CANDIDATE BIOGRAPHY

Meet the Mayor

Get to know Robin, her history, what’s important to her, and why she’s running for re-election as Mayor of Colonial Beach.

LOCAL BUSINESS OWNER

I grew up in an apartment above Dockside while my parents ran the marina and restaurant. I know first-hand the challenges businesses face specific to Colonial Beach. I opened my own architectural design firm here 10 years ago.

It is important to help new businesses navigate the town regulations, to work with current business on improving efficiency in business license/permit procedures, and draw in new types of business services through incentive programs such as the Northern Neck Regional Economic Development Strategy and our local Enterprise Zone.

Supporting and attracting small, unique business that give people a reason to come here is important to me. As Mayor, I support the goal of becoming a Main Street program and partnerships with Downtown Colonial Beach (DCB), the SBA, and an educational institution like Rappahannock Community College hopes to form a small business development center and prioritize funding for an Economic Development Manager.

In the last 4 years we have a Federal and State designated historical district, re-written the license code, expanded the local small business incentives, re-certified as a HUB Zone to attract government contractors, and are on track to be approved as an Official Virginia Main Street through our DCB partner in March of 2025!

More than 30 new businesses opened, and growing!

BIOGRAPHY

COMMUNITY PLANNING

Along with my experience as Mayor, Virginia Municipal League Training and serving 2 years as your Vice-Mayor, I have attended the Incremental Development Alliance program and have a Planning certification from the VA Tech Extension Program. I have worked with our 2009 Comprehensive Plan and the formation of our new Vision Statement for the updated 2020 Plan. I also chaired the Planning Commission for 3 of the 9 years I served.

I worked for the US Peace Corps from 2008-2010 in Guatemala as a Community Management and Municipal Development volunteer and bring a unique community development skill set, taught by the US State Department. I recently designed the Façade Revitalization Programs for the Towns of Warsaw, Callao, and White Stone in coordination with the NNPDC. I also serve as the Council Liaison to the Resilience Adaptation (RAFT) implementation team for Colonial Beach.

After approving our 2020 Comprehensive Plan, we are approaching the 5-year mark to update it again in 2025. I am committed to doing a community-based update that includes citizen groups and active participation for the planning of our future!

INVESTING IN TOMORROW

I am currently investing myself, my family and my livelihood in Colonial Beach. I have been consistently involved in local events and contributing to my community, and more so since my return home from abroad. I taught Spanish at the High School, volunteer for the Chamber of Commerce events, and co-organize the Save the Bay Day for the last 12 years. My catalyst into CB community organization began when I designed the 72’ mural on the boardwalk painted by the CB Artist Guild.

Colonial Beach is growing with a 10% growth rate as of the last census. It is critical at this time to design for growth that reflects our character. The challenges ahead will include increased need for emergency services, replacing outdated infrastructure, housing that supports our economy, and inevitable storm water and shoreline issues that must be addressed. These all need to be tackled in balance with improving the quality of life.

Since forming the Parks and Recreation Department, writing a parks master plan, improving the golf-cart path in the number streets, and refurbishing the Town pier we have made a lot of progress. We now have programs for all ages to get outside, get moving, and get together! This work must continue for our wellbeing: to improve our sewer utilities, streets, sidewalks, beaches, open spaces and developing a vibrant waterfront.