Belmont’s Budget Shows Why Experience Matters

At yesterday’s Belmont City Council meeting, City staff presented the proposed budget for the coming year. I believe it is important to share some of what was discussed because residents deserve to understand the fiscal environment our city is operating in and how these decisions affect the services we rely on.

Belmont is facing real fiscal pressure. Inflation is increasing the cost of services, and the State’s withholding of Vehicle License Fee funds is creating difficult strains for local governments across San Mateo County. These funds help support essential services, and without them, cities face harder choices about how to maintain service levels, protect infrastructure, and plan responsibly for the future.

For Belmont, this pressure is immediate. The City is projected to draw approximately $500,000 from reserves in 2026/2027 to meet community needs. If the State’s withholding continues or increases, that gap could grow in future years.

That does not mean Belmont is in crisis. But it does mean we need disciplined, transparent, and practical leadership. Reserves exist for a reason, but they must be managed carefully. When costs rise and revenues are constrained, local leaders need to understand the tradeoffs, protect essential services, and advocate effectively for Belmont’s fair share of state funding.

I know how important that discipline is. During my time working in federal government, I helped manage budgets of roughly $30 million, where projects had to be delivered on time, within budget, and with accountability to the public. That experience taught me that budgets are management tools that require clear priorities, honest assumptions, strong oversight, and a focus on execution.

That same mindset matters here in Belmont.

City budgets affect the everyday services that shape our quality of life: public safety, roads, parks, emergency preparedness, infrastructure maintenance, and the basic operations residents expect from local government. That point was clear at the same meeting, where the City recognized new police officers and honored members of the Belmont Police Department for exceptional service. It was a reminder that budget decisions are ultimately about supporting the people and services residents rely on every day.

I’m running for Belmont City Council because I believe our community deserves leadership that is engaged, prepared, fiscally responsible, and focused on practical solutions. That means respecting the work of City staff, understanding the financial realities facing Belmont, advocating for the resources our community deserves, and making decisions that support a healthier, safer, and more resilient city.

Belmont’s future will be shaped by the choices we make now. I am committed to bringing experience, discipline, and a solutions-oriented approach to those decisions.

I want to close by recognizing the hard work and expertise of Belmont’s City staff. We are fortunate to have dedicated public servants with deep knowledge of our community. With thoughtful leadership and clear priorities, Belmont can navigate this moment responsibly and continue delivering for residents.