This year kicks off my twelfth year on the El Cerrito City Council and the third time I’ve had the honor of transitioning into the role as the city’s mayor. Transitions are about planning for the future, but they are also a time for reflection. As I began outlining my goals and priorities for this next year, I couldn’t help but think back to the first time I served as mayor in 2018.

So much has changed within my city and our state since 2018, but so much remains the same. El Cerrito is still a diverse, green, and welcoming city: We have built on that foundation by making our community safer and more resilient, promoting alternative transportation options, and supporting housing for all. I’m so proud to represent my hometown as we continue to provide a high quality of life and remain a desirable place to live, work, and visit.

In my swearing-in address back in 2018, I committed to fostering a city of “kindness and empathy that survives by helping out and supporting others.” I also referenced a quote from former President Franklin D. Roosevelt in asking, “Do we provide enough for those who have so little?”

The importance of service rooted in empathy for others is, in some ways, more salient now than it was in 2018. In today’s climate of political unrest, budget deficits, federal gridlock, and economic uncertainty, our residents are looking to city officials — the closest form of government to them — for answers and solutions.

In El Cerrito, like many of you, we have had to face our challenges head-on. We’ve stabilized our budget, enhanced emergency preparedness and public safety, and worked hard to support new housing and infrastructure. But the work is never done. Indeed, public service can sometimes feel overwhelming.

I wish that I had a magic bullet or a ten-point plan that would fix these challenges overnight. We can’t control the chaos at the federal level, and cities don’t have the luxury of closing their doors when decisions feel insurmountable.

But what I do know is that those of us who answered the call for public service didn’t do so for the quick fixes and easy ways out. There are many paths to local government, but what city officials have in common is that we are passionate, innovative, and have a deep calling for service. I know there is no challenge that we cannot tackle with unity, ingenuity, and pragmatism.

City officials are problem solvers. I was reminded of the confidence that state lawmakers have in local leaders when I was in Sacramento last week to discuss cities’ top advocacy priorities with legislators. They recognize the unique power and responsibility cities have to take on important issues and the capacity we have to solve problems for our residents.

The times may be hard. The job is never finished. But our collective response to the current state and federal challenges will once again demonstrate the power of local government to uplift our residents and serve our communities.

City leaders have always had to navigate great triumphs and even greater challenges. I am certain that together, we can face today’s challenges head-on and emerge stronger than ever.