Housing & Affordability  

The housing crisis is one of Burlington’s most pressing challenges, affecting everyone from renters and homeowners to unhoused residents. I will tackle Burlington’s lack of affordable housing with urgency and creativity.  

My priorities include:  

  • Holding the University of Vermont accountable for providing more on-campus housing for its growing student population.

  • Supporting statewide efforts to streamline permitting processes, like revising Act 250, for projects already under local review.  

  • Working to properly enforce minimum housing codes to ensure renters have access to safe, quality housing.  

  • Promoting sustainable construction and redevelopment practices to build for the future.  

  • Thoughtfully implementing the new Neighborhood Code to allow for the construction of more housing in areas with existing infrastructure.  

  • Exploring temporary and transitional housing solutions for unhoused residents, informed by best practices and community input.  

Through collaboration and a willingness to explore creative solutions, we can make Burlington a place where everyone can afford a safe, quality home.

Public Safety & Well-Being  

Burlington is facing serious public safety and health challenges that demand immediate and collaborative action. Our community has seen increases in crime, gun violence, and drug use, which have affected residents' sense of safety and well-being. Addressing these issues requires compassion, accountability, and a comprehensive 21st-century strategy.

As your City Councilor, I will prioritize:  

  • Ensuring our police department is properly staffed, trained, and supported while maintaining transparency and public trust.

  • Expanding public safety resources downtown and in other areas most impacted by safety concerns.

  • Strengthening Burlington’s Community Response Team (CRT) and other initiatives to address crises effectively.

  • Supporting harm reduction measures, including expanded access to treatment programs.  

  • Advocating for state-level reforms to hold repeat offenders accountable and support quicker judicial resolutions.

  • Addressing the root causes of these challenges by working with state and nonprofit partners to provide better housing, mental health, and recovery services, particularly for Burlington’s young people.

With collaboration and persistence, we can lead with compassion and create a safer Burlington for all.

Climate Action  

As climate change accelerates, Burlington must remain a national leader in taking actions to ensure we are a resilient and sustainable community. The past two summers of flooding reminded us all how we are not immune to the climate crisis, making it even more critical to act now.  

My climate priorities include:

  • Implementing Burlington’s Net Zero Energy Roadmap and evaluating necessary updates to stay on track with our carbon reduction goals. 

  • Supporting the new voter-approved carbon fee to transition new construction and existing large commercial buildings off fossil fuels, and monitoring its impact and effectiveness.  

  • Advocating for tools to reduce heating costs and promote energy efficiency.

  • Expanding electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure citywide.  

  • Investing in climate resiliency measures, particularly for vulnerable residents and neighborhoods.

Burlington can serve as a national model for sustainable action, proving that bold climate solutions are both possible and practical.

Leadership & Communication  

I am running for City Council because I believe in collaborative, community-driven leadership. Burlington thrives when its leaders listen, communicate openly, and work together across differences.  

If elected, I will:  

  • Work closely with East District residents to understand and prioritize your needs.  

  • Ensure open communication through regular updates, neighborhood meetings, and one-on-one conversations.  

  • Collaborate with fellow councilors and stakeholders regardless of political affiliation to find practical, inclusive solutions.

Our challenges may be significant, but I believe in the power of community to overcome them together. I will bring a collaborative approach to my work on the City Council, seeking common ground and building consensus to create meaningful, lasting change for all of Burlington. Let’s build a Burlington that reflects our shared values and hopes for the future.