Protect Our Tree Canopy and Green Spaces
Progress is inevitable, but how we grow matters. We can’t build in ways that destroy the very things that make people want to live here in the first place. Part of what makes Cary an extraordinary place to call home is the abundance of natural spaces: our greenway system, our parks, our tree-filled neighborhoods. And our tree canopy isn’t just beautiful, it’s a key component of our long-term community health. We must ensure that new development reflects our values, meets genuine community needs, and preserves the natural character that makes Cary special.
As your council member, I will:
- Commit to protect and preserve our trees, including efforts to safeguard as many of Cary’s large, mature “champion trees” as possible.
- Evaluate rezoning requests through the lens of meeting genuine community needs, such as diversified housing, while ensuring proposals align with the character and intended use of the area.
- Prioritize revitalizing already developed areas over building on undeveloped land whenever possible.
- Advance Cary’s Urban Forest Master Plan and emphasize the essential role our trees play in everything from stormwater management to community well-being.
- Encourage the use of native plants in landscaping plans.
- Champion adherence to the Imagine Cary Community Plan policies that aim to “protect and restore open space and the natural environment.”
- Support the goals and strategies outlined in Cary’s Sustainability and Climate Action Plan to strengthen resilience and improve long-term environmental health across the community.
Preserve Cary’s High-Quality Town Services
Cary is known for its reliable, responsive town services. Everything from youth summer camps to senior centers, from composting initiatives to the 311 call center. These services are a key part of our identity and directly impact our day-to-day quality of life. Even with budget constraints, we must work to maintain the level of service our residents expect.
As your council member, I will:
- Prioritize maintaining current service levels and staffing by seeking innovative, budget-conscious approaches, like leveraging technology, improving efficiency, and enhancing interdepartmental coordination.
- Ensure public safety teams have the tools and training they need to keep Cary one of the safest towns in the country.
- Listen to resident feedback - about sidewalks, signals, parks, or programs - and be transparent about what the Town can and cannot do with current resources.
Prioritize Housing Options
A strong community needs a range of housing options. For young adults who grew up here and want to stay in Cary, for seniors who want to age in place, and for the essential workers who provide the services we all use every day. That means making sure Cary’s housing options remain economically accessible to people of all backgrounds, especially the teachers, first responders, and service workers who help make our town run.
As your council member, I will:
- Encourage rezoning that considers long-term community needs so Cary remains a welcoming and livable town for people at every stage of life.
- Support affordable housing efforts within the Town Council’s scope, such as encouraging new developments to include the most generous possible number of units with rental rates that public servants, seniors, and workers earning below the median area income can afford.