PLATFORM
"If elected, I will work to make this community better for everyone. I promise I will sit down with not just every voter, not just any District 2 resident, but anyone in the Davis community. As a City Councilwoman, I look to make Davis a better place."
LIST OF ISSUES
Housing
One of the most critical issues facing our City is housing. Whether you're a student at our world-class university, a scientist shaping the future, or an essential worker contributing to our community and agricultural legacy, housing in Davis is more than a necessity—it's a statement about our commitment to inclusivity, sustainability, and the shared prosperity that makes our town unique.
We need to make housing more available, more affordable, and more equitable. The average home value is currently over $850,000. The City must play a bigger role in addressing our housing needs, from increasing our housing trust fund to streamlining the permitting process to promoting more dense infill opportunities. If elected, I will be a champion for affordable and accessible housing, ensuring Davis remains a place where everyone can contribute to our vibrant community.
Parks, Greenbelts, Bike Paths and Roads
Our parks, greenbelts, bike paths, and roads are the arteries that connect us to a high quality of life. I am thankful to the councils before me that have started to repave and improve many of our roads and to the voters for renewing our Parks Parcel Tax. With that, we need to continue working to improve these services. Many of our greenbelts are full of cracks and bumps that make it unsafe to walk or bike; some of our key roads still need work.
I am committed to enhancing and expanding these vital elements of our community. By investing in well-maintained parks and green spaces, we can foster recreation, community gatherings, and a healthier lifestyle. I will champion the development of safer bike paths to encourage sustainable transportation and reduce traffic congestion. Additionally, I will work to ensure our roads are well-maintained connectors that prioritize safety and efficiency.
Public Safety
The safety of our community is paramount. We have seen a rise in property crime from bike thefts to catalytic converter theft. We are constantly under the threat of wildfires as well as house fires. We also saw tragic and senseless killings earlier in 2023. Public safety is one of the most important services our City provides, and I will work with both the police and fire department to address these critical issues.
We must invest in proactive measures that addresses property crime, improves emergency preparedness, and meets the evolving needs of our residents. By fostering collaboration between law enforcement, the fire department, community organizations, and residents, we can create a safer environment for all. I am committed to working towards a Davis where every resident feels secure, and where innovative strategies and community engagement ensure that our city remains a safe and welcoming place to live, work, and thrive.
Fiscal Responsibility
We need to address our annual budget shortfall; this is a pressing challenge that demands strategic solutions. We need to capitalize on increasing our tax base, which means supporting our downtown and attracting new businesses to our City. I applaud some of the incredible companies that started and stayed here in Davis, such as Schilling Robotics, and the companies who have come here because of our incredible talent, like Mars with their research facility downtown.
I will work to expand these opportunities to grow our revenue potential, but also keep a careful eye on the budget and ask the hard questions to our City staff. By finding new cost-saving measures within the City and fostering a community where new businesses can start, and other businesses can move to, we can find ourselves in a much more financially sustainable community. This helps fund all of the services we care about, from summer camps to our roads and everything in between.
Climate Change
We stand at a pivotal moment in our shared responsibility to address climate change. The impacts of a warming planet are evident, from extreme weather events to shifts in our local ecosystems. I am dedicated to leading Davis towards a sustainable and resilient future. Through investment in renewable energy, enhancement of public transportation, and the promotion of eco-friendly practices, we can reduce our carbon footprint and create a model for environmental stewardship.
We also need to become climate resilient. From heat waves to floods to wildfires and smoke, we face myriad climate challenges. Our community must be ready to address these head on, by providing equitable solutions for our most vulnerable communities and ensuring we can keep power on during our worst storms and heat waves. We must collaborate to implement policies that safeguard our community, preserve our natural resources, and leave a healthier, more sustainable Davis for generations to come. Together, we can take meaningful steps towards combating climate change and building a greener, more vibrant future.
Homelessness
We have made great strides in recent years to address homelessness, from the opening of the respite centers during extreme weather, to Paul’s Place, which provides supportive services and beds for our unhoused community. However, we still have work to do.
I am committed to developing comprehensive, effective solutions that provide not just shelter but pathways to stability. By continuing to foster partnerships with local organizations (Davis Community Meals, Communicare, etc.), leveraging existing resources, and implementing innovative programs, we can make strides toward ending homelessness in Davis.
Paul’s Place was an incredible effort between the City and County, non-profit organizations, and private donors. We need to continue to advance these relationships to expand these services. Together, we can create a community where everyone has a place to call home and the support they need.
City Planning
Here in Davis, effective city planning and strategic land use are pivotal for our community's future. We are facing many new changes with our newly approved Downtown Plan and our upcoming, and much needed, General Plan update. This update will provide a roadmap for the thoughtful evolution of our city, addressing current challenges and positioning Davis for a sustainable, inclusive, and thriving future. We need someone with experience to help spearhead this process.
I am committed to ensuring our city's development aligns with the values and needs of our residents. Through collaborative efforts, I aim to create neighborhoods that are not only vibrant and environmentally conscious but also affordable and accessible. Our City has a history of being forward-thinking, community-driven, and reflecting our shared vision for a resilient and dynamic community. These are the qualities I look to enshrine in our future planning.