Maria OrozcoIncumbent

Candidate for City Council Member, Watsonville, District 3

Maria Orozco has spent more than 15 years in public service in Watsonville. She previously served as Mayor of Watsonville and spent a decade on the Pajaro Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees, along with leadership roles on local and regional boards. She holds bachelor's degrees in political science and communication from Santa Clara University and a Masters in Governance certificate from the California School Boards Association. During her time in local government she helped adopt Watsonville's first Homelessness Strategic Plan, advanced construction of hundreds of affordable and market-rate housing units, strengthened the city's Affordable Housing Ordinance with a local-preference provision, and oversaw roughly $80 million in road and infrastructure improvements, including an equity-based pavement management plan and upgrades to more than 3,000 streetlights. She also helped deliver Cherry Blossom Park, supported small businesses through a 'Mayor on the Move' outreach initiative, and adopted the city's first Arts Master Plan, helping Watsonville earn a state Cultural District designation.

On homelessness, Orozco says she helped adopt Watsonville's first-ever Homelessness Strategic Plan and expand outreach programs. On housing, she points to advancing construction of hundreds of affordable and market-rate units and strengthening the city's Affordable Housing Ordinance with a local-preference provision for residents. On public safety, she says the city has seen a reduction in overall crime during her tenure, alongside expanded community-based response programs and continued investment in police and fire recruitment, training, and equipment. On infrastructure, she cites about $80 million in road and infrastructure improvements, an equity-based pavement management plan, upgrades to more than 3,000 streetlights, and delivery of Cherry Blossom Park. On the economy, she says she supported small businesses through a 'Mayor on the Move' initiative and advocated for additional liquor licenses to attract new businesses. She also adopted the city's first Arts Master Plan and expanded library and literacy outreach and youth programs.

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