stephanie4larkspur

I ran for City Council in 2024 as a citizen who wanted to make a positive impact in our community. I have spent the last 3 years working for you: ensuring that your tax dollars are not wasted, reducing bureaucratic red tape, fighting for greater government transparency and accountability, and prioritizing climate policies to save our planet. Decades of experience in corporate finance and investment banking equip me to solve complex problems. I am a highly effective consensus builder, but will not hesitate to voice dissent to uphold ethical and professional standards. My achievements on City Council reflect principled leadership and a proven ability to deliver tangible results for Larkspur residents.

Scroll down to read a summary of my achievements as your representative on Council.

✓ Increased fiscal responsibility over your tax dollars

My financial background has provided Larkspur with better decision making on routine items such as reviewing how your tax dollars are spent in the city’s budget and on public works projects.

✓ Recovered over $2.2 million in annual property tax revenue at Serenity

Under my leadership, Larkspur investigated Serenity at Larkspur, a 342-unit apartment complex. The property owners claimed full property tax exemptions for purportedly running a middle-income affordable housing program.

Our investigation exposed systemic mismanagement and failures:

- - No real discounts were given to income-qualified renters.
  - Mismanagement drove the property into financial default.
  - Taxpayers subsidized what was operating as a luxury complex.

To protect our community, I led the City of Larkspur to withdraw from the joint-powers authority, which forced a sale of the property.

Today, the complex is back on the property tax rolls, paying approximately $2.2 million per year to our city, county and school districts. We successfully ended subsidies to private entities and restored fairness to Larkspur taxpayers. Read about my work on Serenity here.

✓ Spearheaded reform at MCE for ratepayers

As Larkspur’s representative on MCE (your local energy provider), I serve on the Board of Directors, Executive Committee, Technical Committee, Finance Committee and Ad Hoc CEO Search Committee. I have been a vocal proponent for greater accountability and oversight at this agency. I have raised significant concerns about MCE’s subpar financial performance, inaccurate claims regarding its renewable energy content, and lack of transparency and weak internal controls with respect to its energy procurement.

These efforts have already resulted in:

- - the creation of a MCE Finance Committee,
  - a full governance and organizational review, and
  - a modest rate cut for customers.

In June 2026, MCE announced the departure of its long-time CEO, Dawn Weisz. The agency has embarked on a search for a new CEO, and I am excited to work with my Board colleagues on the Ad Hoc CEO Search Committee.

We are at a pivotal moment for MCE and have the opportunity to restructure this agency for long-term success. My priority remains advocating for true renewable energy at an affordable price for ratepayers. For those interested in learning more about the ongoing push for reform at MCE, the Marin Civil Grand Jury issued an outstanding, thorough investigative report and the Marin IJ has written an award-winning series of articles detailing the struggles at the agency.

✓ Implemented sustainability features at new library

I was honored to cut the ribbon in March 2026 at Larkspur’s beautiful new library at the corner of Doherty and Rose Lane. I am proud to have led efforts to implement sustainability features, such as:

- - All electric building
  - 40kW of solar panels on the roof
  - 60kWh solar powered battery bank
  - 8 Level-2 EV Chargers in the parking lot
  - Automated opening clerestory windows for passive cooling
  - Central heat pump water service systems

✓ Championed local climate action

I have consistently championed initiatives to eliminate fossil fuels and transition Larkspur to clean energy.

My key environmental achievements include:

- - Spearheaded the creation of the Climate Action Forum to give residents a direct voice on Council climate policies.
  - Voted to adopt Tier 1 CalGreen and Reach codes to accelerate green building standards.
  - Supported electrification of the City’s fleet, including half of all CMPA police vehicles.
  - Advocate for regional policies at BAAQMD and Cal Cities to expedite the phase-out of fossil fuels.

✓ Enhanced our community's economic vitality and quality of life

Expanded Fresh Food Access: Brought the Marin Community Farm Stands to downtown Larkspur to satisfy resident demand for local, fresh produce.
Championed Local Business: Enthusiastically supported Chamber of Commerce events, mixers, ribbon cuttings, the Wine Stroll, and the Battle of the Bands to spotlight Larkspur merchants.
Upgraded Corridor Infrastructure: Voted for vital multi-modal safety, pedestrian, bicycle, and driver improvements along North Magnolia.
Invested in Community Spaces: Secured plans to construct new recreation building at Piper Park. Created Citizens Committee to study rehabilitation of City Hall. Support mini-plaza at Arch Street Landing. Expanded pickleball access at Piper Park and allowed off-leash dogs at Niven Park.

In the press:

Paid for by Stephanie Andre for Larkspur City Council 2026. FPPC #1465963