Week 5 Question
Piedmont’s state-approved Housing Element commits the city to plan for 587 new homes by 2031, 257 of them affordable to lower-income households. The largest single project is in Moraga Canyon, where the city is now choosing a developer to build at least 132 units, including at least 60 affordable units, on city-owned land. The next council is expected to approve that developer agreement. What would you need to see in it before voting yes?
“I support creating new and affordable housing. Throughout my career at the Attorney General’s Office, I advocated for equitable, accessible, and affordable housing. Where you live impacts so many aspects of your life — where you work and buy food, public safety, transportation, your friends and neighbors, and your schools.”
Strong boost for Nancy Beninati
“I saw firsthand her ability to bring her legal and policy expertise to important and sometimes difficult issues while working constructively with law enforcement and the community.
“Nancy understands the importance of both public safety and strong community relationships. I believe her experience would be valuable on Piedmont’s City Council.”
–Jeremy Bowers
Retired Piedmont Police Chief
Week 4 Question
What, in your view, are the city’s top 3 infrastructure needs? If elected to the council, which of these needs would you prioritize addressing? And why?
“I believe Piedmont’s top infrastructure needs are reflected in the City’s most recent budget: maintaining and improving our streets and sidewalks, upgrading our stormwater and sewer systems, and maintaining and modernizing our public facilities, including parks and recreational facilities. I support the City’s focus on these areas, while also considering public safety, emergency preparedness, and sustainability throughout these projects.”
Why I am voting for Nancy Beninati
“Nancy brings the kind of experience and perspective that would strengthen our City Council. Her public service at the California Department of Justice, combined with her work as a UC Berkeley lecturer in law and public policy, Nancy understands government, policy, and the importance of thoughtful decision-making.
“Just as importantly, Nancy has been actively involved in the Piedmont community for decades. She has served on the Civil Service Commission, as President of the League of Women Voters of Piedmont, and currently as a Recreation Commissioner. She has also volunteered in our schools and youth sports as her high school boys have grown up in Piedmont.”
–Conna McCarthy
Vice-Mayor, City of Piedmont
In support of Beninati for City Council
“I worked for many years with Nancy at the California Department of Justice. Nancy dedicated over 25 years of her career to working at the DOJ and I saw firsthand how well she balanced multiple interests and priorities, while keeping her focus on improving the lives of California people.
“Nancy’s unwavering commitment to public service extends to our community. … As Nancy has already done for many years, she will bring thoughtful and principled leadership to the Council.”
–Tanya Koshy
Piedmont Resident
In support of Beninati, Reichle, Ramsey
“Nancy and I worked closely together as volunteers with the League of Women Voters of Piedmont where she served as President. Her leadership, collaborative spirit, and support of our community are unwavering, not just with the League, but also through serving on multiple Piedmont Commissions. Her professional background as a supervising attorney at the California DOJ and lecturer at UC Berkeley make her exceedingly qualified and ready to work on the issues most important to Piedmont residents.”
–Lorrel Plimier
Piedmont City Council
Week 3 Question
Do you support Measure GG? Why? If this measure passes, how would you prioritize the funds generated by the measure?
“I support Measure GG, which would increase Piedmont’s real estate transfer tax by 0.45 percentage points, from 1.3% to 1.75%. The tax is paid only when a property is transferred, not annually. As a licensed California Real Estate Broker, I am familiar with real estate transactions and transfer taxes.
“I would not commit in advance to how Measure GG funds should be allocated. Their use should be considered as part of the city’s overall budget and long-term financial planning, informed by the city’s needs, financial projections, and community input. As a Councilmember, I would listen to residents and work with city staff and my Council colleagues to make thoughtful, fiscally responsible decisions about the best use of city resources.”
Week 2 Question
What, in your view, are the top 3 issues facing Piedmont? Which issue would you tackle first if elected to the council, and why?
“The community’s priorities are my priorities.
“Public Safety: Ensuring safe roads, robust emergency preparedness, and strong police and fire services so our neighborhoods are safe and prepared.”
“Good Governance: Managing our resources wisely and ensuring residents have a meaningful voice in local decisions through fiscal responsibility, transparency, and genuine engagement.“
“Preserving Community and Sustainability: Responsibly meeting state housing mandates and future community needs while ensuring Piedmont remains a true home, not just a city. This requires investing thoughtfully in our infrastructure and planning for long-term environmental and financial sustainability.”
Week 1 Question
Who are you, why are you running, and name one thing you have worked on in Piedmont that voters can look up?
“I am a 20-year Piedmont resident, an active working mom, civil rights attorney, and UC Berkeley lecturer. I know and care about this community because I’ve volunteered in our classrooms, coached youth sports, and raised my family here.
“I am running for City Council because public service is important to me. For 27 years at the California Department of Justice, I have worked to protect the rights of Californians and find practical solutions to difficult problems. I want to bring that experience home to Piedmont and put it to work for our community.”
League of Women Voters Vote411
Candidates for the Piedmont City Council had the opportunity to respond to questions from the League of Women Voters. Nancy’s responses can be found here.