Priorities
CLEAN, ACCESSIBLE WATER
Clean water is essential to our health, economy, and quality of life, yet Wake County faces a future of water insecurity. Environmental pollution, climate challenges and increasing pressure on our drinking water supplies make our water future uncertain. At the same time, many of our waterways are impaired and no longer support uses like swimming, fishing, drinking, and healthy aquatic ecosystems. This is why it is more important than ever to protect the rivers, streams, lakes, and groundwater we depend on. Meeting these challenges will require reducing pollution at its source, planning growth with our watersheds in mind, and working with nature to protect the water resources that sustain us all.
As Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor, I will:
Protect drinking water at its source by supporting conservation of forests, wetlands, and riparian buffers that naturally filter pollution and safeguard reservoirs like Falls Lake and Jordan Lake.
Reduce pollution before it reaches our waterways by expanding green stormwater infrastructure, restoring streams, and promoting conservation practices that reduce sediment, bacteria, and nutrient runoff.
Champion watershed-wise growth by encouraging development that respects floodplains, preserves natural areas, and minimizes impacts to streams and downstream communities.
CLIMATE RESILIENCE
Wake County is already experiencing the impacts of a changing climate—from prolonged drought and increasingly intense rainfall that causes dangerous flooding to rising temperatures fueled by the loss of forests and tree canopy. These challenges threaten our drinking water, farms, infrastructure, and public health. As Wake County loses more forest and farmland, we lose our best solutions for combatting climate impacts. We must act now to invest in protecting resilient landscapes and advancing nature-based solutions that protect people, strengthen our local economy, and prepare Wake County for the future.
As Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor, I will:
Expand nature-based solutions by promoting stream restoration, wetland protection, reforestation, and green stormwater infrastructure that reduce flooding, improve water quality, and recharge groundwater.
Protect the forests, wetlands and floodplains that naturally absorb floodwaters, reduce heat, store carbon, and safeguard our drinking water supplies.
Protect farmland to ensure local food security in the face of climate instability.
Strengthen partnerships with farmers, municipalities, conservation organizations, and state agencies to implement science-based conservation practices that improve soil health, conserve water, and prepare Wake County for increasingly extreme weather.
INVEST IN IMPACTED COMMUNITIES
Conservation and environmental justice go hand in hand. The burdens of flooding, pollution, failing infrastructure and environmental degradation have too often fallen hardest on communities with the fewest resources. These challenges have disproportionately affected neighborhoods across race and income, leaving many families more vulnerable to flooding, poor water quality, and the loss of natural spaces. I believe that every community deserves clean water, healthy ecosystems, and meaningful opportunities to help shape the decisions that affect their environment. To address environmental injustice, we must invest in protecting and restoring the natural infrastructure, streams, wetlands, and floodplains that help safeguard all of us.
As Soil and Water District Supervisor, I will:
Prioritize conservation investments where they are needed most, helping communities that face the greatest risks from flooding, extreme heat, and water quality impacts become more resilient.
Center the needs and stories of those impacted first and worst by environmental impacts.
Collaborate with community leaders to secure science backed, forward-thinking solutions for our highest risk communities
EDUCATE & EMPOWER
Building a more resilient Wake County starts with an informed and engaged community. By expanding environmental education and advocacy, we can help residents understand the ongoing challenges facing our soil and water resources while empowering them to be part of lasting, community-driven solutions.
As Soil and Water District Supervisor, I will:
Expand opportunities for residents to learn about conservation resources available to Wake County residents.
Work to educate community members about the major challenges facing our watersheds and natural resources, and work together to partner around place based solutions.
Empower individuals, schools, businesses, and neighborhoods to take action by connecting them with the tools, resources, and partnerships needed to build healthier and more resilient communities.
Tell Me Your Priorities
I’ve listed some of my priorities, but I also want to hear from you. Please tell me what your priorities are for soil and water conservation in Wake County
Your voice matters to our mission