Three years ago, on the day I was sworn in as Mayor of Hayward, I made a promise to everyone. I committed to focusing on four clear priorities that would strengthen our city and expand opportunity for families across every neighborhood.
First, I pledged to launch an aggressive effort to fill empty storefronts, bring more retail to our neighborhood corridors, and attract companies that create good-paying jobs with sustainable salaries and benefits for Hayward families. I also committed to advancing core priorities of our city: enhancing community safety; preserving, protecting, and building housing for residents at all income levels; as well as continue investing in the infrastructure that keeps Hayward moving forward.
Finally, I promised to establish Hayward as an “Education City.” While working alongside our schools, colleges, and community partners, I promised to build a seamless education-to-career pathway so our students and families can succeed right here at home.
Today, I am proud to say we have made real progress on each of these commitments. Just as important, I have built a culture of cooperation and teamwork on the Hayward City Council. We approach the work with professionalism, we debate issues openly and respectfully, and when it comes to the biggest decisions facing our city, we come together and move Hayward forward.
Because of the progress we’ve made and the work that still lies ahead, I am excited to announce that I will be running for re-election as Mayor of Hayward.
Priorities
Build a structurally strong budget
Today, the City Council’s most significant challenge is the city’s projected $32 million structural deficit for fiscal year 2026–27. At this year’s State of the City Address, I outlined a clear and responsible plan to put Hayward back on strong financial footing.
That plan is already underway. The Council has hired a permanent City Manager, Finance Director, and Human Resources Director. These strengthen the leadership team responsible for guiding the city through this process. We are negotiating concessions with our labor partners; applying Measure C funds earlier to support the core services voters approved; and ensuring every department aligns its spending with realistic budgets. In addition, we are tightening controls on overtime and other operational costs to ensure taxpayer dollars are used responsibly.
This work requires cooperation and focus. The City Council is confident that within the next two years Hayward will be back on solid financial ground while simultaneously not compromising services residents expect and deserve.
Invest in public safety and keep neighborhoods safe
In 2025, Hayward saw a 31% reduction in crime. I will continue investing in technology and staffing arrangements that place more patrol officers in our neighborhoods so we can keep driving crime down and maintaining safe communities.
Adopt the "Business Friendly Hayward" plan and create jobs
Last year was a banner year for economic development in Hayward. The Tennyson Corridor is now about 90% occupied with retail; major redevelopment has revitalized the Mission Boulevard–Harder Road Corridor; and Downtown Hayward continues to grow as a destination for restaurants and families. Our Industrial Area is also expanding with new 21st-century companies committed to hiring locally.
My priority is to complete and adopt the Business Friendly Hayward Plan, which will streamline permitting, focus on filling vacant buildings, and attract more entrepreneurs to open both small and large businesses in Hayward.
Build roads that are safe and protect pedestrians, drivers, and bicyclists
Today, only two cities in Alameda County have better roads than Hayward. I will continue investing in road improvements and making sure our streets are safe for pedestrians, drivers, and bicyclists. No matter how you travel, everyone deserves to move through our city safely.
Make Hayward an 'Education City'
Over the past four years, Hayward has strengthened its identity as an Education City. I meet with our educational partners frequently, we’re aligning efforts, and we’re building a seamless system to support students and families from cradle to career. Today, every Hayward high school graduate has a guaranteed pathway to California State University, East Bay. This is a powerful step forward in expanding access to higher education.
As Mayor, I will continue to advance this vision. Families will not just hear about opportunity, they will see it, experience it, and benefit from it right here in Hayward. In partnership with our educational leaders, I will lead the development of a comprehensive plan that includes workforce housing, affordable student housing, and modern amenities that support students, professionals, and families across our city.
Hayward has the assets, the talent, and the partnerships to break cycles of poverty and build a future defined by opportunity and success. I am committed to this vision and I will never stop working for our kids and families.
Our future is bright, and together we will continue building a city where opportunity lives, neighborhoods thrive, and families can succeed for generations to come.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. I look forward to continuing this work with you.