Community engagement will be one of my biggest responsibilities as a City Councilmember. It would be unreasonable to expect every Highland resident to attend every City Council meeting. People have jobs, families, responsibilities, and busy lives. But it would be equally wrong to assume that residents do not care simply because they are not sitting in the Council Chambers for the meetings.

I truly believe that the residents of Highland want what is best for our city. They want to know what is happening in their neighborhoods, understand the decisions their local government is making, and have opportunities to share their ideas, concerns, and priorities. That also means community engagement cannot simply mean waiting for residents to come to us.

Our city government should make a concerted effort to reach residents where they are.

As a Councilmember, I will make it a priority to regularly communicate with the community about important issues, upcoming decisions, projects, and opportunities for residents to participate. That may mean using social media, community events, neighborhood conversations, newsletters, and other accessible ways to share information.

But communication is only half of engagement. Listening is just as important.
I want residents to feel that their voices are valued whether they attend every Council meeting or never attend one. I will make an effort to hear from people throughout our community—not just those who are the most vocal or easiest to reach.

Good government should not operate behind closed doors or expect residents to seek out every piece of information on their own. It should communicate openly, listen respectfully, and create meaningful opportunities for residents to participate.

Highland belongs to all of us. Our city is strongest when residents and their elected representatives work together, communicate openly, and share responsibility for the future of our community.