Making it official

After serving two terms on the Chapel Hill Town Council, including as Mayor Pro Tem, I have decided not to seek re-election when my current term concludes later this year. This decision comes after deep reflection and with immense gratitude for the opportunity to serve the community that has shaped me.​

Born and raised in Chapel Hill, I have been honored to contribute to our town's growth, sustainability, equity, and resilience. Over the past eight years, we have made significant progress in many areas, including:

Affordable Housing

• Passed two bonds totaling $25 million to support affordable housing initiatives

• Funded over 1,400 new units and allocated town-owned land for affordable housing development

• Approved a 5-year strategy and funding plan supporting the development of up to 900 new affordable homes and the preservation of up to 400 existing homes

• Implemented an expedited development review process for projects with significant affordable housing, reducing approval timelines from 12–18 months to less than six months, getting new units built and available to residents much quicker than in the past

Community Safety and Social Equity

• Established the Reimagining Community Safety Task Force to advise on approaches to policing that dismantle systemic racism and increase safety for all

• Ended low-level regulatory traffic stops

• Created a criminal justice debt fund to alleviate court fee burdens for justice-involved community members

LGBTQ+ Rights

• Passed a comprehensive non-discrimination ordinance protecting LGBTQ+ individuals from discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations

• Increased Chapel Hill’s Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index (MEI) from 66 to 100 (the MEI examines how inclusive municipal laws, policies, and services are of LGBTQ+ people who live and work there)

Climate Action

• Adopted Chapel Hill's first Climate Action and Response Plan, setting a course for a sustainable future

• Committed to becoming a 100% clean, renewable energy community by 2050

These accomplishments and many more were made possible through collaboration with dedicated colleagues, staff, and engaged residents. I am proud of what we have achieved together and confident in the town's continued progress.​

As I step away from public office at the end of my term in December, I look forward to continuing to serve our community in new ways. I remain committed to the values that make Chapel Hill a vibrant, inclusive, and forward-thinking town.​ Thank you for the trust and support you have shown me throughout my tenure.