A Q&A Eugene mayoral candidates Shanaé Joyce-Stringer, Kaarin Knudson and Stefan Strek
This is part of a series of stories on the candidates running in the May 21 primary election, with question-and-answer articles scheduled to be published each day through the rest of April. Ballots must be mailed to voters by May 1.
The election for Eugene mayor is approaching with ballots due May 21. Three candidates have registered to run for the position and replace retiring Mayor Lucy Vinis: Shanaé Joyce-Stringer, Kaarin Knudson and Stefan Strek.
Eugene's mayor is elected city-wide. If one candidate wins a majority in May’s primary election, they will win the opportunity to run uncontested in the November general election. If no candidate reaches a majority, the top two will run head-to-head in November.
The Register-Guard shared questions with candidates for them to provide responses to and asked them for biographical information. Here are their answers, word for word. Candidates are listed alphabetically.
Biographical information for 2024 Eugene mayoral candidates
Shanaé Joyce-Stringer
Shanaè is an experienced educator and entrepreneur with a journey spanning diverse roles in education since 2006, including teaching in Florida, Oregon, and China, and coordinating programs at the district level in Lane County. In 2011, she ventured into entrepreneurship with B.L.A.Q. Events, later expanding to found Shanaè Joyce-Stringer Enterprise in 2018, offering coaching, speaking, and retail services. With a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and Public Administration from the University of Central Florida and a Master's degree in Conflict Analysis & Resolution from Nova Southeastern University, she has made impactful contributions to nonprofits and schools, mentoring colleagues and advocating for quality education. . Beyond her professional achievements, she is an advocate for youth and women's empowerment, influenced by her family's legacy of community service. Dedicated to fostering positive change in Eugene, Shanaè has actively participated in advisory groups like the United Way of Lane County Racial Justice Fund, JSMA Educational Committee and the Eugene Juneteenth Planning Committee.
Kaarin Knudson
Kaarin is an architect, educator, small business owner, and nonprofit leader with over 20 years of experience in Eugene. She has been a leader on housing policy solutions since founding Better Housing together in 2017, and she teaches at the University of Oregon with a focus on Sustainable Urban Design. Her community volunteer roles have included serving on Eugene’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund Advisory Committee, the LTD Community Steering Council, and as President of the City Club of Eugene. Kaarin has been involved as a volunteer for NAACP Eugene Springfield, AIA-SWO, and as a 4J parent. She earned Eugene’s 2018 “Community Award”, the UO Hall of Fame’s Becky Sisley Award, and the Eugene 20Under40 Award.
Stefan Strek
I've lived in Eugene since 1999, in West Jefferson, West University, and South Eugene neighborhoods.
Education (College): AAOT Lane Community College, IEC (French) University of Caen in France, BA University of Oregon (Art, Painting).
High School: SEHS, Churchill and Pleasant Hill
Work History: Financial Aid at University of Oregon
Current Occupation: Selling paintings, ranging up to over 8ft tall. I sell my art as stickers for skateboards and design Lifestyle Clothing for Skaters, www.myskateboar.com
Philanthropy: Organizing feeding stray cats in Kazakhstan. View our project on instagram and tiktok at prohor.tv. I'm very encouraged about raising living conditions for animals in Kazakhstan.
Questions for 2024 Eugene mayoral candidates
What relevant experience would you bring to the mayor’s office?
Joyce-Stringer: With over 17 years in education, a decade as a small business owner, and extensive community advocacy, I offer a robust skill set for the role of Eugene's mayor. I have a proven track record of establishing partnerships among various stakeholders to address community needs and fill vital gaps, such as my work on the UWLC Racial Justice Fund. Additionally, my experience includes strategic planning and budget management. In addition to working on multiple boards regarding higher education, housing, employment, and more in Eugene, my experience speaks to my commitment to fostering a diverse and thriving city for all.
Knudson: I am an architect, experienced educator, business owner, and nonprofit leader who has worked in our community for over 20 years. Since founding my small business and the advocacy organization Better Housing Together, my work has focused on sustainable cities, housing advocacy, and coalition building. These roles all offer relevant experience, but my ability to support a shared community vision might be the most important qualification. I have a proven track record of bringing people together around real solutions — including my work to help create Eugene’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund, which has already built $44 million in new affordable housing.
Strek: When the City proposed using Kesey Square for private development, I participated in organizing protests and public testimony to change the City Council's mind about sacrificing this unique public space. Protecting a symbol of Eugene's philosophical and existential identity. Demonstrating a commitment to protecting public spaces through direct action matters. I grew up here, I love this city, and I believe in our potential to grow in a healthy new direction. I know how to get results by working within the political system, to bring out the best in people. There's no substitute for in-person participation with our public process.
Who are some people or organizations you would strengthen city leadership’s relationship with if you’re elected mayor?
Joyce-Stringer: I want to prioritize strengthening relationships with residents, the people that our city council are obligated to serve, in order to restore trust and increase engagement from residents. I would also strengthen relationships with business owners, recognizing that all businesses across the city are important to the economic landscape of Eugene. Additionally, I would strengthen relationships with service-based organizations who help provide housing, health services, and employment skills to the most vulnerable members of our community. Lastly, building stronger relationships with our local educational institutions to support their efforts to meet the needs of our youth is also crucial.
Knudson: Part of the Mayor’s responsibility is to continually strengthen relationships and actively reach out to the community. We can do more to gather input from our whole community, not just those who are familiar with the traditional means of influencing public process. In my advocacy work, I’ve helped pilot equitable outreach efforts that engage a truly representative cross-section of our community. Not surprisingly, this more inclusive approach gives us a clearer picture of our needs. As Mayor, I will work to support genuine conversations about the challenges we face and support solutions that move us forward.
Strek: Think big, think local. Enhanced teamwork with LTD and Eugene Airport. Encouraging healthcare organizations, attracting doctors. Empowering local environmental organizations, improving our urban canopy. Connecting with State and Federal politicians at all levels, they know me. Philanthropic investment is another resource, increased direct engagement with high-level individuals to invigorate Eugene, people like Bill Gates, Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos and over 100 other ultra-wealthy individuals. Streamlined co-operation with our Chamber of Commerce. Strengthened relationships with local utilities for disaster resilience, protecting access to public water, electricity, heat and phone or internet during times of crisis like wildfires, earthquakes and ice storms.
What is your strategy for improving Eugene’s economic development as mayor?
Joyce-Stringer: My economic development strategy is multifaceted. We must provide small business owners with funding and other resources to help facilitate growth and job creation, including simplifying and streamlining the permitting and licensing process for small businesses to reduce barriers to entry and make it easier for entrepreneurs to navigate regulatory requirements. By promoting local purchasing, we'll keep dollars circulatingwithin our community, bolstering our economy from within. Additionally, I'm committed to establishing procurement opportunities that actively support businesses owned by women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, veterans, and minorities, fostering economic inclusion and diversity in the local business landscape.
Knudson: Economic development is the work of growing and sustaining our local economy. Eugene’s geography and location offer a strong start, but our diverse workforce and ability to collaborate across sectors are unique strengths. As Mayor, I will champion living wage jobs and ensure local businesses have what they need to succeed — apprenticeship programs, training, pilot support, small business loans. Right now, we also have a remarkable opportunity — and a necessity — to support innovation in health care and housing. Our community needs are very high, but so is our ability to support a highly skilled workforce and new approaches.
Strek: Modern success requires Eugene being a 21st Century City with fully functioning public transport. We need 24-hr bus operations to allow expanded business hours. This creates more recreational spending, more income for businesses, more jobs for workers, and transport schedules allowing workers to take those jobs reliably. Increased bus-route coverage including the Eugene Airport, using our hub city status to encourage business networking, cultural activities, and business development. Public restrooms to reduce undignified sanitation problems and improve our image. We should restore Eugene Celebration, encouraging new public events for revenue. Protecting middle-class affordable housing, providing tax-credits for Senior-Citizens home maintenance.
What is your strategy to increase Eugene’s housing affordability and/or supply as mayor?
Joyce-Stringer: As a renter, I care deeply about housing affordability. My strategy to address Eugene’s housing crisis begins with reviewing the city’s construction excise tax to ensure we are maximizing our capability to generate revenue needed to build enough housing units. We should also establish additional community land trusts to help protect affordable housing and ensure long-term unit stability. Increasing representation of renters on boards that address housing will also ensure a greater reflection of diverse and important voices on this issue. Lastly, we have to ensure market rates align with the average resident's income. That is truly affordable housing.
Knudson: I will continue to champion housing solutions in our community, and I’ll support a renewed focus on compact, mixed-income, and affordable housing. To improve affordability, we need to build more housing that is “affordable by design” – homes like townhouses for young professionals and empty-nesters. We also need to build “workforce housing” for moderate-income households – I’ve advocated for new state-level funding in this area, and I’m excited to see Eugene pilot solutions. We’ll also need to build much more mixed-income, high-density housing in Downtown. This is how we stop rents from rising, reduce homelessness, and meet our climate goals.
Strek: My strategy diversifies housing options for everyone, lowering barriers and increasing supply. Reducing burdens of middle-class home maintenance by offering tax-credits to Senior-Citizens improves housing affordability, and security. Senior-Citizens are statistically the most vulnerable for homelessness, we should waive their permit fees for ADU development to expand housing supply. Single-occupancy units are in high demand, even 10,000 additional units would be a welcome addition to our housing market. Having money go towards local landowners helps Eugene's economy, with income reinvested here instead of directed to large corporations taking profits out of town. Strengthening our economy helps more families afford housing.
What is your vision for Eugene under your leadership?
Joyce-Stringer: As mayor, I’ll work tirelessly to foster a city where every single resident has equitable access to essential services, basic needs, and community enrichment. I’m committed to restoring trust in city government. Residents can count on me to lead with integrity, ensuring to the best of my ability that their voices are heard and their concerns addressed. As mayor I will seek for Eugene to be a model for others as we tackle complex issues with effectiveness and compassion.
Knudson: I care deeply for this community, and I can see a bright future in which we are resilient, prosperous, and better connected to each other. Together, we’ll build a Eugene where opportunity, safety, and a healthy environment are available to everyone. Eugene can be known for innovative housing solutions, meaningful climate action, and how we address homelessness through shelter, services, and partnership. We will build a sustainable local economy where people see their own futures here – because our water is delicious, our outdoor spaces are beautiful, and our workers, families, and businesses have what they need to feel at home.
Strek: I believe in a shared vision for a fully functioning 21st Century City. Accessible 24-hr buses, and 24-hr library services. Enhanced urban canopy throughout Eugene, preservation of native plants (White Oaks). Public restrooms, providing basic sanitation and dignity. Clean, safe, rejuvenated public spaces. Thriving businesses built by local innovation, accelerated by attracting investors. Safety that comes from secure, available, affordable housing. Senior-Citizens enjoying retirement, contributing to our local economy and events. Where families grow without fear of losing their incomes, enjoying enrichment opportunities at all income levels. Teamwork from government, utilities and citizens during natural disasters. Leadership that values diverse public input over focus-groups and sub-committees.
Alan Torres covers local government for the Register-Guard. He can be reached over email at atorres@registerguard.com or on X @alanfryetorres.
This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Election 2024: Eugene's mayoral candidates on the issues
