Charlotte Reed
Candidate for City Council Member, Menlo Park, District 4 · Communications Professional / Singer
Charlotte Reed is a Grammy-nominated ensemble musician, nominated in 2020 and 2025 for Best Choral Performance; she is a cantor at St. Raymond Catholic Church in Menlo Park and performs with the Peninsula Cantare and San Francisco Bach Choir. She works as a communications professional and community organizer, and has spent nearly a decade with the Junior League, leading programs on affordable housing, food assistance, and community provisions that disbursed more than $100,000 in grants to local nonprofits; she has also helped host the Menlo Park Fire Protection District's annual Pancake Breakfast. She grew up spending her teenage years in Menlo Park and now lives there with her husband, whose family has lived in their home for more than 30 years.
Positions in brief
Charlotte Reed has said she wants Menlo Park to allow more affordable housing so local workers can afford to live there, and emphasizes community connection and nonprofit partnerships.
According to local news coverage, Reed wants the city to allow more affordable housing so that people who work in Menlo Park can also afford to live there. Her campaign emphasizes leadership that 'knows the community, the people, and its character,' and she highlights her nonprofit and corporate experience finding creative solutions and strengthening ties between the city council and local nonprofits.
On the issues
- Housing & Homelessness
Wants to cut red tape and improve the city's housing planning process, while updating the housing element if it's found non-compliant with state law and protecting community character.
“I will cut red tape and improve the city's planning processes around housing.”
Source → - Infrastructure & Transportation
Supports continuing quick-build safety improvements such as protected bikeways and better pedestrian access, plus expanded transit for seniors 65+.
“I will continue the city's priority to support street safety.”
Source → - Infrastructure & Transportation
Wants to fix pavement, refresh signage, and improve downtown greenery, plus a program pairing older and younger residents.
“I will make needed improvements to streets and sidewalks.”
Source → - Economy & Jobs
Wants to create a Downtown Commission, build public-private partnerships, and expand pedestrian-only space on Santa Cruz Avenue.
“I will create a Downtown Commission.”
Source → - Environment, Energy & Climate
Wants renters protected from displacement when buildings undergo climate-related upgrades such as electrification.
“I will ensure renters are not displaced during climate-based upgrades.”
Source → - Government, Elections & Democracy
Pledges weekly public office hours to give residents direct access and a voice on issues like housing.
“I will hold public, weekly office hours.”
Source →
Profiles are compiled from the candidate’s own statements and public records. We never tell you how to vote.