Emily Beach
- Office: Congress, District 15
- Election Date: June 7, 2022
- Candidate: Emily Beach
- Due Date: Monday, April 11, 2022
- Printable Version
Thank you for seeking GrowSF's endorsement for the June 7, 2022 primary election! GrowSF believes in a growing, vibrant, healthy, safe, and prosperous San Francisco via common sense solutions and effective government.
The GrowSF endorsement committee will review all completed questionnaires and seek consensus on which candidates best align with our vision for San Francisco and have the expertise to enact meaningful policy changes.
We ask that you please complete this questionnaire by Monday, April 11, 2022 so we have enough time to adequately review and discuss your answers.
Table of Contents
Vision
GrowSF believes in a growing, beautiful, vibrant, healthy, safe, and prosperous San Francisco. We work to propose and pass laws that align incentives of private businesses and individuals to promote shared prosperity for every San Franciscan.
As a candidate for federal office, your day-to-day responsibilities in office will affect not just San Francisco, but California and the United States as a whole. As a representative of the people of California and of San Francisco, the policies you bring to Washington should reflect the best of what we have to offer.
This section of our questionnaire seeks to help us gain an understanding of your alignment with our vision for San Francisco. Note that some of the questions may be outside the scope of the office you're running for.
Short-form questions
Please mark the box that best aligns with your position. You may explain any position if you so desire, but this section is designed to be a quick overview of your governing philosophy and view of the problems of the city, state, and/or country.
If you are not familiar with San Francisco in particular, feel free to skip the questions about it. But please do answer the questions about state and federal policy.
Small Business
| In San Francisco, in general, is it too hard, just right, or too easy to… | Too hard | Just right | Too easy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open a new businesses | |||
| Run a business | |||
| Hire staff at a living wage | X | ||
| Obtain various licenses (liquor, entertainment, etc) |
If you want to explain any positions above, please feel free:
Building thriving communities requires growth and opportunity. Having been a leader at the local level for the past 7 years, I understand first hand the challenges of balancing growth with the need for environmental protections and community engagement. San Francisco and most of the Peninsula is struggling to get the balance right and there are too many things that make it hard for small businesses to get established and grow. Generally speaking, I support streamlining processes and focusing government oversight on the issues that make the most difference.
| Should the state or federal government have more say, the same say, less say, or the same amount but of a different variety on… | More say | Same amount | Less say | Same, but different |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Small business creation | X | |||
| Rules & permitting fees enacted by cities and states | X | |||
| Corporate tax policy | X | |||
| Tax incentives for high tech, green tech, or other desirable industries | X |
If you want to explain any positions above, please feel free:
Housing
| In San Francisco, in general, is it too hard, just right, or too easy to… | Too hard | Just right | Too easy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expand your home (adding new stories, rooms, decks, etc) | |||
| Demolish your home and redevelop it into multifamily housing | |||
| Redevelop things like parking lots and single-story commercial into multifamily housing | |||
| Build subsidized Affordable housing | X | ||
| Build market-rate housing | |||
| Build homeless shelters (including navigation centers and "tiny homes") | X |
If you want to explain any positions above, please feel free:
| Should the state or federal government have more say, the same say, less say, or the same amount but of a different variety on… | More say | Same amount | Less say | Same, but different |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zoning | X | |||
| Taxes and fees on homebuilders | X | |||
| Oversight of cities' housing policies | X | |||
| Building subsidized Affordable housing | X | |||
| Building market-rate housing | X | |||
| Building homeless shelters | X |
If you want to explain any positions above, please feel free:
As an elected official, I'm proud of my track record on housing, which includes legislating a General Plan that embraced 23% population growth in my city. After only 3 years, we have nearly 2,000 units approved, entitled, and in the pipeline at diverse levels of affordability which represents about 16% population growth. I have always voted yes on housing proposals even when faced with community opposition. The federal government plays a critical role in creating more affordable housing through tax credits and subsidies. Now in my 7th year in local government, I know first-hand that cities need more financial resources particularly in expensive parts of the country like the Peninsula to subsidize affordable housing. We also need planning grants and staff resources to set the conditions for the proper land use policies, and more Section 8 vouchers for our most vulnerable community members.
Public Safety
| In San Francisco, in general, is it too hard, just right, or too easy to… | Too hard | Just right | Too easy |
|---|---|---|---|
| File a police report | |||
| Recover a stolen item like a bike or laptop computer | |||
| Arrest & prosecute criminals | |||
| File a domestic violence or rape report | |||
| Charge & prosecute domestic violence or rape |
If you want to explain any positions above, please feel free:
| Should the state or federal government have more say, the same say, less say, or the same amount but of a different variety on… | More say | Same amount | Less say | Same, but different |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal justice administration at the state or city level | X | |||
| Police funding | X | |||
| Rehabilitation of prisoners | X |
If you want to explain any positions above, please feel free:
Education
| In San Francisco, in general, is it too hard, just right, or too easy to… | Too hard | Just right | Too easy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Attend a school of your choosing | X | ||
| Transport children to school | X | ||
| Hire teachers | X | ||
| Fire teachers | X | ||
| Set public education curriculum |
If you want to explain any positions above, please feel free:
| Should the state or federal government have more say, the same say, less say, or the same amount but of a different variety on… | More say | Same amount | Less say | Same, but different |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standardized education curricula | X | |||
| Public School funding | X | |||
| Private Schools | X | |||
| Religious Schools | X | |||
| Staffing levels | X | |||
| Advanced, remedial, or special needs education | X |
If you want to explain any positions above, please feel free:
Budget
| Do you think San Francisco spends too little, too much, or just enough on… | Too little | Just enough | Enough, but badly | Too much |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Police and public safety | ||||
| Street cleanliness | X | |||
| Homeless services | X | |||
| Affordable housing | X | |||
| Parks | ||||
| Roads | X | |||
| Bus, bike, train, and other public transit infrastructure | X | |||
| Schools | X | |||
| Medical facilities | ||||
| Drug prevention and treatment | ||||
| Arts |
If you want to explain any positions above, please feel free:
| Do you think the state or federal governments spend too little, too much, or just enough on… | Too little | Just enough | Enough, but badly | Too much |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Police and public safety | X | |||
| Street cleanliness | X | |||
| Homeless services | X | |||
| Affordable housing | X | |||
| Parks | X | |||
| Roads | X | |||
| Bus, bike, train, and other public transit infrastructure | X | |||
| Schools | X | |||
| Medical facilities | X | |||
| Drug prevention and treatment | X | |||
| Arts | X |
If you want to explain any positions above, please feel free:
Policy
Now that we know where you align and differ from our vision for San Francisco, we'd like to get some details about how you intend to use your elected office to achieve your goals.
Why are you running for Congress?
I'm running for Congress because we need leaders who are courageous and bold, who will inspire others, challenge the status quo, and who will fight for a more just society. I am qualified for the job because of my broad life experiences and deep connections to the people of the 15th Congressional District as a local elected leader and community volunteer. Local elected officials are closest and most accessible to the people we serve, and best understand how policies in Washington impact people and communities. My seven years in local government is a competitive asset for this job.
I've done hard things in my life, which taught me persistence and tenacity. I was on an Army scholarship at the University of Notre Dame. I broke glass ceilings as an Army officer – leading soldiers in Saudi Arabia, Korea, and even jumping out of airplanes in combat gear at night. I worked as a business executive in Silicon Valley, fighting for my own pay equity. As a college student, I studied for a year in a Spanish-speaking country. I returned home and tutored Spanish-speaking adults in English, and I spent a summer fighting for immigrants' rights by translating political asylum testimony.
I've championed equity in public education while leading a non-profit organization. I've navigated challenges as a foster parent and as a parent of my own two teenagers as they struggled with learning differences, special needs, mental health, and their own LGBTQ+ identity. Federal law governs equity in education and ensures that students receive "a free, appropriate public education." I know first-hand how the federal government must provide more resources and teacher training to deliver on this promise. Without federal help, local school districts are overburdened and falling short. Equity in education, early learning, and mental health resources for all students will be top priorities for me in Congress.
As a local elected leader and Mayor I led the successful effort to pass a $15 accelerated minimum wage and campaign finance limits – both against strong political headwinds. I championed affordable housing, the environment, people of color, and the LGBTQ+ community. I take on tough issues with civility by building coalitions, and as RBG said, doing it in a way that inspires others to join.
It's unacceptable that we have only 27% women in Congress. We need more women in Washington – not fewer– fighting for paid parental leave, the ERA, education, LGBTQ+ rights, and our reproductive freedom when Congresswoman Speier retires.
I am worried about our country and our democracy – particularly the current divisiveness and severe gridlock in Washington. I believe we are losing ground in the fight to advance our Bay Area values. It's clear when we look at Congress: status quo politics as usual isn't working in D.C. We need bold, coalition-building leaders who have proven their willingness to stick their neck out (not just when it's politically easy to do so) who will fight for our values. That's how we'll restore trust in government, faith in each other, and save our democracy.
What is your #1 policy goal?
My top policy priority is Climate Action. If we don't have a planet to live on, no other legislative priority matters. I have demonstrated and lived my values both in my legislative work and in my personal life. We've made green improvements in our home, plus I champion active transportation and use public transportation.
How will you build the coalition and political capital to enact your #1 goal?
We need a Congresswoman with powerful leadership skills who can build consensus and long term relationships with diverse people to create relationship-centered change. I have developed and proven these skills throughout my life, which will help me make progress for the people of the 15th District on this critical issue and the other priorities noted below.
As a local elected leader and Mayor I led the successful effort to pass a $15 accelerated minimum wage and campaign finance limits – both against strong political headwinds. I championed affordable housing, the environment, people of color, and the LGBTQ+ community. I take on tough issues with civility by building coalitions, and as RBG said, doing it in a way that inspires others to join.
I will focus on long-term relationship building in Congress. My broad life experiences will help me build connections and relate to people from other parts of the country that don't necessarily share our Bay Area values.
Will the power of the office of Congressmember be enough to achieve this goal?
Congressional action can make a huge difference in combating climate change. At the federal level, I will be able to have an even bigger impact to fund priorities I have championed at the local level: sustainable transportation infrastructure, green infrastructure to protect against sea level rise and floods, parks & open space, green building codes, clean energy, producer responsibility programs. The federal government also needs carbon pricing (I'm particularly enthusiastic about fee and dividend options) so that economics drive more sustainable behavior.
I applaud the vision of Build Back Better that proposed significant investment in clean energy tax incentives for people to make energy efficient upgrades, EV rebates, and a Green Infrastructure Bank to finance investments in new green technology.
The climate challenge is enormous and will require a concerted effort by private businesses and local communities, along with the federal government, to make the necessary changes to preserve our planet. As a Member of Congress, I will have the opportunity to reach out to a broad set of stakeholders to build the coalitions necessary to drive the kinds of systemic change that are required.
What are your #2 and #3 policy goals?
2) Affordable Housing and a more fair economy
We need major investment in affordable housing tax credits and subsidies at the federal level. This will help local cities and the private sector create more affordable housing with deeper levels of affordability – which is particularly hard to do in high cost of living areas like the 15th Congressional District. Creating a more fair economy also requires higher wages, benefits, and affordable childcare. Unfortunately, the U.S. economy is simply not meeting the needs of working people, and those inequities are even more evident here in our district due to our high cost of living. We must address the income and wealth inequality that plagues our country.
3) Mental health
Our youth in particular are facing a mental health epidemic – with 25% facing depression and anxiety, and suicide attempts among teenage girls has increased by 51% in the past two years. We need more resources in our schools, and we need to make sure every American has access to the health care and mental health care they need. Our lack of mental health resources and beds in California is also a significant contributor to homelessess and addiction problems. We need greater federal investment in these areas, plus wrap-around social services. Health care is a human right and everyone deserves access to the health and mental care they need.
Will the power of the office of Congressmember be enough to achieve these goals?
The federal government can make a big impact by creating more tax credits and subsidies for affordable housing, particularly in expensive parts of the country like the Bay Area. We also need more Section 8 vouchers for our most vulnerable community members. The federal tax code in many cases advantages the wealthy, and we need to create a more fair economy through tax code reform. The federal minimum wage needs to be increased to $15 and policies to support unions need to be strengthened. The Affordable Care Act was an outstanding first step toward universal health care coverage. We need to build on its success and improve upon its shortcomings to make sure everyone has affordable health care, mental health care, and prescriptions they need.
What is an existing policy you would like to reform?
We need a higher ($15) national minimum wage, with an escalator.
What is an "out there" change that you would make to state/local government policy, if you could? (For example: changing how elections work, creating a Bay Area regional government, etc.)
Make public transportation free so that people have a strong economic incentive to make greener transportation choices. Transportation is responsible for 50% of our carbon emissions, so this policy would make a meaningful reduction in global warming trends.
Personal
Tell us a bit about yourself!
How long have you lived in California? What brought you here and what keeps you here?
I've lived in California for 22 years. My husband was born and raised in the Bay Area, and we highly valued living near extended family in a place with so much natural beauty, a vibrant economy, and mild weather. Our deep connections to our community keep us here. My desire to continually help improve things is the reason why I worked 7 years in local government as a City Councilmember and Mayor, and it's why I want to represent us in Congress. I want to use my local, grass-roots knowledge to shape practical policies and bring home federal resources to help our communities thrive – particularly those who are most vulnerable.
What do you love most about California and/or your hometown?
I love the inclusive and innovative culture here in California. I love knowing all my neighbors wherever I've lived – including our first one-bedroom apartment in Crocker Amazon on the corner of Mission & Geneva, our Bernal Heights home just 1 block from Alemany Flea Market, and here in Burlingame.
What do you dislike the most about California and/or your hometown?
The high cost of living.
Tell us about your current involvement in the community (e.g., volunteer groups, neighborhood associations, civic and professional organizations, etc.)
Community Involvement, Burlingame, California:
- Leadership Council San Mateo County, Founding Board of Directors (2020-present)
- Burlingame Rotary Club (2019-present)
- Burlingame Community for Education Foundation Board of Directors (2011-2015) President, President-Elect, Vice President of Scholars Circle
- Parent Board Member, First Presbyterian Church Nursery School (2009-2012), Chairperson (2011-12)
- Music Teacher, UMC Nursery School (2010-2020)
- Music Volunteer, St. Catherine of Siena Church (2010-2020)
- Licensed San Mateo County Foster Resource Parent (2011-2020)
- Girl Scouts volunteer (2014-2016)
- Leadership Program of San Mateo, Burlingame, Foster City and Hillsborough Graduate (2017)
- Peninsula Humane Society volunteer (2018-present)
- Burlingame School District H. Jay Burns Service Award (2018)
- Burlingame Community for Education Foundation Distinguished Service Award (2021)
Thank you
Thank you for giving us your time and answering our questionnaire. We look forward to reading your answers and considering your candidacy!
If you see any errors on this page, please let us know at contact@growsf.org.