Julie Testa · Candidate for For Mayor of Pleasanton

Experience Matters. So Does Listening.

For nearly four decades, Pleasanton has been my home. For eight years, I have had the privilege of serving our community on the City Council. I know how city government works, but I also know government works best when elected leaders remain connected to the people they represent. The challenges ahead will require experience, fiscal discipline, thoughtful planning and the willingness to ask difficult questions. I am ready to bring that experience to the Mayor’s office and continue putting Pleasanton residents first.

My Priorities

Fiscal Responsibility & Accountability

Pleasanton must remain financially strong not just for the next budget cycle, but for the next generation.

Protect the city’s long-term financial stability.
Maintain responsible and sustainable budgets.
Carefully evaluate major spending and long-term financial commitments.
Protect funding for essential city services.
Improve transparency so residents understand where their tax dollars are going.
Consider the full financial impact of growth before making commitments that taxpayers may ultimately have to support.

Responsible Growth & Housing

Pleasanton faces significant housing requirements and development pressures. We need to meet our responsibilities while protecting the community we have spent generations building.

Plan growth thoughtfully rather than simply reacting to outside pressures.
Pursue housing opportunities, including affordable housing.
Evaluate traffic, water, infrastructure and public-service impacts as part of development decisions.
Protect established neighborhoods and Pleasanton’s community character.
Make sure residents understand major development proposals before decisions are made.
Advocate for Pleasanton’s interests when dealing with state and regional requirements.

Clean Water & Reliable Infrastructure

Clean, safe drinking water and dependable infrastructure are basic responsibilities of local government.

Protect the quality and reliability of Pleasanton’s drinking water.
Plan for long-term water needs.
Maintain roads, water systems and other essential infrastructure.
Address aging infrastructure before problems become more expensive.
Make sure new development adequately considers infrastructure demands.
Invest responsibly so future generations are not left paying for decisions made today.

Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness

Residents deserve to feel safe in their homes, neighborhoods, parks, schools, businesses and public spaces.

Maintain strong police, fire and emergency response services.
Support the personnel and resources needed to protect our community.
Strengthen emergency preparedness.
Continue regional cooperation and mutual aid.
Prepare Pleasanton for emergencies before they happen.
Keep public safety one of the city’s fundamental responsibilities.

Protecting Pleasanton’s Quality of Life

Pleasanton’s character did not happen by accident. Our neighborhoods, parks, open spaces, downtown and community traditions are part of what makes people proud to call this city home.

Protect Pleasanton’s neighborhoods and community character.
Preserve parks, recreation opportunities and valued community spaces.
Consider quality-of-life impacts when making growth and development decisions.
Support a thriving and welcoming Downtown Pleasanton.
Balance change with protecting the qualities residents value most.
Plan for the future without losing what makes Pleasanton feel like Pleasanton.

Residents First: Transparency & Community Voice

Residents should not have to fight to understand what their city is doing or to have their voices heard.

Listen before major decisions are made, not after.
Improve transparency around city decisions and spending.
Clearly explain difficult choices and their consequences.
Create meaningful opportunities for residents to participate.
Ask tough questions and challenge assumptions when necessary.
Make decisions based on what is best for Pleasanton residents.