Anky van Deursen for Los Altos City Council District 2

LOS ALTOS CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE STATEMENT FOR COUNCILMEMBER (DISTRICT 2), LOS ALTOS

Education and Qualifications:

Law Degree Erasmus University Rotterdam, The Netherlands

Occupation: Housing Manager

Age: 68

For over 35 years, my family and I have proudly called Los Altos home. We moved here to raise our children, who benefited from our outstanding schools. Los Altos deserves collaborative, transparent leadership that fosters an inclusive, welcoming community, prepares responsibly for the future, and preserves the qualities that make our City so special.

My priorities are to improve traffic and pedestrian safety, especially safe routes to school; expand housing opportunities for teachers and essential workers; support a vibrant downtown; and make thoughtful investments that benefit future generations.

As a Housing Manager for the City of Mountain View, I have developed housing policies, managed public budgets, built partnerships with nonprofits and developers, and collaborated closely with residents to address complex community challenges. As a former PTA Chair in the Mountain View–Los Altos school district, I strengthened parent involvement and supported educational excellence.

I am committed to listening, building consensus, and making thoughtful, balanced decisions. I respectfully ask for your vote and the opportunity to serve as the advocate for District 2 on the City Council while representing the entire community of Los Altos.

Maintain safe, welcoming, and enjoyable neighborhoods where people of all ages can thrive.

Ensure children can walk and bike to school safely through continued investment in Safe Routes to School.

Advocate for mental health and well-being services.

Improve pedestrian safety at high-risk intersections and along traffic corridors and parks.

Teachers, nurses, first responders, young families and seniors shouldn't be priced out of Los Altos. Thoughtful, human-scale housing can strengthen our community while preserving neighborhood character.

Expand diverse housing opportunities so residents can continue to live in Los Altos through every stage of life—from young families to seniors aging in place.

Protect local decision-making and zoning control through thoughtful policies, while meeting state housing requirements responsibly.

Expand accessible parking, shaded seating, and welcoming gathering spaces in parks and public areas.

City government should earn the public's trust through openness, collaboration, and accountability.

Promote transparency, fiscal responsibility, and accountable decision-making.

Uphold the highest standards of ethics and respectful public service.

Build productive partnerships with the County, State, school districts, neighboring cities, community partners and stakeholders to advance shared goals.

The residents who helped build Los Altos should be able to remain here safely, independently, and with dignity at every stage of life.

Champion programs and policies that foster an inclusive, age-friendly community.

Simplify access to City services, programs, and resources for seniors and caregivers.

Support housing and transportation options that help older adults age in place and remain connected to the community.

A vibrant local economy supports the quality of life that makes Los Altos special.

Preserve and support accessible neighborhood retail services.

Streamline and improve efficiency of city processes, through the use of technology.

Maintain/invest in infrastructure, parks and facilities.

Support practical, fiscally responsible sustainability initiatives that protect Los Altos' natural beauty, strengthen community resilience, and preserve our parks and open spaces for future generations.

Encourage environmentally responsible development that balances growth with preservation.

Support clean energy and sustainability initiatives that reduce costs and provide tangible benefits to residents.

Protect parks, trees, and open spaces while investing in resilient infrastructure that prepares Los Altos for future environmental challenges.