Hello, Sedona. I’m Katherine Todd and I’m honored to be running for a seat on the Sedona City Council. With a deep commitment to our community and a passion for positive change, I am eager to embark on this journey alongside each and every one of you.

Originally from the Seattle area, my husband and I were actively involved in the community for years. We volunteered and supported the Union Gospel Mission, providing essentials like clothing, food and toiletries to those in need. Our community involvement has extended to Sedona, where I volunteer at the Humane Society and support the Verde Valley Sanctuary and Steps to Recovery Homes.

My professional background spans both the arts and technology sectors. As an acrylic painter and former president of the Parklane Gallery, I honed my skills and collaborated with others to enhance our local gallery. Additionally, my current role at a mobile apps company has allowed me to leverage my analytical mindset and problem-solving abilities to drive impactful solutions. I thrive in departments facing challenges, assessing what works and what doesn’t, engaging stakeholders and crafting optimal solutions. I’m eager to apply these skills to the Sedona City Council.

Affordable housing has become a central theme in this election cycle, sparking numerous discussions about potential initiatives within our city. While there is potential to develop some multi-family housing within Sedona itself, it’s essential to consider the broader area due to Sedona’s status as an expensive location and the higher costs of goods and services within the city.

Focusing solely on affordable housing within Sedona overlooks opportunities for homeownership and financial stability in the surrounding area, specifically the Dells. This approach risks perpetuating a demographic reliant on renting, limiting individuals’ ability to build equity and secure their financial future, thus trapping them in a cycle of lower socioeconomic status.

Moreover, many people prefer the autonomy and investment potential of homeownership, even if it means commuting from nearby areas. This underscores the need for housing solutions beyond Sedona to promote accessibility and affordability for more residents without arbitrarily putting the burden on taxpayers.

By embracing diverse housing options throughout our area, we can provide people with the opportunity to achieve homeownership. Our housing focus should prioritize solutions that benefit the greatest number of people, including the continuation of first-time homebuyers’ assistance. Exploring diverse housing options within the surrounding areas allows us to make the greatest impact on our community’s housing needs.

Having experienced the challenges of entrepreneurship firsthand, I understand the complexities and am committed to fostering an environment where local businesses can thrive. It’s important to recognize that a substantial number of establishments in Sedona are owned by members of our community. Let’s continue to support our local businesses.

With a dedication to creative problem-solving and a genuine desire to serve, I am committed to listening to residents’ concerns and helping Sedona move beyond its challenges. Together, we can build true community.

Thank you for considering me as your advocate on the Sedona City Council.

Editor’s Note:

This is an essay written by the candidate with only minimal edits to punctuation and capitalization. There are three open seats on Sedona City Council in the 2024 election. Incumbent Sedona City Councilwoman Kathy Kinsella, challenger Derek Pfaff, incumbent Sedona Vice Mayor Holli Ploog and challenger Katherine Todd are the four candidates campaigning for three seats. Election day is Tuesday, July 30.