Priorities.
I believe in a balanced approach that strengthens our community and enhances the quality of life for all residents. Affordability ensures access to essential services, while public safety remains fundamental to a thriving community—protecting families, businesses, and neighborhoods. I am committed to fostering economic growth, investing in youth development, and improving transportation to create opportunity and connectivity. Just as important is preserving parks and green spaces—vital for recreation, well-being, and a thriving environment. Together, these priorities build a stronger, more vibrant community for everyone.
Affordability
The skyrocketing cost of housing is straining families and individuals across our communities. Rising home prices and rent increases have created an affordability crisis, making it harder for residents to find safe and stable housing. We must take action to ensure that everyone—from young families to seniors on fixed incomes—has access to housing they can afford.
Meeting this challenge requires a collaborative approach: increasing housing supply, supporting responsible development, and expanding access to affordable housing options. By tackling this issue head-on, we can preserve the unique character of our county while ensuring that Snohomish County remains a place where people of all income levels can live and thrive.
Public Safety
Keeping our communities safe requires a strong, balanced approach. Strengthening law enforcement partnerships, ensuring first responders have the resources they need, and addressing the root causes of crime—such as mental health, substance abuse, and homelessness—are all critical to building a safer Snohomish County. By investing in community-based programs, diversion initiatives, and restorative justice practices, we can create a safer and more equitable environment for everyone, from urban centers to rural neighborhoods.
Public safety is more than just enforcement—it’s about proactive solutions that promote long-term well-being. Expanding access to mental health resources, addiction treatment, and violence prevention programs can help prevent crime before it occurs. These investments not only enhance public safety but also strengthen the future of our county. By working closely with local leaders, service providers, and law enforcement, we can take a collaborative approach that balances accountability with compassionate solutions. A strong, safe, and thriving Snohomish County depends on ensuring all residents feel secure and supported.
Economic Growth
A strong, sustainable economy benefits everyone in Snohomish County. By fostering an environment where businesses can thrive, we create jobs, strengthen communities, and support long-term prosperity. Significant progress has been made in expanding economic opportunities through workforce development, infrastructure improvements, and business-friendly policies.
Moving forward, the focus remains on encouraging innovation, attracting new industries, and ensuring that the local workforce has the skills needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving economy. By supporting policies that promote inclusive and sustainable growth, Snohomish County can continue to be a place where businesses succeed, workers thrive, and communities prosper.
Investing in Families & the Next Generation
Making Childcare Affordable & Accessible
Preparing Young People for the Future
A thriving community begins with strong support for working families and meaningful opportunities for young people. The high cost of living in Snohomish County extends beyond housing—childcare has become a major burden for many families, forcing difficult choices between career advancement and caregiving. At the same time, our youth face unprecedented challenges in education, mental health, and career readiness. Addressing these issues is essential to creating a county where every family can succeed, and every young person can reach their full potential.
For many parents, the cost of childcare is one of the biggest barriers to financial stability. In a rapidly growing county, too many families are struggling to find safe, affordable options. Expanding access to childcare is essential—not just for individual families, but for the strength of our local economy. When parents can afford quality childcare, they can remain in the workforce, build financial security, and contribute to economic growth.
To address this, we must support local childcare providers, streamline regulations that make it harder for small businesses to offer these services, and advocate for funding to expand access. Policies such as tax credits, childcare subsidies, and employer partnerships can ensure that parents don’t have to choose between their careers and their children’s well-being. Investing in affordable childcare strengthens families and ensures that Snohomish County remains a place where working parents can thrive.
The next generation deserves every opportunity to succeed, yet many young people are struggling in the wake of educational disruptions, rising mental health concerns, and economic uncertainty. Addressing these challenges means ensuring access to quality education, job training, and mental health resources that equip them for the future.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on education has left many students struggling to catch up academically, while growing social pressures and economic instability have contributed to increased anxiety and depression. Nearly one in three teens report experiencing mental health struggles, and too often, the resources to support them are limited. We must invest in mental health services, expand access to extracurricular activities, and ensure that all students—regardless of background—have the support they need to thrive.
Beyond education, career readiness is key to ensuring economic mobility. Many young adults face barriers to employment due to a lack of training and workforce experience. Expanding access to apprenticeships, mentorship programs, and career pathways in emerging industries—such as technology, healthcare, and clean energy—will help create opportunities that keep our young workforce competitive and prepared for the future.
Transportation & Infrastructure
As Snohomish County continues to grow, our transportation system must keep pace. Rapid population increases have placed significant pressure on roads, transit systems, and infrastructure, leading to worsening congestion and longer commutes. Without targeted investment and strategic planning, these challenges will only intensify, impacting quality of life and economic opportunity.
Improving mobility requires a comprehensive approach. Expanding and modernizing roadways, increasing public transit options, enhancing pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure, and investing in sustainable alternatives—such as electric vehicle charging stations—are all critical to keeping our county moving efficiently. Addressing both immediate congestion issues and long-term infrastructure needs will ensure a transportation system that serves residents, businesses, and visitors alike.
With continued investment and smart planning, we can create a more connected, efficient, and forward-thinking transportation network that enhances accessibility, reduces travel times, and supports economic growth. Building a transportation future that works for everyone means making Snohomish County a place where people can get where they need to go—safely, reliably, and sustainably.
Preserving Parks & Green Spaces
Snohomish County’s natural beauty is one of its greatest assets. From lush forests and wetlands to pristine rivers and mountain views, our parks and green spaces are essential for recreation, well-being, and environmental health. They provide a refuge for residents, support biodiversity, and help mitigate the effects of climate change.
As development pressures increase, it is more important than ever to protect these valuable resources. Preserving and enhancing our parks requires a proactive approach—investing in land conservation, maintaining public spaces for recreation, and implementing smart planning policies that balance environmental stewardship with responsible growth. Thoughtful development should complement, not compromise, the natural landscapes that make our county special.
By prioritizing the protection of parks and green spaces, we can preserve Snohomish County’s unique character while fostering a healthier, more resilient community. Safeguarding our natural legacy ensures that future generations can continue to enjoy and benefit from these irreplaceable spaces.