VOTE411 Voter Guide

I plan to meet people where they are—at their doors, in their neighborhoods, and at community events. I’ll hold regular town halls, listening sessions, and be accessible online and in person. True representation starts with listening, learning, and making sure everyone’s voice is heard and reflected in City Hall. I’ve been rooted in this community long before deciding to run for City Council—I’m already accountable to the people I seek to represent. From protecting our most vulnerable immigrant and refugee neighbors to serving on city boards and commissions, I’ve built trust through action and will continue to lead with that same commitment.

Whether we believe it or not, climate change is happening, and we must prepare for the inevitable to future-proof our communities. Our city has a responsibility to lead on environmental issues because the impacts, like polluted air, flooding, and extreme heat, hit working families and frontline communities hardest. We must invest in sustainable infrastructure, green jobs, public transit, and clean energy solutions. Environmental justice should guide every decision, especially in historically underserved neighborhoods. Tacoma would also benefit from aligning with the state’s Climate Commitment Act to ensure long-term resilience and funding support.

I’ve spent nearly a decade in public service, grounded in community and committed to equity. I served on the Arts & Heritage Advisory Council at Parks Tacoma, and was part of the first cohort of Tacoma’s Commission on Immigrant and Refugee Affairs. I’ve been a Precinct Committee Officer in both the 27th and 29th LDs, working to mobilize voters and uplift neighborhood voices. I served in the Inslee administration and continue that work today at the Washington State Attorney General’s Office. My record reflects consistent service rooted in community empowerment and public accountability.

Tacoma must take a holistic approach to addressing homelessness—nothing is mutually exclusive. We need to fight for living wages so working families can live with dignity and remain housed. We must protect, extend and enforce a Tenants’ Bill of Rights in Tacoma to prevent displacement and keep families in their homes. At the same time, we should invest in wraparound services where our unhoused neighbors can access temporary housing while receiving mental health and addiction treatment. Once stabilized, we need to create pathways into high-paying jobs, so recovery leads to long-term stability and opportunity.

My vision for Tacoma is a city where everyone—regardless of background or zip code—can live with dignity, opportunity, and safety. A city where housing is affordable, workers are respected, and youth have real pathways to succeed. I see a Tacoma that invests in its people, protects its most vulnerable, and ensures decisions are shaped by those most impacted. A city that doesn't just grow, but grows together—rooted in equity, justice, and community.

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I plan to continue building on the relationships I’ve developed throughout my first term and this re-election campaign. The message that I hope to convey to the citizens of Tacoma is that I don’t just value the voices of the people I represent, I will actively work to uplift them. I will remain deeply engaged by regularly attending neighborhood council meetings, town halls, and business district gatherings to stay attuned to the needs of each community. This will be paired with one-on-one conversations, thoughtful responses to constituent emails, and intentional listening sessions during my canvassing routes. So far, I’ve knocked on over 3,000 doors, and I plan to reach at least 5,000 by the general election to hear directly from as many residents as possible. The voices of Tacoma’s people will continue to guide my work and shape my decisions on the City Council.

Caring for the environment is a shared responsibility, especially for those in positions of power who shape decisions that impact our land and communities. As a candidate, I am committed to being a good steward of the land we reside on and making environmental responsibility a core focus of my work. The City must take an active and intentional role in this effort, and I’ve prioritized that throughout my first term on Council. We made important progress by preserving historic trees through the Home in Tacoma ordinance and achieving a measurable reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. In my next term, I will work to continue that positive trajectory by prioritizing citywide tree canopy expansion, supporting multimodal transportation policies, and improving the accessibility and availability of public transit.

It wasn’t until Catherine Ushka, my predecessor, inspired me that I became truly politically engaged. Her leadership motivated me to serve on the McKinley Neighborhood Plan Steering Committee, Eastside Neighborhood Advisory Council, and the Tacoma Planning Commission. I now have the honor of serving as a City Councilmember, where I have prioritized policies and incentives that help ensure housing ends up in the hands of people rather than corporations. I have also worked to make Tacoma a safe place for all, especially immigrants. One effort I am especially proud of is helping ensure that the City of Tacoma does not voluntarily comply with any federal registration or surveillance program unless legally compelled by a valid court order. This policy now applies to all city employees and reinforces our commitment to being a safe and inclusive city for all individuals, reinforces our commitment to being a safe and inclusive city for all individuals, regardless of immigration status.

I believe Tacoma’s approach to homelessness must be both comprehensive and intentional. I support building homes specifically for low- to middle-income individuals and expanding permanent supportive housing. Our ability to assist unhoused residents is directly limited by the lack of affordable housing, which is why I am committed to increasing these options. I will continue to support the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and promote nonprofit-led, evidence-based housing solutions. I also hope to participate in the Urban Renewal Authority (URA) to expand services in neighboring jurisdictions, particularly those with camping bans and limited shelter capacity. This approach will not only help address immediate needs, but also build long-term systems that produce better outcomes in the future.

My vision for Tacoma is to be a welcoming and supportive city for all communities. I want Tacoma to be a place where everyone has the opportunity to access the support they need. I believe our city has the capacity to serve individuals of all races, income levels, and backgrounds. I want Tacoma to be a place where everyone thrives.