You can learn more about me and my vision for improving Ukiah at johnstrangioforukiah.com.
As a business owner, John knows that progress comes from rolling up your sleeves and getting things done. He handles every challenge with a practical, get-it-done approach.
Dear Ukiah,
My name is John Strangio, and I’m running for Ukiah City Council because I love this town – the people, the small businesses, and the spirit that makes Ukiah home. I’ve lived here nearly my entire life. I went to school here, worked my first jobs here, raised my family here, and built my business here. This is where I learned what it means to work hard, to serve others, and to care for a community that has always cared for me.
As a business owner, husband, father, and former fire captain, I’ve spent my life in service. From my years in the fire service to running the Ukiah Valley Athletic Club, I’ve seen our city’s strengths and challenges up close. I know how much heart this community has, and I believe with the right leadership, we can bring that spirit back stronger than ever.
Ukiah is at a crossroads. We are facing real issues – from the growing homelessness crisis and rising cost of housing and living to a downtown that is struggling to keep businesses open and attract new ones. Families are struggling to stay in the town they love. Businesses are fighting to survive. Our community deserves thoughtful, local leadership that takes action, not just talks about it. I want to be part of the solution, someone who brings people together, listens, and leads with transparency and common sense.
When it comes to homelessness, we need compassion and accountability, working with the county, state, and local organizations to find real, lasting solutions while keeping our public spaces safe for families and businesses. My years in the fire service, including my own experience with PTSD, gave me a deep appreciation for the importance of mental health and supporting fellow first responders. My father, Jes, was also deeply involved in mental health in the Ukiah community and earned the respect of many who knew him. From both my father and my experience in the fire service, I learned that you can care deeply while still standing firm, and that’s the approach I’ll bring to city leadership – honest, fair, and compassionate.
On housing and affordability, I’ll fight to expand access to quality, market-level housing so families can afford to stay and grow here. Ukiah needs a balanced housing plan, one that supports both first-time homebuyers and long-time residents ready to move up.
Everyone deserves the chance to live, work, and thrive in our community without being priced out of it.
As a business owner, I understand that a strong economy and safe neighborhoods go hand-in-hand. We must support our local businesses, attract new ones, and revitalize our empty storefronts. Every new business is a new opportunity – for jobs, for growth, and for hope.
And most importantly, I believe in transparency and accountability. People deserve to know not just what decisions are being made, but why. I will always listen to every side, ask the hard questions, and keep the community informed. Leadership should never happen behind closed doors; it should happen out in the open, with the people it serves.
This election isn’t about politics; it’s about people. It’s about preserving what makes Ukiah special and creating a future we can all be proud of. I’m ready to serve, to listen, and to lead. Together, we can make Ukiah safer, stronger, and more connected than ever before.
With gratitude and commitment,
John Strangio
Business Owner. Former Firefighter. Proven Leader.
“My goal is simple — to make a positive difference every day, just like my fire chief once told me. Ukiah is my home, and I’m ready to serve it with heart, honesty, and hard work.” — John Strangio.
John Strangio’s Priorities
Addressing Homelessness
We need an approach to homelessness that combines compassion, treatment, and accountability. I will support stronger behavioral health and recovery services while working to keep Ukiah’s neighborhoods, parks, and public spaces safe and accessible.
Affordable Housing
Ukiah needs more housing options at every price point so working families, young people, and longtime residents can afford to stay here. I will support responsible infill, streamlined permitting, ADUs, and other approaches that increase housing while preserving neighborhood character.
Supporting Small Businesses
Local businesses create jobs, strengthen our economy, and help make Ukiah a vibrant community. I will work to reduce unnecessary barriers, fill vacant storefronts, and make City Hall a better partner for local businesses and entrepreneurs.
Public Safety
Every Ukiah resident deserves to feel safe at home, in their neighborhood, and throughout our community. I will prioritize strong police, fire, and emergency services while investing in preparedness, prevention, and the infrastructure necessary to keep Ukiah safe.
Managed Growth
Ukiah’s growth should be responsible, transparent, and shaped by the people who will be affected by it. I will support growth that protects neighborhood character, provides
adequate infrastructure, and ensures residents have a meaningful voice in major decisions like annexation.
Transparency
City government works best when residents know what is happening and have a meaningful opportunity to be heard. I will prioritize accessible leadership, clear communication, early public involvement, and greater accountability in City Hall.
