14 years! We closed on our first home in Gilbert on Valentine’s Day of 2008. I’ve lived in Arizona for 33 years. I was raised in the Queen Creek area and attended schools in the Chandler Unified School District.

I received my Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Arizona State University. I am a Professional Engineer and Professional Traffic Operations Engineer. My professional experience is focused on traffic engineering and transportation planning, specifically in safety, smart systems, traffic operations, and active transportation (walking and biking). I launched my own engineering firm, Y2K Engineering, in 2017 to be a role model for other women and young professionals. I currently lead a team of 20 from offices in Mesa, Arizona and Denver, Colorado.

In 2016, ASCE recognized me as a New Face of Civil Engineering Professional Honoree. In 2019, the Phoenix Business Journal recognized me as a 40 under 40 Honoree. In 2021, the Phoenix Business Journal recognized me as an Outstanding Woman in Business and Rising Star. I served as the Vice Mayor of the Town of Gilbert in 2021. I was appointed as a councilmember in May 2020.

I believe that I am the best candidate for Gilbert Town Council because of my education, experience, and leadership. I served as the Vice Chair of the Citizens Transportation Task Force in Fall 2019 and Spring 2020, which was a voluntary, advisory role concerning transportation projects and issues related to Gilbert’s transportation infrastructure. This led to my appointment to Town Council two years ago, which will continue through 2022 unless elected for this four-year term. In my time on Council, I’ve served on the AZCares Act Council Subcommittee and was co-chair of the Transportation and Infrastructure Bond election campaign committee, which passed in the November 2021 election. The Mayor and councilmembers selected me as Vice Mayor in August 2020, to serve the remainder of the year. With a new Mayor and councilmembers, I was selected to serve as Vice Mayor for 2021 as well. My “courage under fire” and levelheadedness contributes to progress and successful outcomes for the Town during uncertain economic conditions.

In addition to serving as a Councilmember, I am a local leader and entrepreneur. I launched Y2K Engineering in 2017 to be a role model for other women, minorities, and young professionals. Now, I lead a team of 20 employees from offices in Arizona and Colorado. As a civil engineer, I enjoy contributing to society by making our transportation systems safer and more efficient. I’ve been recognized by national and regional organizations for making a difference both in business as well as the greater community. My knowledge and background lends a unique and valuable perspective on Town Council, where approximately 45% of budget expenditures go towards capital improvement infrastructure projects.

I want to be elected to Gilbert Town Council to continue the good work that I’ve started the past two years. I will be a strong and compassionate advocate for residents and businesses. I will be a leader and role model for children and emerging civic leaders.

Now that the Transportation & Infrastructure Bond has passed, I will apply my education and background in the transportation industry to provide oversight and ensure smart choices and wise investments. I will prioritize critical projects such as the Ocotillo Road Bridge and Vaughn Ventilator. I will accelerate promises made for enhancements to pedestrian and bicycle networks with a focus on increased safety.

I will ensure Gilbert continues to provide the best quality of life for our families. If my messages have resonated with you, please follow me @yungforgilbert on social media, donate to my campaign at www.yungforgilbert.com, and please vote for me at the August 2, 2022 election! Keep Koprowski, a responsible leader you can count on!

Quality of Life

Gilbert residents expect an excellent quality of life. From fixing our aging infrastructure and planning new growth - to our exceptional community amenities, we’ve worked hard to set this bar high. I will ensure Gilbert continues to provide the best quality of life for our families.

Innovative and Prosperous Community

I will support business prosperity, diverse employment sectors, and higher education so our children and grandchildren have bountiful opportunities to live and work in Gilbert. I will make data-driven decisions to keep efficient use of your tax dollars while providing comprehensive and innovative services for residents and businesses.

Public Safety

Gilbert has outstanding public safety rankings, but with growth comes challenges. I will continue to back our Police and Fire Departments so they have the tools, training, and resources needed to protect and serve our community.

My priorities to maintain an excellent quality of life and strong economy support economic resilience. I believe this is key to the Town’s long-term sustainability and economic growth. Gilbert is currently the most prosperous city in the country according to the Economic Innovation Group (EIG). The Town’s strong economy has proven to be resilient through challenges such as the pandemic. My goals are aimed at continuing employment growth and diversifying Gilbert in a range of industries including construction, STEM employment, restaurants, family entertainment, and tourism.

I believe it’s important to engage stakeholders through collaboration and conversations to shape the Town’s future. This includes residents, community associations, the Chamber, businesses, as well as schools and universities, which are key partners for future workforce development. I would like to see stakeholders engage in an active and supportive way. The Town has obtained great feedback through surveys, issues maps, focus groups, and open house events. I am willing to have productive conversations in order to come up with fair and practical decisions. I place broad community gain ahead of narrow interests in my decision making.

As a current councilmember that serves on the AZCares Council Subcommittee, I will continue support of the mid to long-term strategies developed as part of the #GilbertTogether Business Recovery Program. These efforts are funded through COVID-19 Relief Funds. It will be important to continue the Town's close relationship with the Chamber to meet with and survey businesses as to what their top priorities are and establish programs to address those needs. I will support the efforts of the Chamber to provide technical services to assist businesses as they launch and grow. As a business owner myself, keeping Gilbert pro-business, with predictable and fair fees, taxes, and regulations, is important to me, so we can ensure quality growth and long-term sustainability.

A simple step I take to provide support for the Chamber priorities is to continue to meet regularly with the CEO and be available to meet with members and the Board. I will ensure the Chamber is recognized as a key stakeholder in important decisions that involve business, community development, regulations, and fees/taxes. I’ll be approachable and available to meet with the business community.

Through my service on Gilbert Town Council the past two years and participation in the Town’s financial retreats, study sessions, and Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget process, I have institutional knowledge of the Town’s current budgetary policies and state of affairs. Additionally, my experience as a civil engineer for public works construction and as a company owner has afforded me greater familiarity with municipal budgets, of which approximately 45% of the Town’s expenses are made towards capital improvement projects. Gilbert’s fiscal policies and practices are among the best in the country, putting itself into secure financial footing with a long-term focus and balancing available resources and the community’s need for services.

I have supported past council direction of using surplus revenue to fund Gilbert’s police and fire pensions (i.e. PSPRS) to 90% funding levels, which was achieved in 2021. As a current member of council, I have directed staff to use excess revenue to pay off debt early for the Park University Building, saving millions in interest. I served on the Cares Act Subcommittee and actively crafted the allocation of AZCares Funds amongst nonprofits, local businesses, direct resident assistance, and public safety. When a budget shortfall for the Town’s Water and Wastewater funds was presented at a Council retreat, I suggested utilizing available AZCares Funds to delay a direct rate increase to our residents.

I am so proud to call Gilbert my home. The Town of Gilbert is well positioned for long term sustainability and quality of life. I’ll continue to support and bring forth initiatives that lead to long term sustainability. Here are several examples:

The Gilbert Office of Economic Development has done a stellar job in diversifying the Town’s employment and attracting high wage industries such as Aerospace & Aviation (e.g. Northrop Grumman), Finance & Insurance (e.g. Deloitte), and Clean Technology & Renewable Energy (e.g. Zero Electric Vehicle and Li-Cycle)

Debt is paid off early, saving millions of dollars in interest. For example, The Town of Gilbert is the largest municipality in Arizona that has achieved a 90% or higher funding ratio for the Public Safety Personnel Retirement System (PSPRS) Pension Funding. Current council has provided direction to use surplus revenue to pay down debt service on the Park University building in the Heritage District.

Gilbert’s Long Range Infrastructure Plans (LRIP) identify existing assets and project the timing and need for repair and replacement. Public Works and Parks departments are continuing to refine LRIP data and include the projects in ongoing operating or CIP budgets, as appropriate. Having this proactive program successfully reduces failures, mitigates risk, reduces capital expenditures, and increase confidence in the overall operation of our public works systems (e.g. water, wastewater, roadway lighting, bridges, roads).

The Transportation and Infrastructure Bond election gave the Town permission to use secondary property taxes to pay for up to $515 Million in capital improvements projects related to Safety & Congestion, Transportation Technology, Reconstruction, Redevelopment Plan Implementation, and Multi-modal Investments. Knowing that the funding will be available allows the Town to plan and sequence these projects in a manner that provides optimum value.

29% of Gilbert’s water supply comes from the Colorado River, which is currently in a Tier 1 shortage. Gilbert has prepared for scenarios like this and there will be no interruptions to service or immediate cutbacks. Conditions are changing quickly and deeper shortages are predicted sooner. It is likely we will hit Tier 2A and 2B shortages within 18 months. Gilbert has always been an advocate of using water wisely and has been banking ground water credits through recharge basins (isn’t the Riperian amazing!?). I would not support new high water use developments, such as data centers, in order to protect this precious resource.

Beginning in the Fall of 2019, I served as the vice chair of Gilbert’s Citizens Transportation Task Force prior to serving as a councilmember and Vice Mayor, which provided several training presentations about how Gilbert Town government functions. My time serving as a councilmember, of which I was Vice Mayor for 16 months, has provided invaluable understanding of Town operations and the roles and responsibilities of Town staff. I've also participated in training from the League of Cities and Towns.

My understanding of federal and state grant funding is vastly due to my work with other municipalities in the engineering and transportation industry. Municipalities receive federal and state grant funding in a variety of ways, to serve a variety of purposes.

In Gilbert, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds are used for housing, infrastructure, and public facility improvements as well as assisting Gilbert’s low to moderate income residents. My philosophy on these types of funds is to provide a hand up, not a hand out. They should be utilized in a manner where the impact within the community is measurable.

The Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) provides the police department with funding to support safety efforts such as DUI enforcement, advanced training in the field of accident reconstruction, and pedestrian and bicycle safety education.

Last year, Senate Bill 1820 appropriated funding from the state general fund to transportation projects, including $7.9 M towards the Town’s planned Ocotillo Bridge project.

I will support future opportunities for federal and state grant funding when it’s distributed to all Arizona cities and towns or if it would be a strategic, intergovernmental agreement that will rebuild and modernize our infrastructure systems or improve public safety, which in turn supports a growing economy and creation of jobs for a more resilient community. It’s important to me that grant funding be for one time uses that do not commit the Town to a long term financial commitment.

My approach to finding common ground and consensus amongst Council is to participate in productive conversations with Mayor and Council in order to come up with fair and practical decisions. I believe strongly that we should all be heard and discuss our thoughts so that we can find common ground and make the best decisions for the community. I place broad community gain ahead of narrow interests in my decision making.

A recent talent assessment identified my top five strengths as Achiever, Responsibility, Analytical, Learner, and Focus. As someone with a strong talent in the responsibility theme, I am committed to stable values such as honesty and loyalty. I am naturally open and honest about who I am and what I can do. This makes it easy for others to collaborate with me.

As an analytical person, I have the ability to think about situations from a multifaceted viewpoint and ask the right questions. I conduct my own research and provide scrutiny to issues where I have to make a decision; and understand how that decision will affect future steps and sequences; and how that decision is interrelated to the bigger picture.

By acres, Gilbert’s multi-family residential in Gilbert has less than 4% land area. Apartments are a for-rent subset of multi-family. I review rezoning cases based on the merit of the project and believe for-sale products with low heights, such as townhomes or duplexes, on property already zoned for multi-family, will help create attainable housing.

With growth, transportation congestion and safety is a concern that the Town will mitigate through capital improvement projects, now funded with a general obligation bond. I will accelerate promises made for enhancements to pedestrian and bicycle networks with a focus on increased safety.

29% of Gilbert’s water supply comes from the Colorado River and we will likely hit Tier 2A and 2B shortages within 18 months. Gilbert has always been an advocate of using water wisely and has been banking groundwater credits through recharge basins. I would not support new high water use developments, such as data centers, in order to protect this precious resource.

Gilbert has outstanding public safety rankings, but with growth comes challenges. I will continue to back our Police and Fire Departments so they have the tools, training, and resources needed to protect and serve our community.

Gilbert residents expect an excellent quality of life. From fixing our aging infrastructure and planning new growth - to our exceptional community amenities, we’ve worked hard to set this bar high. Gilbert has done an excellent job in handling growth as evidenced by the numerous national accolades received (https://www.gilbertedi.com/awards-recognition/). Gilbert Ranked #1 Most Prosperous City by the Economic Innovation Group and 2nd Safest City in the Country Among 100 Largest Cities by the FBI. I will ensure Gilbert continues to provide the best quality of life for our families.

I will support business prosperity, diverse employment, and higher education so our children and grandchildren have bountiful opportunities to live and work in Gilbert. The public drives the top priorities for future growth through their approval of the General Plan and responses to the National Community Survey. I will make data-driven decisions to keep efficient use of your tax dollars while providing comprehensive and innovative services for residents and businesses.

I advocate for data transparency through geospatial maps and dashboards, especially for capital improvement projects, including those funded by the Transportation and Infrastructure Bond. This is a priority the Town has already begun putting in place. Additionally, I look forward to supporting Parks & Recreation with efforts to provide additional adaptive programs for individuals with developmental disabilities and senior citizens.

Additional data will be provided in the near future to ensure we understand true costs, benefits, and measurable outcomes prior to obligating such a large one-time and ongoing expense for taxpayers. Although crime lab services are currently handled through intergovernmental agreements, with regional growth comes the risk of processing delays and reduced capacity. The Police Department is being proactive in identifying a need for a crime lab that would take several years to come to fruition.

The ordinance does not prohibit anyone from feeding stray cats on private property or implementing any TNR program or similar program. I would be open to further conversations with Council and am willing to evaluate other community programs that provide grant funding for feral animal mitigation efforts.

I support trap and neuter, but do not support releasing wild animals back onto Town property. This creates liability for the Town and adds risk to our park users, where families with children come to play.

I’m willing to evaluate how to support long-term efforts focused on museum, arts, and culture in the community that bring value to the taxpayer. I support keeping taxes low and lean government spending. I will need a comprehensive proposal on the community’s need for additional services at additional costs and would avoid committing to long term financial commitments that would put the Town at risk in an economic downturn. I would consider public/private partnerships to enhance museum, arts, and culture in the Town of Gilbert.

The Town is intimately involved in regional discussions and programs and through partnerships with AZCEND and Save the Family, Gilbert residents can receive emergency rental and utility assistance. In areas the Town can control, such as utilities (water, sewer, trash), we will keep best-in-class services and the lowest rates in the region.

I do believe the Town is sufficiently transparent. Councilmembers pull items from meeting agendas for staff presentations and discussion when an additional explanation is warranted. The Town is seeking ways to improve on how the information is organized and presented. I’m an analytical thinker and believe data should be used to make informed and verified decisions to help overcome biases and knowledge gaps. I’ve been a strong advocate for Performance Management and City of the Future metrics, led by Chief Performance Officer, Nikki McCarty. The current Council received an update on this topic at the 2021 Fall Retreat.

I also advocate for transparency through geospatial maps and dashboards, especially for CIP projects, including the Transportation and Infrastructure Bond projects. There are many already created and used by the Town, such as how the AZCares Funds have been allocated (https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/ea6677ca59ff41b19622c49e26dd5010/page/page_4/) and What’s Developing Nearby (https://tog.maps.arcgis.com/apps/Shortlist/index.html?appid=d0f73c52560e40d6a753ea3913364f57).

The Town of Gilbert Digital Team does a great job of sharing information and I encourage every household in Gilbert to connect with their Newsroom at gilbertaz.gov/connect.

I served as the Vice Chair of the Citizens Transportation Task Force in Fall 2019 and Spring 2020, which was a voluntary, advisory role concerning transportation projects and issues related to Gilbert’s transportation infrastructure. This led to my appointment to Town Council two years ago, which will continue through 2022 unless elected for this four-year term. In my time on Council, I’ve served on the AZCares Act Council Subcommittee and was co-chair of the Transportation and Infrastructure Bond election campaign committee, which passed in the November 2021 election. The Mayor and councilmembers selected me as Vice Mayor in August 2020, to serve the remainder of the year. With a new Mayor and councilmembers, I was selected to serve as Vice Mayor for 2021 as well. My “courage under fire” and levelheadedness contributed to the progress and successful outcomes for the Town during uncertain economic conditions.

As a current member of the council, I have directed staff to use excess revenue to pay off debt early for the Park University Building, saving millions in interest. I served on the Cares Act Subcommittee and actively crafted the allocation of AZCares Funds amongst nonprofits, local businesses, direct resident assistance, and public safety.

When a budget shortfall for the Town’s Water and Wastewater funds was presented at a Council retreat, I suggested utilizing available AZCares Funds to delay a direct rate increase to our residents.

When residents disagreed with the newly installed 25 MPH speed limits on Williams Field Road, near Recker Road once the Fry’s Food and Drug opened, I directed staff to evaluate the speed limit with a traffic study per the Arizona Revised Statutes. The resulting study, which included consideration for pedestrian activity, on-street parking, and access density, concluded that 35 MPH was appropriate and subsequently implemented.

I served as co-chair of the Transportation and Infrastructure (TI) Bond election campaign committee. The successful TI bond gave the Town permission to use the existing secondary property tax levy (without raising the $0.99 rate) to pay for up to $515 Million in capital improvements projects related to Safety & Congestion, Transportation Technology, Reconstruction, Redevelopment Plan Implementation, and Multi-modal Investments. Having this funding available allows the Town to plan long-term and sequence these projects in a manner that provides optimum value. Having an exceptional built environment fosters enhanced road safety, greater time savings, less vehicle maintenance costs, greater property values, and strong economic development.

I have been an advocate of signalizing roadway trail crossings to enhance safety at these critical nodes. At least ten locations are now funded through the Transportation & Infrastructure Bond. Two new locations have been identified at Higley Road with the Queen Creek Wash Crossing and Power Road with the Queen Creek Wash Crossing and funded with one-time money from excess revenue this year. The latter was identified by a resident and regional design assistance grant funding was secured to conduct a project assessment.

I want to be elected to Gilbert Town Council to continue the good work that I’ve started over the past two years. I will be a strong and compassionate advocate for residents and businesses. I will be a leader and role model for children and emerging civic leaders.

Now that the Transportation & Infrastructure Bond has passed, I will apply my education and background in the transportation industry to provide oversight and ensure smart choices and wise investments. I will prioritize critical projects such as the Ocotillo Road Bridge and Vaughn Ventilator. I will accelerate promises made for enhancements to pedestrian and bicycle networks with a focus on increased safety.

I will ensure Gilbert continues to provide the best quality of life for our families.

I have always backed our Police and Fire Departments so they have the tools, training, and resources needed to protect and serve our community. I have supported past council direction of using surplus revenue to fund Gilbert’s police and fire pensions (i.e. PSPRS) to 90% funding levels, which was achieved in 2021. As a current member of the council, I have directed staff to use excess revenue to pay off debt early for the Park University Building, saving millions in interest. I served on the Cares Act Subcommittee and actively crafted the allocation of AZCares Funds amongst nonprofits, local businesses, direct resident assistance, and public safety. When a budget shortfall for the Town’s Water and Wastewater funds was presented at a Council retreat, I suggested utilizing available AZCares Funds to delay a direct rate increase to our residents. Each one of these actions provides a direct benefit to taxpayers.

From replacing and maintaining our aging infrastructure to providing exceptional community amenities, I will ensure Gilbert continues to provide the best quality of life for our families. I will advocate for efficient use of your tax dollars while providing comprehensive and innovative services for residents and businesses. I will support business prosperity, diverse employment, and higher education so our children and grandchildren have bountiful opportunities to live and work in Gilbert. With growth comes challenges. I will continue to back our Police and Fire Departments so they have the tools, training, and resources needed to protect and serve our community.

Gilbert has identified needs related to Safety & Congestion, Transportation Technology, Reconstruction, Redevelopment Plan Implementation, and Multi-modal Investments. Knowing that the funding will be available through the recent bond election allows the Town to plan and sequence these projects in a manner that provides optimum value. As a civil engineer, I will apply my background in the transportation industry to provide oversight and ensure smart choices and wise investments. I will prioritize critical projects such as the Ocotillo Road Bridge and Vaughn Ventilator. I will accelerate promises made for enhancements to pedestrian and bicycle networks with a focus on increased safety.

Protecting commercial zoning will ensure high-wage jobs for our residents and predictable taxes for our community, which in turn keeps taxes lower for residents. Following the voter approved general plan will be critical, including residential density restrictions. The Council will be evaluating residential trends and infill projects. I will continue to promote community prosperity, and ensure we maintain exceptional Town services at low cost for our residents and businesses. If we continue to invest with community enrichment first and foremost, Gilbert will remain the best place to live, work, and play for future generations.

The Town has been intimately involved in regional programs surrounding the topic of affordable housing. Through partnerships with AZCEND and Save the Family, Gilbert residents can receive emergency rental and utility assistance. More than 1,000 households have been served to-date. The Community Engagement Task Force will also be exploring the topic of low income/homelessness in its efforts to identify gaps and solutions.

Many residents and incoming workforce have good, high-paying jobs but they need a stepping stone or hand up to attain homeownership. Instead of housing products built for rent, I’d like to see a shift to for-sale multifamily products on property already zoned for multifamily. I’d support continued regional collaboration surrounding programs that would help people attain homeownership as well.

29% of Gilbert’s water supply comes from the Colorado River, which is currently in a Tier 1 shortage. Gilbert has prepared for scenarios like this and there will be no interruptions to service or immediate cutbacks. Conditions are changing quickly and deeper shortages are predicted sooner. It is likely we will hit Tier 2A and 2B shortages within 18 months. The Town provides several tools and resources to help at https://www.gilbertaz.gov/departments/public-works/water-conservation. If the Town’s annual budget is passed, there will be rebates available this Fall for implementation of smart water irrigation systems.

One third of our Town’s population are children. Our exceptional community amenities, including parks, are integral to our quality of life. Investments towards our town parks, which includes the extensive trail system, are paid through system development fees and GO bonds. As new developments are built, it is appropriate for those developments to help in developing amenities that those new residents and users can enjoy. Investments towards our town parks should also be achieved through public-private partnerships.

Gilbert’s fiscal policies and practices are among the best in the country, with AAA bond

ratings, putting itself into secure financial footing to balance available resources and the community’s need for services. I supported the use of surplus revenue to pay down debt early, including police/fire pensions and the University building, saving millions in interest.

My knowledge as a civil engineer lends a unique and valuable perspective on Town Council, where 45% of budget expenditures go toward infrastructure projects. I’m advocating for public transparency of data which is currently being compiled and will be presented through the Alex portal.

Gilbert has one of the lowest tax burdens of any municipality in the valley. We do not have a primary property tax. The secondary property tax levy can only be used to pay down General Obligation bonds approved by voters. The current rate is anticipated to be sufficient for the approved Public Safety Training Facility, Transportation and Infrastructure Bond, as well as a potential future Parks bond. I am an analytical thinker and will make data-driven decisions to keep efficient use of your tax dollars while providing comprehensive and innovative services for residents and businesses.

With growth, transportation congestion and safety is a concern that the Town will mitigate through capital improvement projects. I will accelerate promises made for enhancements to pedestrian and bicycle networks with a focus on increased safety.

29% of Gilbert’s water supply comes from the Colorado River and we will likely hit Tier 2A and 2B shortages within 18 months. Gilbert has always been an advocate of using water wisely and has been banking groundwater credits through recharge basins. Additional well sites may be needed to serve our community. I would not support new high water use developments, such as data centers and high-rise apartments, in order to protect this precious resource.

Gilbert has outstanding public safety rankings, but with growth comes challenges. I will continue to back our Police and Fire Departments so they have the tools, training, and resources needed to protect and serve our community.

Gilbert has identified needs related to Safety & Congestion, Transportation Technology, Reconstruction, Redevelopment Plan Implementation, and Multi-modal Investments. Knowing that the funding will be available through the recent bond election allows the Town to plan and sequence these projects in a manner that provides optimum value. As a civil engineer, I will apply my background in the transportation industry to provide oversight and ensure smart choices and wise investments. I will prioritize critical projects such as the Ocotillo Road Bridge and Vaughn Ventilator. I will accelerate promises made for enhancements to pedestrian and bicycle networks with a focus on increased safety. The safety of people crossing Gilbert Road in the Heritage District is an issue that we will have better solutions for once the Vaughn Ventilator is constructed.

The attitude of leaders impacts those around them. Negativity and divisiveness makes progress slow and less efficient, which means we aren’t getting the important work done. It is my duty as a councilmember to lead by example, listen, and be professional in my actions. Two of my top five strengths from a recent personality assessment are Responsibility and Focus, which enables me to be a forward-thinking and innovative leader amongst daily distractions. I believe that I am the best candidate for Gilbert Town Council because of my education, experience, and leadership. I’ve been recognized by national and regional organizations for making a difference both in business as well as the greater community. My knowledge and background lends a unique and valuable perspective on Town Council, where approximately 45% of budget expenditures go towards capital improvement infrastructure projects.

The Town has been intimately involved in regional programs surrounding the topic of affordable housing. Through partnerships with AZCEND and Save the Family, Gilbert residents can receive emergency rental and utility assistance. More than 1,000 households have been served to-date. Many other residents and incoming workforce have good, high-paying jobs but they need a stepping stone to attain homeownership. Instead of housing products built for rent, I’d like to see a shift to for-sale multifamily products, such as low height town homes, on property already zoned for multifamily. I’d support continued regional collaboration surrounding programs that would help people attain homeownership.

In areas the Town can control, such as utilities (water, sewer, trash), we will keep best-in-class services and the lowest rates in the region. The Community Engagement Task Force will also be exploring the topic of low income/homelessness in its efforts to identify gaps and solutions.

Gilbert residents expect an excellent quality of life. From fixing our aging infrastructure and planning new growth - to our exceptional community amenities, we’ve worked hard to set this bar high. I will ensure Gilbert continues to provide the best quality of life for our families by supporting wise investments.

29% of Gilbert’s water supply comes from the Colorado River and we will likely hit Tier 2A and 2B shortages within 18 months. Gilbert has always been an advocate of using water wisely and has been banking groundwater credits through recharge basins. Additional well sites may be needed to serve our community. I would not support new high water use developments, such as data centers and high-rise apartments, in order to protect this precious resource.

Gilbert has outstanding public safety rankings, but with growth comes challenges. I will continue to back our Police and Fire Departments so they have the tools, training, and resources needed to protect and serve our community.

The attitude of leaders impacts those around them. It is my duty as a councilmember to lead by example, listen, and be welcoming in my actions. Gilbert must continue to offer and enhance services in ways that are appropriate to meet the needs of all residents. We must create opportunities for citizens to share their voices. I will encourage mutual respect and actively participate in stakeholder engagement.

I myself represent diversity in national origin, ethnicity, gender, occupation, and age. I embody #GilbertKindness and contribute to an environment for staff and citizens where anyone can contribute, where everybody feels safe, and where trust is present.

Through my service on Gilbert Town Council the past two years and participation in the Town’s financial retreats, study sessions, and Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget process, I have institutional knowledge of the Town’s current budgetary policies and state of affairs. Gilbert’s fiscal policies and practices are among the best in the country, putting itself into secure financial footing with a long-term focus and balancing available resources and the community’s need for services.

I have supported past council direction of using surplus revenue to fund Gilbert’s police and fire pensions (i.e. PSPRS) to 90% funding levels, which was achieved in 2021. As a current member of council, I have directed staff to use excess revenue to pay off debt early for the Park University Building, saving millions in interest. Providing the greatest value at the lowest cost to taxpayers, and being prepared for uncertain economic conditions is how I measure success.

Protecting commercial zoning will ensure high-wage jobs for our residents and predictable taxes for our community, which in turn keeps taxes lower for residents. Following the voter approved general plan will be critical, including residential density restrictions. The Council will be evaluating residential trends and infill projects.

I will support business prosperity, diverse employment, and higher education so our children and grandchildren have bountiful opportunities to live and work in Gilbert. One third of our Town’s population are children. Our exceptional community amenities, including parks, are integral to our quality of life.

I will continue to promote community prosperity, and ensure we maintain exceptional Town services at low cost for our residents and businesses. If we continue to invest with community enrichment first and foremost, Gilbert will remain the best place to live, work, and play for future generations.

Gilbert has outstanding public safety rankings, but with growth comes challenges. I will continue to back our Police and Fire Departments so they have the tools, training, and resources needed to protect and serve our community. Gilbert’s new Public Safety Training Facility is best-in-class.

Gilbert’s stellar public safety workforce must remain fully funded and fully staffed. They also deserve continually competitive employment packages for retention and recruitment.

I am a proponent of technology enhancements that enhance public safety objectives and make response times faster. As a current councilmember, I allocated recent windfall funds to build a new victim’s Advocacy Center in Gilbert and I support the planning and construction of a local Crime Lab.