What Jessica Will Fight For
1. Public Safety
Public safety isn’t just about enforcement—it’s about trust, presence, and shared accountability. I support the hardworking officers of the Tacoma Police Department, and I also believe we need a smarter, more modern approach to public safety. That means increasing transparency, improving community engagement, and building systems that foster mutual respect between law enforcement and residents. I support investing in non-violent crisis response teams—professionals trained in de-escalation, mental health, and substance abuse—who can handle certain calls more appropriately and free up officers to focus on serious crime. This isn’t about choosing between safety and reform—it’s about both. A safer Tacoma will be one where people feel protected and heard, where officers are equipped to succeed, and where we rebuild trust one block, one relationship at a time.
2. Economic Development with Equity
Small businesses are the soul of Tacoma’s economy—and I come from a long line of entrepreneurs, so I know exactly how hard it is to keep the lights on, meet payroll, and grow with integrity. I am proudly pro-business and believe we need to reduce unnecessary red tape, lower taxes for small business owners, and create predictable systems that support growth instead of punishing it. But economic growth can’t just benefit a few—it has to be inclusive. That means investing in infrastructure, reducing street-level crime, and addressing homelessness so our business districts are welcoming and vibrant. It also means supporting BIPOC-owned and women-led businesses with access to capital and city contracts. If we want a thriving economy, we must be intentional about opportunity—because a strong local economy is one where everyone can participate.
3. Affordable Housing
Everyone deserves a safe, stable place to call home—but in Tacoma, that’s becoming harder to find. I believe the government has a responsibility to create the conditions for housing security, not through bloated bureaucracy, but by fostering smart partnerships and community-driven solutions. I support expanding affordable housing through mixed-income developments, incentives for builders who prioritize local needs, and zoning reform that allows for creative housing options like ADUs and co-housing models. At the same time, we must protect the rights of renters without vilifying landlords—finding balance through transparency, mediation, and mutual accountability. I’m also passionate about increasing access to first-time homeownership, especially for working families who feel priced out. Ownership builds equity, pride, and community stability. Let’s stop thinking of affordable housing as a one-size-fits-all problem—and start designing strategies that work block by block, neighborhood by neighborhood.
4. Homelessness & Housing First Solutions
Homelessness is one of the most complex and visible challenges facing Tacoma—but it’s not unsolvable. I support a housing-first approach, because people can’t stabilize their lives without a roof over their heads. But housing alone isn’t enough. We need to pair it with comprehensive, wraparound services—mental health support, addiction recovery programs, workforce development, and case management—to actually break the cycle. This isn’t just about compassion; it’s about strategy. Reactive solutions cost more in the long run. Proactive, integrated systems get results. I also believe we should invest in transitional housing models and public-private partnerships that allow faith groups, nonprofits, and local businesses to help scale solutions quickly. Our city needs to be smarter and more courageous in how we respond—because doing nothing, or doing what we’ve always done, is simply not working.
5. Living Wage Jobs & Labor Rights
I believe work should provide dignity—and that means ensuring every full-time worker in Tacoma can afford the basics: food, housing, health care, and transportation. I support living wages and fair labor practices across all industries, including the right to organize and collectively bargain. Strong unions help create a balanced economy and ensure that growth doesn’t come at the cost of people’s well-being. At the same time, I believe we need to equip workers for the economy of tomorrow—with job training, apprenticeships, and pathways to skilled trades and emerging tech. Supporting workers isn’t anti-business—it’s how we build a sustainable, competitive, and just economy.
6. Climate Resilience & Environmental Justice
Environmental issues aren’t some distant debate—they’re showing up right here in Tacoma in the form of polluted air, unsafe water, and vulnerable communities hit hardest by climate change. I believe environmental justice is social justice, and our policies should reflect that. I will fight for clean air, clean water, and access to public green spaces—especially in neighborhoods that have historically borne the brunt of environmental neglect. Climate resilience also means investing in infrastructure that can withstand future challenges, supporting green job creation, and promoting sustainable development practices. We can be both environmentally responsible and economically smart—but only if we’re willing to think long-term, act locally, and lead with equity at the center.
7. Transportation Access & Infrastructure
Streets should connect us—not cut us off. I believe Tacoma’s infrastructure must reflect the diverse ways people move through the city: on foot, by bus, on bike, in a wheelchair, or behind the wheel. That’s why I will advocate for smarter, people-first transit planning—more reliable public transportation, safer sidewalks and crosswalks, and streets designed for accessibility and inclusion. This isn’t just about mobility—it’s about economic access, safety, and community pride. Let’s rethink transit to serve everyone in Tacoma, no matter their ZIP code, income level, or mode of transportation.
8. Mental Health & Addiction Services
We’re in the middle of a mental health crisis—and it touches every neighborhood, every family, and every generation. I’ve worked with nonprofits and local organizations to support therapeutic mental health courts and improve care access, and I’ve seen what’s possible when we treat people with dignity rather than punishment. We have resources, but too often they’re locked behind red tape, stigma, or a lack of coordination. I’ll work to break down those barriers by investing in mobile crisis units, treatment-first programs, and partnerships that bring care into our communities—not just emergency rooms or jail cells. Mental health is public health—and it’s time we start treating it that way.
9. Youth Empowerment & Education Equity
Our kids aren’t just the future—they’re the heartbeat of our city today. I believe we must invest in their potential with real resources: expanded afterschool programs, equitable school funding across districts, and mentorship initiatives that inspire leadership, purpose, and pride. Whether it's access to arts, STEM, or career readiness programs, young people deserve more than just classroom instruction—they deserve hope and a path forward. I want to see Tacoma become a city where every child, no matter where they live, has access to opportunity, safety, and encouragement to thrive.
10. Police Accountability & Oversight
Respect should never be a one-way street. I support the dedicated officers who put their lives on the line for our community—but I also believe that public trust must be earned through transparency and accountability. That’s why I support the creation of independent oversight boards and mechanisms that ensure fair review of incidents, as well as efforts to highlight the daily, commendable work of officers who serve with honor. Community engagement, clear standards, and public involvement are how we build a department that works with the community, not just within it. Reform and respect can coexist—and when they do, everyone wins.
11. Civic Engagement & Government Transparency
For democracy to truly work, the people have to be part of it—not just every four years, but every day. I believe government should speak clearly, listen often, and meet people where they are. That’s why I support neighborhood-based town halls, community dialogues in familiar settings, and tools that make policies simple and accessible—because too many residents feel shut out of decision-making by confusing systems or political jargon. We need to remove the mystery from local government and replace it with honest communication and open doors. When people feel informed and empowered, they show up—and when they show up, Tacoma becomes a stronger, more unified city.
12. Arts, Culture & Creative Economies
The arts aren’t extra—they’re essential. From murals on buildings to music in our parks to makers in our markets, Tacoma’s creative spirit fuels innovation, boosts mental health, and strengthens local economies. I’ve been shaped by the arts since childhood, and I know they’re a key part of what makes our city vibrant and resilient. I’ll fight for public art funding, space for artists to create and collaborate, and policies that recognize the value of creative work as real work. When we invest in culture, we invest in community—and we tell the world that Tacoma is not just a place to live, but a place to belong.
13. Gentrification & Displacement Protections
Growth doesn’t have to mean displacement. I believe we can revitalize neighborhoods without erasing the people and cultures that built them. As the city-appointed founder of the Hilltop Business Improvement Area, I’ve worked on the front lines of this challenge—bringing developers and longtime residents to the same table to listen, learn, and shape growth with equity. It’s not always easy, but it’s necessary. I will continue to advocate for displacement protections, tenant support, and policies that ensure our neighborhoods stay rooted in their history even as they evolve. We can build a city that welcomes investment and honors legacy—if we’re willing to have the hard conversations and commit to thoughtful development.
14. Tax Fairness & Budget Transparency
Every dollar the city spends should be trackable, purposeful, and in service of the public good. I will push for clear, accessible budgeting tools that let residents see exactly where their money is going—and give them a voice in how it’s used. Transparency builds trust, and trust builds stronger communities. I also believe in fair taxation—making sure the burden doesn’t fall disproportionately on working families and small businesses. We need to hold our city accountable not just for how it collects funds, but how wisely and equitably it spends them.
15. Public Health & Pandemic Recovery
The pandemic exposed deep cracks in our public health systems—but it also revealed the strength of our communities. Moving forward, I’ll focus on building a resilient, accessible public health infrastructure that meets people where they are: in schools, neighborhoods, and workplaces. That means investing in community clinics, mental health services, and public wellness initiatives that support the whole person. I also support targeted recovery programs for businesses and neighborhoods hit hardest by COVID-19—because healing must be equitable to be real. We can't undo the past, but we can make sure our recovery leaves no one behind.
16. Gun Violence Prevention & Community Safety
Gun violence is a public safety crisis—one that hits close to home and demands immediate, thoughtful action. I support community-led, data-driven intervention programs that focus on prevention, not just reaction. This means working with grassroots leaders, investing in youth outreach, and supporting proven models like violence interruption and trauma-informed care. I also support responsible gun ownership and believe safety and rights can—and must—coexist. We need to move beyond partisan gridlock and toward practical strategies that keep our neighborhoods safe, our schools secure, and our communities whole.
17. Food Access & Local Agriculture
Fresh, healthy food should never be a luxury. In a city as rich in culture and community as Tacoma, no one should go hungry because of where they live. I will prioritize combating food deserts by supporting neighborhood farmers markets, expanding community gardens, and partnering with local growers and grocers to bring affordable food to underserved areas. Food is foundational—it fuels learning, working, and living with dignity. Strengthening local agriculture also strengthens our economy and reduces our carbon footprint. When we invest in food systems, we nourish our people and our city.
18. Neighborhood Revitalization Without Displacement
Revitalizing Tacoma should never come at the cost of pushing out the very people who made our neighborhoods what they are. I believe in investing in beautification, infrastructure upgrades, parks, and community spaces that benefit long-time residents first. That means including them in planning, ensuring upgrades don’t lead to displacement, and directing resources into areas that have been historically overlooked. Growth doesn’t mean gentrification when done right—it means honoring a neighborhood’s soul while building its future together.
19. Digital Equity & Broadband Access
In today’s world, internet access is not optional—it’s essential. From remote work to online school to applying for jobs or services, broadband is the bridge to opportunity. I’ll work to ensure every household in Tacoma has access to reliable, high-speed, and affordable internet. Digital equity is about more than cables and routers—it’s about ensuring no child is left behind in their education, no business can’t compete because of poor access, and no resident is disconnected from the resources they need to thrive.
20. LGBTQ+ Rights, Racial Equity & Inclusive Policy
Equity isn’t a box to check—it’s a lens through which every policy should be shaped. I believe in a Tacoma where everyone, especially those historically marginalized—LGBTQ+ residents, communities of color, and people living at the intersections of multiple identities—can thrive with dignity, safety, and opportunity. That means ensuring fair housing practices, inclusive hiring, equitable education funding, and representation in leadership. I support policies that are both principled and practical, grounded in justice and built to last. Inclusion makes us stronger—and I’ll lead with that truth at every table I sit.