Good environmental stewardship is the catalyst for why I’m running and the cornerstone of my campaign. My journey into public service began when I saw the city attempting to sell our parks to close the budget deficit —a short sighted solution that would result in permanent, irreversible damage to our environment. It became clear to me that we need leaders that treat nature as a sacred part of our community’s future, not a piggybank.  

What will climate change mean for our children and grandchildren? What legacy are we leaving them? It depends on the choices we make now. Let’s make sure the world they inherit is just as beautiful and alive as the one we grew up in.

Edmonds is a frontline community in the climate crisis. We are vulnerable to sea level rise, coastal erosion, changing rainfall patterns, extreme heat, and the effects of wildfires. Other cities in our region are taking bold steps to address climate change. I’d like us to be leading that effort—not lagging behind.

As your Port Commissioner, I will take climate change and resilience seriously. I prioritize reducing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting our shorelines and estuaries.

Environmental Innovation at the Port

Our Port can be a model for sustainable operations. Here’s how:

• Incentivize Clean Boating
  As electric and hybrid marine technologies become more accessible, I want to see the Port reward energy-efficient choices. For example, once the current boat slip waiting list is fulfilled, I propose prioritizing new moorage for electric and hybrid boat owners.

• Build Infrastructure for the Future
  I will advocate for investments in EV charging stations for electric boats and vehicles, making clean energy more accessible.

• Go Above and Beyond on Building Standards
  Let’s ensure that all new construction and renovations within the Port district exceed environmental standards. We should be aiming for high-efficiency buildings powered by renewable energy.

• Generate and Use Clean Energy
  Solar panels, wind energy, and energy-efficient upgrades should be part of the Port’s operational future. We can reduce our dependence on fossil fuels—and lead by example.

Restoring the Edmonds Marsh

The Port owns a small portion of the Edmonds Marsh, while the majority is held by the City of Edmonds and the Unocal Corporation. The Unocal land is currently undergoing environmental cleanup due to contamination. Once that process is complete, the property will be put up for sale. The City of Edmonds holds the first right of refusal, giving us the priority to purchase the land. As Port Commissioner, I am committed to working with the City Council and local environmental organizations to ensure the marsh is acquired and restored to a fully functioning estuary.

Why Restore the Edmonds Marsh?

• Salmon Recovery: The marsh serves as a crucial habitat for juvenile salmon. If restored, it could help revive the salmon population and support the broader health of the Puget Sound ecosystem.

• Wildlife Habitat: The marsh is home to over 90 bird species and various wildlife. Expanding the estuary will expand their habitat and quality of life.

• Water Quality Improvement: Restoring the marsh will improve water quality by filtering pollutants and nutrients from stormwater runoff.

• Carbon Storage and Climate Resilience: Wetlands like the Edmonds Marsh act as significant carbon sinks, capturing and storing carbon more effectively than forests. Restoring the marsh helps with climate change mitigation.

• Recreation and Education: An expanded estuary will provide recreational opportunities such as birdwatching, hiking, and educational programs. The existing boardwalk is a good starting point for future improvement, creating a space for community engagement and environmental education.

• Ecotourism: The Edmonds Marsh is already recognized as a birding hotspot. Restoring the marsh will enhance its appeal to ecotourists, supporting local businesses and fostering a deeper connection between the community and the environment.

“Action on behalf of life transforms. Because the relationship between self and the world is reciprocal, it is not a question of first getting enlightened or saved and then acting. As we work to heal the earth, the earth heals us.”― Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants

As your Port Commissioner, I want to hear what you want at the Port, while also protecting the environment as we uplift our local economy. Here are some cool opportunities I’d love for us to make happen:

Ecotourism

Our waterfront and marsh are such incredible natural assets. I envision a thoughtfully designed boardwalk and observation tower at the marsh, allowing visitors to experience nature—spotting salmon, birds, and native plants—without harming their habitat. Ecotourism will bring more people into town to eat at our restaurants, buy a book, get their nails done, browse our art galleries and stay the night.

Festivals

Port festivals would bring new life to our waterfront, attracting both tourists and locals. Imagine a plein air art festival where painters capture families on the beach, boats in the marina, or even each other painting along the shoreline. Or a food and music festival. Whether it’s one big annual event or several smaller seasonal events, there is so much we could be doing to support the arts, entertain residents, and boost business for our local shops and eateries.

Sustainable Development 

We have a lot of aging buildings in the Port district at the end of their natural life. I will prioritize renovations and development that are environmentally responsible and community-centered, ensuring that new uses of Port property reflect Edmonds’ values and needs.

Harbor Square as a Hub for Environmental Research

Let’s position Harbor Square as a potential home for environmental and scientific research. Its proximity to the marsh makes it an ideal location for labs, field stations, or educational institutions interested in studying and protecting this critical ecosystem. This could attract long-term investment while branding Edmonds as a leader in conservation science.

Smart, Sustainable Housing Solutions

Let’s explore mixed-use housing within the Port district—strategically placed to avoid environmentally sensitive areas. With thoughtful planning, the Port can help the city meet the new housing mandate, generate additional revenue for the Port, and support working families who so desperately want to be able to afford to live in the city they love.

Smart Choices. Sustainable Investments.

As your Port Commissioner, I will make sure the Port of Edmonds stays financially strong and uses public funds wisely and transparently. Fiscal responsibility is about more than just balancing budgets—it's about making smart, forward-thinking choices that reflect our community’s values.

I bring over a decade of experience managing multimillion-dollar budgets, and currently serve as Chief Financial Officer at a nonprofit child welfare agency. I’ve overseen complex federal and state funding streams and previously led financial operations for contracts with the Department of Defense, U.S. Department of State, and USAID.

With an MBA and a degree in Accounting, I have the skills and experience to ensure the Port makes sound, sustainable financial decisions that support long-term environmental and economic goals.

Kids who grow up connected to the environment grow into adults who are inspired to protect it. That’s why I believe public access to the Port should include more than just open walkways—it should be a space for learning, discovery, and community connection.

As your Port Commissioner, I’ll champion education-forward programming that engages young minds and brings science and conservation to life. By partnering with ocean educators, marine biologists, and local environmental organizations, we can host interactive programs that spark curiosity, deepen environmental awareness, and attract families to the waterfront.

In Phase 3 of the North Port Boardwalk renovation, the public plaza will be returned to the community—and I see this as a powerful opportunity to celebrate and honor our region’s cultural roots. I will advocate for commissioning artwork from Tulalip Tribes artists, including murals and permanent installations that reflect the history, stories, and traditions of the Coast Salish people. Public art will beautify the Port, but also educate and connect us to the original stewards of this land.

Public access also means welcoming everyone.  As Port Commissioner, I will work to ensure that our spaces are inclusive and accessible, and that everyone feels a sense of belonging at the waterfront.

We can also expand access to the water itself. By partnering with local kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating businesses, we can create more opportunities for people to experience Puget Sound firsthand—building a stronger connection to the water and supporting our recreation economy.

Finally, the Port has a role to play in demystifying maritime careers and sports. I’d love to see more outreach and public events that introduce people, especially youth, to the wide range of opportunities in the maritime industry—from sustainable fishing to boat repair, marine biology to sailing.

I believe in leading with curiosity, approaching challenges from multiple angles, and working together to get things done. Whether it’s with colleagues, Port staff, or community members, positive relationships are the key to real progress.

As a mom, I’m no stranger to big feelings and urgent requests. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve had to scramble to find my son’s beloved frog plushie, Yoko. And as a CFO, I’m accustomed to tracking down missing documents and gaps in information to help move critical work forward. Whether it’s a high-stakes decision or just finding Yoko before bedtime, I bring patience, focus, and a sense of humor to every challenge.

Have an idea or concern? Let’s grab a coffee or tea and take a walk along the Port walk to talk it over. I’m here to listen.