Pacific Grove residents for office are able to provide a candidate statement of up to 200 words. Here's mine. Below it, you can find my current issues paper. I’m Tara Leweling – a wife, aunt, woman veteran, small business owner, and proud Pacific Grove resident. My connection to PG began in 1999, when I was stationed at the Naval Postgraduate School and lived on the 100 block of Central Avenue in District 3. I returned to NPS in 2004 for my PhD and met my husband. We dreamed

On September 15, 2026, candidates for Pacific Grove City Council and mayor gathered at the Pacific Grove Performing Arts Center for a candidate forum hosted by the League of Women Voters and the Pacific Grove Chamber of Commerce. The Pacific Grove Candidate Forum was held on September 15, 2026. I participated as a candidate for Pacific Grove City Council District 3. Below are my opening and closing statements, along with my responses to the questions raised during the forum a

I'm delighted to receive the Monterey County Weekly's endorsement for Pacific Grove City Council, District 3. What a lovely way to start the day! Tara Leweling was endorsed for Pacific Grove City Council District 3 by the Monterey County Weekly on October 8, 2026. The editorial board highlighted that I'm trying to bring fresh ideas to our city, especially when it comes to the budget. I also appreciated the Weekly's emphasis on thoughtful, cooperative leadership, which is cent

Ensuring residents and future generations are able to enjoy the natural beauty of Monterey Bay and our coastline is a high priority, and I appreciate that our city takes coastal stewardship seriously. Protecting Monterey Bay and Our Local Voice Along with our neighboring cities and local institutions, Pacific Grove should be a strong voice for ensuring Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary protections remain in place. Our local knowledge about the Bay and views about its fut

My approach to Pacific Grove local government is focused on respectful dialogue, open-minded leadership, and practical solutions.

Careful stewardship of public resources is fundamental to good city governance, and it is central to how I’d serve. I’ve chaired, served on, and worked with boards of directors for organizations ranging from $5 million nonprofits to $50 billion+ companies. That experience taught me how to set priorities and manage tradeoffs when resources are limited. Combined with 22 years of military service and leading financial communications at a $57 billion enterprise that reported its

Pacific Grove faces an estimated $21 million infrastructure investment gap over the next 10 years. Closing that gap will require disciplined prioritization. The American Tin Cannery revitalization could help expand the city’s tax base, while competitive grants can help us make investments that would otherwise be difficult to fund locally. I also think infrastructure planning should be more visible to residents. We should be able to explain what needs attention, what is most u

Housing is one of the most complex issues facing our city and a topic that residents regularly cite as top of mind. An important starting point is acknowledging that housing affordability has been a concern in PG for several decades. In 1970, homes in PG were relatively affordable compared to income. That changed by 1980, when the median home became worth about six times the income of a typical PG household. By 1990, it was nearly eight times, and today it is more than 11 tim

Pacific Grove’s local economy gives our city its character. Our independent businesses, entrepreneurs, artists, and professionals make PG distinctive. The way people work is also changing. Remote work is more common, artificial intelligence is reshaping many professions, and more people are building businesses outside traditional employment. I’d like Pacific Grove to think more intentionally about how we support local businesses while creating opportunities for the next gener

Pacific Grove’s architecture, public spaces, and arts community all contribute to the character that makes our city distinctive. I’d like to see more opportunities to showcase local artists and deepen partnerships with arts organizations and schools. From a city code perspective, we also have an existing structure to build from. Pacific Grove’s Municipal Code already provides for a Cultural Arts Commission, although it is not currently active. One idea would be to modernize t

I'll put more than 30 years of leadership across the military, government, and the private sector to work for Pacific Grove. Pacific Grove and Community Founder, Sage 71 LLC Founder of a boutique strategic advisory firm that advises boards, executives, and organizations on governance, risk, sustainability, and strategic communications. Small Business Owner Strategic Planning Governance PG Chamber of Commerce Member, Governor's Military Council Advises the

My current issues paper is available for download below.

Listen, Lead, & Lift. Listen You can expect me to start by listening. I want to understand what you are experiencing in Pacific Grove. This includes what is working well and where we can do better. Lead You can also expect me to get things done! I have led through incredibly difficult situations in the public and private sector, at all levels. I know how to bring people together to find practical solutions. Lift Most of all, you can expect me to be approachable, thoughtful, a

The Pacific Grove Public Library Friends and Foundation, recently invited candidates to share thoughts on our library. Here are mine. My Family History In the mid-1960s, my mother put herself through college by working at a campus library. Her closing shifts often meant walking back to the dorms late at night. One evening, after noticing a studious young man in the library night after night, she asked him to walk her home. Four daughters and more than 40 years of marriage lat

It was so great to meet with neighbors for “Coffee, Cookies, and Conversation” at Caledonia Park on October 11, 2026. I’m looking forward to coffee, cookies, and great conversation, at Caledonia Park. I hope to see you there! —— Update: It was so fun to connect with so many neighbors! And these cookies from a local bakery are too adorable.

Tara Leweling was endorsed by the Monterey County Weekly for Pacific Grove City Council District 3.

There's so much happening this butterfly weekend, including the butterfly parade! I love that PG is full of special moments, including this lovely one on the costal trail around suset on Saturday, October 3. Best wishes to the happy couple! I hope you have been enjoying the festivities, and the lovely weather. Let's Meet! I've been really enjoying meeting 1-1 with so many neighbors this weekend. If you'd like to connect over coffee or with a few neighbors -- please reach out.

It’s always such a pleasure to head downtown for first Friday! I hope to see you there.

I have just a few left. Please email me and I can drop one off! You can reach ne at TaraForPG@gmail.com.

Flavors of Pacific Grove was so fun! It’s such a pleasure to see our downtown feeling so vibrant and merry. Thank you to the incredible restaurants, wineries, musicians, and more who made the evening so special!