My Priorities

I am committed to revitalizing our waterfront and marina in a way that balances recreation and economic vitality. By thoughtfully investing in this treasured asset we can strengthen connections between our downtown, shoreline, and community.

In 2025, I signed the Exclusive Negotiating Agreement to proceed with discussions on a public private partnership to invest in the revitalization of the parcels associated with the Martinez Marina. The East Bay Regional Parks open space to the west, and the open space identified for tidal marsh mitigation to the east, will remain undeveloped.

Transparent, accountable leadership is essential to building trust, and I am dedicated to ensuring that our residents feel informed, heard, and engaged in the decisions that shape Martinez. Through open communication and responsible governance, we will continue to make thoughtful, community-driven choices.

In 2023, we rolled out the opt-in program Martinez Alerts, an emergency notification system for our community. Today, our community is notified of important information and emergencies by email (approximately 14,000 people) and text (approximately 4,000 people).

Martinez’s parks and open spaces are central to our quality of life, and we are exploring innovative amenities that encourage outdoor play, environmental stewardship, and community connection. By enhancing these shared spaces, we create places where residents of all ages can gather, explore, and thrive.

In 2026, we rolled out our Parks System Master Plan to guide the management of our park and open space system for the next 15 years.

The health and safety of our community remains my highest priority, and I am proud to have made this a goal in our city strategic plan. By investing in prevention, preparedness, and care, we help ensure Martinez remains a safe and welcoming place for all.

In 2025, we rolled out our Diversity and Cultural Commission. In 2026, we are celebrating our sesquicentennial with community festivals and events. I continue to advocate with our regional leadership and agencies to improve oversight of our local industry. Additionally, I have prioritized traffic safety and emphasized use of the Service Request Portal for traffic safety requests.

Ensuring access to a range of housing options is critical to maintaining a diverse and inclusive Martinez, where people at all stages of life can call our city home. Attracting new residents to Martinez increases patrons of businesses and improves the vibrancy of our communities. By balancing state-mandated growth with mindful planning, we can protect the character of our neighborhoods while enhancing overall quality of life.

In 2025, our housing element was approved by the state of california. We have implemented numerous housing programs, such as adopting an amnesty program for non-permitted dwelling units, and approved objective design standards to protect our small-town character. Although we have entitled several projects, we so far to date have built 168 of the 1345 units required by 2031.  This is an improvement over the last housing cycle, but we still have work to do. 

A strong local economy supports a thriving community, and we are focused on fostering vibrant retail centers that reflect the unique character of Martinez. By supporting local businesses and attracting thoughtful new investment, we can create jobs, increase opportunity, and energize our commercial corridors.

In 2026, we rolled out the Vacant to Vibrant program, which empowers code enforcement to register and monitor vacant properties until they are tenant ready or being actively marketed.