ISSUES
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY & Economic development
Fiscal health and long-term stability remain essential to a thriving Novato—and today, our city is in a far stronger position than it was in 2022. Thanks to disciplined budgeting, prudent financial management, and a focus on sustainable revenue, Novato has made meaningful progress in closing prior shortfalls and strengthening reserves. As a community, we have begun to see renewed economic momentum. New restaurants and small businesses have opened, and existing commercial areas are seeing increased activity and investment. I will continue to support policies that encourage responsible growth while preserving Novato’s unique small-town character that families value.
Revitalization efforts are underway at several shopping centers and commercial corridors, and I will continue working with property owners and local stakeholders to attract family-friendly businesses that serve residents, create jobs, and expand our local tax base.
As a small business owner, I understand the importance of reducing barriers and creating an environment where local entrepreneurs—and the families they employ—can thrive. Our focus now should be on building on this progress: strengthening our economic base, supporting local businesses, and ensuring Novato remains a place where families can live, work, and grow.
PUBLIC SAFETY & Roads
Keeping Novato safe remains one of my highest priorities, especially for families raising children here.
Novato’s public safety agencies continue to be highly responsive and collaborative, and we have advanced important conversations around innovative approaches to emergency response—particularly in mental health crisis care. I continue to support expanding alternatives like a mobile crisis response model to ensure that individuals in need receive the right care, while allowing police and fire teams to focus on urgent public safety matters.
We have also strengthened coordination across agencies, and I will continue to advocate for structured collaboration between City Council, police, fire, schools, and water districts to improve preparedness and communication—especially as it relates to wildfire risk and emergency response. Wildfire preparedness remains critical. Novato has experienced firsthand the reality of fire danger, and we have improved planning, defensible space education, and interagency readiness.
I will continue to support proactive investments in fire prevention, evacuation planning, and community education to protect homes, schools, and neighborhoods. For families, safety means not just responding to emergencies—but preventing them.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Novato’s natural beauty—our open space, wetlands, and surrounding hills—is one of the reasons families choose to live here, and it must be preserved for future generations.
We have continued to protect open space and reinforce smart growth policies that limit development outside the urban growth boundary.
These protections help reduce wildfire risk, preserve wildlife habitats, and maintain the character that makes Novato feel like home.
At the same time, Novato is successfully balancing environmental stewardship with thoughtful housing and development. Projects are increasingly evaluated through a lens of sustainability, water availability, and community impact. I will continue to advocate for in-fill housing and responsible planning that allows future generations—especially our teachers, first responders, and essential workers—to live in the community they serve.
Our progress shows that economic development, housing, and environmental protection can work together—not in opposition. My goal is to ensure that continues.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Novato’s sense of community has continued to rebuild and strengthen since the pandemic, with events, gatherings, and local traditions returning across our neighborhoods.
We have seen renewed energy in community life—from farmers markets and seasonal events to school and family activities. These shared experiences are vital for children, seniors, and families alike, and I will continue supporting efforts that bring people together in safe, inclusive, and meaningful ways.
I believe a strong community is built through connection. That means supporting local events, encouraging civic participation, and ensuring that families have opportunities to engage with their neighbors and local government.
affordable HOUSING
Novato continues to make progress toward meeting state housing requirements while maintaining local control and protecting what we value most: our open space and quality of life.
We are seeing thoughtful housing projects move forward, including significant redevelopment opportunities such as the former Fireman’s Fund site. These projects have the potential to add needed housing—especially for families, seniors, and workforce residents—while revitalizing underutilized areas.
As a former planning commissioner, I remain committed to ensuring that new housing is reviewed carefully, with accurate studies, strong infrastructure planning, and meaningful community input. I will continue working with local agencies like the Novato Sanitary District and North Marin Water District to ensure that growth is responsible, sustainable, and aligned with our resources.
My focus is on smart, family-friendly housing—housing that supports our community’s needs without compromising its character.
Novato has made meaningful progress since 2022—financially, economically, and in our community life. But our work is not finished.
My commitment remains the same: to help Novato grow in a way that supports families, protects our environment, strengthens public safety, and ensures long-term fiscal stability.
Together, we can continue building a Novato that works for everyone—today and for generations to come.