Akshat Bhatia

Education We need to strengthen ties between the City Council and School Board to make sure our children have the best facilities and resources they need to succeed by working together on shared priorities that support better schools and student achievement by using city services and resources. We work with our schools and education leaders to build partnerships that encourage excellence in the classroom and build neighborhoods that support academic success. Environment / Energy He city must invest in renewable energy infrastructure, promote energy-efficient buildings, and expand public transportation to reduce reliance on cars. Encouraging the use of electric vehicles and providing ample charging infrastructure are also key steps. Public outreach and education are crucial for achieving these goals. The city should engage residents, businesses, and schools in sustainability initiatives, providing incentives for energy-saving practices and green technologies. Economy As your next mayor, I promise to foster an environment where technological innovation and entrepreneurship thrive, becoming the foundation of our local economy. Together, let's ensure that Irvine stays at the forefront of economic growth and progress. Arts / Culture I will emphasize the restoration of key park features and the improvement of community and sports amenities along with projects that will act as cultural and recreational centers for our community. I will do my best to develop the Great Park to fulfill the needs of all Irvine residents, specifically our children, making sure not only it becomes a vital part of our community's recreational and cultural life but also a place to produce future Olympians. Education If elected as a mayor I will introduce an ordinance to declare Irvine as a “Parents’ Right to Know” city. I will strongly oppose Assembly Bill 1955 as I strongly believe that the bill is a direct violation of our Constitutional rights to raise our own children. I firmly believe that a child's gender is a personal and private matter, meant to be discussed solely between the parent and the child—not imposed by the State. Since this is a personal issue, it should not be considered "education." If parents, schools, and communities don’t resist the State's overreach, it will continue to encroach upon every aspect of our lives, particularly affecting the most vulnerable among us—our children. Environment / Energy He urgency of the climate crisis requires immediate and sustained action, and Irvine can lead by example. Reducing carbon emissions should be integrated into every aspect of city planning, from transportation and housing to energy use and waste management. Infrastructure / Transportation I am dedicated to managing growth while safeguarding our quality of life by carefully evaluating factors such as traffic and school capacity in new developments. I will work to ensure that Irvine's general plan remains adaptable to our evolving needs while staying true to the foundational principles of our master-planned community. Criminal Justice / Public Safety As Mayor, I will persist in improving our public safety initiatives by integrating cutting-edge technology into our approaches. By enhancing our technological capabilities in critical areas, we are actively working to preserve and raise the public safety standards that our residents expect. Economy In the future, I am dedicated to reinforcing Irvine's standing as a leading hub for entrepreneurs and innovators. My policies are tailored to foster emerging industries, establishing a strong foundation for ongoing innovation and global leadership. Housing I will focus on innovative ways to meet Irvine's housing demands through carefully considered and balanced development. My main goal is to establish workforce housing initiatives that support essential workers such as teachers, nurses, police officers, and firefighters—professionals who contribute significantly to our community but are often unable to afford the current housing prices. Economy As an entrepreneur, I know what it takes to create jobs, and will work to bring quality jobs to Irvine. Also, I strongly believe small businesses are the lifeline of our city. I fully support small businesses. As your next Mayor, I will fight for your businesses, and advocate for less taxes and red tape. Housing My leadership focuses on balancing development with conservation, ensuring that housing solutions serve the needs of all residents while preserving the exceptional quality of life that defines our city.