Reducing and preventing homelessness
Pam is supporting new shelters and expanded services to help those experiencing homelessness and housing instability. She is a proponent of innovative solutions and partnerships to create safe places to call home for all residents and works closely with local affordable housing providers to make effective investments. Pam supports a range of housing opportunities for all ages and income levels and efforts to increase housing diversity and affordability. She serves on the Community Action Board, the Homeless Plan Advisory Committee, and the Washington County Policy Advisory Board to distribute Community Development Block Grants & HOMES loans.
Safe neighborhoods and communities for all
Pam supports a comprehensive public safety system where everyone – regardless of their income or identity – feels safe and welcome. She advocates for funds for deputies to connect those experiencing homelessness with community resources and for specialized services for mental health crisis response, including advanced training for deputies and the Mental Health Response Team.
Supporting our community through COVID-19
Recognizing the need to support local jobs and small businesses, with an emphasis on minority-owned businesses, through the COVID-19 pandemic, Pam led Washington County’s business recovery efforts, including the creation of multiple Washington County Business Recovery Centers. She’s also working to prioritize BIPOC Communities access to testing and vaccinations, and ensure distribution of federal relief funding that supports working families and access to child care.
Prioritizing an equitable future
In support of Washington County’s many diverse communities, Pam championed the passage of a historic equity resolution to advance racial equity and create a more inclusive county. The resolution detailed specific action items, including the creation of an Equity Office, a Leadership Equity Council, and a Communities of Color Advisory Board to inform policy making and community engagement.
Reducing traffic congestion and emissions
Pam prioritizes bettering our transportation infrastructure, including working to address safety issues, congestion, dangerous intersections, and our lack of sidewalks. From her role as Co-Chair of the Region-Wide Transportation Funding Task Force to listening directly to District 2 residents, Pam works alongside the community to identify transportation needs and help fix them. She also serves on the North Bethany County Service District for Roads and Urban Road Maintenance District Advisory Committee.
Helping local government work better for you
Pam is a champion for government transparency, and has worked to secure public involvement and solicit constituent input in all aspects of her work. Seeing how two components of Washington County’s charter were limiting the services the County could provide, Pam led the charge to refer two charter amendments to voters, successfully removing outdated barriers and increasing the ability of Commissioners to serve residents.