Issues

Affordable & Livable Communities

Skagit County currently has less than 1% vacancy rate for housing. This is a problem that not only affects our lowest income residents but middle-income families and workers in the community as well. A lack of housing negatively impacts our ability to recruit and maintain an effective workforce for our growing economy, and also prices out our current residents. If elected, I will work with local leaders to find creative solutions to our local housing crisis. I will also explore how we can increase access to wrap-around services, mental health and drug treatment, vocational training, and more living wage jobs to help prevent homelessness and help families stay in the homes they’re already in.

Expanding Workforce Development

My own experience with the education system taught me that non-traditional pathways for our younger generation are absolutely essential, and not being promoted enough. As a person who attended an alternative high school, Skagit Valley College, an apprenticeship and now the University of Washington Bothell, I believe I am uniquely positioned to provide insight into the many pathways our students can take. If elected I would seek to promote and potentially partner with local training centers to encourage students to engage with pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeships.

Partnering With Local Service Providers

My skills as a legislative liaison and relationships with policymakers in Olympia will be an asset to the City Council. I will work collaboratively with state and local leaders, non-profits, charities, neighborhood associations, residents, and the development community to explore creative solutions to the problems we currently face. Similarly, I will work collaboratively with state and federal housing partners to obtain new grants and other funding sources for affordable housing and other service programs.