Transparency
Government should operate openly, communicate honestly, and make information accessible so residents understand how decisions are made.
Priorities for a shared future
Practical progress begins with public participation.
Monica believes Harrisonburg’s strongest solutions are built in the open—by listening early, sharing information clearly, and bringing people closest to an issue into the work.
A collaborative standard
How collaboration becomes policy
Each priority is guided by the same standard: Does it make daily life better for the people who call Harrisonburg home, and did they have a real voice in shaping it?
Participatory Governance
Residents deserve meaningful opportunities to help shape public policy, not simply react after decisions have already been made.
Social Justice
Every policy should be evaluated by whether it expands opportunity, promotes fairness, and ensures that every neighborhood and every resident is treated with dignity and equity.
The work ahead
Six places to focus—and keep the conversation moving.
Housing
Homes & Neighborhoods
Housing is the foundation of a healthy and prosperous community. I support expanding housing opportunities for residents at all income levels by encouraging a mix of housing types, preserving existing affordable housing, supporting responsible development, and strengthening partnerships with nonprofit and private housing providers. Every resident should have access to safe, stable, and affordable housing without sacrificing the unique character of our neighborhoods.
Infrastructure
Infrastructure & Growth
Growth should be intentional, sustainable, and responsive to community needs. I support investing in transportation, sidewalks, parks, utilities, stormwater systems, broadband, and public facilities while ensuring new development pays its fair share of infrastructure costs. Smart planning today will create a more connected, resilient, and accessible city tomorrow..
Economic development
Economic Development
A strong local economy creates opportunity for everyone. I support economic development that grows local businesses, attracts quality employers, encourages entrepreneurship, and invests in commercial corridors throughout the city. Our economic strategy should promote living-wage jobs, strengthen our tax base, and ensure that economic growth benefits all residents and neighborhoods.
Workforce
Workforce Development
Preparing residents for quality careers strengthens both families and our local economy. I support partnerships between schools, higher education institutions, workforce organizations, and employers to expand job training, apprenticeships, skilled trades, and career pathways. AeroNimble partners with Blue Ridge Community College to hire new graduates, showing how local employers and education partners can create direct paths into skilled careers. Workforce development should create opportunities for youth, adults changing careers, and individuals seeking economic mobility.
Sustainability
Environmental Sustainability
Protecting our environment protects our future. I support policies that improve energy efficiency, expand green infrastructure, protect our natural resources, reduce pollution, and strengthen our community's resilience to climate change. Environmental stewardship should also promote environmental justice by ensuring every neighborhood benefits from clean air, clean water, healthy parks, and sustainable infrastructure.
Community & Health
Mental Health & Community Well-Being
Healthy communities require more than emergency response—they require prevention, acce ss to care, and community support. I support expanding mental health services, investing in prevention programs, strengthening partnerships with healthcare providers and nonprofit organizations, and addressing the social factors that affect health, including housing, transportation, education, and employment. Our goal should be to help people thrive before they reach a crisis.
The invitation
A city moves forward when everyone has a place in the conversation.
These priorities are a starting point for the work ahead—not a substitute for hearing directly from the community.
Join the conversation