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BUILDING OPPORTUNITIES, DELIVERING RESULTS
WITH COUNCILMEMBER BOWEN, WE'RE...
MEET XOUHOA
My family's journey to America began thousands of miles away. My parents came to America with hope, determination, and the belief that if they worked hard, their children would have opportunities they never had. I learned that access to opportunity is what empowers a person to reach their fullest potential, and that every one of us can be the difference in making that a reality.
That belief shaped my life.
It led me to earn my BA in International affairs and psychology from Marquette University, a Master's in Business Administration from the Norwich University, and executive certificates from the UC Berkeley Haas School of Business and Harvard Kennedy School of Public Policy. It inspired a career that includes serving in the Peace Corps, leading nonprofits, helping businesses grow, and strengthening communities through philanthropy, volunteerism, and community organizing.
When I first ran for City Council, it wasn't because I saw politics as a career. I ran because I wanted to help ensure that every family has the opportunity to build a good life here and that decisions are made that reflect our diverse and rich community.
Over the past four years, I've led with integrity, listen before making decisions, and focus on what matters most to residents: safe neighborhoods, housing people can afford, a strong local economy, reliable infrastructure, quality public services, and a City Hall that is transparent, fiscally responsible, and accountable.
As the first Asian woman elected to the San Leandro City Council, a refugee, and a mother, I know that different life experiences strengthen leadership. In a city where AANHPI residents make up our largest racial and ethnic community, I'm proud to help ensure our government reflects the people it serves while bringing people together around the values we share -- opportunity, belonging, respect, and a commitment to future generations.
San Leandro, we've made meaningful progress, but there is still important work ahead.
I will continue working to ensure San Leandro is a city where:
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Families can afford their future.
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Neighborhoods are safe, clean, and connected.
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Small businesses and entrepreneurs can thrive.
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Infrastructure keeps pace with our community's needs.
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Housing is within reach for most people.
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Government is transparent, fiscally responsible, and accountable to the people that it serves.
MY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
Governing with integrity📝
Government does best when it listens, plans ahead, and earns the public's trust.
What I've done...
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Asked tough questions before major spending and development decisions.
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Championed transparency, fiscal responsibility, and meaningful community engaement.
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Called for thoughtful policies around AI data centers that ensure transparency and mitigations for adverse harm to our environment, infrastructure, water supply, neighborhoods, and quality of life before approval of projects.
Why it matters: Residents deserve leaders who make informed decisions - not rushed ones.
Improving quality of life🩵
A great city is measured by how it feels to live here every day.
What I've done...
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Made quality of life a central focus of my work on the City Council.
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Advanced San Leandro's participation in the CalTrans Clean California initiative to improve neighborhood beautification, reduce litter, and create cleaner public spaces.
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Supported investments in parks, libraries, youth programs, summer camps, and public spaces that stregnthen our community.
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Worked with residents to address neighborhood concerns including traffic, blight, illegal dumping, and improve city responsiveness.
Why it matters: Residents deserve leaders who make informed decisions - not rushed ones.
Growing a strong local economy💵
Supporting local businesses creates jobs, strengthens neighborhoods, and keeps our local economy growing.
What I've done...
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Advocated for making economic development one of the City's top priorities.
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Helped integrate childcare into San Leandro's economic development strategy because families and employers both benefit from accessible childcare.
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Supported public safety and revitalization efforts that strengthen commercial corridors and attract investment.
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Worked with regional agencies to bring funding and economic opportunities to San Leandro.
Why it matters: A strong local economy means more opportunity, more jobs, and better city services..
Investing in infrastructure🏙️
Investing today saves money tomorrow and keeps our community safe.
What I've done...
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Advanced the MacArthur Boulevard/Superior Avenue Roundabout to improve safety for everyone using the corridor.
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Supported Safe Routes to School improvements and neighborhood traffic caliming.
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Voted for investments in streets, sidewalks, transportation, and stormwater infrastructure.
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Advocated for securing transportation funding through my regional leadership.
Why it matters: Reliable infrastructure improves safety, reduces future costs, and keeps San Leandro moving.
Keeping our community safe🚨
Everyone deserves to feel safe in their neighborhood.
What I've done...
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Supported investments in police, fire, and emergency preparedness.
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Backed traffic safety improvements to reduce collisions.
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Worked to improve neighborhood conditions by addressing blight and quality-of-life concerns.
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Supported balanced public safety strategies that combine prevention, enforcement, and community partnerships including the Alternative Response Unit and increased mental health services.
Why it matters: Public safety is about protecting people while building stronger, healthier neighborhoods.
Addressing housing and homelessness🏠
Every resident deserves the opportunity to live in a safe, stable home.
What I've done...
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Supported stronger renter protections and rent stabilization to help prevent displacement along with guardrails to ensure efficacy and accountability.
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Voted to expand affordable housing opportunities for working families and seniors.
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Supported investments in homelessness prevention, outreach, and supportive housing.
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Worked to balance neighborhood stability with responsible housing growth.
Why it matters: Addressing housing affordability helps families stay in San Leandro while reducing homelessness over time.
Protecting our environment🍃
Protecting our environment means reducing waste, preparing for climate challenges, and building a healthier future for generations to come.
What I've done...
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Advanced policies that reduce waste, strengthen climate resilience, and prepare San Leandro for the future.
Introduced referrals to reduce single-use food packaging, encourage reuse, and explore home hardening strategies to help protect neighborhoods from wildfire risks.
Supported efforts to improve neighborhood cleanliness, reduce litter, and expand sustainability initiatives.
Advocated for thoughtful planning around emerging technologies, including evaluating the environmental impacts of AI data centers on our water, energy use, and infrastructure.
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