
Mayor Alison Kerr –
Promises Made, Promises Kept
Two years ago I pledged to bring about change to our city. I kept the promises I made, including the promise to show up for our community in the most challenging moments.
We have more to do! I hope I can count on your vote on November 3rd.

Click on each topic below to expand it.
SAFE NEIGHBORHOODS & COMMUNITY
- Through the unprecedented COVID pandemic and wildfires, Mayor Kerr provided weekly written updates, initiated a weekly community Zoom meeting for dialogue on safe practices to reduce the spread of the virus.
- The first segment of the Fort Ord Recreation Trail and Greenway (FORTAG) will realign dangerous intersections at Canyon Del Rey/Fremont and Canyon Del Rey/Carlton. It will also provide a safe underpass for bikers, walkers and wildlife to go from one side of the city to the other.
- In response to the George Floyd murder, Mayor Kerr signed the Obama.org Mayor’s Pledge to review Police Dept. Use of Force policies.
- A Police Advisory Committee has been created to provide citizens input into police administration.
- The city now financially contributes to Casa de Noche Buena, a new homeless shelter for women in Seaside.
- Mayor Kerr wrote and presented first-ever proclamations to recognize our LGBTQ+ community and racial diversity to promote tolerance and acceptance of all.
CHAMPIONED ENVIRONMENT & GREEN SPACE
- DRO finally joined Monterey Bay Community Power for access to cleaner electricity at lower rates, to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and be locally governed.
- Mayor Kerr voted for green space versus development of our 17-acre wetland.
- Fort Ord Recreation Trail and Greenspace (FORTAG) will provide our community a bike and walking path that
promotes a healthier transportation option. City Hall is now powered by solar panels. - Co-Founded Sustainable Del Rey Oaks, the only resident- run and city-focused city 501(c)3 non-profit organization.
- Our Parks have been revitalized and the Dog Park fees eliminated.
INCREASED TRANSPARENCY
- Held monthly “What’s On Your Mind?” meetings for conversation with constituents.
- Launched weekly emails and community Zoom calls during COVID-19 crisis. Now expanded to include guest speakers on a variety of public topics.
- Openly questions matters at each council meeting, including – Airport budget decrease and contract disconnect
– $150k contract request without proper procedure - Finance Committee meetings will now be open to the public.
- City financials, reports & contracts now available on city website. Working on ensuring videos are recorded.
- Brought to DRO citizen’s attention the attempted suppression of a public document by a city council member
SAFEGUARDING TAXPAYER FUNDS
Fiscal watchdog & member of DRO Finance Committee
- Established and funded the city’s first-ever financial reserve fund, currently with $1.5 million dollars.
- Paid off long term $500,000 FORA debt.
- Ensured all pots of money are publicly listed and tracked.
- Responded to COVID crisis with compassion for renters and businesses.
- Only council member to:
- vote against a housing element because it did not address critical water issues and opened door for a costly lawsuit
- stand against unethical attempts to suppress $1 million regional taxpayer funded report.
SAFE NEIGHBORHOODS & COMMUNITY
1. Arts & Culture Advisory Committee
- Held highly successful First Annual Del Rey Oaks Artist Showcase and Holiday Sale at the Moose Lodge show- casing DRO visual and performing artists. Twenty five DRO artists featured. Over 200 in attendance.
- Created “Stories of Home,” a series of stories highlighting long-term DRO residents and their contributions to the city.
- Creating opportunities for public art:
- Inspirational chalk art during the pandemic,
- Collaborated with SDRO on Butterfly Garden artwork, – Studying options to create outdoor murals.
2. Sustainability Advisory Committee
- Shortly after being formed, this committee transitioned to Sustainable Del Rey Oaks, a 501(c)3 non-profit organi- zation with partners across the county.
- Created the Butterfly Garden, partnering with City of DRO, Monterey Stormwater Mgmt District, Save the Whales, CSUMB Service Learning, and MAC for Arts & Culture.
- First time DRO participated in an Earth Day Celebration. DRO booth featured environmental protection displays, raffle of environmentally safe products supplied by DRO businesses & free t-shirt grocery bags made by committee
- Additional t-shirt bags filled with hygiene products and socks were donated for homeless youth.
- The Friends of Arroyo del Rey Creek, which was created during a Community Campfire, will chart the life and health of our perennial creek.
3. Parks
- Held Del Rey Park clean-up day prior to CAG Picnic.
- Studying options to keep Work Memorial Park in a healthy, natural state.
4. Emergency Preparedness
- Preparing informational packets to educate residents on crisis safety measures.