Kristen for City Council Ward 3

A Forward-Thinking Leader for Marshall

Marshall is more than just where I live—it’s a place deeply connected to my family’s history and my vision for the future. Though I didn’t grow up here full-time, my roots in Marshall run deep. My dad’s family is from here, my mom’s family has ties to the area, and I even attended first grade in Marshall before my family moved away. When my fiancé and I decided to make Marshall our home two years ago, it wasn’t by accident—it was by choice. We were drawn to its strong sense of community, its potential for growth, and the opportunity to contribute to its future.

Now, I’m running for City Council in Ward 3 because I believe Marshall deserves leadership that listens, leadership that takes action, and leadership that works for everyone.

A Problem-Solver for a Stronger Community

I’m not a politician—I’m a problem solver. My professional background as a Salesforce Consultant and Business Analyst means I’m used to tackling complex challenges, analyzing data, and creating real solutions. Every day, I work with businesses to streamline processes, optimize budgets, and implement sustainable strategies. I want to bring that same results-driven approach to Marshall’s City Council.

Before moving to Marshall, my fiancé and I also ran a small business, so I understand firsthand the challenges entrepreneurs face—from financial management to navigating regulations. Small businesses are the backbone of strong communities, and Marshall thrives when local businesses succeed.

Strong Towns & A Stronger Marshall

Marshall deserves smart, financially responsible growth that benefits everyone. That’s why I align with the Strong Towns approach to city planning and economic development. Strong Towns is a movement dedicated to helping communities grow in a way that is sustainable, people-focused, and financially resilient. Their principles focus on incremental development, strong local businesses, and investing in places where people want to live and work.

Rather than relying on big, risky projects that demand large public investments with uncertain returns, Strong Towns encourages small, incremental improvements that create lasting benefits for the community. These ideas can help Marshall by:

🏡 Encouraging Small-Scale Development – Making it easier for local residents and small developers to improve neighborhoods through mixed-use zoning and infill development.
🚶‍♂️ Investing in Walkable, Livable Neighborhoods – Prioritizing streets and infrastructure that serve people, making Marshall more connected and accessible.
💰 Focusing on Financially Sound Investments – Ensuring that public funds are spent on projects that deliver long-term value rather than short-term gains.

Learn more about Strong Towns and their principles here.

A Vision for Ward 3 & Marshall’s Future

Marshall is full of potential, and thoughtful leadership will help shape its future in a way that benefits all residents. Priorities include:

🏡 Expanding Housing Options – Advocating for zoning policies that create more housing opportunities and encourage local investment.
📈 Strengthening the Local Economy – Supporting small businesses and job growth to ensure a thriving local marketplace.
🛠 Improving Infrastructure – Investing in well-maintained roads, sidewalks, and public spaces that make Marshall a safer and more accessible place to live.
👨‍👩‍👧 Supporting Families & Working Parents – Addressing the lack of reliable childcare options so that parents have the resources they need.
🤝 Ensuring Community Engagement – Creating more opportunities for residents to be involved in the decisions that impact them.

A New Voice for Ward 3

I believe that real leadership starts with listening—not just during election season, but every day. I regularly attend City Council meetings, engage with local organizations, and stay involved in initiatives that strengthen our community.

Marshall’s future is something we create together. I’d love to hear from you about what matters most for Ward 3 and all of Marshall. Let’s start the conversation, take action, and build a stronger community together.

Together, we can build a stronger Marshall.