Delivering for Ukiah
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.
About John
John Strangio is a lifelong Ukiah resident, local business owner, husband, father of three, and former fire captain with over 20 years of public service. As the owner of Ukiah Valley Athletic Club, John has helped strengthen the community by promoting health, supporting local events, and creating jobs. A dedicated community leader, John is passionate about addressing homelessness with compassion and accountability, expanding affordable housing, supporting small businesses, and ensuring transparency in local government. He’s running for Ukiah City Council to bring common-sense leadership, open communication, and a renewed sense of community pride to the city he’s always called home.
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Issues that Matter to John
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John understands that Ukiah families are struggling with the rising cost of housing. He will push for a balanced plan that increases both affordable and market-level housing, allowing families to stay and grow right here in Ukiah. By encouraging smart development and supporting homeownership opportunities, John aims to make housing accessible without losing the small-town character that makes Ukiah special.
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John understands that homelessness is a complex issue that requires both compassion and accountability. He’ll work closely with local organizations, county leaders, and the state to create real, lasting solutions — connecting people to services while keeping neighborhoods and businesses safe. Drawing on lessons from his father’s work in mental health and his own experience in public service, John believes in helping people get back on their feet while upholding community standards.
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As a local business owner, John knows firsthand how hard small businesses work to keep Ukiah thriving. He will champion policies that make it easier to open, grow, and sustain local businesses — filling empty storefronts and keeping more dollars in the community. John believes small businesses are the backbone of Ukiah’s economy and will work to ensure they have the support and tools they need to succeed.
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With over 20 years in the fire service, John knows what it means to protect and serve. He will work to ensure Ukiah remains a safe and welcoming place for families by supporting our first responders, improving emergency preparedness, and fostering collaboration between law enforcement, fire, and the community.
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John supports responsible, thoughtful growth that balances opportunity with preservation. He believes Ukiah can welcome new businesses and housing while protecting the natural beauty and small-town feel that make it unique. By planning for the future instead of reacting to it, John will help Ukiah grow the right way — sustainably, smartly, and with community input.
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John believes city government should be open, honest, and accountable. He will advocate for clear communication with residents and ensure the community understands why decisions are being made, not just what they are. By promoting transparency and accessibility, John will help rebuild trust between local government and the people it serves.