About Jani: During her first term as a Pierce County Councilmember, Jani worked hard to collaborate and problem-solve with colleagues, community leaders, agencies, organizations and neighbors. She stepped up early to address the needs of youth, serve as an advocate for survivors of domestic and gender-based violence, and continued to focus on supporting unhoused neighbors with pragmatic solutions. She also worked to retain and hire more deputies and played a critical role in passing the Maureen Howard Affordable Housing Act, which will bring in $15-20 million a year to build new affordable housing, permanent supportive housing and emergency shelter across the county.
Why a teacher?: Jani believes her teaching skills and experiences have prepared her to serve as an outstanding advocate for the residents of Pierce County. Her teaching experience also drives her to work towards building a better Pierce County not only for the present, but also for our future generations.
- Teachers are flexible; when things don’t go according to plan, they look at what needs to be done and try a different approach. It often involves improvising in the moment.
- Teachers are excellent listeners. Teachers have to be—with students, parents and staff alike.
- Teachers are able to effectively communicate with individuals, small and large groups, over the phone, and in writing.
Environment: Jani supported and passed the county’s first real climate policy that works to increase tree canopy and reduce greenhouse gas production. She works to plan for housing and infrastructure with those ideas in mind. Jani aims to focus on the quality and quantity of our drinking water. We are looking to start our first county-operated water utility, and we face many challenges including PFAS contamination, salt water intrusion, and impacts to our water returning to our vast aquifer.
Affordable Housing: Jani supported and worked to pass the Maureen Howard Affordable Housing Act that will bring millions of dollars to the county to help us partner with for-profit and non-profit builders to produce permanently affordable housing and supportive housing. Jani wants to focus on where these units are going to be built across the county so we look to meet the needs of the many, from families and seniors to those living with disabilities, veterans and people with mental health conditions. This will require strong partnerships, data collection and policy to expand the reach and do the most good.
Homelessness: Jani supported the work of those in our community as the County Council developed the Comprehensive Plan to End Homelessness. We funded and provided policy changes where needed, in addition to expanding different types of shelter, safe parking and permanent supportive housing options. Jani seeks to bring the work together at the county level by embracing a Unified Regional Approach that pulls together all of our cities and towns with our providers. Homelessness happens everywhere.
Domestic Violence: Jani supported and fought for an in-depth look at how survivors of domestic violence seek help in Pierce County. She worked hard as the Vice Chair of the Crystal Judson Family Justice Center Board, a role in which she collaborated with providers across the county to understand the needs and how to address them. Jani worked to set aside funding for providers to expand services and pilot programs. She aims to establish better connections between the courts, pro bono legal services, and professional advocates by creating spaces for them to work together at county facilities.
For more about Jani Hitchen’s issue positions: https://www.electjanihitchen.com/team-4