Issues
Affordable Housing
Affordable housing isn’t just a policy issue—it’s personal. Over the course of my life I’ve been on the move and while my family has been settled here since 2016, I’ve lived in 20 different residences! As a parent and longtime advocate for students and families, I see how the housing crisis in Lehigh County is straining our community. We’re facing a shortage of over 9,000 housing units, and without action, we’ll need 54,000 more by 2050 to keep up with growth. Home prices have soared, now more than four times the median household income, pushing the dream of homeownership out of reach for many . As your commissioner, I’ll fight to expand affordable housing by securing every available grant dollar, streamlining zoning for smart development, and ensuring our budget reflects the needs of working families. We must act now to make Lehigh County a place where our children can afford to live—not just visit.
Engaging Our Young People
The Lehigh Valley is experiencing a significant surge in its young adult population, with individuals aged 18 to 34 leading this growth. Lehigh County has seen a 2.9% increase in this demographic since 2020, while there has been a 2.5% decline in the Northeast. This trend positions our region as one of the fastest-growing areas for young adults in Pennsylvania. As your county commissioner, I am committed to harnessing this momentum by actively engaging young residents in local governance. Drawing from my experience in higher education and community leadership, I propose initiatives such as establishing youth advisory councils, integrating students into county committees, and creating apprenticeship programs that bridge the gap between education and civic involvement. By empowering our youth to participate in decision-making processes, we not only foster a sense of ownership and belonging but also ensure that our policies reflect the diverse perspectives and needs of our evolving community. Together, we can build a more inclusive and dynamic Lehigh County that values and incorporates the voices of its younger generations.
Preserving Open Space & Encouraging the Right Kind of Development
Preserving open space while guiding thoughtful development is essential to maintaining Lehigh County’s unique character and quality of life. With our population projected to grow by nearly 100,000 people by 2050, we face increasing pressure to balance growth with conservation. As your commissioner and a former small business owner in the construction industry, I will champion smart land-use policies that protect our farmlands, forests, and natural resources, while promoting development that aligns with our community’s needs. This includes supporting initiatives that prioritize affordable housing, sustainable infrastructure, and accessible green spaces. By fostering collaboration among stakeholders and leveraging available resources, we can ensure that Lehigh County grows in a way that honors our heritage and secures a vibrant future for generations to come.
Smart & Innovative Budget Solutions
Smart, transparent budgeting is essential to building a resilient Lehigh County that serves every resident—not just in times of prosperity, but through uncertainty and change. The county’s 2025 budget totals $554 million and includes a projected $5.3 million operating loss, which will be offset by surplus funds from 2024. As your commissioner, I will prioritize proactive financial planning that safeguards essential services like mental health care and youth support, while ensuring we never leave grant dollars or federal aid on the table. Drawing from my experience managing emergency education funding during the pandemic, I understand how to stretch limited resources and plan ahead for economic curveballs while also bringing in more grant funding to the county. I will advocate for inclusive budgeting processes that bring community voices—especially students and working families—into the conversation, ensuring our spending reflects our shared values and long-term goals.