My Story and the Issues

Vista Council Member Katie Melendez was born and raised in Vista and attended Vista public schools. Her background includes service as an Americorp, social work, and volunteerism. She was elected in 2020 to represent Vista City Council in District 3 and has proven her commitment to fix infrastructure, protect our environment, fight for affordable housing, and more.

Katie is focused on local efforts to improve the quality of life and safety of Vista residents. She coordinates with community groups, neighbors, and local organizations to make progress on issues like homelessness and climate action.

Katie believes that the public deserves an elected representative who will work for them. She is an effective voice for progress on the Vista City Council and is proud to have fulfilled her promises to implement inclusionary housing, form community choice energy, improve public safety, and more.

Homelessness

As a former social worker, Deputy Mayor Katie Melendez has provided effective leadership on homelessness in Vista and has initiated several solutions:

Secured $5 Million from the State of California for a New Homeless Shelter in Vista
100% Affordable Housing for Homeless Seniors

Holding Developers Accountable with Inclusionary Housing Requirements
Safe Parking Program for people sleeping in their cars
Rental Assistance Program for low-income families
Homeless outreach and mental health services

Climate and Environment

100% Renewable Energy options through Clean Energy Alliance (CEA)
Established single-use plastic ordinance
Established Community Choice Energy and joined the Clean Energy Alliance
Banned toxic pesticides (Dithiopyr and Glyphosate) around public parks, historic downtown and around schools
Introduced cigarette waste mitigation effort.
Protected public land from over-development
Established Biological Preserve near sensitive ecosystems
Initiated solar panel installation on the City of Vista Civic Center
Added new Electric Vehicle Charging Stations
Established new parks
Planted nearly 1,000 trees throughout Vista

Public Safety

Deputy Mayor Katie Melendez has been fearless in protecting our community and enhancing public safety:

Improved response times for the Vista Fire Department by introducing a new program to include 12 new firefighter/paramedics and 2 new ambulances.
Hired additional Sheriff Deputies including a new motor deputy for traffic enforcement
Established new park ranger position
Created Traffic Calming Program for safer neighborhood streets
Improved infrastructure including street lights, crosswalks, and speed humps

Policy and Advocacy

Established punitive ordinance against Tobacco Sales to Minors
Established restrictions on Short-Term Vacation Rentals (AirBNB) in neighborhoods
Established inclusive hiring policies for City of Vista
Defended the right to public comment and established new oral communication sessions
Held community workshops, town halls, and neighborhood meetings
Created Age Friendly City Plan for Seniors
Works closely with community stakeholder groups including: seniors, students, people of faith, minority groups, business owners, non-profits, and all constituents