|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
Menlo Park Mayor Betsy Nash announced she will not seek reelection in November, stepping down after eight years on the City Council. Nash, who was first elected in 2018, said she always intended to serve just two terms.
“I basically think that two terms is a good service. The first term, you’re learning a lot and the second term you know how the city works, you know residents and are able to work well,” Nash said. “Two terms is great, and now it’s sort of time for someone else to step in.”
It’s been a real challenge, and also a pleasure, to represent the people of Menlo Park
Mayor Betsy Nash
Nash is serving as mayor this year and said she remains focused on revitalizing downtown Menlo Park during her final months in office. She represents District 4, which covers the downtown plus parts of central Menlo Park and the Allied Arts neighborhood. But challenges remain: voters will soon decide whether to require a citywide vote on plans to develop housing on several city-owned downtown parking lots.
“Elections are difficult times,” Nash said. “There is a real divide right now in the city, and there’s a lot we need to do to build bridges. We need to build trust. And we need to get good information out and heal the city. I think it is a challenge and something that we really need. It’s certainly a focus of mine.”
Nash was first elected in 2017, when she unseated two-term council member Peter Ohtaki. At the time, Ohtaki said it was clear that voters were sending a message to slow down growth. He ran again in 2022 but lost to Nash in her reelection bid.
Accomplishments and priorities
During her tenure, Nash has been a vocal advocate for city action on climate change.
She said she is very proud of the city’s climate action policies, electrifying buildings to phase out natural gas usage and REACH codes, which are local ordinances that require higher standards for energy efficiency and environmental benefits.
“Beyond just the global impact, there is a real benefit to individuals and your indoor air quality,” Nash said.
As council member, Nash represented Menlo Park on the board of Peninsula Clean Energy, a provider of clean, renewable energy. “(It’s) a really impactful organization. It’s extremely well run, and does just amazing things for our residents,” she said.
Nash said she is also proud of efforts to improve pedestrian and bike safety, particularly along Middle Avenue and near schools.
Challenges and reflections
Nash’s tenure includes some turbulent years in Menlo Park, including the COVID‑19 pandemic and the aftermath of lockdowns. She served as mayor in 2022 as the city worked to rebuild its economy and restore community connections.
“Those were some really difficult years. I’d say that you really develop a camaraderie on the council and high-level staff,” Nash said.
Coming from a career in the private sector, Nash said her time on the council taught her patience with the slower pace of government. “When I was first going in, I certainly was very optimistic about the amount of change that could happen. Coming from the private sector, it’s different from the government, which is much more deliberate, and a whole different working experience,” she said.
Looking back, Nash said one thing she would have done differently is push for more housing earlier in her tenure.
“We now know that we need much more housing. I would say if we were to look at some of the development projects that we saw initially, we would be trying to get even more housing,” she said.
2026 Election starts to take shape
Two other City Council seats also are up for reelection in November: District 2, represented by Drew Combs and District 1, represented by Cecilia Taylor.
Combs said he plans to decide with his family over spring break whether he will seek reelection. Taylor did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
One candidate, newcomer Charlotte Reed, has announced her intention to run for Nash’s District 4 seat.
Nash said she does not plan to endorse a candidate but hopes voters choose someone who can thoughtfully weigh the complexities of city governance.
“There’s many rules, there’s many factors to consider when doing this. So someone who is really thoughtful, who will do what is best for the city and not be swayed, is important,” Nash said.
She encouraged prospective candidates to talk with current council members and consider joining a city commission first. The city is currently seeking applicants for six commissions. The deadline to apply is April 3.
After leaving office, Nash said she plans to remain active in the community.
“It’s been a real challenge, and also a pleasure, to represent the people of Menlo Park,” she said. “I would encourage all our residents to get involved, meet your neighbors, be patient and persistent, and make a difference.”
