District 5 Issues
Councilmember Betty Martinez Franco knows the unique challenges District 5 faces because she has been working tirelessly alongside you to solve them. Read more about Betty’s clear vision and continued action plan for the vital issues shaping our community's future
HOUSING AFFORDABILITY
Affordable housing remains one of the most urgent challenges facing Irvine, particularly for working families, young professionals, and seniors in District 5. Skyrocketing home prices and rents are pushing residents out, making it harder to build a diverse and economically inclusive community. As your Councilmember, I am committed to advancing bold, equity-focused housing policies, including inclusionary zoning requirements that mandate a meaningful percentage of affordable units in all new developments.
I will work closely with developers to accelerate production while holding projects accountable to community needs, and will leverage state frameworks like the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) to ensure Irvine not only meets but exceeds its housing goals. By prioritizing tenant stability, expanding pathways to homeownership, and aligning local policy with state mandates, I will fight to ensure Irvine remains accessible, sustainable, and inclusive for all.
LIBRARY MASTER PLAN
Libraries are a cornerstone of our community in Irvine, providing critical access to education, technology, and lifelong learning for residents of all ages. As your Councilmember, I strongly support sustained and increased investment in our library system, especially as the City advances its long-term library master planning process. I am committed to working closely with City staff to ensure that planning decisions reflect the real needs of our residents, students, families, and seniors alike, while maintaining the high-quality services for which Irvine is known.
Equally important, I will prioritize robust community outreach to ensure residents have a meaningful voice in shaping the future of our libraries. That means engaging neighborhoods, hosting public input sessions, and ensuring feedback is transparent and directly informs final decisions. I also believe we must protect and preserve the libraries that our communities depend on today, including keeping trusted neighborhood resources like University Park Library in place and fully supported. At the same time, I will advocate for modernized facilities, expanded programming, and equitable access across all parts of the city.
TRAFFIC CONGESTION
As a major employment hub with a high concentration of jobs and leading companies, Irvine draws thousands of workers from across the region each day, many of whom cannot afford to live in the city and must commute long distances. This imbalance between jobs and housing has led to increased congestion, longer commute times, and added strain on our local infrastructure.
As your Councilmember, I strongly support expanding Irvine CONNECT, the City’s free shuttle system that provides reliable service to parks, schools, shopping centers, and transit hubs across the community. This program has already proven successful, offering frequent service and helping residents, including seniors and students, reduce their reliance on driving. I will work to pass policies that expand Irvine CONNECT routes into more neighborhoods across the entire city, making it a truly citywide mobility option.
In addition, I will advocate for smarter traffic management, infrastructure improvements, and stronger regional partnerships to expand transit options and reduce single-occupancy vehicle use. By investing in accessible, equitable transportation and reducing our dependence on cars, we can ease congestion, improve air quality, and build a more sustainable future for Irvine.
E-BIKES
The rapid rise of e-bikes has created serious and growing safety concerns across Irvine, particularly in District 5, where families and seniors rely on safe streets, parks, and public spaces. While the City Council has taken an initial step by adopting new regulations, many residents, especially in our senior community, continue to feel unsafe due to reckless riding, excessive speeds, and limited enforcement.
As your Councilmember, I believe the current approach does not go far enough, and I am committed to strengthening local policies to better protect pedestrians and drivers alike. I will work closely with our public safety teams to implement stricter enforcement measures, explore stronger penalties for dangerous behavior, and establish clearer rules around where and how e-bikes can be operated. I also support targeted education efforts for riders and families to promote responsible use, alongside infrastructure improvements that reduce conflicts between pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicles.
PUBLIC SAFETY
Public safety is the foundation of what makes Irvine one of the best places to live in the country. For more than a decade, Irvine has consistently ranked as the safest city of its size in the United States, according to FBI crime data. This is no accident; it reflects a strong partnership between our community and an outstanding police department that is committed to proactive, community-based policing.
As your Councilmember, I am committed to protecting and strengthening that legacy. I will continue working closely with our public safety professionals to ensure they have the resources, staffing, and support needed to keep our neighborhoods safe. That includes investing in modern tools, expanding community policing efforts, and ensuring response times and visibility remain strong across the entire city.
Equally important, I believe public safety means ensuring every resident feels heard, respected, and protected. I will advocate for policies that prioritize transparency, accountability, and community engagement so that no resident feels overlooked or left out. By building trust, strengthening partnerships, and making smart investments in safety, I will work to ensure Irvine remains not only one of the safest cities in America but also a community where everyone truly feels safe.
