Elected to the Clayton City Council in 2020, Holly Tillman has listened to and fought for ALL Claytonians. She’s a strong and empathetic advocate for good governance, fiscal stability and our unique quality of life.
As a nonprofit executive and parent with a lifetime of experience in community service and finance, Holly is a strong voice for residents who want safe streets, beautiful neighborhoods, and accessible infrastructure on a sustainable budget.
“For 21 years, I’ve been proud to call Clayton home. My husband, Matt, and I chose to settle here because we’re from small, tight-knit towns and wanted that sense of community for our daughters, Jordan and Jada.
In Clayton, we all look out for one another. That’s why I serve our community as your representative on the Clayton City Council and as the Vice President of a senior-serving nonprofit.
As a strong supporter of Clayton’s “Do The Right Thing” program, I do my best to lead with its seven key character traits: Respect, Responsibility, Kindness, Self-Discipline, Integrity, Inclusivity and Courage.
Since you elected me in 2020, I have championed good governance, fiscal stability and professionalism, because we deserve a Clayton that works for everyone and values all resident voices. I strongly believe that, if we work together, we can prioritize public safety, improve wildfire prevention, protect open space and maintain our infrastructure so that Clayton’s incredible community resources are accessible and enjoyed by all.
I’m honored to be endorsed by trusted local leaders like Contra Costa County Supervisor Ken Carlson, MDUSD Board Member Cherise Khaund and eight former Clayton Mayors who share my vision for Clayton.
I hope to earn your support too!”
—Holly
Holly’s Priorities
Safe Streets
Public safety is more than just living in a low-crime area. It also means we ensure our community is safe, accessible and welcoming to everyone, every day.
Clayton’s community-based policing model is essential to our safety and quality of life. That’s why Holly worked closely with CPD to ensure adequate staffing levels for the department, maintain high standards and provide the raises necessary to recruit and retain the best officers. We must maintain this.
But it’s also important for us to work together to improve pedestrian safety, fortify wildfire prevention measures, and maintain critical infrastructure. For instance, Holly spearheaded the formation of the first two “Firewise” communities in Clayton. To date, these neighborhoods have learned how to create defensible space around structures, trim trees and clear debris, and host wood chipping events.
This wider, more proactive vision for public safety is what residents want. Holly has heard it over and over from residents: City Hall must prevent problems, not just react when it’s far too late. We need to be more proactive than reactive.
Beautiful Neighborhoods
Creating an inclusive community means ensuring our infrastructure supports all residents, no matter their age or mobility. As Clayton’s population grows older, it’s crucial we ensure our city meets the needs of our seniors and those with disabilities. And, with many families calling Clayton home, we need to prioritize safer routes to our schools.
That’s why we need a comprehensive citywide plan focused on pedestrian accessibility and roadway safety. This plan will include essential upgrades like repaved bicycle lanes, improved sidewalks, safer crossings and ADA improvements.
As a full-time advocate for seniors, Holly listens to and understands the challenges older residents face navigating our streets and downtown events. And, as a parent, she understands how important it is for kids to be able to play safely. By making Clayton more accessible and inclusive, we ensure everyone can live active, healthy lives and have peace of mind during their commute to work or school and around our lovely community.
Accessible Infrastructure
Clayton’s natural beauty is one of our most cherished assets. Our trails and open spaces are what make our city unique, offering residents and visitors a connection to nature that is increasingly rare. But these precious resources are at risk if we don’t take action to protect them.
Holly is committed to preserving Clayton’s small-town charm by addressing the maintenance issues that threaten our trails, parks and open spaces. Whether it’s clearing fallen trees, fixing uprooted roots, preventing trail erosion or repairing broken fences, our city must maintain trail safety.
Our Landscape Maintenance District, which funds trails and beautification, is slated to sunset in 2027. Holly will work to ensure these essential resources are spent responsibly.
The reality is, our trail maintenance has been neglected for too long, and the consequences are starting to show. Holly believes it’s time to sound the alarm and call on our community to come together to support these efforts. With limited staff resources, we cannot do this alone.
Want to join the campaign?
Here's an opportunity to do something that will impact your community and help Holly make a difference! There are many ways to volunteer, from walking door-to-door to hosting a house party and putting up a lawn sign.
If you’re able, you can also donate by clicking below. Every dollar counts!
