Yountville Town Council · Nov 3, 2026

A fresh voice for Yountville's future.

Jessi Bugden

Registered nurse, neighbor, and candidate for Town Council.

“The best decisions are made when residents are informed, engaged, and genuinely included. A council member's job is to listen, represent, and advocate for the entire community.”

Where I Stand

My priorities

Housing Done Right

Between Measure S and the state's RHNA requirements, housing has been the most contentious topic in town. But housing itself was never the problem. The cost, scale, density, and the process behind it were.

I believe we need to start fresh. We should consider all feasible options, insist on accurate numbers for what is actually required, and formulate a plan that protects residents rather than leaving them to foot the bill and shoulder unnecessary risk. We are a small rural community, not property developers and managers.

Fiscal Responsibility

Our town's budget deserves the same discipline I would apply to my own household. That means living within our means, scrutinizing every expense, and refusing to commit to debt-financed projects without solid numbers and a vetted plan behind them. Every dollar spent must be treated with careful, transparent stewardship at every step.

That discipline also means planning ahead. Small towns are vulnerable to the unexpected; natural disasters, infrastructure failures, and economic downturns can arrive with little warning. This is especially true given our large dependence on tourism taxes along with the history of wildfires and earthquakes in the valley. Yountville needs a healthy reserve so that when something goes wrong, we can respond without scrambling or taking on emergency debt. I will push to responsibly build and protect an emergency fund so the town is prepared, not caught off guard.

Working with Local Businesses

Our local businesses are the heart of Yountville's economy and character. We are fortunate to have so many amazing businesses in town with equally as amazing business owners. I will listen to their concerns, learn from their insights, and make sure we work together so that our community thrives.

Working with the Veterans Home

The Veterans Home of California is our largest neighbor and an irreplaceable part of Yountville's history and identity.

I will work to strengthen the relationship between the town and the Home — improving communication, collaborating on shared concerns, and making sure our veterans remain a valued, integrated part of the community.

Preserving Our Small-Town Character

We are a small community packed into roughly 1.5 square miles, and that intimate, walkable, bucolic feel is exactly why so many of us are here.

As the town grows and changes, I will work to preserve what makes Yountville special. I will be thoughtful and cautious with any change, and make sure new developments actually fit the place we love rather than eroding it.

What I'll Bring to the Council Table

Jessi Bugden speaking at a podium during a Yountville Town Council meeting, addressing council members and residents.

Real Transparency

Residents should be informed and included before major decisions are made. I will encourage widespread outreach and real caution on anything that will shape the town for decades.

Respectful Public Service

I take the time to truly consider every viewpoint, especially those different from my own. Respectful listening and learning leads to the best results for the whole community.

Fresh Energy

A newer resident's perspective, backed by hard work, proven initiatives, and trust built across town. I am deeply invested in Yountville's future and will work hard to ensure our town succeeds.

For the Ballot

Official Candidate Statement

The statement below is my official candidate statement as submitted for the November 3, 2026 General Municipal Election.

FOR MEMBER OF THE CITY COUNCIL

JESSI BUGDEN
Occupation: Registered Nurse

I have been a registered nurse for the past nine years, specializing in cardiac care. I chose to pursue a career in nursing because I wanted to help people, and that same commitment to service is why I am running for Town Council.

As a younger resident in Yountville, I am deeply invested in our town's future. I care about protecting Yountville's financial health, strengthening the community, and preserving the bucolic, small-town character that makes Yountville special.

I will bring fresh energy and a collaborative approach to the Council, with a commitment to fiscal responsibility, transparency, respect, and professionalism. I believe the best decisions are made when residents are informed, engaged, and genuinely included in the civic process.

A council member's role is to be a public servant: to listen, represent, and advocate for the best interests of the entire community. I will take that responsibility seriously and work to ensure every resident feels heard and respected.

It would be an honor to serve the people of Yountville and help preserve the qualities that make our town such a wonderful place to live for generations to come.

Jessi Bugden
jabugden@gmail.com

Jessi Bugden

Candidate for Yountville Town Council

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Send me a message:jabugden@gmail.com