Yountville Sun 2026 Candidate Questionnaire

Part 1 includes questions 1 – 5

Dear Yountville Sun Readers,

Following are the questions the Yountville Sun asked via email, and unedited answers received from each of the seven candidates that were qualified to run the morning of Sept. 17.

Each candidate received the same questions on the same day, at the same time, and was asked to reply to confirm receipt of the questionnaire. The responses were due no later than 7 p.m. on Sept. 23 and all seven original candidates that met the filing deadline replied.

Candidates received 13 questions; the three incumbents received an additional question. Word limits for each question were listed.

The answers are listed in rolling alphabetical order by the last name each respondent:

Jessi Bugden – Office of Council Member
Matthew Chrzanowski – Office of Council Member
Robin McKee – Office of Council Member
Marjorie Mohler – Office of Mayor
Joe Tagliaboschi – Office of Mayor
Hillery Bolt Trippe – Office of Council Member
Jill Turner – Office of Council Member

1. Why are you running for office, and what are the three most important issues Yountville must address during the next four years?

Jessi Bugden – Office of Council Member

I’m running to be a fresh voice for Yountville and to help rebuild trust between residents and the Town Council.

Housing done right. I believe we need to start fresh. We should consider all feasible options, insist on accurate numbers for what is actually required, and formulate a plan that protects residents rather than leaving them to shoulder unnecessary risk.
Fiscal responsibility. Our town’s budget deserves the same discipline I would apply to my own household. That means living within our means, scrutinizing every expense, and refusing to commit to debt-financed projects without solid numbers and a vetted plan behind them.
Working with the Veterans Home. Improving communication, collaborating on shared concerns, and making sure our veterans remain a valued, integrated part of the community. This involves both increased social events in town to merge our communities, as well as working with administration and Sacramento on concerns and potential land use collaborations.

Matthew Chrzanowski – Office of Council Member

What kind of community do we want Yountville to be in 50 years? That question drives my campaign.

My family loves Yountville. We have chosen to raise our daughter here, and I see serving on the Town Council as an opportunity to give back to the community that means a great deal to us. The decisions we make today will help shape this town for the next generation.

First, we need to rebuild and strengthen relationships between residents and elected officials. We are one community, and we have to work together to solve difficult problems.

Second, we need to address affordability, including housing, utilities, and the everyday costs of living here.

Finally, we need to build long-term economic, social, and environmental resilience by investing in reliable energy, water, infrastructure, bringing a diversity of small businesses to fill the store fronts along Washington Street, and enhance affordability and residential amenities.

Robin McKee – Office of Council Member

I’m running to be re-elected because I believe we can protect what we love about Yountville, while preparing responsibly for the future. I want to continue listening and serving as a balanced voice for residents and businesses. I am a problem solver. Over the past four years I’ve been responsive and action oriented; I’ve successfully taken on PG&E, chemical spraying in the vineyards, and faded town signage on Highway 29, and I’m working with resort management to create partnerships that will attract overnight stays. I am experienced, dedicated and connected, and I want to continue serving this town.

Yountville leaders should address state-mandated housing (and the consequences of not meeting mandates), the rebuilding of community trust, which was shaken by the housing debacle, and the town’s stewardship of public assets. Council will formally set and prioritize selected goals in a February 2027 goal-setting session.

Marjorie Mohler – Office of Mayor

I’m running for reelection because I care deeply about Yountville and believe our best days are still ahead. Serving as your mayor has been one of the greatest honors of my life, and I remain committed to protecting the qualities that make Yountville such a special place to live.

My vision is a Yountville that remains financially strong, preserves its small-town character, and plans thoughtfully for future generations. During my time in office, I’ve seen firsthand the importance of balancing today’s needs with tomorrow’s opportunities.

Over the next four years, my top priorities are maintaining strong financial reserves, planning responsibly for housing and future infrastructure needs, and continuing the high level of services residents expect and deserve. By staying focused on those goals, we can preserve what we love about Yountville while preparing for the future with confidence.

Joe Tagliaboschi – Office of Mayor

I’m running for mayor because I want to restore trust and transparency in the town’s elected leadership. I will treat residents and business leaders with respect, honesty, and kindness. The Town Council should comply with both the language of the law and the intent of the law. When the Town Council serves the community with these priorities, community trust will follow.

The top three issues are resetting the conversation about the future of the YES property, rebuilding community trust and transparency with the Town Council and restoring fiscal responsibility by town leadership. These are imperative to healing our community. I will focus on what the state regulations and required timeline actually are for housing development. I will welcome collaboration with residents and business leaders to shape the future of Yountville. I will restore fiscal responsibility by managing revenues and expenses while protecting fund reserves.

Hillery Bolt Trippe – Office of Council Member

I am seeking re-election as an open-minded and independent voice on the council bringing business and risk management experience in business to issues facing Yountville and representation of residents. This perspective allows me to identify and raise important questions. My prior experience on Yountville’s Zoning and Design Review Board and Measure “S” affordable housing provides a solid background for important issues confronting the town. The first issue facing Yountville is the appropriate type and level of development on the YES site, including the state mandate for more housing. The second issue is how Yountville should consider rent stabilization for the 300 manufactured homes in Yountville. Finally, looking to the future, the third issue is what Yountville needs to consider given changes in the wine and tourism economy.

Jill Turner – Office of Council Member

With 28 years in Yountville and decades of business experience, I have deep community roots, proven professional expertise, and a commitment to helping shape Yountville’s future.

I’m running for one term – not to start a new career, but to contribute at an important time for Yountville. It’s time to rethink what’s possible.

My priorities:

Rethink Yountville Commons. I support workforce/affordable housing — but we must get the where, when, how, and cost right. Start with a sound business plan and meaningful research asking workers what they actually want.

Bring new energy to Yountville. Let’s explore fresh ideas for retail, activities, and economic vitality – from European-style Christmas markets to reviving the Mustard Festival.

Engage ALL stakeholders. Residents, businesses, workers, veterans, and visitors deserve a voice – especially our Veterans Home members, who deserve strong and, when necessary, NOISY advocates.

One term, starting with three priorities. Let’s rethink what’s possible.

2. The town purchased the former Yountville Elementary School (YES) property for approximately $11 million in 2024. The proposed Yountville Commons development was subsequently halted following substantial spending of taxpayer dollars for the project, community opposition to the initial plans and a referendum effort that resulted in the repeal of the associated zoning ordinance. What do you believe should happen next with the property?

Matthew Chrzanowski – Office of Council Member

The former Yountville Elementary School site is one of the most important public assets Yountville is likely to control in our lifetime. Town ownership gives us a rare opportunity to shape the property in a way that directly contributes to the quality of life of the people who live here.

The failure of one proposal does not mean purchasing the property itself was a mistake, nor should we abandon the opportunity it provides. Before moving forward, however, we need to understand what went wrong, learn from that experience, and rebuild trust around the process. From there, we should bring the community together around a broader question. What do we want Yountville to look like in 20, 50, or even 100 years?

I believe the site should help address needs we already know exist, attainable housing for people who live and work in our community, meaningful public and open space, and amenities that serve residents. Whatever comes next must also be financially responsible and feasible.

Robin McKee – Office of Council Member

When a land-use design is planned, designers don’t design only a portion of a project, rather they design a full concept on a parcel, and then determine where to start building and how to scale it back to meet funding requirements. This is done with builders, too. We were determining exactly that when the referendum petition was circulated. The referendum petition told us the process outran the public’s understanding. The bright news is benefitting our residents, serving as our civic heart, with town assets such as Yountville Fit, Yountville Community Garden, The Coop, the Locals Lounge and Yountville Dog Park.

To begin moving forward, the town has offered educational presentations that allow for open discussion about state-mandated housing and what it would mean to move forward with a nonprofit developer. More thoughtful community discussion is needed. I plan on asking the new town manager about her experience leading sensitive and heated discussions on housing and her ability to draw in both sides of this controversial subject to gain consensus. Conversations need to happen in public so there is greater clarity about housing, and a full range of options can be considered.

Marjorie Mohler – Office of Mayor

The original proposal did not have sufficient public support and we should respect that outcome. At the same time, the planning work, technical studies, and public input completed to date remain valuable resources that can help guide future decisions.

I support a future in which the former YES property becomes a long-term community asset that serves Yountville residents for generations to come.

The site should continue to provide space for valued community uses while also addressing important local needs such as gathering space, recreation, and housing.

I do not believe we should simply return to the previous proposal, nor do I believe the property should sit idle. Instead, we should build on what we have learned and begin a transparent, community-driven process focused on creating a plan that reflects Yountville’s character and priorities.

Our goal should be a balanced, practical vision that earns broad community support while making responsible use of the investments already made by the town and its partners.

Joe Tagliaboschi – Office of Mayor

It’s still hard to believe that this council voted to spent $11 million to purchase the YES property, invested more taxpayer dollars to design high-density housing, was willing to take on massive long-term debt, and wanted to act as the property managers for the whole thing. I believe a total reset is needed. Together with residents, business leaders, and experienced housing professionals, we can develop a plan that’s more appropriate for the location, financially feasible, and serves the needs and interests of our community. Development of this property should be part of a townwide assessment of parcels that have been zoned and viable for housing. It is not appropriate for me individually or just the Town Council to decide its future. This property is unique and deserves our best combined effort to determine its future uses. One consideration I would offer is to honor in some way the history of education on the site.

Hillery Bolt Trippe – Office of Council Member

The town needs to seek professional, business and community input to fully understand options for the use of the property. The starting point for development is determining what the community stakeholder goals are for the site, including housing to attract families, workforce and affordable housing, commercial uses or additional civic uses. Unlike the first Commons effort, a clear identification of stakeholder priorities followed by an open community dialog conducted by professional and neutral facilitators will provide the basis for sound planning. After identifying the goals and priorities, a resident and business task force working with town staff and other professionals should be established to develop options for the site.

Options could include, for example, working with a non-profit affordable housing developer; selling a portion of the property for residential development that would include some affordable housing (using a model similar to Washington Park where homes were made available for purchase at below market cost for qualified individuals); or maintaining existing recreational facilities. The Town Council could then fully evaluate the options. consider the options presented and make a decision. Options need to include a thorough analysis of present and future financial impact on the town.

Jill Turner – Office of Council Member

I support the “what” and “who” of Yountville Commons – workforce and affordable housing for Yountville workers. I question the where, when, how, and how much.

As next steps, let’s:

Develop a comprehensive business plan. Define objectives, strategies, costs, responsibilities, timelines, assumptions, and risks. The planning process will raise more questions – and that’s good. Better to discover problems before committing substantial public resources than afterward.

Revisit our assumptions. Start with statistically significant market research. Who are the workers we hope to serve? What housing do they need and want? What can they afford? What would actually enable them to live here? It’s Marketing 101: understand the customer before designing the product.

Examine alternative locations. Take another serious look at potential sites and approaches – including the Veterans Home property, Catholic Church parcel, partnerships or credits with other communities, and other possibilities. We’re told they won’t work. Maybe. Let’s look again.

Expand our vision. This rare parcel is the “Heart of Yountville.” Let’s consider how it could serve stakeholders – residents, businesses, visitors. Let’s not think two years ahead, but 20 years ahead.

This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity – and responsibility. Ask the questions. Rethink what’s possible. Get it right.

Jessi Bugden – Office of Council Member

The Commons process taught us a lesson: don’t spend before you plan, and don’t plan before you research what people actually want. Now that the zoning ordinance has been repealed, we have a real chance to start over and do it right.

The town needs an honest accounting of what’s already been spent and what’s left, along with a firm budget ceiling before any new design work begins. We should also do real outreach to employees, employers, and residents to understand what housing they actually need and can afford, instead of designing units in a vacuum. It’s also worth asking whether the site needs to be developed for housing at all, whether there are other sites around town that may be better suited or whether Measure S funds could do even more good through other avenues such as rent subsidies or buying existing homes for the workforce (which carries far less financial risk than the town acting as developer).

Whatever comes next has to be scaled to fit Yountville: modest, financially sound, and shaped by widespread resident input from day one.

3. Housing has been part of the planned future of the YES / Commons property. What type of housing, approximately how many units, for whom and at what level of affordability, do you foresee for the site? Realizing that the site is already home to community assets including the Yountville Community Garden, Locals Lounge, Yountville Fit, The Coop and Yountville Dog Park, what other uses should be included on, or added to, the property?

Robin McKee – Office of Council Member

One thing everyone agrees on is that a good amount of green space should be retained at The Commons for all to enjoy. The remainder of the answers you’re seeking need to be based on community feedback – especially as the town is now exploring what it would mean to work with a nonprofit developer. Going that route would dictate that housing units and types, and affordability levels, would be dependent on their modeling and available funding sources.

Before the referendum petition, the Commons plan called for 30-45 units in the first phase. The total number being built was dependent on the unit mix (which council was going to vote on). The affordability level was aimed at the higher end of the AMI, for professionals who earn $60,000+ annually. Moving forward with a nonprofit developer, however, would likely mean tax-credit financing, which serves households at lower AMI tiers. This changes the workforce the Commons first phase targeted. This is a real trade-off the public should weigh in on. This determination should also be made together with local businesses since it’s their employees we want living in the housing that gets built.

Resident serving businesses should be added in a second phase.

Marjorie Mohler – Office of Mayor

I believe housing should remain part of the conversation because Yountville has real housing needs, particularly for local workers, seniors who want to remain in town, and residents seeking to downsize without leaving the community.

My plan is not to maximize the number of units, but to create housing that fits Yountville’s scale, character, and long-term needs. Any housing should complement the existing community assets on the site and be integrated with uses residents already value.

Preserving and enhancing popular amenities such as the Community Garden, Locals Lounge, Yountville Fit, The Coop, and Dog Park should remain a priority.

The final mix of housing and community uses should be shaped through public engagement, but my goal would be a balanced plan that provides meaningful community benefits, serves residents of all ages, respects the unique character of Yountville, and remains financially responsible and achievable within the town’s budget.

Joe Tagliaboschi – Office of Mayor

I have stated many times that the development of the YES property needs a new plan. Housing that is affordable at various income levels may very well be a part of that plan. However, this 6.8-acre site is not the only option for building new housing in Yountville. This property has been home to community assets for generations. We should look at how we can support or even enhance some of the new public assets on the property, as well as consider if other opportunities can complement that mix.

Determining the potential mix of housing and other uses should consider the variety of people that live in town and those who may want to become part of our community in the future. Once we understand the mix, and needs of the community, a more thoughtful discussion can be conducted about building new housing units and what other opportunities might make sense on the property.

Hillery Bolt Trippe – Office of Council Member

I strongly endorsed buying the YES property in 2023 with the idea of using a portion of it for workforce or affordable housing. My thought at the time was that a development similar in size and scale to the successful Arroyo Grande development (25 units) on Finnell would fit well in Yountville. However, at this point the town needs a comprehensive review of options for the site. If affordable housing is built, there are a variety of ways of reaching the various levels of affordability required by the state. These include using Measure S funds as a rental subsidy (Measure S can only be used for affordable/workforce housing); providing town land or funding for building the project (thereby making rents more affordable); or using equity provided by low-income tax credits.

The town needs to carefully consider whether it is financially prudent for a small town of 3,000 people to construct and maintain additional community buildings. I support the existing community uses, which residents enjoy and which are generally not a significant ongoing financial commitment of the town.

Jill Turner – Office of Council Member

I would reframe the question. California has established Yountville’s housing requirements – including the number of units and affordability levels. But important questions remain: What type of housing? Where should it go? What parking, services, and amenities do workers need and want?

That’s why I support statistically significant research – roughly 340 responses from Yountville’s estimated 3,000 workers. Let’s understand the people we’re trying to serve before designing the product.

And let’s keep perspective: previous proposals of 129–140 units on this site would serve only a fraction of Yountville’s workforce – only 4-5%!

If Yountville is the “Heart of the Napa Valley,” this property is the “Heart of Yountville.” (Check a map!) Let’s seriously pursue other locations for housing while considering a broader vision for the site: perhaps some housing; perhaps a park, town square, shops, or other community amenities for ALL to enjoy. Let’s not think two years ahead, but 20 years.

And before deciding the future of this rare public asset, consider asking the community. Conduct a professional town survey, present realistic alternatives, and give taxpayers, residents, businesses, and other stakeholders a meaningful voice.

This parcel is too important for a short-term answer. Let’s create a long-term vision.

Jessi Bugden – Office of Council Member

As I said in my answer above, we need to first ask ourselves whether the site needs to be developed for housing at all. Committing to a number first is exactly the backwards approach that got the original Commons plan into trouble. What I do believe is that any housing on this site should be modest in scale and styled to fit the landscape, similar to the townhomes near the Bardessono, built on one edge of the property rather than taking over its center. And if it is to be a true workforce housing solution, the town should have a clear plan for ensuring that members of Yountville’s workforce end up being the tenants, something that the previous plan did not seem to take into account.

Beyond housing, I’d like to see common gathering spaces and green spaces in general be protected in Yountville rather than over-developed. The space should serve the community as a whole and consider the needs of all residents. I would look at Sonoma and Healdsburg town centers as examples of successful, central town parks where lively, resident focused activities are held. Small shops, potentially pop-ups, could also add to the community.

Matthew Chrzanowski – Office of Council Member

This should not be a housing development with a few amenities around it, nor should it be a park that happens to have some housing. I envision a true mixed-use civic property designed around the needs of the people who live in Yountville.

Housing should remain an important component. Because this is publicly owned land, Yountville has an opportunity to provide housing the private market is unlikely to create on its own. The final number of units should come from a community driven site plan that balances housing, open space, and community amenities. Housing should serve people who work in the valley, young families, seniors who want to remain here, and others seeking to build or continue their lives in Yountville, requiring a mix of affordability levels.

We should build on what already working at the site and preserve the community uses residents value. Beyond that, I would keep the conversation open and ask what everyday services, gathering spaces, recreational opportunities, and amenities would most improve life for the people who live here. The property should remain flexible enough to evolve with Yountville’s needs over time.

4. Before the YES / Commons project moves forward, what public process should take place? Should residents ultimately have a direct vote on a future plan or should the final decision rest solely with the Yountville Town Council?

Marjorie Mohler – Office of Mayor

Before any new proposal moves forward, the town should undertake a transparent and inclusive process that engages residents early and meaningfully.

My intention is not simply to gather opinions, but to build consensus around a shared future for the site. That process should include public workshops, community conversations, and opportunities to review multiple alternatives before any final recommendation is considered.

While some may favor a direct vote, I believe a project of this complexity is best evaluated through thoughtful public discussion and review. Ultimately, the Town Council is responsible for making decisions on behalf of the community, but those decisions should be informed by broad public participation and support.

The goal should not be merely deciding what gets built but building trust in how the decision is made.

Joe Tagliaboschi – Office of Mayor

While the Town Council has the responsibility to make final decisions on behalf of the community, members are elected to serve the public – not themselves or their personal agendas and not without public participation. They should not dismiss comments, questions, feedback or even contrasting opinions from residents or business leaders. Community members absolutely should be part of the conversation on how this process moves forward.

I believe the council has an obligation to include as many voices as want to be heard. It could be as simple as workshops or meeting presentations by town staff and other subject matter experts to facilitate discussion. There is a record of success with advisory committees such as our General Plan, Climate Action, Parks & Recreation and 7/11 committees that include citizens and up to two council members to gather information and create recommendations on how to proceed.

Hillery Bolt Trippe – Office of Council Member

I put forward some ideas on process in #2. Apart from the steps in the process, it is essential that the Town Council provides clear, accurate and objective information. This will build trust on the part of the community. The Commons referendum has been attributed to a failure in how information was communicated. While the method of communication is important, it is equally important that the content of the communication be reliable and complete. The Town Council’s job is to provide information that clearly addresses the interests of the public and provides a comprehensive description of the options. It should not be a sales process by a “developer” to sell the public on a project.

A vote on a specific proposal that does not pass will not resolve the future of the property owned by the town. Reaching a consensus through a robust council lead decision process is a better option. However, if a proposal reflecting a robust process led by the council cannot be reached, I would support a ballot vote.

Jill Turner – Office of Council Member

As I’ve stated before, I think the Town Council should make decisions WITH Yountville’s taxpayers – not make decisions FOR them. So no, the Yountville Town Council should not make the final decisions on this project. (That approach got us where we are today – and if we are not completely starting over, it is very close.)

So perhaps an informational survey of Yountville taxpayers, residents and businesses, (designed, fielded and analyzed by a professional consumer research company) would be appropriate to learn IN ADVANCE of additional spending what stakeholders would like to see in town. (This could be done concurrently with the worker survey.)

Let’s consider several visions and scenarios – particularly of what, where and how. Encourage listening sessions: while I understand these were held before, many people (me included) were not paying attention – not knowing the potential financial implications. Now, after the previous, unsatisfactory Yountville Commons experience, they are.

Jessi Bugden – Office of Council Member

Before this project moves forward again, Yountville needs a public process that starts with residents instead of ending with them. That means real outreach and workshops before any plans are drawn, budget transparency at every stage, and regular updates so residents aren’t blindsided by decisions that were already made behind closed doors. I would like to see a committee formed with members outside of the council collecting ideas from the community on best and highest use cases for the space outside of just housing, even if housing ends up occupying some of the property.

On the final decision, I think residents deserve a direct, advisory vote on the final plan before it’s adopted. The council should still hold the legal responsibility for the final call, but it shouldn’t move forward without clear, demonstrated public support behind it.

Matthew Chrzanowski – Office of Council Member

The next process must rebuild trust and create genuine ownership of the outcome. Residents deserve meaningful opportunities to shape the vision, identify concerns, and suggest improvements early in the process while recognizing that a project of this size will never produce unanimous agreement. Through a shared vision, we can realize what we want for the future of Yountville.

The process should have a clear beginning, defined stages, and an end. We have an engaged community and we should use that energy to establish priorities early, then create an iterative feedback process that clearly shows how public input changes the proposal.

The goal of public engagement should be to make the project better, not to cause decision making to become impossible.

No decision lies solely on the town council. Councilmembers are representatives of the population who have to balance public input alongside finances, housing obligations, and the long-term interest of the entire town while giving voice and empowering the residents of this community.

Robin McKee – Office of Council Member

I support continued discussion with more residents engaged, and much clearer communication surrounding what the first phase is, possible development partners, and all finance options. We also need to get into the details about affordability and unit mix. These critical issues were never fully discussed this past year because of the referendum petition. Once the public better understands what is (and isn’t) being presented, we can discuss concerns, funding options, and next steps on how the town moves forward in a way that’s better aligned with public and business interest.

State law puts the housing obligation on the town regardless of ballot outcome, so a vote wouldn’t relieve the requirement – it would only delay it.

5. As frequently mentioned in Town Council meetings, Yountville faces state mandated housing requirements as well as a need for housing that is affordable for workers, seniors and younger families. Beyond the YES / Commons site, where and how should Yountville accommodate additional housing? How dense should it be? In your vision, how can the personality and charm of Yountville be best preserved while increasing affordable housing?

Joe Tagliaboschi – Office of Mayor

California’s Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) mandates Yountville zone and plan for at least 72 housing units at all income levels by 2031. So far, 13 units have been built and 16 more have been approved. The town’s housing element is compliant with state requirements, but the balance of units needs to be addressed within the next 4-5 years.

Multiple town parcels match the RHNA criteria. The locations and unit mix should fit the needs of local workers, young families and seniors who are looking for housing in town that’s affordable. Once we understand the mix and needs, a more thoughtful discussion can be conducted on where new housing should be located.

Small homes in Washington Park, the Arroyo Grande apartments and accessory dwelling units are examples of how the town has integrated below market housing with architecture that is consistent with the town’s look and feel.

I support reengaging the work started over 10 years ago to develop housing on the Veterans Home campus. The new skilled nursing facility remains unopened due in part to a lack of staffing. Onsite affordable living would benefit caregivers and other staff that have to endure hours-long work commutes.

Hillery Bolt Trippe – Office of Council Member

Yountville must comply with the state-mandated housing requirements, but there is no reason to panic or make hasty decisions. Based on publicly available information, Yountville has made better progress than most cities on State mandates. A recent presentation to the council indicated that of the 72 additional units required by 2031, 29 have been completed or approved.

The site referred to as “the Catholic Church” property was rezoned for dense residential development in 2022 as part of town compliance with the state housing mandate. The staff report accompanying the rezoning indicates that the base case for this site is to 336 units, 51 of which would be required to be available for low and very low income families. Additional “bonus” density is possible if additional affordable units are included. A potential developer has met with town staff. More information is needed, but the location and current zoning make this an option a good option for housing.

I favor a maximum two stories as required by the General Plan with lower density overall. There may be a reasonable tradeoff between three stories to allow for open space around buildings, especially on a smaller site.

Jill Turner – Office of Council Member

I strongly support workforce and affordable housing (although the density question seems premature). I also support a serious investigation of alternative locations.

Why? First, the proposed housing would serve only a small percentage of Yountville’s workforce (4-5%). Second, does Yountville provide the everyday services modest-income residents need: affordable shopping, restaurants, schools, recreation, entertainment? Many are younger: do they want to live here at this stage in their lives? What about parking, a big issue? How about legal questions: what happens when a Yountville worker gets a new job in Napa?

Let’s aggressively explore alternatives:

Reopen discussions with CalVet about whether portions of the Veterans Home property could accommodate housing through a public-private partnership.

Revisit the Catholic Church property, which was listed for sale not long ago.

Explore regional approaches with communities that have more available land. (Napa, for example, is 15 minutes away – hardly an onerous commute.)

Investigate purchasing existing apartments rather than building everything from the ground up.

Yountville’s small-town, pastoral character is one of its greatest assets. We should pursue our housing responsibilities without automatically assuming the Commons site is the best – or only – answer.

Support the housing. Question the location. Explore every reasonable alternative.

Jessi Bugden – Office of Council Member

To keep Yountville’s charm while accommodating additional housing, I’d push for design standards that keep new development in scale with what’s around it, protect our tree canopy and walkable streets, and favor smaller, spread out projects over one mega development. Growth should feel natural rather than transforming into a different town. While you can’t require private land owners to develop, if a private developer wants to develop private land you can work with them to assure certain percentages of the new development fall into certain affordability categories. This is an approach used all across the country and is a way to add new, affordable housing without the town shouldering the risk or even offering up public land to an affordable housing developer specifically.

Matthew Chrzanowski – Office of Council Member

The former Yountville Elementary School site cannot be Yountville’s entire housing strategy. Land is one of our scarcest and most valuable resources, so we have to be thoughtful about how we use it. We need to add housing incrementally throughout the town through infill, mixed-use development, existing opportunity sites, and partnerships for affordable housing. On appropriate sites, moderate densities that fall within ranges put forth by Yountville’s Housing Element can provide meaningful housing without fundamentally changing the scale of the town.

Density should respond to the site and surrounding neighborhood, but scarcity also means we should use available land efficiently. On appropriate properties densities consistent with Yountville’s Housing Element can provide meaningful numbers of homes without fundamentally changing the scale of the town.

Preserving Yountville’s character should be primarily a question of thoughtful design, not preventing new neighbors. Smaller buildings, varied architecture, landscaping, open space, and transitions that respect surrounding neighborhoods can allow us to grow while maintaining the small town environment residents value.

Our goal should not be to create housing units but rather create homes that workers, seniors, and families can realistically afford. We can preserve what makes Yountville special while making room for more people to call it home.

Robin McKee – Office of Council Member

Yountville has few possible development sites because it is bordered by the Ag Preserve. Looking at what we already have, it’s important we retain deed-restricted homes set to expire, and we should encourage the building of deed-restricted ADUs. We also want to continue discussions with the state for housing at the Veterans Home, but for more than a decade those talks have gone nowhere so we have to be realistic. Given the state is mandating our housing number, I feel strongly that they should contribute by building for their workforce at the home. State housing tax credits and grant programs are heavily regulated and favor large urban developers; those tools, need to be streamlined so small towns can use them. Yountville is in a unique position with town-owned land that we control, and a dedicated funding stream with Measure S. I feel we should build housing while retaining open green space, so it’s available for all to enjoy.

As far as density goes, the goal is to spread out the mandated housing with some at the Commons, some on the church property, and some scattered throughout the town. Boxy high-rises will never be acceptable in Yountville.

Marjorie Mohler – Office of Mayor

Yountville’s Housing Element provides an important framework for meeting state housing requirements while preserving the character of our community.

I do not believe Yountville should pursue growth for growth’s sake. My vision is to accommodate housing in a way that strengthens Yountville rather than changing it. Instead, we should prioritize well-designed housing that allows workers, seniors, and younger families to remain connected to the community and other options that address local needs while remaining compatible with surrounding neighborhoods.

By maintaining high design standards, locating housing thoughtfully, and respecting neighborhood character, I believe Yountville can meet its obligations while preserving the charm and sense of place that residents value.

Parts 2 and 3 can be found online here:

Yountville Sun 2026 Candidate Questionnaire – Part 2

Yountville Sun 2026 Candidate Questionnaire – Part 3