Prioritize Climate Action
Acting on climate, housing, and transportation is an excellent way to provide well-paying jobs, future proof our workforce, protect us from climate change, and help Palo Alto adapt to climate change.
As a council member, I will push the city to meet the goals set in the Sustainability and Climate Action Plan. The moment demands urgent, bold action and experienced leadership. I’ve studied these tough issues and identified areas of opportunity for immediate action in my work on the Planning and Transportation Commission.
Improve our green transportation ecosystem
Encourage the use of active modes of transportation like biking and designate more protected bike routes throughout the city.
Support efforts to reduce car traffic on local roads and expand programs like Shared Streets.
Reduce "Vehicle Miles Traveled" in our city with proven strategies, such as incentivizing the use of public transportation to ease traffic, a perennial concern in Palo Alto.
Offer fare-free public transportation for students and seniors to encourage independent mobility and reduce dependence on single occupancy vehicles.
Coordinate with transit authorities to provide more frequent and further reaching services, including potentially restoring our community shuttle or expanding the service area of other fare-free shuttles in Palo Alto.
Incentivize homeowners & landlords to make green upgrades
Promote discounts and incentives for gas-to-electric appliance upgrades when housing is built and/or sold, so it's easier for homes to go green. It’s a “win-win-win” for property values, city goals, and the environment.
Reduce fossil fuel dependency by prioritizing housing proposals near transit, infrastructure upgrades, and incentives for electric vehicles and electric appliances.
Encourage electric vehicle use by reducing permit fees and wait times for residential electric car chargers.
Offer incentives to homeowners & landlords who replace gas appliances on their property with electric, for solar panel installation, and for battery storage systems.
End sprawl with targeted growth near transit
Protect our cherished hills, wetlands, and other open spaces from development.
Encourage new housing in walkable neighborhoods, near existing transportation corridors so that seniors, students, young families, healthcare workers, and educators can remain a part of our community.
Explore options to make our neighborhoods more inclusive with Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs), cottage courts, and duplexes that complement the character of neighborhoods.
Diversify our housing supply to meet the needs of our community, with more affordable housing and supportive housing for people of all incomes, abilities, and ages.