Jessica Chambers For Mayor

Jessica Sell Chambers

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Jessica Sell Chambers

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Where the
people are.
Let's find a time to visit.

Vote
Jessica for Mayor
from October 8th
and November 5th
Jessica for Mayor
Where the people are respected, included, valued, in it together.
First 100 Days Action Plan

1. Zero-Based Budget:
Advocate for zero-based budgeting across all departments ensuring every dollar is focused on public health and safety, public works, infrastructure, and housing.

2. Municipal Finance Expert:
Call for a municipal finance expert, essential in a fiscal crisis, to provide innovative solutions beyond our current finance team's capacity. Their expertise will address the shortfall and plan for a sustainable future without unnecessary tax increases.

3. Mayoral Housing Summit:
Gather developers, community leaders, and officials to set clear, actionable community goals for affordable housing projects.

4. Mayor-Community Engagement:
Organize town halls and listening sessions to engage residents on budget priorities, housing, and small business support, ensuring transparency.

5. Small Business Outreach:
Review bureaucratic processes with small business advocates to ease the path for small businesses to succeed.

6. Empower the Equity Task Force:
Support the ETF to provide recommendations for inclusive policies and monitor the impact of town initiatives.

7. Comprehensive Plan and Design Review Update:
Seek a nationally recognized firm to develop an updated comprehensive plan to fix zoning and regulations to secure the sustainable community we want.

Call me crazy, but by leveraging leadership, local expertise, and outside guidance, I’m confident we can drive meaningful change while preserving both who and what make Jackson unique.

My letter to you

Some call me a lightning rod, even crazy, but I know what it’s like to be ignored by leaders who protect their friends at the expense of others’ safety—ignoring injustice for their own comfort. We can’t afford to ignore people struggling with housing, taxes, rent, and childcare. Folks on fixed incomes can barely afford groceries, let alone a meal out. There’s a community-wide mental health crisis, and substance abuse is on the rise.

Call me crazy, but our housing emergency is destabilizing our community—from schools to small businesses, childcare to emergency services. Like many of you, Reed and I worry about future property tax bills and what they mean for our future in Jackson. But more rules and regulations mean less affordable housing. And affordable housing without affordable food, childcare, and services is an incomplete solution. That’s why I opposed raising Rec Center fees and called for more after-school programs and summer camp spots.

Call me crazy, but in 2018 and 2020, I shook hands with thousands of you at your doorsteps, and I’ll be out there again. There’s nothing more important than hearing what YOU care about—I will continue to work for affordable housing and childcare, small businesses, mental health, public and pathway safety, transportation and traffic solutions, and overall affordability.

Call me crazy, but I’m running again for working people—Democrats, Republicans, Independents, teachers, nurses, small business owners, non-profit employees, actors, artists, and first responders. I’m here for seniors, working parents, and born-and-raised locals like McCrae, our 10-year-old son.

Call me crazy, but regardless of politics, religion, skin color, or who you love, our entire community deserves consideration and care. Diversity on the council—political or otherwise—leads to better policymaking. A balanced council is more effective than five “balanced voices.” We need new visions and different voices. The same old approach won’t get us there.

Call me crazy, but I’m again running for women. While I don’t know what it’s like to be a man, I do know that regardless of political party, women share concerns about reproductive health, safety, and access to affordable, quality early education, after-school care and camps. Our girls need to see themselves in leadership roles and know their voices matter—boys, like McCrae, need to see that too.

As your current councilwoman, my votes reflect the priorities we share: making life more affordable for those who carry our town. As mayor, I’ll continue to prioritize livability over luxury and address broken land development rules and zoning from day one. I’m running for mayor to be the leader I’d want—someone who listens, stands firm in her principles, works for just results that support the many over the few, and leads with heart and mind.

Call me crazy, but I think that’s the kind of mayor you want too—someone who is where the people are. Text or call if you want me to stop by or come to an event: 307.699.9641.

I want to come to where you are.
The Issues Facing Jackson
From housing to small business and budgets to e-bikes, I'm where the people are.
Affordable housing and affordable Jackson
Numerous local affordable housing experts have said that of the ten electeds on the board of county commissioners and town council, I am the only one who truly cares and wants to build affordable housing.
Affordable childcare and camps
As a mother, I know firsthand the challenges families face when affordable childcare is out of reach. When we ensure access to safe, affordable, quality childcare, early education and afterschool care, we build a stronger community.
Small business
Our small businesses are the heartbeat of our town—they take care of our workforce because they're rooted in our town.
Budgeting and Taxes
We reside in the wealthiest county in the US, home to some of the most successful investment bankers and financiers. Yet, our organization and council still operate with a more rudimentary vision of finance and budgeting.
E-bikes & Pathway Safety
I’m hearing you loud and clear. And I agree—there’s not a more perfect example of a public health and safety issue. I’ve been working hard to build a coalition of players to address our real problem. We all have a role to play, whether that’s by setting good examples, for instance, by following the rules of the road, slowing down, signaling, stopping, wearing helmets, and at times, calling out to kids to slow down.
Working with the Board of County Commissioners
We have a partnership but a healthy partnership requires accountability and oversight between partners. Historically, the two entities have shied away from mature and constructive conflict, which hasn’t served the community or taxpayers.
Sustainable Community
In 2021, I was a councilmember to call for a town sustainability plan when I first got into office and we now have one. Following the sustainability road map that our plan lays out will help “balance” these two things.
Follow me for the latest
Why are you voting for Jessica for Mayor?
“The status quo has made Jackson a failed town. We need leaders who are willing to try new things, to fight for real affordable housing options, to stand for renters, and to invite the creativity of the community into the process of solutions. That's why I'm voting for you.”
-Zach Freidhof
“I’m voting for you because you understand the systemic nature of the issues that affect Jackson’s community members, especially our most vulnerable community members. “I’m voting for you because you have such clear insight into the complex nature of our labor, housing, and transportation challenges, as well as the increasing threat of climate change as it bears out locally, you’re the candidate who stands to most effectively advance and fight for equitable solutions.””
-Ashley Reis
“We can’t just sit back and be 'proud' of past accomplishments. We need a Mayor who will provide an honest appraisal of the real challenges we face and who will provide the leadership to chart a better path forward." (Rotary Forum)
Perri S.
“I've known this young woman since she first ran for office, four terms ago and I've watched her grow into a fine representative of our Town and her offices. She's a hard worker who has focused on the needs of our Community and I will continue to support her efforts to provide Affordable Housing and to involve more of our community in efforts to unify our Town.”
-Chris Christian
“I appreciate that you consistently engage with community members. You not only listen, but truly hear both individual and community concerns, and you amplify the voices of those who deserve a platform but don’t always get one.”
-Ashley Reis
"Because your compassion and determination are unmatched."
-Frank Thomas
Affordable Housing and Affordability
Local affordable housing experts have pointed out that I’m the only elected official on the county commission and town council who truly cares about and is dedicated to building affordable housing.
We’re failing to address essential affordable housing policies, and fixing these rules to support working people, retirees, and those in need—without displacing current residents—is my top priority.
While it’s become easier to build high-end homes and luxury rentals, affordable housing for average people remains difficult to create. I’ve been advocating for reform on this issue for years.
I’ll initiate new discussions and push for a housing summit to confront these challenges directly. If we don’t tackle the policies that make Jackson increasingly unaffordable, the cost of living will undermine any affordable housing we manage to build. We need representatives who recognize and fight against the trend of “super gentrification” and the Aspen-ification of our town.

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Health and Human Service Funding
We live in the wealthiest county with the greatest wealth disparity in the nation, where people living paycheck to paycheck can’t handle even a $400 emergency expense. The pass closure strained banks, spirits, and the entire community.
Our health and human service organizations, which provide crucial support to everyone, face even deeper state funding cuts. Yet, two Councilmen proposed giving them only 80% of what they requested last year.
Despite flagging “future funding of local government” as a priority years ago, my opponent's solution is to cut health and human service funding and impose more regressive sales tax on residents, claiming that “visitors pay most of it.” My stance is clear: health and human service funding is non-negotiable, and increasing sales tax on visitors doesn’t lessen the burden on local residents.

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Inclusive Community
Our community is vibrant but not all people feel welcome or included, from people with disabilities to language barriers, different lived experiences or invisble mental health challenges.
Government should be the most inlcusive as residents deserve the same respect, opportunity, and advantages as everyone else. But that is not always the case.
I worked to establish the Equity Task Force, which is one of the most highly sought board positions in the community, highlighting the desire of folks from different walks of life to particpate in making government and the community more accessible to all who live in it.
Diverse voices offer better solutions and I will work to keep the Task Force intact and working to help find policy solutions that benefit all.

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Taxes
Residents are already overburdened with joint service costs. Instead of imposing more taxes, we need the town to take decisive action to determine and address what the fair share actually is.
For years, the council has relied on an outdated handshake deal to justify our current funding split. It’s time to stop the endless discussion and either transfer joint departments to the county or accurately determine our fair share so we can focus on more urgent issues.
My approach is to be realistic about our limitations, assertive with the County, and proactive in our actions. Instead of waiting and talking, we need to make decisions based on solid analysis and take decisive action. If we can't afford something, we must stand firm and act, not just wait for the other party to initiate discussions.

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Sustainable Community
I want to shift the focus to envisioning a sustainable community. In 2021, I called for a town sustainability plan, which we now have. Following this plan will help balance growth and sustainability.
Intelligent growth is essential for a sustainable community. This includes building affordable housing, creating denser, walkable neighborhoods with nearby services, strengthening public transit, and ensuring a locally housed workforce. The town and county have adopted plans for this; we need to stick to them and avoid letting growth politics derail our progress.
A sustainable environment depends on a sustainable community. Lack of growth has worsened our environmental issues by increasing car emissions and forcing people to commute longer distances. We can create charming, walkable neighborhoods with nearby services and groceries, reducing our reliance on cars. Embracing reasonable growth, density, and infrastructure investment will lead to long-term sustainability if we change the conversation.

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Moratorium
I supported a narrow, precise approach to zoning regulations, similar to my stance three years ago when the community opposed a large luxury development at Cache and Pearl.
As mayor, I could have proactively addressed such issues by putting them on the agenda for staff reports and council decisions, unlike the delayed response that allowed a massive hotel project.
The town’s zoning, land development, and permitting processes currently favor wealthy developers, making it difficult to build affordable housing while allowing luxury properties and hotels to thrive.
An emergency moratorium now is a reaction to problems that have been evident for years. Years ago, I was the only council member advocating for immediate action on large buildings and the 2-for-1 bonus, but my proposal was rejected.

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The Virginian
The process for zoning changes has been rushed and flawed. Councilman Jorgensen claimed it's normal to request zoning changes while bidding, but the zoning amendment was almost rejected. We shouldn’t advance proposals without proper zoning in place.
Conflicting numbers and metrics are muddling our understanding of housing needs. As mayor, I'll focus on repairing relationships between housing entities and streamlining information. We need teamwork and clear communication to support affordable housing.
The Virginian project reminds me of the 440 West Kelly workforce units situation, where the council bailed out a developer with public funds after failing to sell units profitably. We must prioritize affordable housing over private developers' profits and ensure adequate subsidies to make projects truly affordable.

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Affordable & Accessible Childcare
Childcare impacts the entire community. When parents don't have safe, affrodable and conistent childcare, stressed parents worry about how they can work and care for their children. Our workforce and economy suffer when people are trying to staff their businesses, run school or hospitals.
I've been advocating for accessible child care options at all levels, becuase it's not just infant and toddler care that counts.
Parents need affordbale after-school care and kids camps that aren't overhwlemed with wait lists. I've asked our Parks and Recreation Deparment to prioritizing these much needed programs.
When we have a solid child care options, parents and employers can focus on their day jobs - to pay the ever increasing costs of housing, services and costs of living in this beautiful and challenging place to live.
This also why I also opposed fee hikes for idividuals, families and seniors who rely upon affrodable programming at the Recreation Center. Something has to give for our hard working community members who are struggling to pay the bills. I know that budgets are tight.
Election 2024 Info
How, where, and when to vote
When do I vote?
Where to vote?
How to register?
What to bring? Your ID!
Where do I find more info?
Where the people are
I want to come to where you are!
Send me a text or a message and let's visit to talk about what's important to you.
Or drop me a line if you want to be left off of contact lists.
P.O. Box 4114
To see our terms and conditions you can visit this site: https://www.jessicachambersformayor.com?open=terms-and-conditions
307.699.9641
307.699.9641
jessica@jessicachambersformayor.com
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Phone

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Jessica Sell Chambers

Jessica Sell Chambers

Where the

people are.

Let's find a time to visit.

Vote

and November 5th

Jessica for Mayor

Where the people are respected, included, valued, in it together.

First 100 Days Action Plan

My letter to you

The Issues Facing Jackson

From housing to small business and budgets to e-bikes, I'm where the people are.

Affordable housing and affordable Jackson

Numerous local affordable housing experts have said that of the ten electeds on the board of county commissioners and town council, I am the only one who truly cares and wants to build affordable housing.

Affordable childcare and camps

As a mother, I know firsthand the challenges families face when affordable childcare is out of reach. When we ensure access to safe, affordable, quality childcare, early education and afterschool care, we build a stronger community.

Small business

Our small businesses are the heartbeat of our town—they take care of our workforce because they're rooted in our town.

Budgeting and Taxes

We reside in the wealthiest county in the US, home to some of the most successful investment bankers and financiers. Yet, our organization and council still operate with a more rudimentary vision of finance and budgeting.

E-bikes & Pathway Safety

Working with the Board of County Commissioners

We have a partnership but a healthy partnership requires accountability and oversight between partners. Historically, the two entities have shied away from mature and constructive conflict, which hasn’t served the community or taxpayers.

Sustainable Community

In 2021, I was a councilmember to call for a town sustainability plan when I first got into office and we now have one. Following the sustainability road map that our plan lays out will help “balance” these two things.

Follow me for the latest

Why are you voting for Jessica for Mayor?

“The status quo has made Jackson a failed town. We need leaders who are willing to try new things, to fight for real affordable housing options, to stand for renters, and to invite the creativity of the community into the process of solutions. That's why I'm voting for you.”

“We can’t just sit back and be 'proud' of past accomplishments. We need a Mayor who will provide an honest appraisal of the real challenges we face and who will provide the leadership to chart a better path forward." (Rotary Forum)

“I appreciate that you consistently engage with community members. You not only listen, but truly hear both individual and community concerns, and you amplify the voices of those who deserve a platform but don’t always get one.”

"Because your compassion and determination are unmatched."

Affordable Housing and Affordability

Health and Human Service Funding

Inclusive Community

Taxes

Sustainable Community

Moratorium

The Virginian

Affordable & Accessible Childcare

Election 2024 Info

How, where, and when to vote

When do I vote?

Where to vote?

How to register?

What to bring? Your ID!

Where do I find more info?

Where the people are

I want to come to where you are!

Send me a text or a message and let's visit to talk about what's important to you.

Or drop me a line if you want to be left off of contact lists.