Meet The San Ramon Candidate: Emma Chigbu

SAN RAMON, CA — Patch reached out to all candidates for San Ramon mayor and for Council Districts 2 and 4 with questions we feel San Ramon voters want to know.

We reprinted their answers verbatim.

Below, read the responses of Emma Chigbu, a 19-year-old student and debate champion running for mayor.

What is your educational background?

No response given.

What is your professional background?

No response given.

Have you ever held public office, whether appointive or elective?

No response given.

What are the top three issues facing San Ramon right now?

Many San Ramon residents are concerned about how available land will be developed. They fear overdevelopment, congestion, and the loss of the city’s character, while questioning whether new housing and businesses will outweigh the drawbacks.

Another concern is San Ramon’s deficit. I believe that City Council is working to maintain long-term financial stability and ensure the city continues to thrive.

Finally, residents want better communication about land use, traffic impacts, Flock cameras, and other important issues. Clearer engagement will help them understand decisions and shape the city’s future.

What is one specific action you would prioritize during your first year in office?

One specific action that I would immediately want to invest time in is creating a condensed and simplified version of the Orchard Project plan that is easily readable by all San Ramon residents. This document should clearly explain, in easily understandable terms, what the land is intended to be used for and what impacts the development could have on different areas of San Ramon.

Thousands of homes are planned at Bishop Ranch as former office properties are redeveloped. What should the city require or prioritize regarding affordability, transportation, schools, parks and infrastructure?

The first thing to consider when looking at the homes being built at Bishop Ranch is traffic. A lot of San Ramon residents are concerned about what increased housing in their area, especially highly condensed housing, will mean for their commute.

Additionally, we should be looking at affordable homes, specifically single-family homes, that can be used to incentivize young families to move into our city and build their families here. This area should not just be a condensed amount of homes and apartments, but a space that adds to the character of our city.

San Ramon has always prioritized families, and I think these new homes at Bishop Ranch are an opportunity to emphasize what San Ramon already stands for.

As office vacancies reshape San Ramon’s economy, how should the city attract jobs and maintain its tax base without relying excessively on either office development or housing?

Many residents I have spoken to have expressed a desire for more businesses that make our city more desirable to not just live in, but to experience and enjoy life in. This means intentionally inviting businesses that have the ability to market themselves properly to San Ramon residents.

I also believe that having tech companies come into San Ramon and establish offices in our city would greatly benefit the large demographic of San Ramon residents who already work in tech. Many are currently commuting an hour to get to their offices when they could not only live, but also work, in their own hometown and city.

San Ramon and many other Tri-Valley communities have recently seen a rash of commercial burglaries. How can we better prevent this from happening?

Many residents I have spoken to have expressed a desire for more businesses that make our city more desirable to not just live in, but to experience and enjoy life in. This means intentionally inviting businesses that have the ability to market themselves properly to San Ramon residents.

I also believe that having tech companies come into San Ramon and establish offices in our city would greatly benefit the large demographic of San Ramon residents who already work in tech. Many are currently commuting an hour to get to their offices when they could not only live, but also work, in their own hometown and city.

Why do you feel you're a better candidate than your opponents?

Our current and past City Councils have done a fantastic job leading San Ramon and addressing the needs of our diverse community.

That said, I believe there are blind spots my opponents for mayor may be missing as they consider the issues facing San Ramon today. As mayor, I would bring a fresh perspective and focus on what it takes not only to preserve what makes our city special, but also to help it grow and thrive.

That means considering how decisions affect young professionals who live here and young families seeking to make San Ramon their home. We must look to the future and build a city that welcomes both current residents and those searching for a place to belong.

San Ramon has tremendous potential. By planning thoughtfully, listening to all residents, and embracing responsible growth, we can strengthen our community while preserving its character. Our goal should be a vibrant, inclusive city where people of every generation can live, work, raise a family, and build a future.