Priorities and Accomplishments
Infrastructure & City Services
Working together to make Columbia Heights a vibrant, healthy and connected city.
- Worked with the council on planning a new Municipal Service Center/Public Works facility, including advocating for state and federal aid to build this project.
- Advanced Safe Routes to School pedestrian safety projects.
- Advocated for Safe Streets for All and improvements to Central Ave transit corridor.
- Helped lead major street improvements on 37th and 53rd Ave NE, including adding in bike trails, stormwater improvements and green infrastructure.
- Supported citywide water meter modernization and technology upgrades.
Housing & Economic Growth
- Championed for renter protections, including an ordinance requiring Just Cause for evictions and non-renewals, and housing stability for renters.
- Supported new housing, increasing our affordable housing, housing for seniors and development in Columbia Heights.
- Promoted multilingual homeownership education programs to help more residents become first-time homeowners.
- Helped strengthen local small businesses with grants to businesses for façade and safety improvements.
Sustainability
I believe that the future of Columbia Heights should be environmentally sustainable.
- Helped establish the Sustainability Commission and adopt the Energy Action Plan.
- Past Member of the Parks & Recreation Board.
- Leader of Central Ave Trash Clean-up Events since 2021.
- Leader for the Adopt-A-Park program to pick up trash in Ostrander Park.
- Volunteer with Tree Trust and the City to plant trees in Keyes Park.
- Volunteer with the Mayor’s Monarch Pledge to support pollinator habitats.
- Volunteer as a Storm Drain cleaner for my block to keep pollution out of our watershed.
Safe Community for Everyone
I value public safety for everyone! Everyone deserves to be safe in our city, no matter who they are.
- Liaison to the Fire Protection Council with our Fire Chief working in coordination with other cities in Anoka County.
- Volunteer as a member of MultiCultural Advisory Committee of the Columbia Heights Police Department for 6 years.
- Helped expand police services, adding officers and a social worker for mental health support.
- Supported fire and emergency services upgrades, including a new ladder/platform truck.
- Leader of two community-wide domestic violence awareness forums in partnership with the Alexandra House.
- Organizer of a dialogue on race and policing in conjunction with youth, community members and police.
- Block captain for 9 years.
Justice & Equity
I work to bring all citizens to the table, and to increase our transparency and accountability.
- Advocated for immigrant and refugee families, bringing forward the resolution to support temporary protected status for Ecuadorians, and supporting our council statement on separation for local law enforcement and immigration enforcement.
- During Operation Metro Surge, partnered with our local mutual aid group to help hundreds of families access groceries, rent, and emergency support.
- Leader of the first ever Columbia Heights Town Hall on Race where 10 guests of color were invited to speak in the aftermath of George Floyd’s murder.
- Volunteer at the Columbia Heights Pride Festivals.
- Volunteer at the Vigil for Daunte Wright in Kordiak Park.
- Volunteer at the COVID memorial in 2020.
- Leader with the Mayor’s Rapid Response Team, a diverse group of community leaders who support the Mayor in an escalating crisis, tragedy, or protests in Columbia Heights.
Education & Empowerment
I have made a career out of serving children and youth and I believe in the power of education and empowerment for our young people.
- Leader in bringing backpack food program to Columbia Heights public schools with Every Meal and volunteer to distribute meals.
- Mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters in the Columbia Heights Schools for 5 years.
- Volunteered with Vote Yes campaign for the schools.
- Volunteered with Highland Elementary PTO.
- Past Parent Liaison on School Equity Committee.
- Past Girl Scout leader in Columbia Heights.
- Volunteered with Hope4Youth, Anoka County’s only youth shelter, advocating to have services developed here in Columbia Heights for homeless youth.
Connected Communities
I believe in building more engagement and stronger neighborhood connections in Columbia Heights.
- Volunteer at the SACA food shelf, sorting food donations, delivering groceries and raising money.
- Volunteered at Crestview Nursing Home, bringing youth to sing for residents, clean up the grounds and assist in holiday events.
- Peace Fest Symposium Speaker at Science of Spirituality Meditation Center, awarded Peace prize in 2018.