Transparency in Decision Making
As a Council Member in Carlsbad, Priya has prioritized transparency and encouraged civic engagement through town hall meetings, virtual community forums, and by hosting regular open office hours for constituents. Priya commits to holding office hours to engage with constituents and values public input to the legislative process.
As your City Council Member, Priya will continue to be accessible and welcomes feedback and suggestions because she knows she is elected to represent YOU.
Sustainable Energy, Environmental Conservation, & Addressing Climate Change
Achieving stabilizing climate requirements and improving climate stabilization targets is something Priya believes is important for future generations and will be an important part of improving Carlsbad's infrastructure, economy, and sustainability. Priya knows we need to act with urgency and face climate change head on. Dr. Bhat-Patel wants to make sure that when implementing policies, like revamping the Climate Action Plan (CAP), equity and access are kept in mind to make sure no one is left behind.
Priya has represented Carlsbad on the Clean Energy Alliance (CEA), a joint power authority with the cities of Solana Beach & Del Mar, as the primary and alternate member. She strives to protect our beautiful coastal environment AND save money for local businesses and residents with competitive energy rates. Priya will push for a more sustainable future, and her work on CEA gives people the option to purchase cleaner energy and creates new, local jobs throughout the region.
Priya voted to pass a 50% renewable energy/75% carbon-free energy mix as the default option for ratepayers in the City of Carlsbad because it provides maximum flexibility and still provides savings. It gives residents and businesses the choice to opt for more renewable energy if they choose. From an environmental justice standpoint and equity lens, Priya believes that having flexible options is important when it comes to transitioning to 100% renewable and carbon-free energy because it gives folks the option to choose what is best for them and ensures we do not leave folks behind as we think about sustainability.
In addition to clean energy, Priya will continue to work with businesses to have greener practices, such as the reduction of the use of single-use plastics. Priya facilitated conversations between environmental organizations and local businesses including, LEGOLAND, for the entities to work together to reduce and eventually transition away from the use of single-use plastics. Priya has pushed for and is looking forward to working with staff to achieve a Sustainable Materials Plan that incorporates a single-use plastics ordinance and a zero waste goal.
Priya made a historic push for the City of Carlsbad to divest from fossil fuels. As a Board Member of the North County Transit District, Priya has advocated to provide green alternatives for transportation accessible and affordable, while continuing to build our public transit infrastructure in North County San Diego. As your Carlsbad Councilwoman, Priya has and will continue to advocate for investment in public transit infrastructure in North County San Diego, so together we can move forward sustainably.
Public Health & Economic Revitalization
Having a doctorate in public health, Priya continues to lead North County by pushing for a more comprehensive, regional coordination when it comes to coordinating policies to mitigate outbreaks and stop the spread.
Since the stay-at-home orders were announced, there has been a reported increase in domestic violence. Priya took action in her role as Director of the California Family Justice Center Network and pushed for increased access to virtual services for survivors, including temporary restraining orders and virtual hearings.
Priya also worked with local hotels and workers to pass a worker recall ordinance to protect the jobs of hotel workers, essential to the tourist industry in the region which received support from a majority of her colleagues on Council.
Council Member Bhat-Patel also pushed for creating an Economic Development Committee that she sits on, which will focus on creating a strategic plan for Carlsbad for economic vitality.
As your Council Member, Priya will continue to advocate for recovery measures from the pandemic as we will see lasting effects on public health outcomes and our economy.
Strengthening Our Community
As a product of the Carlsbad Unified School District, Priya understands the importance of access to quality public education.
The pandemic has deepened the digital divide between lower and higher-income families. As a member of the City/School Committee Priya has and will continue to advocate for equitable access to technology in schools. Additionally, Priya has pushed for increased access to behavioral and counseling services at schools.
One of the things that Carlsbad Unified School District emphasized for Priya was celebrating diversity and fighting against prejudice. Priya is a strong ally to the LGBTQIA+ community. In June of 2019, in coordination with local LGBTQIA+ rights advocacy groups, students, and members of the community, Priya championed a historic proclamation for every June to be declared Pride Month in the City of Carlsbad.
Additionally, Priya passed a proclamation for the City of Carlsbad to recognize each February as Black History Month and each May as Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
Lastly, in collaboration with community leaders, citizen input through the city led town halls, and conversations with Carlsbad Police, Priya helped create an avenue for citizens to be heard through an advisory board which will consist of community members and members of the police department to engage in dialogue and further the value of community policing.
Affordable Housing & Alleviating Homelessness
Having grown up in the district, Priya knows how expensive it can be to live here and how out of reach it can seem, even for those who have called the district home their whole lives. Priya recognizes how important it is to not lose local residents who have contributed to the community and local economy by being priced out. An increase in affordable housing has another upside; it also makes it possible for the next generation of business leaders to settle here and drive innovation.
The affordable housing and homelessness crisis we face in Carlsbad right now is about more than just housing. That is why Priya supports multi-faceted, long-term solutions including wraparound services.
When Priya sat on the North County Homeless Action Plan Subcommittee, she advocated for funding increases in North County from the county for local jurisdictions. Priya co-authored a plan with the committee that was submitted to the San Diego Board of Supervisors for more funding for social workers and services for the local jurisdictions to help with case management.
The toll homelessness takes on our community is tremendous, and Priya believes that long-term, we will save more money by tackling the issue now, instead of letting it become an insurmountable challenge.