February Meeting Report–Jennifer King, Palos Verdes Estates City Council Member

by Tex Yamada and Asha Shahed

Palos Verdes Estates City Council Incumbent Candidate Jennifer King Jennifer King, Palos Verdes Estates City Council Member, spoke at the PV Democrats monthly meeting February 17. King is finishing up her first term in office as City Council Member, besides holding other governmental-business posts, such as President of Los Angeles County Division of League of California Cities. She is also a Board Member of the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority.

King discussed some of the challenges that the city encounters in 2019 and beyond.

  • She cites City finances and housing as primary concerns for Palos Verdes Estates.
  • Rising pension costs related to City employees and infrastructure are hot topics that appear in budgets, balance sheet, and operating statements. King maintains that the City needs to develop and maintain long-range financial planning that encompasses “fiscal discipline” and “cost containment”, as it relates to the budgetary process, including pension costs and infrastructure.
  • The key housing issue, discussed by King, centered on state law related to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). The current state housing crisis has led to the mandate for cities to offer more housing opportunities in their communities. One of these avenues is the creation of ADUs, or a secondary unit constructed on a lot already housing a single-family residence. King believes the City Council will adopt the policy of allowing for the development of ADUs with restrictions, while complying with state guidelines and safeguarding the identity of the city.
  • Another topic brought up by King was enhanced transparency in City governance. She believes daily communication and accessibility through social media, town hall meetings, and open government portal have improved information exchange between elected city officials and citizens.

King is seeking re-election as Palos Verdes Estates City Council Member March 5.  She is one of six candidates vying for three open seats. King is the sole candidate from the Democratic Party.

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