Experience. Leadership. Energy.

I am honored to have served as La Quinta Mayor since 2014, and as a Council Member 5 years prior to that – thank you! I am proud of the work we have done in the Gem of the Desert. I am seeking re-election to continue the work and momentum underway in all aspects of the city operations and leadership to benefit our residents, businesses, and tourism industry. 

Projects that are important to me and require further attention include the following:

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• Workforce / Affordable Housing – With the city acquired land, we will work with developers to build a variety of housing inventory to welcome residents to La Quinta, while also addressing the State mandate requirements. LQ currently has over 1,300 units and we have been mandated by the State to build 1,500 more over the next 6 years. 

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• Bridge on Avenue 50 between Washington and Moon River Drive - Our last low-water crossing area for the west/east travel to schools and homes.  

• Infrastructure Projects and Pavement Management – Over $25 million has been spent in the last 4 years to enhance and improve our roads, which includes Highway 111.  Washington Street and many others are scheduled over the next few years. 

• Highway 111 Corridor Plan – Flexibility in development and a multi-year implementation plan that includes signage, landscaping, connectors, retail-tainment, parking reduction and use. Connecting to the CV Link and the future Art & Music Line (Ave 48) will diversify the traditional commercial corridor.   

• Cultural Campus – Enhancing our La Quinta Museum and surrounding structures to create a venue that depicts our history while offering entertainment and recreation.

• Electrical Utility Enhancement – Working with IID to advance purchase needed equipment and upgrades to expedite timing and facilitate continued economic growth for residential and commercial development. 

I am driven by the support, participation, and engagement of our residents – it makes the job to serve our community so much more enjoyable.  It’s a team effort – and I am grateful and humbled to be part of our La Quinta team.  I love La Quinta and I want to ensure its financial success and high standards for generations to follow.  For this reason, I want to serve another term as Mayor and be a role model for other women and the younger generation to become involved in local government and politics.  Thank you.  #LoveLQ 

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CONTINUED FISCAL MANAGEMENT & RESPONSIBILITY 

Our Council continues to approve balanced budgets, and our financial position is very strong. Essential services, such as fire and police, remain fully funded and supported by Council.  We continue to exceed our projections for sales tax, TOT (hotel/short-term rental) tax, and property tax. Our reserves remain strong and are fully funded, including our pension obligations. Our financial stability is a direct result of fiscally responsible practices, pursuing sensible economic growth, developing new revenue opportunities, and managing our expenses prudently. Our budget remains conservative for the coming year, which has proven successful for La Quinta over the years.    

ENHANCED PUBLIC SAFETY

My number one priority is to ensure strong law enforcement and fire service protection, while managing contract service costs and annual increases effectively. Public Safety comes at a price, and our service and protection will not be compromised. Exploring support services to complement our law enforcement team may assist in ensuring additional outreach and safety, in a fair and equitable manner for all residents. We live in a safe city because of the decisions, commitment, and investment made by our City Council to protect our residents, businesses and visitors. Our property values remain strong in part because of our investment in police and fire services to ensure a safe community.

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ECONOMIC GROWTH & INFRASTRUCTURE 

Our Highway 111 Corridor, which is a 2-mile stretch, provides for 76% of the city’s sales tax annually. Shifting from multiple specific plans to a single, more flexible plan will assist us with restructuring our business and transportation options as well as attract new experiences for consumers to our economy. The Complete Streets Project (roundabouts), the aesthetics in the Village and Old Town area have resulted in safer, slower, more pedestrian-friendly travel, with an artistic component for residents and visitors to enjoy. Roundabouts have improved traffic flow, reduced car emissions, reduced maintenance demands on the roads, eliminated traffic signals, and provided the ability to display public art.  

We have a new developer and direction for the future of SilverRock. Finally. The property still represents a key factor to ensuring our cities financial future. We know this project and it’s past has been a challenge. Now – we move forward towards re-evaluation of needs, demand, and a design that will better represent La Quinta. The brand will be announced before year-end and will serve as a high-end destination for travelers across the world. I remain optimistic about the project and am excited to ensure its completion.

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QUALITY OF LIFE & OPEN SPACES 

Preservation of parks, trails, dark skies and open space will enable La Quinta to preserve its charm while promoting a healthy community. As a hiker, I appreciate all that La Quinta offers and I’m proud to support La Quinta as a Healthy Eating Active Living (HEAL) city. Additions over recent years include the outdoor National Fitness Court in North La Quinta near La Quinta High School (providing free exercise to everyone); La Quinta X-Park (providing a state-of-the-art experience for all ages and a perfect training ground for future Olympic athletes); La Quinta’s segment of CV Link (complete and being used daily); further enhancements to SilverRock Park; and the outstanding remodel of Fritz Burns Park in the Cove. Parking lots for hiking have been added, as well as bike repair stations, benches and shade. Two additional restrooms will be added for our outdoor hikers, walkers, and cyclists (located at the bottom of the Cove and the west-side at the top of the Cove).

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