Accomplishments

2023-2025

Term 1, City Councilor District 1

Over the past two years, it has been an honor to serve this community—listening, learning, and working alongside residents, staff, and partners to strengthen Montpelier’s future. My approach has remained rooted in strategy, kindness, transparency, and collaboration. I believe deeply in listening before speaking, and learning before taking action.

Together, we’ve made meaningful progress. Highlights from my first term include:

Securing Nearly $600K+ in Unrestricted Funding:
I supported and Council approved the Local Option Sales Tax, projected to generate over $600K annually to support our downtown, infrastructure, and local services.
Championing Continuous Improvement:
I initiated weekly continuous-improvement work with staff. Our first project—modernizing the committee-application process—reduced paperwork, improved communication, and made it easier for residents to participate.
Co-Leading the Childcare Taskforce:
I helped bring First Children’s Finance to Montpelier to lead workshops on expanding childcare capacity in Washington County and to identify local needs and opportunities.
Strengthening Economic Development:
As Co-Chair of the Economic Development Subcommittee, I worked with colleagues and partners to identify barriers, invite expert input, and explore strategies for long-term economic vitality.
Advancing the Country Club Road Vision & Housing Development:
As a member of the Country Club Road Subcommittee, we met weekly for several months to help drive the RFQ and RFP process and schedule for developing housing on the city-owned property.

I supported the development of an updated property map, contributed to reviewing potential developers (including outreach beyond Vermont), and co-led community engagement through the Vision Montpelier project.

Supporting Regional Work on Homelessness:
I helped convene a regional homelessness conference, bringing together CVMC, community providers, legislators, staff, and people with lived experience, and secured a neutral facilitator to guide honest, solution-focused dialogue.
Helping Launch New Community Events:
I supported the creation of Mud Fest and Winterfest with Montpelier Alive and city staff—boosting local economic activity and strengthening community connections.
Streamlining Strategic Planning:
I worked to focus our city’s strategic plan on measurable progress, realistic timelines, and clear priorities, helping Council and staff monitor work more effectively.
Prioritizing Transparency and Communication:
I issued monthly newsletters, responded to constituent inquiries—often within 24 hours—and worked closely with District 1 residents navigating FEMA buyout and home-elevation processes. During periods of staff turnover, I pushed for clear, timely communication to keep residents informed.
Leading Through Transition:
When the Council made the difficult decision to end the contract of a long-serving city manager, I advocated for a respectful and transparent process. I supported hiring an external consultant to guide a fair, community-centered search for new leadership.

These two years have come with challenges, too.
Montpelier is home to passionate, engaged residents—one of our greatest strengths. But our public discourse can at times become strained, and the pace of government work can feel slow. I believe steady, empathetic, strategic leadership can help shift our culture toward more constructive dialogue and clearer focus on our shared priorities.