Akshat “AB” Bhatia, Irvine Mayoral Candidate, 2024 Election Questionnaire – Orange County Register

Ahead of November’s general election, Southern California News Group has compiled a list of questions to ask candidates who want to represent you. The full survey can be found below. Questionnaires may have been edited for spelling, grammar, length and, in some cases, to remove hate speech and offensive language.

MORE: Read all the candidates’ responses in our Voter Guide

Name: Akshat “AB” Bhatia

Current job title: Realtor/entrepreneur

Political party affiliation: Nonpartisan

Beneficiary: NO

Other political positions held: Thread

City where you live: Irvine

Campaign website or social media: www.abforthepeople.com

Irvine is in the midst of its first major general plan update in more than a decade. Since Irvine has traditionally been a master-planned community, what is your vision for the city’s development? (Please limit your response to 200 words or less.)

Irvine, as a master-planned community, has a unique opportunity to combine development with thoughtful urban planning. My vision for Irvine is to continue its legacy of well-designed, sustainable neighborhoods while embracing innovation and inclusivity. As the city grows, priority should be given to mixed-use developments that integrate residential, commercial and recreational spaces to create vibrant, walkable communities. Expanding public transport options will be key to reducing traffic and improving connections.

Preserving green spaces and improving parks should remain a priority, ensuring the city maintains a balance between urban development and nature. Irvine can also lead in sustainability by adopting green building practices and renewable energy initiatives, making it a model for eco-friendly city living.

Moreover, supporting a diversified economy with a focus on the technology, education and healthcare sectors will create job opportunities and attract talent, and affordable housing initiatives will help maintain a diverse population. Finally, community involvement in the planning process should be encouraged, ensuring that city development reflects the needs and desires of its residents.

How can the city best meet demand and demand for more housing, including at lower prices, while maintaining the quality of life of existing neighborhoods and residents? (Please limit your response to 200 words or less.)

To meet housing needs while maintaining quality of life, Irvine should adopt a sustainable approach that includes smart growth, community input and innovative design. The city can focus on increasing housing density in areas well served by public transport and near employment offices, reducing the need for long commutes and minimizing the impact of road traffic. Mixed-use developments that combine residential, commercial and recreational spaces can create vibrant, self-sustaining communities that enhance the urban experience.

Affordable housing should be included in all new developments through inclusive land use policies, ensuring that different income levels are taken into account. To protect existing neighborhoods, the city should encourage the development of underutilized or vacant land rather than relying on infill projects that could disrupt existing communities.

To maintain Irvine’s reputation as a well-planned and livable city, sustainable building practices and green spaces must be prioritized. Additionally, engaging residents in the planning process will ensure that development is consistent with community values, maintaining quality of life while meeting housing requirements.

Irvine has set a goal to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030. Achieving this will require a lot of outreach by the city. Where is climate change on your priority list? (Please limit your response to 200 words or less.)

Against the backdrop of Irvine’s goal to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030, the urgency of the climate crisis demands immediate and sustained action, and Irvine can lead by example. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions should be incorporated into every aspect of city planning, from transport and housing to energy use and waste management.

To achieve this, the city must invest in renewable energy infrastructure, promote energy-efficient buildings and develop public transport to reduce dependence on cars. Encouraging the use of electric vehicles and providing extensive charging infrastructure are also key steps.

Public outreach and education are critical to achieving these goals. The city should engage residents, businesses and schools in sustainability initiatives, providing incentives for energy-saving practices and green technologies. Collaborating with local organizations and stakeholders will ensure efforts are inclusive and effective.

Climate change must be considered alongside other priorities such as housing and economic development as part of a comprehensive approach to ensuring Irvine remains a healthy, vibrant and resilient community for future generations.

What do you think is the greatest need facing your city and how would you address it? (Please limit your response to 200 words or less.)

I think the biggest need facing Irvine is balancing rapid growth with maintaining quality of life. As the city continues to grow, it must address challenges related to housing affordability, traffic congestion and environmental sustainability while maintaining the character of the community.

To address this issue, I would advocate for smart development strategies that focus on sustainable, mixed-use developments near transportation hubs, reducing the need to travel by car and creating walkable neighborhoods. Increasing the availability of affordable housing options is critical to ensuring Irvine is accessible to people of all income levels. I would work to implement inclusive zoning policies and encourage the development of affordable housing.

Furthermore, improving public transport and infrastructure is key to reducing traffic and improving connections. I would urge investment in green energy and sustainable practices across all sectors, ensuring that growth does not come at the expense of our environment.

Community involvement is essential in this process. By engaging residents in planning and decision-making, we can develop solutions that reflect the diverse needs of our population. Addressing these interconnected challenges with a comprehensive, forward-looking approach will ensure Irvine remains a thriving, inclusive city for all.

Why would you be a good leader and how would you represent your city’s diverse communities? (Please limit your response to 200 words or less.)

I would be a good leader because I am deeply committed to serving the community with integrity, transparency and a collaborative spirit. My approach to leadership is based on listening to diverse perspectives and ensuring that all voices are heard in the decision-making process. I believe in building consensus and finding solutions that benefit the entire community, not just a select few.

Representing Irvine’s diverse communities requires empathy, cultural awareness and a true commitment to equality. I would actively engage with residents from all walks of life, holding regular town hall meetings and creating accessible channels for feedback and dialogue. By fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, I can ensure that policies and initiatives reflect the needs of our diverse population.

My leadership style emphasizes problem solving, innovation and forward thinking. I would prioritize initiatives that promote social equity, environmental sustainability and economic opportunity, ensuring that Irvine continues to be a place where everyone can thrive. My commitment to inclusion and ability to bring people together would make me an effective and responsive leader for our city.