Meet Jessica

Dear Neighbors,

I'm Jessica Hartzell, and I'm running for the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District Board of Directors, Division 5. My commitment to our community's water resources stems from a deep-rooted belief that these vital assets deserve careful management and innovative solutions.

My background spans law, agriculture, and organizational development, with years of experience in public and private land use. This diverse expertise has given me a nuanced understanding of how we interact with our natural resources. I'm eager to apply this knowledge to address our water challenges, but I'm equally excited to learn from our community's wealth of experience.

Monterey County's unique water management structure, including its delegation agreement with the State Water Board, presents both opportunities and challenges. With nearly a quarter of our population living in unincorporated areas and our economy heavily reliant on water resources, I believe in fostering an open dialogue about how we can best protect our waterways while meeting our community's needs.

We face critical decisions about water management in light of population growth, climate change, and aging infrastructure. The mandated increase in housing and the anticipated changes to Cal-Am's operations add urgency to our need for thoughtful, collaborative solutions. I'm committed to transparent, science-based policies that balance long-term sustainability with the diverse needs of our residents.

I see the role of MPWMD board member not just as a decision-maker, but as a bridge between technical experts and our community. I'm here to listen, learn, and share knowledge. I believe that by working together and drawing on our collective wisdom, we can create innovative solutions to our water challenges.

I'm dedicated to serving our community and building trust through transparent, informed leadership. With your support, we can create a resilient and sustainable water future for the Monterey Peninsula.

I welcome your questions and ideas. Let's work together to protect and enhance our precious water resources.

Sincerely,

Jessica Hartzell