About Joy: As a Spokane native and longtime resident of the city, I am a proud graduate of Spokane Public Schools and Eastern Washington University. I live in West Central’s Nettleton’s Addition with my husband, Travis, a Spokane attorney, and our two children, Isabell, 9, and Alex, 6, who attend Holmes Elementary. I earned a Bachelor of Arts from Eastern Washington University in Geography with a minor in Urban Planning. My interest in the field has continued with many graduate courses in Urban Planning and Public Administration at EWU.

Community Service, Community Advocacy: I developed a love for service at a young age, often spending weekends volunteering with my youth group to clean up a neighbor’s yard or help a family move. That dedication to serve continued with volunteering for many local organizations including Unity in the Community, CASA, St. Aloysius School, The Lands Council, Conservation Northwest, Spokane Alliance, Sustainable Works, Richard Allen Enterprises, and Pedals to People.
I stay connected to my community by working on my neighborhood council and volunteering at Holmes Elementary School. I have served on the West Central Summer Safety Committee, The Neighborhoods USA tour, The Nettleton Triangle Community Garden project, and am currently the co-chair of the Promise Neighborhood planning group.

Youth Advocacy: I have served as the Holmes Parent Teacher Group Treasurer, the Holmes Citizen Advisory Committee’s representative to the district, and am the school Volunteer Coordinator in the 2011-2012 academic year. I have dedicated many months to the Riverfront Farm initiative of Project HOPE, a youth development program teaching job skills to West Central youth and providing green pathways out of poverty. In 2009 I was hired to lead the Mentoring Children of Promise (MCP) team, administered by Goodwill Industries of the Inland Northwest. MCP works with youth and families who have been affected by incarceration. my team works closely with MCP families providing assistance and encouragement while they rebuild their independence.

Youth Issues: All issues are youth issues. Every decision that is made at City Hall will have an impact on youth. When we make policy decisions about transportation, economic development, or parks and recreation youth are impacted. Many young people use public transportation, ride their bicycles, or drive on the roads. A strong economic development plan, including diverse education and workforce development programs, will provide opportunities for young people to receive the education they need to be successful and find a good job later in life. Many young people utilize the recreation activities provided by Spokane Parks Department. These activities keep young people engaged in healthy positive activities.
When we make policy decisions that will have lasting effects we need to do so in a way that will protect our quality of life right now and for generations to come. Making sound policy decisions now, will ensure that our youth inherit a well run and well managed city for their future.
I promise to work for all of the citizens of Spokane and seek out the youth perspective when making policy decisions.