Issues
Provide a welcoming and safe environment for young families.
Today, nearly one in four Des Moines residents is under 18. Yet, families with young children are underrepresented in city leadership. As a parent raising two young kids here, I understand firsthand what families need to feel connected and supported.
I will advocate for more parks, more playgrounds, more sports fields, and expanded after-school programs, including STEM and social activities.
Children deserve safe, fun, and enriching places to grow, and parents deserve a city that invests in their futures.
Stabilizing Our Finances and Growing Our Revenues
Des Moines is facing significant financial challenges. In the past two years, our city’s reserve funds have been cut in half — dropping from 4 months to just 2 months of expenditures — while regional economic conditions remained strong. Now, with federal COVID relief funds gone and uncertainty ahead, we must act decisively to rebuild our reserves and strengthen our financial position.
Raising taxes isn’t the answer — voters made that clear when they rejected Prop 1 twice last year. Nor should we simply cut essential services that make Des Moines a great place to live, like Parks and Recreation. Instead, we need to grow our economy strategically.
Des Moines has incredible assets:
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Our waterfront is unique in the region — the only water access between Seattle and Dash Point. By beautifying and revitalizing our Marina District, attracting small businesses like cafés, bookstores, breweries, and creating inviting public spaces, we can make Des Moines a true destination.
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Our proximity to Sea-Tac Airport gives us access to one of the largest economic engines in the state. We should be working harder to capture more of that activity by attracting hotels, restaurants, logistics companies, and businesses that serve travelers and airlines.
With thoughtful leadership, we can grow our revenue base, create jobs, and make Des Moines a city where businesses and residents thrive.
Improving Transparency and Community Engagement
Residents deserve to know where their tax dollars go — without needing to wade through hundreds of pages of complicated documents. I will push for easy-to-understand budget summaries, user-friendly online tools, and stronger communication between the city and its residents.
Decisions that affect neighborhoods — like changes to the Redondo pier or waterfront projects — should involve real outreach before final votes are taken. As a councilmember, I will listen first, work to build consensus, and ensure every voice is heard.