PRIORITIES

Envision SLO’s Future Together

 

Guided by an unwavering commitment to San Luis Obispo, and a shared belief in the possibilities of what can be achieved when we work together, Erica champions the city’s major goals while seeking to improve the way of life for all. 

With a desire to openly and frequently communicate with constituents and ensure each member of the community is heard, respected, and valued, Erica has shown how listening and collaborating can move SLO forward.

Read more about Erica’s priorities and what has been achieved under her leadership below.

A Place Where We All Belong: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in SLO

San Luis Obispo has made great strides to implement practices in support of its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) goals, but there is still much work to do. We must ensure everyone is made to feel welcome and safe in SLO—and that means facing uncomfortable truths, having tough conversations, and pushing each of us to do better. Erica has shown that she can lead the city as it embraces change, celebrates every member of the community, and infuses DEI into every facet of city life.

Together, we’ve:

  • Appointed Beya Makekau as SLO’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Manager, whose position is dedicated to is implementing policies and programs that reflect these values to make the city a more welcoming place for all

  • Created a mobile crisis unit to help members of our community who are experiencing mental health challenges

Access and Inequity: Addressing Affordable Housing and Houselessness

As the city grows, so too must our resolve to confront a mounting crisis affecting the most vulnerable members of our community. Having utilized state and local resources like WIC and food banks to get by as a young adult, Erica has a deep compassion for those who are unable to secure affordable housing or who are currently houseless. She believes everyone is worthy of respect and will work to increase funding for services that reduce houselessness, maintain lasting partnerships to provide community support, and find creative solutions for a growing need. Through a multifaceted approach including approving more affordable housing units, making housing more accessible, soliciting valuable input from those directly impacted, and holding Cal Poly accountable to their plan of housing more students on campus, Erica is ready to address the issues of our community’s housing dilemma head-on.

A Sustainable SLO: Supporting the City’s Climate Goals

When it comes to achieving our climate goals, we need to take swift action. We need to recognize the implications locally and implement strategies to reduce the effects of the climate crisis as expediently as possible. SLO has been a sustainability leader—in the county and at the state and national level—but we can’t rest and we can’t let up. Future generations depend on the action we take today. Erica will remain steadfast in her commitment to increase sustainable efforts throughout the city’s operations, policies, and practices.

Together, we’ve:

  • Increased efforts to reach the city’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2035

  • Invested in equipment and resources to make every part of city operations more sustainable 

  • Conserved water amidst statewide drought mandates

  • Preserved and expanded open space in order to fortify SLO’s greenbelt

  • Opened the Miossi Open Space

  • Created the Clean Energy Program, which requires new buildings to be all electric, leading to safer and greener households

  • Adapted to shifting priorities in regards to Diablo Canyon Power Plant while proactively addressing the safety and wellbeing of the region

Moving in the Right Direction: Improving Multi-modal Transportation

A city without adequate multi-modal transportation denies access to services, resources, and opportunities for its residents and visitors. Lack of personal transportation shouldn’t impact one’s ability to get to class or hold a job, buy groceries and other basic needs, or visit friends and family. We must increase safe and affordable alternatives to single-rider vehicles to be a more sustainable and equitable city. Whether people walk, bike, drive, or ride, the efforts SLO takes today to increase and improve multi-modal transportation options will create a more diverse, vibrant, and bustling community. 

Together, we’ve:

  • Completed the Active Transportation Plan - a plan/foundation for equitable and sustainable ways to walk, roll and stroll around the city

  • Purchased two electric buses to get closer to our carbon neutral goal and increase sustainable public transportation

  • Rebuilt the 100-year old Marsh Street Bridge

  • Created a railroad safety trail across the railroad tracks and Highway 101 - a major milestone for railroad safety

The Business of Growth: Safeguarding Our Economy

As a former small business owner, Erica understands the unique challenges and opportunities presented to entrepreneurs on the Central Coast. San Luis Obispo has grown in leaps and bounds over the years, but the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic reverberated throughout the business community and the local economy (like most of the United States) suffered as a result. However, the city has creatively and purposefully addressed the concerns of the community, remained fiscally responsible, and maintained a sound budget under Erica’s leadership. Erica will continue to seek opportunities for post-pandemic business growth and continue to build a resilient economy.

Together, we’ve:

  • Kept the budget under control

  • Increased small business grants and parklets

  • Created the gift card program to incentivize local business support

  • Continued paying down the unfunded pension liability

  • Increased childcare grants

Want To Know More?

If you have questions or views you'd like to share, please e-mail me at VoteEricaAStewart@gmail.com