Tammy Kim, 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: Tammy Kim

Current job title: Irvine City Council Member

Political party affiliation: Nonpartisan

Beneficiary: NO

Other political positions held: Vice President (2021, 2023)

City where you live: Irvine

Campaign website or social media: www.tammykim.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.)

As Irvine begins its first major general plan update in over a decade, it is important to realize that our general plan is a living, breathing document that has guided the city’s development for years. My vision is based on preserving the legacy of thoughtful urban planning, while applying innovation and sustainability to meet the challenges of the future. Irvine has always been a model for master-planned communities, and as we continue to grow, it is important that we maintain that standard.

My vision includes:

– Smart growth and development: As we plan for a city that could grow to 450,000 people in the coming years, we must focus on smart growth that balances development with the protection of our open spaces. This means promoting mixed-use development, ensuring housing affordability and maintaining the high quality of life our residents expect.

– Maintaining local control: As Irvine continues to grow, it is critical that we maintain local control over our planning and development decisions. I will work to ensure that the city’s unique needs and character are prioritized and that decisions are made by those who best understand our community – our residents and local leaders. This commitment to local control will help preserve Irvine’s identity and autonomy for future development.

– Increased mobility and transportation: A growing population requires a comprehensive transportation strategy. My vision includes expanding transportation options such as Metrolink, light rail and high-speed rail; improving intermodal connections; and the development of safer cycling routes. We also need to consider the future of transportation, including electric vehicles and autonomous transportation options.

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.)

Meeting the demand and demand for more housing, especially affordable housing, while maintaining the quality of life of existing villages and inhabitants requires a sustainable and strategic approach. Here’s how I think the city can achieve this:

– Smart mixed-use development: We should focus on smart growth strategies that incorporate mixed-use development in key areas such as near transport hubs and shopping malls. This approach not only increases housing affordability, but also reduces the need for long commutes, thereby reducing traffic congestion and promoting a more sustainable lifestyle.

– Preserving village character: as housing increases, it is necessary to protect the character and quality of life in existing villages. This can be achieved through thoughtful design standards that ensure new developments are in harmony with their surroundings, and by concentrating higher-density development in areas where it will have the least impact on existing communities.

– Better infrastructure and services: To support new housing construction, we must invest in the infrastructure and services that make Irvine a desirable place to live. This includes expanding public transport, modernizing utilities and providing access to high-quality schools, parks and other public facilities. In this way, we can ensure development without compromising the quality of life of current and future residents.

Additionally, providing developers with incentives to build affordable housing, such as density bonuses or expedited permitting, can help increase the supply of more affordable housing. By adopting these strategies, Irvine can meet demand for more housing, including affordable options, while continuing to protect the high quality of life that our residents value.

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.)

Climate change is a top priority for me, and achieving Irvine’s goal of net zero carbon emissions is a key part of that commitment. Since being elected in 2020, I have been deeply committed to supporting our city’s climate initiatives. Our Climate Action Plan originally set a target of net zero emissions by 2030, but we have since extended this target to 2040 to ensure a comprehensive and achievable approach.

A key part of our strategy is working with the Orange County Power Authority, the organization that brings together community choices. Through OCPA, we are increasing our access to renewable energy sources, which allows us to significantly reduce our carbon footprint and move closer to net zero goals.

Here’s how I see this priority:

– Integrating sustainability into all policies: climate action must be woven into every aspect of our city’s planning and operation. From transport and housing to energy use and waste management, sustainability will be a key factor in all policy decisions.

– Development of renewable energy and green infrastructure: The partnership with OCPA is an important step towards increasing our use of renewable energy. In addition, we invest in green infrastructure such as electric vehicle charging stations, energy-efficient buildings and sustainable public transport options.

– Community Engagement and Education: Since taking office, I have prioritized outreach and education, ensuring that everyone in Irvine understands the importance of this goal and has the tools and resources needed to achieve it.

– Protecting and improving green spaces: Protecting our natural areas not only improves our quality of life, but also plays a key role in our climate strategy. We are adding more trees and bringing the “park” back to the Great Park. These spaces act as carbon sinks and help mitigate the urban heat island effect.

– Innovative solutions and partnerships: Achieving our 2040 goal will require innovation and collaboration. I am committed to working with local businesses, universities and other stakeholders to develop and implement cutting-edge solutions that will take us to net zero emissions.

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.)

With great challenges come great opportunities. Irvine will need to manage its growth in a way that maintains the high quality of life our residents expect while ensuring sustainability for future generations. To remain a global city that people admire, we must embrace forward-looking ideas that balance the need for housing, transportation and infrastructure with protecting the environment, maintaining public safety and improving social services. Additionally, we must ensure that Irvine continues to be an employment center and economic powerhouse, and that our city remains fiscally responsible so that it can thrive long into the future, avoiding the decline that some older cities in Orange County are facing.

The biggest challenge we will face will be to address the apparent increase in homelessness. This will require a compassionate but also practical approach. I am working on a program that will integrate key solutions, starting with local quality of life regulations that prohibit camping in public places, to ensure the safety of all residents. The program will also provide transitional and bridge housing for people at risk or currently homeless, along with pathways to permanent, affordable housing for people with ties to Irvine.

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 strong mayor of Irvine because of my deep commitment to public service, my proven track record of delivering, and my experience of engaging with and supporting the diverse communities that make up our city. Since being elected to the City Council in 2020, I have worked tirelessly to ensure Irvine remains a vibrant, inclusive and forward-thinking community.

My leadership is grounded in a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities facing Irvine, from managing growth and sustainability to issues of housing affordability and public safety. It is a priority for me to listen and engage with residents of all backgrounds, ensuring that the voices of Irvine’s diverse communities are heard and reflected in city policy.

As a strong supporter of equality and inclusion, I consistently advocate for initiatives that support marginalized communities, promote cultural understanding and ensure equal access to opportunities for all residents. My work on affordable housing, climate action, language access, and economic development reflects my commitment to building a city where everyone can thrive.

Representing Irvine’s diverse population, I will continue to prioritize community engagement, ensuring all residents are involved in decision-making processes. My leadership style is collaborative and inclusive. I strive to foster unity and shared progress throughout the city.