I’m a Claremont neighbor and parent who believes strong communities are built through everyday relationships. I care deeply about Claremont's future and believe our city is strongest when residents feel heard, respected, and included in the decisions that shape our city for years to come.
I’m a Claremont neighbor and parent who believes strong communities are built through everyday relationships. I care deeply about Claremont's future and believe our city is strongest when residents feel heard, respected, and included in the decisions that shape our city for years to come.
Meet Anna
A little about me...
I’m a proud mom of three: Zoe (6), Asher (9), and Noah (13), who attend Sycamore Elementary and El Roble. My husband, Jason, and I spend much of our time on soccer fields, in parks, and at our neighborhood schools. Our boys are avid soccer players, and our daughter is part of an incredible Girl Scout troop, where I proudly serve as treasurer.
I grew up in Chicago, but Claremont is the place we chose to build our life. Our family moved here in 2019 after falling in love with the city’s natural beauty, its people, and its strong public schools. What started as a place to raise our children has truly become home. After the pandemic, my mom even moved here to be closer to us, making Claremont home for multiple generations of our family.
HOW I LEAD
I believe effective leadership starts with listening and follows through with action.Throughout my work, I’ve partnered with councilmembers, city staff, and community members across the political spectrum. I know that progress does not come from grandstanding or rigid positions. It comes from building trust, staying open to different perspectives, and focusing on shared goals, even when conversations are challenging. I bring a steady, respectful approach to problem-solving and a commitment to doing the work it takes to turn ideas into outcomes.
This local leadership is supported by nearly two decades of professional experience working in and alongside local government.
I’ve worked with cities across California and the country, partnering with elected officials, department heads, and community members to plan projects, implement policies, and improve how local government works in practice.
I hold master’s degrees in Urban Planning and Public Administration. I know how ideas move from community conversations to council agendas and into real-world outcomes.
Together, my professional experience and my local work prepare me to contribute thoughtfully and effectively on City Council.
Working With Cities
My background is in public policy and city planning, with master’s degrees in Urban Planning and Public Administration from USC’s Sol Price School of Public Policy. Through CityWise, the consulting firm I founded in 2020, I work with cities and counties across the country to strengthen community engagement, develop long-range strategic plans, and use data to guide public investments. In my work, I bring together elected leaders, commissioners, and community members to make sure decisions reflect the needs and perspectives of the whole community.
In recent years:
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My team and I have led citywide workshops, focus groups, and listening sessions as part of long-range planning efforts, helping cities understand what residents value most and how those priorities can guide future public investments.
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We have worked with city departments and community partners to conduct systems-level analyses that help cities understand how well their housing and safety-net programs are working and where investments can better support residents.
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We have helped library systems assess community needs and plan for evolving services, using input from residents and demographic data to guide decisions about buildings, collections, and technology.
These projects and others like them reflect my commitment to helping government officials listen more deeply, plan more effectively, and invest in what matters most to their communities.
Leading Change in Claremont
Here in Claremont, I founded Better Claremont Playgrounds after hearing from families who wanted more welcoming and inclusive places for kids to play. What started with a small group of neighbors grew into a broad community effort that brought together residents across neighborhoods, ages, and perspectives.
Working alongside City Council and city staff, our group helped move the city away from its outdated like-for-like playground policy and supported a more community-driven approach to planning park improvements. Our work contributed to the inclusive engagement process at Lewis Park and continues today as the city progresses toward improvements at Larkin Park.
Following these early successes, I helped transition Better Claremont Playgrounds into a nonprofit, The Play Collective, so that we can more effectively partner with the City on park and public space improvements. I now serve as Board President, continuing our commitment to family-centered, community-driven design throughout Claremont.
Together, my professional experience and my work here in Claremont prepare me to contribute thoughtfully and effectively on City Council.
My Experience
ANNA FOR CLAREMONT
2026