As Corte Madera's outgoing mayor steps down, his tenure marks a period of remarkable progress for this small but dynamic Marin County town. From climate action to infrastructure improvements, the mayor's leadership has helped transform Corte Madera from a town facing financial uncertainty to what many now consider the best run municipality in Marin County.
Q: "What first inspired you to get involved in local politics?"
"It's my hometown, and I knew that climate change is the only existential threat the town faces. The geography of Corte Madera is half in a flood zone and half in a fire zone. I knew these issues needed to be addressed proactively."
Q: "What were your greatest accomplishments as mayor?"
"We overhauled the affordability ordinance, enforcing the number of affordable units from 5% to BMR 15% and the in lieu of fee actually being collected and deposited into the affordable housing fund. The enactment of the Climate Emergency Declaration and Climate Action Plan to reduce the carbon footprint. The Climate initiative, the money secured for the overpass construction, the current housing plan for 725 units for which there was zero opposition from the public, the emergency housing fund during Covid that kept residents in their homes, Project Home Key that created housing for 18 formerly unhoused residents, creating a sound flood mitigation plan that the public embraces, and turning around the town finances with a fiscal renaissance from a 2012 brink of bankruptcy state to the best run town in Marin County."
Q: "What transportation improvements were made to the Paradise Drive corridor, which has experienced increased traffic in recent years?"
"We completed the Street project focusing on pedestrian and bicyclist safety with new bike paths, upgrading existing paths, and lowering the speed limit."
Q: "With the recent renovation of the Town Center, what lessons has Corte Madera learned about managing retail evolution in the age of e-commerce?"
"Close to 1/3 of revenue comes from sales tax. We were very strategic with our economic plan and integrating EV dealerships within and around the shopping centers as an internal focus. This has a positive result with existing retailers and consumers."
Q: "How have you addressed an aging infrastructure and what are Corte Madera's most pressing needs?"
"The 101 overpass connecting the east and west sides of town is not safe or ADA compliant. We secured $36M working with Senator Mike McGuire to rebuild it. Construction is slated to begin in the next two years. We also have a very good partnership with the Marin Municipal Water District to replace breaking pipes and repave the roads after repairs. We enacted the sewer lateral ordinance, resulting in 1/3-1/2 of sewer laterals being repaired or replaced. These have positive impacts both environmentally and economically."
Q: "What's your future look like?"
"For now, I can only say that I find public service incredibly rewarding and will have an announcement soon as to how I see that shaping into my next role."
The mayor's tenure demonstrates how focused leadership can transform a community, addressing everything from climate change to affordable housing while maintaining fiscal responsibility. His legacy leaves Corte Madera well-positioned for future challenges, with stronger infrastructure, sounder finances, and a clearer vision for sustainable growth.
