Why I’m Running
Over two decades ago I decided to move to Montgomery County. At the time, I was thinking about the future – finishing grad school at UMD, buying a house, and raising a family. As my husband and I searched for a place to call home, we prioritized good public schools, being close to the metro, and a home in a diverse and welcoming community where we could walk to local stores and restaurants. And, a place we could afford a house.
We found our home and raised two great children, and for the last six years, I have served as the Mayor of our City. Over the years, I have witnessed a lot of changes in our community and the County overall. I first ran for Mayor because I saw housing becoming less affordable, recognized the need for changes in policing, and questioned whose voices got heard when decisions were being made. I am proud of the work we have accomplished in Takoma Park— The housing programs and policies. The support for small businesses especially during the pandemic. The changes we have made and continue to make to how we approach public safety. Our efforts to become a sustainable community. And the work to center racial equity in our City’s decision-making.
As Mayor, I worked with members of the County Council and the State House to address the challenges of COVID19 and support residents and small businesses. Montgomery County faces the same challenges and opportunities that caused me to first run in Takoma Park. And, I am ready to bring real and common-sense solutions to county government so that it can address housing affordability, support local businesses, change the way we think about and approach public safety, and work to become a sustainable and inclusive community.
None of these things will be easy. It will take hard work and the continued support of this engaged and vibrant district. But, together we can build on our strengths and create a stronger, more equitable, and sustainable Montgomery County.
Kate was first elected to the Takoma Park City Council in 2014 in a special election to become the Ward 3 representative and was elected Mayor just one year later. She led efforts in the city to…
Adopt a racial equity framework for City decision-making
Respond to the challenges of the COVID-19 crisis to support residents and small businesses
Establish a strategic housing plan followed by on-the-ground programs to address housing affordability
Commit the City to sustainability goals and support key initiatives designed to help reach those goals
Push forward police and public safety reforms
In addition to serving as Mayor, Kate serves as the Vice-Chair of the Board of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (MWCOG) and chairs an MWCOG Taskforce to Develop Racial Equity Trainings for Regional Leaders. Prior to that, she served three years as the Secretary-Treasurer for MWCOG and served on the MWCOG Taskforce on DC Statehood. Kate also formerly served as co-chair for the National League of Cities Racial Equity And Leadership Council (REAL) and on the board of the Mayors Innovation Project, a national organization of mayors.
Kate is a Principal at ConwayStrategic, where she develops communications strategies and works to shape public opinion on issues related to reproductive rights. Previously, Kate served as the Executive Vice President of Advocates for Youth, an organization that works to empower young people to make informed and responsible decisions about their reproductive and sexual health while advocating for their rights. Before Advocates, Kate was a partner at a research and communications firm where she provided strategic advice to a range of progressive organizations. She received her BA from Haverford College, her MS from the University of Maryland, and taught as an Adjunct Professor at American University.