(SAN RAMON, Calif.) — Chirag Kathrani, candidate for San Ramon City Council District 2, is calling for a more accountable city government, a stronger small business ecosystem, housing that serves working families, and a sustainable, balanced budget.
“Local government shapes the community we experience every day,” Kathrani said. “As a small business owner who has helped young people develop leadership skills and supported entrepreneurs, I have seen how city decisions directly affect families, businesses and opportunities.”
Kathrani said San Ramon must move from discussing support for small businesses to putting practical measures into action.
“Building a thriving small business ecosystem has been discussed for years. We need to turn those plans into results,” he said.
Accountability and a Voice for Residents
Kathrani previously ran for mayor in 2024 after learning that the race would otherwise be uncontested. That experience strengthened his concerns about electoral competition and the influence of appointments on future elections.
“When a sitting council member becomes mayor and the council appoints a replacement, that appointee enters the next election with the advantages of incumbency,” Kathrani said. “Residents deserve an open process, meaningful choices and leaders who respond to their concerns.”
He described the January 6, 2025, council appointment as a turning point in his civic involvement. Kathrani said the process failed to meaningfully acknowledge the more than 11,000 votes he received in the mayoral election or address concerns raised by approximately 350 community members.
“My concern was about whether residents were being heard,” he said. “People took the time to participate, and they deserved a response.”
According to Kathrani, more than 700 people spoke at council meetings during 2025, often offering ideas that received little visibility or follow-up. That experience led him to develop the Open Governance Initiative, which grew into OpGov.News.
“I started OpGov.News to bring residents’ ideas and concerns into public view, ask decision-makers questions and pursue answers,” he said. “Participation should lead to meaningful engagement.”
Photo Credit: Chirag Kathrani meets with community members to discuss local concerns and priorities for San Ramon.
Homes for Working Families
Kathrani supports planned development that includes starter homes in San Ramon’s core, with affordability built into their size, design and location.
“Our essential workers and young families should have a realistic opportunity to live in the community they serve,” he said. “We need homes that help people establish roots here.”
He also called for closer examination of how housing development, population changes and school enrollment interact, so city planning better supports families and the community’s long-term needs.
A Balanced Budget and Disciplined Spending
Kathrani said addressing the city’s deficit requires sustained scrutiny of spending alongside efforts to strengthen the local economy.
“Higher taxes alone do not solve a structural budget problem,” he said. “If we do not address the underlying deficit, we risk continued pressure to extend temporary taxes. We need to question every dollar spent and make sure residents receive value.”
He pointed to his experience building businesses with limited resources and developing a cost-effective distribution model for the Tri-Valley Weekly newspaper.
“One challenge was distributing 5,000 copies every week affordably,” Kathrani said. “Our solution was to work with 100 small businesses, each distributing about 50 copies to customers. That lowered delivery costs while connecting the newspaper with local businesses and residents.”
The publication also assigns journalists to cover their own cities, helping them meet residents and understand local concerns firsthand.
“Good leadership means listening, solving practical problems and using resources wisely,” Kathrani said. “That is the approach I want to bring to City Hall.”
Kathrani will continue meeting residents throughout San Ramon and welcomes direct conversations about their priorities.
Media and Community Contact
Chirag Kathrani
Phone: (925) 435-7161
Email: chirag@lead4earth.org
Website: chiragforcommunity.com
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