Responsible use of tax dollars
Household costs including grocery, gas and medical expenses continue to rise for our friends, neighbors and communities. I pledge to continue the careful and intentional use of your tax dollars to provide the highest quality of service.
Safe, affordable, attainable housing
I am deeply engaged in advancing housing solutions across the county. The new LMI (Low to Moderate Income) Housing Support Program grew out of asking how the county could use the existing economic development process and tax increment finance (TIF) dollars to support housing across the whole county. Through my work with the Story County Housing Trust, I’ve been part of expanding access to safe, affordable housing for working families, seniors, and vulnerable residents. I played a key role in the development of a manufactured home repair program—an initiative designed to preserve existing affordable housing by helping residents make critical repairs, keeping people safely in their homes while strengthening neighborhoods. I continue to be a strong supporter of housing assistance programs that provide rental support, emergency aid, and pathways to long-term housing stability.
Substance Use, Arrest Diversion & Services for Justice Involved Individuals
In my previous work for the county, I created the County Attorney’s Office Fines Recovery and Driver’s License Reinstatement Program. I secured grant funding for and was the project lead on the development team of Alternatives, the County Attorney’s arrest diversion program. I have continued my support for arrest diversion efforts that prioritize treatment and second chances over incarceration, helping connect individuals to services that reduce recidivism and strengthen community safety. I have championed recovery programs, advocating for resources that support individuals and families navigating substance use and mental health challenges.
Climate Resilience Plan
Since my election in 2020 Story County has completed a greenhouse gas inventory and has embarked on the development of a climate resilience and sustainability plan. This plan will prioritize actions and investments in county operations infrastructure to prepare for changing weather hazards and their impacts on government operations through 2050.
Early Childhood & Youth Services
I am an active member of the Central Iowa Juvenile Detention Center Commission. My goals, in partnership with other county leaders, have been updating policies and improving the facility to support both the youth and staff to ensure the best care and services possible. I am spearheading an effort to contract with a local artist to work with the residents on murals and other artistic projects. Keep your eye out for more on this project!
I continue to be an advocate for early childhood investment through my support of Early Childhood Iowa. Supervisors Linda Murken, Lisa Heddens and I unanimously approved the use of ARPA funds to launch the United Way of Story County’s Childcare Coalition as well as funding to Childserve, Boys and Girls Clubs in Ames and Nevada, YSS, premium pay to childcare providers, Primary Health Care, Story City library and Colo-NESCO school district.
All three Supervisors recognize that access to quality early learning and family support services is critical to long-term community success.
