When dealing with the climate crisis, we shouldn't make those living paycheck to paycheck carry the burden alone. Our main goal should be to improve the lives of residents in Olympia by investing in public transportation, making areas more accessible, and reducing the distances to essential places. We need to prioritize sidewalks, bus lanes, and bike lanes to make this happen. The rising use of e-bikes and electric scooters, even where there isn't much infrastructure, shows that more people are looking for eco-friendly transportation options.

This past year, I was proud to be part of the Transportation Policy Board subcommittee for the Call for Projects, where we approved funding for transportation improvements in our region. Olympia received $2.5 million for the Martin Way Corridor Project and $1.3 million for Pacific Way Crossings, along with additional funding for the regional trails program and other important projects. These investments will help create safer paths, improve accessibility, and reduce carbon emissions over the next few years.

In 2025, I will build on the zoning changes, land-use strategies, and development projects started in 2024. My focus will be on making every neighborhood in Olympia walkable and easily accessible to important services, improving residents' quality of life and helping our climate goals