Stephanie’s Vision for District 3.
“As someone who was born and raised in Orange County, I know what makes our community special: the small businesses that bring life to our streets, the parks and programs that connect our families, and the natural beauty that defines where we live. I believe that progress begins locally, with leaders who listen, act, and invest where it matters most. My priorities focus on strengthening our small business economy, improving access and infrastructure for every resident, and protecting the environment we all share. Together, we can build a stronger, more connected, and more sustainable Orange County that works for everyone.”
Strengthening Small Businesses and Local Economies
Orange County thrives when our small businesses thrive. Local entrepreneurs create jobs, strengthen neighborhood identity, and give our community its unique character. As Executive Director of Curry Ford West Main Street, I work alongside business owners every day and see both their tremendous potential and the barriers they face — from rising costs to outdated regulations that slow growth.
Our tourism economy should not only attract visitors; it should also invest in the local businesses that make Orange County feel like home. Supporting small businesses isn’t just economic development — it’s community preservation.
As Commissioner, I will:
Simplify signage rules and reduce approval costs to make it easier to open and improve local businesses
Establish a Business Assistance Office to provide grants, technical guidance, and direct support to entrepreneurs
Fight to implement Orange Code so our county’s regulations are modernized and encourage smart business growth
Reinvest tourism revenue into local infrastructure, jobs, and neighborhood economies
Improve access to local businesses through better transit, flexible parking policies, and adaptive reuse of existing spaces
Building Connected Communities Through Access and Infrastructure
Strong communities thrive when opportunity is within reach — through safe parks, libraries, and recreation spaces that bring people together. As a mother, I’ve watched my children grow up in these places, and I’ve seen how they shape lives, build connections, and strengthen neighborhoods.
But connection also depends on mobility. Long commutes steal time from families and limit opportunity. That’s why I support smart growth that pairs responsible development with real investment in roads, transit, and pedestrian safety so every resident can access the spaces that make Orange County feel like home.
As the daughter of a teacher and a supporter of educators through my work with the Boone Foundation, I know strong communities and strong schools go hand in hand.
As Commissioner, I will:
Conserve and expand green spaces, community gathering places, and public access to our lakes and waterways
Improve mobility and safety by investing in sidewalks, crossings, transit access, school routes, and crossing guards
Strengthen neighborhood quality of life through fresh food access, community safety infrastructure, and support for local safety personnel
Expand coordination and services to support our unhoused neighbors
Ensure schools, parks, libraries, and public safety facilities are integrated into new development
Keep local public safety resources focused on community safety, not enforcing discriminatory federal or state immigration policies
Investing in Clean Energy and a Healthier Future
A cleaner Orange County is a stronger Orange County. By investing in renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure, we can create good-paying jobs, support working families, and protect the air, water, and natural spaces that define our community.
From the lakes and parks that shape our neighborhoods to the industries that power our economy, our environment is one of Orange County’s greatest assets — and it requires smart, forward-thinking leadership to protect it for future generations.
As Commissioner, I will:
Protect the Rural Boundary and uphold Orange 2050 by promoting smart growth and increased density over sprawl
Strengthen stormwater infrastructure to prevent flooding and safeguard our lakes, rivers, and wetlands
Partner with OCPS, local colleges, and workforce programs to prepare students for careers in clean energy
Invest in sustainable county facilities, including solar infrastructure, EV charging, native landscaping, composting, and green grant programs for local businesses and neighborhoods