PRIORITIES

Since joining Lafayette’s City Council in November 2023, I’ve been dedicated to supporting businesses, expanding affordable housing, and helping more people get involved in government. A first term priority has been helping fill Lafayette’s boards and commissions by launching a new recruitment process. Additionally, I was successful in bringing Lafayette to the national stage by joining the National League of Cities to build collaborative relationships with other municipalities and bring thoughtful remedies and innovative ideas back home. During my first term, I proudly served on: 

  • Lafayette Human Rights Board

  • Lafayette Open Space Advisory Board

  • Lafayette Cultural Arts Board

  • Lafayette Public Art Committee

  • One Lafayette Transition Committee

  • Boulder County Consortium of Cities

Moving into term two, I am committed to investing in affordability, finding ways to make Lafayette the best place we can for local business, planning responsibly for growth, responding and anticipating needs due to our changing climate, and helping our government be a better representation of the demographics that make up our city.

A More Affordable Lafayette

We need a more affordable city. Just as many factors play into affordability, we’re not going to see success with a single, one-size-fits-all approach. We need comprehensive solutions.

Whether it be housing, childcare, or food, the cost of living has gotten far too high for Lafayette residents. The average price of a home is around $700,000; the average cost of rent is at over $2,000 a month; and childcare within our county sits at roughly $2,000 per child, per month. These prices are unsustainable and do not allow working families to thrive within our city. 

Over the last 2 years, I have advocated for a decrease in the cost of housing and will continue this fight throughout my time on city council. I was proud to take part in the ribbon cutting that celebrated the end of phase 1 for Willoughby Corner, the largest affordable housing project of its kind in the entire state of Colorado. I will push for results-driven solutions in addressing the cost of childcare, and will continue this fight for all other aspects of day-to-day costs for residents of our city.

Supporting Local Economy and Local Business

Local businesses are the heart and soul of our city. They are what gives our city character and that feel of home. Not only do they make up a strong Downtown Development Authority, they are the reason our local economy is thriving. My focus goes beyond helping them keep their doors open; I want to support the creation of a network of strong local business and well-supported employees. I will continue to support local businesses, and plan to find solutions in which both new and existing businesses can develop further, expand, and continue serving our residents. From cutting red tape to incentivizing new business to finding potential issues in the permitting process, I will stand by local entrepreneurs and make sure that Lafayette is welcoming to all new businesses that wish to make our city their home.

Representation and Inclusion

I believe in the power of representation. Today, the City of Lafayette has a population of over 30,000 residents. Over 17% of those residents are Latino or Hispanic, with more than 10% of our city being residents who speak Spanish as a first language. Being the singular Latino member of city council, and being a life-long Lafayette resident, I will continue to represent everyone within our community and will serve as a voice for those that have historically been underrepresented.

Responsible Growth

As with many communities on the Front Range, Lafayette has grown and will continue to grow. However, I believe the City Council has the responsibility to be smart and pragmatic with how our city grows. Lafayette still has that “small town feel.” I will continue to make evidence-based decisions on this issue, as to maintain a responsible and community-driven approach to growth, in order to be proactive and anticipate community needs.

Sustainability and Resilience

The climate is changing and we must be prepared as a city. Water, air quality, our natural environment, energy, and transportation are all key issues that we must address as we head into a largely uncertain future. During my time as a city council member, I am proud of our work in introducing the city’s first ever Climate Action Plan, which brings us one step closer to addressing these issues and creating a resilient Lafayette. I plan to continue this fight during my time on council and will make sure that our city is prepared and ready to tackle whatever comes in 5, 10, 30, and 50 years.