Tara Webster

Tara Webster is a community outreach advocate and an experienced higher education science and engineering educator, specializing in justice-centered learning of social and political issues in STEM.

With a strong background in community engagement, Webster works in the non-profit sector, volunteers with local mutual aid and education groups, and advocates for initiatives that address systemic inequalities at all levels.

Her primary focus is to prioritize and humanize the needs of underserved communities in Northern Nevada. Tara is a candidate for Reno City Council to represent Ward 5, which stretches from the borders of the University of Nevada, Reno, westward to where the city meets Verdi. A founding board member of Desert Peach Montessori School and recently appointed to Reno’s Recreation and Parks Commission, her fresh perspective and voice are much needed in local leadership.

The first in her family to attend college, Tara is a graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno where she received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in biology.

• Reno is facing a housing crisis and the need for low-income housing has never been greater. Low—and middle-class earners are being priced out and displaced from the housing and rental market. We need to: 1) pause luxury apartment developments, 2) prioritize low-income housing and rent stabilization; 3) maximize the use of underdeveloped properties and encourages responsible renovation and restoration; 4) center and invest in the care of our underserved communities, unsheltered neighbors, seniors, and low-income families. This includes lowering barriers that prevent people from accessing vital services such as community shelters, warming centers, and transitional housing.
• Nevada is not only one of the costliest childcare states but is also considered a childcare desert with nearly 75% of children under the age of 5 having access to pre-k. Waitlists exceed 12 months, with monthly tuition averaging $1300 per child. Pre-k is a huge predictor of educational success later in life and is essential as it allows more parents and caregivers to enter and stay in the workforce, which, in turn drives the economy. I want to close this gap by addressing zoning restrictions that create unnecessary loopholes for pre-k services to open in residential neighborhoods, eliminate barriers that increase overhead operating costs, and keep childcare options accessible, affordable, and abundant for Reno families.
• Reno is one of the fastest-warming cities with a growing heat desert in the heart of downtown. Research has shown that even the smallest addition of green spaces can play a key role in mitigating the heat island effect and a simple solution in downtown Reno alone is through implementing pocket parks. These temporary green spaces add vibrancy to once soot-laden empty parking lots, aid in stormwater management, attract urban wildlife, such as birds and pollinators, and reduce pollution by increasing visitors who are more likely to arrive on foot than by vehicle.

Housing (homelessness, affordability, renters’ rights, development); Climate Crisis/Environmental Issues; Childcare accessibility/affordability

I am the best person to represent my district because I believe in building relationships, empowerment, and co-creating spaces for shared learning and growth.

Anyone pursuing a leadership position at the municipal level should at minimum have an interest and passion for the well-being of their community. While having previous experience in government should not be the deciding factor in whether someone is a viable candidate, I do believe candidates should have experience working within their community and fostering strong connections before running for office. Candidates should also have experience on boards or commissions to understand the basic principles of government and politics. There are many life experiences that can make someone a viable political candidate and being a part of the establishment is something we should break away from if we ever want to embrace actionable change in government politics.

Former Nevada Lt. Governor Kate Marshall, Latino Victory Fund, Sierra Club, Moms Demand Action, Nevada Democratic Education Caucus