Ukiah's approach to homelessness must balance compassion with accountability and respect for residents, neighborhoods, and local businesses. Matt believes the City should enforce existing urban camping prohibitions while continuing to support appropriate services for people experiencing homelessness. Public spaces should remain accessible, safe, and welcoming for everyone.

Ukiah families are facing higher costs for housing, utilities, and everyday necessities, while local businesses are also dealing with rising operating expenses. At the same time, residents are seeing increases in the cost of local government services. The City Council has supported increases in Ukiah Valley Water Authority rates, and the Council recently green-lit higher recreation program fees. Matt believes affordability needs to be a greater consideration when the City makes decisions that directly affect the household budgets of Ukiah residents.

Matt believes public safety is one of the City’s most important responsibilities. His entire adult career has been dedicated to public service, from public works, infrastructure, water, and wastewater to more than a decade with the City of Ukiah Fire Department and his current work with CAL FIRE. Matt supports strong police, fire, and emergency services, continued investment in frontline personnel and equipment, and protecting Measure P funding for its intended public-safety purposes. He will bring decades of firsthand experience to ensuring Ukiah remains safe, prepared, and well served.

Matt believes any future annexation should be approached carefully and with the concerns of residents and property owners at the center of the process. He supports considering further reductions to the current plans to focus on areas where there may be greater support for annexation. Before moving forward, the City should catalog and address the concerns of people who live and do business in potential expansion areas.

A reliable water supply is essential to Ukiah's future. Matt believes the City should maintain several dependable options for delivering water to residents and businesses rather than relying on a single solution. Planning for the future means protecting existing supplies while investing in additional storage and conservation strategies.

Ukiah's wastewater system is critical infrastructure that requires continued investment and responsible planning. With limited resources available for rehabilitation, replacement, and repairs, Matt believes the City must prioritize the areas where improvements are most urgently needed and where investments can have the greatest long-term impact.