I’m running for Larimer County Commissioner because I believe local government works best when policy is connected to real people, when decisions are grounded in experience, and when leaders understand the tangible impact of their decisions.

A rising tide lifts all ships.

Larimer County has the ingredients for a strong and resilient economy: a world-class university and education system, a diverse agricultural base, innovative small businesses, and major employers who already see the value of being here. But economic growth does not happen by accident. If we want people to be able to afford to live here, raise families here, and build long-term stability, we need to focus on attracting good jobs that support those goals. Economic development is not about chasing the biggest name or the fastest deal, it is about making thoughtful decisions that strengthen the entire county.

The county should play an active role in promoting Larimer County as a place for high-quality businesses and coordinating efforts across municipalities so communities are not competing against each other. When cities are forced into bidding wars chasing primary employers, everyone loses in the long run. County leadership can help align incentives, share resources, and make sure growth benefits the whole region. As a business attorney, former small business operator, and current business owner, I understand how businesses make decisions and what sustainable growth actually looks like. That real-world experience is essential to smart economic development.

Preparation is a responsibility.

Larimer County has already experienced the consequences of climate change through devastating floods, wildfires, and extreme weather events that affect both urban and rural communities. These events are not isolated, and they will happen again. Being prepared is no longer optional. It is a core responsibility of county government.

The county must take a proactive role in helping communities plan for and respond to climate-related disasters. That includes responsible budgeting for mitigation and emergency response, supporting local preparedness efforts, and reducing our environmental impact where possible. Federal assistance can no longer be assumed, which means counties will increasingly be on the front lines. Strong coordination before, during, and after crises is essential to protecting lives, property, and our shared natural resources.

Every voice deserves a seat at the table.

Larimer County is home to diverse communities, including immigrants, LGBTQ+ residents, and others who are often left out of decision-making processes. Inclusive governance leads to better policy and stronger outcomes. Right now, the county lacks a dedicated advisory body focused on diversity and vulnerable populations, and that is a gap we should address.

I believe the county should establish a board or commission focused on elevating these voices early in the decision-making process, not as an afterthought. Inclusion should be part of how the county operates at every level. I also believe county resources should never be used to support harmful federal enforcement actions that undermine trust and tear families apart. Protecting vulnerable residents is essential to building a safe, healthy, and united county.

Housing is a human necessity and a human right.

Affordable housing is one of the most urgent challenges we face, and it affects every community in the county differently. Rising housing costs are pushing workers, families, and seniors out of the places they call home. This is not an issue any single city or town can solve on its own. It requires coordination around land use, infrastructure, water availability, and financing, all areas where the county plays a critical role.

The county must work closely with municipalities to support smart, intentional housing strategies. Unincorporated areas are not always appropriate for the density we need, which makes collaboration even more important. Tools like transferable density credits, partnerships with land trusts, and regional planning can help increase housing supply without sacrificing the character and natural beauty of the county. Affordable housing is not just a city issue or a town issue, it is a county-wide responsibility.

Big challenges require shared solutions.

Larimer County works best when we act like the interconnected community we are. Housing, transportation, economic development, climate resilience, and public health do not exist neatly within town or city limits. What happens in Fort Collins affects Wellington. What happens in Loveland affects our rural communities. County government is uniquely positioned to lead across jurisdictions and bring people to the same table.

The role of a County Commissioner is not to compete with cities and towns, but to support them, connect them, and help them succeed together. I believe Larimer County should be a convener, a bridge, and a partner, helping communities share information, coordinate resources, and tackle regional challenges collaboratively.

Infrastructure connects opportunity.

Transportation and infrastructure are the backbone of a functioning county. Roads, bridges, and transit systems connect people to jobs, schools, healthcare, and recreation. In Larimer County, much of that responsibility falls on the county itself, particularly outside city limits. Years of underinvestment have left us with aging infrastructure and a significant funding gap that affects residents across the county, not just in rural areas.

Solving this problem requires regional thinking and honest leadership. If we want better public transportation, safer roads, and real connectivity between communities, the county must step up and lead. Transportation is directly tied to economic development, housing affordability, and climate resilience. When infrastructure fails, everything else becomes harder. County commissioners need to be clear about priorities, committed to long-term solutions, and willing to do the work needed to secure sustainable funding.

Access to care strengthens communities.

Health and human services touch every family in Larimer County, whether through healthcare access, mental health support, housing stability, or services for children and seniors. I spent nearly two decades working in health care policy, including on the Affordable Care Act, and I have seen how policy decisions directly affect people’s lives. As responsibilities continue to shift from the federal level to states and counties, local leadership becomes even more important.

Larimer County has built a strong foundation in this area, but continued commitment is essential. Funding and prioritization decisions will determine whether residents can access the services they need when they need them. This is not just about numbers in a budget, it is about values. My experience allows me to bring both policy knowledge and practical perspective to ensure these services remain accessible and effective county-wide.

Thoughtful planning protects what matters.

Land use decisions shape nearly every aspect of life in Larimer County, from housing availability to economic growth to environmental protection. These decisions are complex, often contentious, and deeply interconnected. Poor planning in one area can create ripple effects across the entire county.

Having advised planning commissions and worked in local government, I understand how challenging these decisions can be and how important experience is at the county level. The county plays a key role in coordinating land use policies that align with regional goals and community values. Clear processes, transparency, and collaboration with municipalities are essential to making decisions that serve both current residents and future generations.