Ahead of the November general election, the Southern California News Group compiled a list of questions to pose to the candidates who wish to represent you. You can find the full questionnaire below.

Name: Janice Lim

Age: 56

Current job title: Councilmember/ Business Owner

Incumbent: Yes

Other political positions held: City Parks and Recreation Commission, Councilmember and a ton of volunteer/civic work

City where you reside: Yorba Linda

Campaign website or social media: janicelimforyl.com

How can the city best meet the demand and mandates for more housing, including at lower price points, while also preserving local control and the quality of life for existing neighborhoods and residents? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

When Sacramento passed down the RHNA requirements for cities, they placed an almost-impossible mandate on our cities. Yorba Linda is a bedroom community that would not benefit from high-density housing as mandated by the state. Our council has worked diligently to identify sites where we could build workforce housing at reasonable rates, while still preserving the charm and community we have built in the “Land of Gracious Living.” It is important to note that we passed Measure JJ, the Yorba Linda Local Control, Residential Neighborhood, Open Space Protection Measure, with over 90% of the vote!

How should the city balance rising costs, paying off debts, such as pension liabilities, and building reserves, all while meeting residents’ needs? Should a solution involve finding new revenue, economic development, trimming the budget, or something else entirely? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

The City of Yorba Linda operates with a very lean budget, outsourcing services where it makes sense to keep costs down while continually exploring new revenue opportunities and attracting new businesses. We will cut costs where appropriate, but never at the expense of essential services for our residents.

Fiscal responsibility also means planning for the future. We are preserving our rainy-day reserves while recently making a payment toward our pension liability. By maintaining disciplined spending, strategically planning ahead, and strengthening our local economy, we can continue to provide a steady revenue stream while keeping Yorba Linda financially strong.

The public expects transparency from public leaders in spending and governance. How can this be achieved? How can the city do better in this area? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

I believe transparency starts with providing residents with accurate information, meaningful opportunities to ask questions, and a voice in important decisions. Yorba Linda has made significant strides in this area, particularly through our Housing Element and Measure JJ process. Two years prior, Measure Z failed by a significant margin of 75%. This failure was largely attributed to residents’ frustration with the State mandate and their understanding of the potential consequences of noncompliance. We learned valuable lessons from this experience. To address these concerns, the City actively engaged residents across the community through various means, including public workshops, town halls, online resources, and public hearings. Before the implementation of Measure JJ, the City conducted seven public workshops that involved hundreds of residents in the decision-making process. Additionally, I personally participated in community discussions to help residents comprehend the implications of the mandate and the potential consequences of noncompliance. This effort played a role in enabling voters to make an informed decision. As a result, Measure JJ ultimately received more than 90% approval.

It is imperative that we maintain this level of transparency, openness, accessibility, and two-way communication in our future endeavors.

In your opinion, what is the biggest need your city faces, and how would you address it? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

In my opinion, affordability is at the forefront of everyone’s mind. When I first ran for City Council, I went door-to-door throughout Yorba Linda and saw the worry in the eyes of our seniors as they faced rising grocery, utility and everyday living costs. For many, living on a fixed income or a single paycheck was becoming increasingly difficult. It strengthened my determination to serve and find practical ways to help.

As a Councilmember, I have focused on programs that improve quality of life while being mindful of taxpayer dollars. With the help of OCTA, I helped expand our TRAILS senior mobility program, providing seniors with affordable transportation to medical appointments, church, shopping and visits with friends. What may seem like a simple ride can make a tremendous difference in helping seniors remain independent, connected and engaged in our community.

Affordability also means keeping our city financially strong, supporting local businesses, maintaining essential services and opposing unnecessary costs and unfunded mandates. We need to continue looking for ways to keep Yorba Linda affordable, attract businesses that expand our tax base, and protect the quality of life that makes our community special.

Why would you make a good leader, and how would you represent the diverse communities of your city? (Please limit your answer to 200 words or less.)

Coming from an immigrant family, I understand the importance of opportunity and making sure everyone feels that they belong. My parents worked hard to build a better future for our family, and their example taught me the value of service, perseverance, and giving back to the community.

I believe a good leader listens first, brings people together, and works to find common ground while standing firmly for the values that matter. As a Councilmember and former Mayor, I have worked with residents, businesses, faith communities, nonprofits, and regional partners from many different backgrounds. I represent everyone in Yorba Linda, and I make it a priority to listen to different perspectives and ensure residents have a voice in the decisions that affect our community.

Our diversity is one of our strengths. I will continue working to build a community where every resident, regardless of background, age, or circumstance, feels respected, valued, and proud to call Yorba Linda home.