About Karla

A MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

RE-ELECT KARLA BROWN, CITY OF PLEASANTON

I have proudly served as Pleasanton’s Mayor for nearly 4 years.  Representing our City on TV30 Mayor’s Report, as the keynote speaker at the “State of the City” Annual Address, attending most ribbon cuttings for new businesses, speaking at events throughout the Tri-Valley, and also a successful advocate for local and regional funding in Sacramento and in Washington DC.   

It is my TOP priority to listen intently to the VOICES of our Pleasanton residents on key issues that come before the City Council.  Our safe and friendly downtown draws tourists and homebuyers from around Northern California.  A survey by FM3 Research in 2023 showed residents are very happy here:

91% of residents rank Pleasanton an Excellent/Good place to LIVE.  

89% List Pleasanton as an Excellent/Good place to RAISE CHILDREN.

93% rank Pleasanton as a SAFE place to live.

These results TOP THE LIST of other cities surveyed by FM3 in the region, and reflects the success of strong Leadership, hard work, support for Pleasanton’s Emergency Responders, and great attention to detail.

CIVIC DUTIES:

As your Mayor, I am the presiding officer at our City Council meetings, and I have earned a reputation for being fully prepared and well-researched. Our large agenda packets have become famous for their size, many arriving in a cardboard box.  In addition, to City Council meetings, I hold positions representing the City of Pleasanton, the Tri-Valley region, or County of Alameda at the following:

* Mayor’s Report for TV30 recorded twice monthly

* Alameda County Local Area Formation Board (Chair)

* LAVTA/Wheels Bus Board (member and former Chair)

* Alameda County Mayors’ Conference (member)

* Pleasanton Unified School District/City Liaison member (former Chair)

* Livermore/Pleasanton Fire Department Joint Powers Authority (member)

* Alameda County Transportation Commission (Commissioner)

* Water Roundtable Board (Member)

* Zone 7 Liaison (Member)

* City of Livermore Liaison (Member)

* Waste & Recycling Committee (Member)

* Tri-Valley Mayor’s Legislative Advocacy Board (Member)

HIGHLY ACTIVE VOLUNTEER:

Volunteering within Pleasanton and the Tri-Valley region is important to me.  I am proud of our local organizations that support programs that elevate our region and provide help to those in need.  As an involved resident, I have supported and/or volunteered at Meals on Wheels/Spectrum Services, Open Heart Kitchen, Pleasanton Partnerships in Education (former Advisory Council), Sleep in Heavenly Peace, Hively, Tri-Valley Air Quality Alliance, The Tri-Valley Conservancy, Rage soccer (as a former coach), PUSD schools multiple volunteer positions, Pleasanton Heritage Association (PHA), Daughters of the Golden West, Women’s Council of Realtors (local President), Culinary Angels, HERS Breast Cancer Foundation, Tulancingo Pleasanton’s Sister City (dignitary visit to Mexico in 2013), Blairgowrie Scotland Sister City, and Sierra Club Tri-Valley (member).

Prior to being elected, I was a leader in putting permanent ridgeline protection on the ballot, and voters agreed passing Measure PP in 2008.  

PLANNING FOR OUR POST-COVID FUTURE:

Looking towards our future requires the right balance of careful fiscal planning, smart development growth, maintenance for our 46 local parks, preservation of our historic structures, and proper asset management of our city’s infrastructure (roads, pipes, pumps, amenities, equipment, etc.).  Property taxes represent 59% of the City’s revenue, which city staff expects to remain relatively flat. Sales tax revenue represents 18% of the city’s income, and staff expects these figures to remain flat.  However, labor negotiations, pension expenses, water rates, energy rates, and infrastructure repairs have risen sharply.  

It is extremely important to me the City continues to provide PFAS FREE (forever chemicals) clean and safe drinking water to everyone in Pleasanton.  All 3 old city wells are shut down after PFAS was detected.  For both safety protection and during the next drought, a diversified water supply will require 2 new PFAS FREE drinking water wells in Pleasanton to supplement Zone 7 water supplies.  

Meeting state mandates for zoning locations to accommodate new home construction has been carefully balanced throughout the city.  New projects should be located near public transit, schools and freeway access to minimize traffic impacts on existing neighborhoods.  With these principles, we can help to retain our status as an outstanding city to live, work, and raise a family.

MY HISTORY:

Prior to my election as Mayor, I served 2 years as Vice Mayor during my 8 years on the Pleasanton City Council.  After many months of hard work, I was the leader in 2012, 2016 and 2020 elections.  In 2022, I ran unopposed for my re-election as Mayor.

In 2018, I graduated from Pleasanton’s Citizens Police Academy with a deeper understanding and compassion for our police officers.

When my schedule allows, I proudly attend the Livermore Pleasanton Firefighter Department’s graduation and badge-pinning events. I sincerely appreciate the job these brave men and women do each day to keep us safe, often while risking their own lives.

After graduating from San Jose State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree, I worked in the semiconductor industry selling capital equipment for over 10 years. Currently, I am a Pleasanton businesswoman. I raised my three daughters in Pleasanton and watched all 3 of them graduate from PUSD schools, and then later from 4-year colleges throughout California.

As an involved citizen, I was a leader in putting permanent ridgeline protection on the ballot, and voters agreed passing Measure PP in 2008.  Now after serving nearly 12 years as an elected official, I take pride in my contributions that helped to form Pleasanton as a highly sought-after community.  Together we enjoy a beautiful and safe community, an historic downtown, scenic ridgelines, and a friendly community ready to help our neighbors.

I have the experience, and I will continue to listen and make the best decisions to retain Pleasanton as a top-rated, safe and thriving community.

RE-ELECT KARLA BROWN FOR MAYOR IN 2024

EMAIL at:  KARLA@VOTE4KARLA.COM