What do you hope to see from Chico City Council?

ChicoSol asked six active Chicoans who represent a variety of perspectives to tell us what they hope for from City Council and to limit their response to 100 words. Here is what they want in their words. Read our story on what City Council does here.

Gina Bax, engaged Chico resident speaking as an individual:

Election season is here. Whether we are electing City Council members, school board trustees, or other public servants, I hope candidates put personal ideology aside and focus on the well-being of our entire community.

Chico cannot afford policies that have failed other cities. Allowing illegal camping, handing out needles, or giving someone a tent is not compassion. Compassion means helping people overcome addiction, access treatment and mental health services, find stability, and become independent again.

We can care for people experiencing homelessness while protecting families, businesses, neighborhoods, and public spaces.

Chico deserves practical solutions, accountability, safety and compassionate leadership for everyone.

Molly Kopta, president and CEO of Chico Chamber of Commerce:

The Chico Chamber wants to see a City Council that views Chico’s business community as a partner in the long-term health and vitality of our city.

That means maintaining open communication, investing responsibly in the infrastructure and services our community depends on, and considering how policy decisions affect the employers who create jobs and invest here.

The Chamber is committed to being an active partner in that work. We may not always agree on every issue, but thoughtful collaboration between the City, businesses and community partners is essential to ensuring Chico remains a place where businesses can start, grow and thrive.

Angela McLaughlin, Stand up for Chico:

Our hope for City Council is that we elect new, pragmatic leaders, who will invest in meaningful solutions instead of punitive actions and endless lawsuits.

This is critical with regards to solutions for the homeless population. Forcing people to leave for other cities or jailing them is not a solution, and it’s exactly what landed Chico under the supervision of a federal judge for five years.

We also need leaders who are willing to question Chico PD, and rein in endless spending on them without accountability. Lastly, we need real solutions for downtown, not just parking kiosks and open containers.

Zander Renzi, member of the local DSA (Democratic Socialists of America), speaking as an individual:

I would very much like to see a City Council that addresses the housing crisis.

Homelessness is not just a nuisance to be criminalized; it needs to be addressed with the human dignity that the most vulnerable in our community deserve.

Providing shelter is a must. Renters also need adequate protections from being wrongfully evicted and price gouged, which would prevent them from sleeping on the streets to begin with. Housing First has shown itself to be an effective policy in many other cities; it’s time we implement it here.

Addie Snyder, Chico State Turning Point USA chapter president:

Turning Point officers and members at Chico State have had the opportunity to meet with several Chico City Council members on multiple occasions.

I appreciate their interest in strengthening the relationship between the university and the broader Chico community and encouraging greater collaboration between the two.

With several City Council seats up for election this year, there are a number of candidates actively engaging with the community. We have consistently seen Council members such as Kasey Reynolds, Tracy Vincent, and Tom van Overbeek at events focused on improving the community and engaging with local residents and appreciate their willingness to connect with younger members of the community and hear directly from students and young adults.

David Welch, secretary of the Butte County Democratic Party:

What I would like to see most in a new Council are people capable of dealing with nuance and complexity.

We need more housing that meets the needs of the people of Chico but we don’t need mansions that sprawl out into our foothills. Homelessness is a complex issue that requires multifaceted and flexible solutions. Reviving downtown business will require changes in everything from traffic patterns to landlord behavior. 

The issues and problems that we face are not simple and they will not be solved by people whose thinking is limited to simplistic slogans.

Journalist Katherine Kihiczak compiled statements for this story.