Issues
Ensuring Safe Neighborhoods for Everyone
My family and I live on Tacoma’s eastside, a neighborhood that experiences higher rates of crime than other parts of the city. No parent should have to worry about their kids getting home safely, yet this is a reality for too many families. Creating a safer Tacoma requires solutions that reflect the unique needs of each community. We need a professional, well-trained, fully staffed police department, but we also must invest in alternative response teams to address non-life-threatening emergencies. By efficiently dispatching co-responders for these situations, we can free up law enforcement to focus on urgent and dangerous calls.
I also believe in community-driven public safety measures that integrate neighborhood needs with city resources. Whether it’s neighborhood watch programs, better street lighting, or partnerships with local organizations, these efforts can foster stronger, safer communities. Addressing youth gun violence must also be a top priority. Programs like gun buybacks, lockbox distribution, and community-led initiatives are essential for keeping firearms off our streets and reducing harm.
Finally, lasting public safety requires addressing the root causes of crime. When families have access to affordable housing, living wages, and economic stability, we create safer neighborhoods for everyone. Together, we can build a Tacoma where all residents feel secure and supported.
Supporting Local Businesses
Small and family-owned businesses are the backbone of Tacoma’s economy. They foster stability, create jobs, and build generational wealth for families. As a small business owner with over 20 years of experience, and having coached and consulted more than 100 entrepreneurs, I understand both the rewards and the challenges of running a business. On the council, I will work to ensure city policies reflect the diverse needs of business owners across Tacoma, from the Lincoln District to NE Tacoma.
Supporting local businesses also means addressing property crime, which has caused financial strain for too many owners. By enhancing public safety efforts and supporting and strengthening our business communities, we can reduce vandalism and theft, lower costs for business owners, and help customers feel safer while shopping locally.
Additionally, I will advocate for initiatives that encourage Tacoma residents to support local businesses. When we invest in our small business community, we create a stronger, more resilient local economy that benefits everyone.
Creating a Thriving Economy
Too many Tacomans are underemployed or working jobs that don’t pay a living wage, making it difficult to support their families. I know this struggle firsthand, and I’m committed to creating an economy where all workers have opportunities to thrive. As the Career Advisor and Community Outreach Specialist at Workforce Central, I’ve helped connect individuals to job opportunities and skills training that lead to higher wages.
In my current role at the Washington State Department of Commerce, I manage over $64 million in workforce development grants, including $15 million for the Career Accelerator Program, which supports unemployed and underemployed workers. I’ve also overseen $50 million in grants aimed at workforce training and economic development. This experience has equipped me with the tools to address the challenges Tacoma faces in creating jobs that pay a living wage.
Tacoma also has the opportunity to lead in the transition to a green economy. By investing in renewable energy projects and green infrastructure, we can create good-paying jobs while addressing the climate crisis. My experience managing workforce development programs has prepared me to balance the needs of businesses and employees, building a stronger and more sustainable economy for our community.
Increasing Access to Affordable Housing
Tacoma is facing an affordable housing crisis that demands immediate and innovative solutions. As a former Housing Navigator, I’ve worked directly with chronically homeless individuals and understand the barriers they face. Addressing this crisis requires comprehensive policies that go beyond short-term relief. We need to expand access to affordable housing, increase shelter capacity, and create transitional programs to help residents stabilize their lives.
I also support removing barriers to mixed-use development and zoning reforms, which can lower costs for residents and business owners while creating vibrant, walkable neighborhoods. Prioritizing homeownership opportunities and ensuring residents have the resources to stay housed during economic hardships will create long-term stability for families.
On the council, I will champion solutions that address the root causes of homelessness, including mental health services, job training, and partnerships with local organizations. Everyone in Tacoma deserves a safe, stable place to call home.
Supporting Working Families
As a working mom of two, I know firsthand the challenges families in Tacoma face. Access to affordable, reliable childcare is a growing concern, preventing many parents from maintaining stable employment. By partnering with the Tacoma School District, Metro Parks Tacoma, and local organizations, we can expand childcare options and after-school programs, giving parents peace of mind while they work.
Working families are also feeling the strain of rising property taxes and the high cost of living. As a homeowner, I understand how these pressures affect a family’s ability to save for emergencies or invest in their future. My experience managing workforce development programs has shown me how targeted investments in living wages and workforce training can lift families out of poverty and create lasting stability.
Every family in Tacoma deserves access to safe neighborhoods, quality childcare, and economic opportunities. Together, we can ensure that Tacoma lives up to its promise as the City of Destiny for every resident.