Local government that works for us.
Our city government is only as innovative, effective, and responsive as the people we elect – and I’m working hard for my neighbors as an At-Large City Councilor.
What We’re Working On
It’s been a busy first term – just a few of the things I’ve been honored to work on alongside my Council colleagues and neighbors:
We’re torn between a housing crisis and feeling squeezed out by new development – I’m working to make sure we don’t get trapped by false choices or oversimplification.
The debates over how to get “right-sized” development, growth without losing a sense of community, and housing that’s affordable to anyone who works in Beverly are real, and we need to be having them. I’m pushing for an Accessory Dwelling Unit ordinance, deeper inclusionary zoning, and density that enhances (rather than undermines) a sense of place and community.
We are still working through multiple crises, so our City Council needed someone who understands public health, economic development, and how they interact.
My experience in those areas and broad perspective from global policy work has been an asset as we navigate the ongoing crises as well as new challenges and opportunities ahead. I am excited to work on things like transparency in how we spend our budget, issues that have become more difficult during the pandemic, like rodents and trash management, and supporting neighborhoods impacted by the Varian environmental contamination and Hall-Whitaker Bridge closure.
Serving as a member of the Charter Review Committee motivated me to get more involved, and I am working to use the City Council’s powers and responsibilities effectively.
Studying the charter and talking with committee members and neighbors has taught me how well-crafted our system of self-governance is. The process showed me the importance of each elected official in maintaining the balance of powers here, and helped me see ways I could help make our city government more transparent, inclusive, and forward-looking. I’ve been using the Council’s review of the budget to push for things like increased spending on roads/sidewalks, and using our meetings to spur public conversation about capital/infrastructure projects and how we fund them.
