My vision for Orange County is a community that is affordable, equitable, caring & responsive
As County Commissioner, I will work for:
Housing with dignity for all
Fair property valuation and taxation
A reliable safety net for all residents
Thriving public schools
Stewardship of our natural land and resources
Economic development that benefits community
Affordable & “Missing Middle” Housing
As Orange County grows, we cannot allow rising housing costs to displace low- and middle-income families or for development to negatively impact rural areas. I will expand housing choices within our towns while protecting natural areas and critical farmland, preventing county-wide sprawl, maximizing transit investments, and mitigating climate crisis impact.
- Increase affordable, low barrier, and “missing middle” housing options in strategic locations.
- Leverage County-owned land to reduce the cost of new affordable housing construction.
- Ensure plans for new housing include current or future transit access.
Equitable Taxation
I will address inequities in the County’s property tax valuation so that homeowners and small businesses have the support they need without owing overwhelming tax bills.
- Ensure implementation of a more equitable valuation methodology.
- Rectify systemic bias in the valuation process.
- Create community engagement and communication channels to ensure greater transparency and understanding of the valuation process.
Compassionate Community
Our residents must continue to take care of one another and seek equitable outcomes. I will address the growing needs of the most vulnerable in our community, including those struggling with food insecurity and barriers to accessing health care, behavioral health, and housing insecurity.
- Accelerate creation of the planned Crisis Diversion Center to provide much-needed crisis care for all in Orange County who need it.
- Strengthen the continuum of care services by breaking down silos and other barriers to collaboration both within County government and with town governments and other local institutions, such as UNC and UNC Health.
Thriving Schools
I will ensure the efficient and effective use of the school facilities bond and continued support for our teachers, staff and students.
- Ensure responsible stewardship of the recently approved school facilities bond.
- Seek opportunities for increasing teacher and staff pay and other retention strategies.
- Provide community-based support to youth to ensure they come to school ready and able to learn.
Sustainable Land Use Planning
People want to live in Orange County, and our communities will continue to expand. I will ensure the County’s plans for growth are sustainable and protect our natural resources and farmland as we grow.
- Assess water and sewer capacity as a key component of land use decisions.
- Collaborate with the towns to ensure the county’s growth occurs primarily within our urban areas to address equity, smart growth, connectivity, and climate change mitigation, while protecting rural areas and farmland.
Economic Development
Orange County should continue to be a great place to live, work, and get ahead. I will continue to foster economic growth to take the pressure off of homeowners and increase the availability of well-paying jobs, while ensuring the community benefits from this growth.
- Build on Orange County’s unique assets, including our robust arts community and our natural beauty.
- Promote entrepreneurship and reduce the barriers residents face when starting their own businesses.
- Leverage Durham Tech’s Orange County campus to increase job training for newly emerging needs and create innovation incubators to catalyze new and promising ideas.
