VOTE411 Voter Guide

I recognize that our city faces interconnected challenges in housing, public health, and public safety. To address these challenges effectively, we must take a holistic approach that acknowledges their interconnected nature. Firstly, I’d advocate for truly affordable housing options to be made available if funded by the Housing Trust Fund and greater representation of renters at local policy discussions on housing. Secondly, increasing access to mental health resources, and substance abuse treatment are crucial components of a healthy community, with great efforts to restore a local emergency room. Invest in resources for crime prevention and intervention, and address systemic issues such as poverty and inequality that contribute to crime.

My experience as an educator, entrepreneur, and community advocate has served as preparation for the role of mayor. Being an educator with 17 years of service has enhance my communication skills, allowing me to effectively communicate with diverse groups. I have also attained adept, problem-solving skills which is needed to address the many challenges the city currently faces. As an entrepreneur since 2011, I have applied creativity and a forward thinking approach which is vital to implementing innovative solutions for the city. While serving as a community advocate on various boards and councils, I’ve gained awareness of the needs of the at risk and vulnerable members in our community. I will take bold steps to address our complex issues.

I am deeply committed to promoting public accountability and transparency in city government by ensuring that all residents are informed and empowered to participate in decision-making processes. I will employ outreach that goes beyond traditional methods. I recognize the need to meet people where they are which includes utilizing a diverse range of communication mediums, such as newsletters distributed to households, local media, and community events, to ensure that residents are aware of ongoing discussions, decisions, and policies being considered by city officials. I am committed to expanding opportunities for residents to engage on city matters, and will encourage city leaders and officials to join me in these efforts of accountability

Housing, homelessness, climate, safety, and racial justice are challenges we face. I can see a bright future in which we are more resilient, prosperous, and better connected to each other. Together, we will increase housing affordability with new housing solutions, address homelessness with shelter and services, reinvest in our underserved communities, and partner with business and workforce leaders to support living-wage jobs and opportunity.

As a long-time community leader and architect, I’ll help Eugene create compact, mixed-income, and affordable housing that meets our climate and equity goals. We’ll work to ensure our public spaces are welcoming, safe, beautiful and resilient, and that our public investments are equitable and just.

Since founding my small business and the nonprofit Better Housing Together, my work has focused on sustainable urban design, housing advocacy, and coalition building. As a business and nonprofit leader, I have direct experience supporting real solutions to our housing crisis. As an educator, I teach about how to design cities that are livable and resilient. This work offers relevant experience, but my proven ability to bring people together around a shared vision may be the most important qualification. One example is my work to start Eugene’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund, which has already created $44 million in new affordable housing. My experience, integrity, and effectiveness are why +200 leaders have endorsed me to be our next Mayor.

As our only city-wide elected official, the Mayor has a unique responsibility to support civic engagement and care for the public trust. I will be accessible and proactive in this work, using traditional outreach modes, but also partnerships and weekly updates to share information and gather feedback.

I will also continue to champion equitable engagement, which supports accountability and transparency. In my housing advocacy work, I’ve helped pilot equitable outreach strategies to engage a truly representative cross-section of Eugene. This more inclusive approach provides a clearer picture of our needs. As Mayor, I will be a strong bridge for our city – supporting genuine conversations and solutions that build trust and deliver results.

Modern success requires Eugene being a 21st Century City with fully functioning public transport. We need 24-hr bus operations to expand business hours. Creating recreational spending, income for businesses, jobs for workers, and transport schedules allowing workers to take those jobs reliably. Increased bus-route coverage including the Eugene Airport, using our hub city status to encourage business networking, cultural activities, and business development. Public restrooms to reduce undignified sanitation problems and improve our image. We should restore Eugene Celebration, encouraging new public events for revenue. Protecting middle-class affordable housing, providing tax-credits for Senior-Citizens home maintenance and waive ADU fees.

I love Eugene and believe in our local community. When the City proposed using Kesey Square for private development, I participated in organizing protests and public testimony to change the City Council's mind about sacrificing this unique public space. Protecting a symbol of Eugene's philosophical and existential identity. Demonstrating a commitment to protecting public spaces through direct action matters. I grew up here, I love this city, and I believe in our potential to grow in a healthy new direction. I know how to get results by working within the political system, to bring out the best in people. There's no substitute for in-person participation and proven success with our public process. Growing up in Eugene, I know our potential.

We can reduce inefficient policies and unnecessary expenses while promoting life enhancing services. The $1.4 million for 3 executive positions requested by City Manager should be rejected, it's unnecessary, we have other needs. People have criticism of current policies, and leadership responded by reducing public testimony time during Public Forums to avoid acknowledging concerns. Reducing time for accountability and transparency is unethical. I'd restore speaking times for public meetings to allowing concerns to be heard better. Financial decisions need to be deliberated publicly and involve public input. Additional budget review meetings. City Council should respond to public input on a quarterly basis at new designated public meetings.