarity, it begins with us. Residents of Gainesville deserve to understand how decisions are made, how public funds are spent, and how policies impact their daily lives. City leadership should communicate openly, explain decisions clearly, and make it easy for our community to stay informed and involved. Government works best when people feel confident that their voices are heard and that the process is fair and accessible, especially marginalized folks. I prioritize clear communication with the community, encourage public participation in city decisions, and support practices that make local government more transparent and accountable. A stronger Gainesville starts with a government that people can trust and understand.
Transparency and Clarity
People Leading Climate Resiliency
Building climate resiliency means preparing our city today for the challenges of a not so distant tomorrow. This includes strengthening infrastructure, protecting our natural ecosystems, supporting sustainable energy solutions, and making sure our neighborhoods are equipped to withstand extreme weather. Gainesville can be a leader in climate resilience by investing in smart planning, protecting our green spaces, and working with residents, scientists, and community organizations to build solutions that safeguard our city and help us with the changes that are already happening. Preparing for the future isn’t just about protecting the environment it’s about protecting the people and protecting our beautiful home. Wildfires, Hurricanes, Lovebugs, Droughts. Let's work together to focus on Gainesville's climate infrastructure.
Campaign Kickoff!
North Central Florida Community Center
5201 NW 34th Blvd.
Gainesville, FL 32605
Date & Time
05/22/2026
6PM -7:30 PM