I am Shana Fulcher. I am running for the Takoma Park City Council in Ward 1. Join our campaign to support affordable housing, homeownership equity, green infrastructure, and transparent, accountable government.
Expanding housing choices and preservation tax credits. Helping multi-family building owners and non-profits reinvest in and maintain affordable units.
Housing platform details →Creating clear pathways for Ward 1 working families, single parents, and new immigrants to secure the stability and safety that homeownership programs bring.
Equitable policies →Investing in pedestrian and transit infrastructure, preserving canopy under local tree codes, and securing stormwater system improvements in Sligo Creek and Belle Ziegler Park.
Infrastructure details →“Takoma Park needs proven, prepared leadership right now, and Shana is ready to deliver.”
AFSCME Local 3399
Takoma For All
Councilmember Kate Stewart
Former Councilmember Fred Schultz
Terry & Joyce Seamens
As a teenager, I aspired to live in Takoma Park. I viewed the City as an extremely cool place where people, often artists, didn't just embrace their progressive values but flaunted them. I first moved to Takoma Park in 2000, and to Ward 1 in 2009. Here, I live with my husband and three of our children who attend public schools, with our oldest now in college.
I feel fortunate to walk from my home to local schools, public transportation, neighborhood businesses, and Montgomery College. However, I often miss the diversity among neighbors that I experienced while growing up, as single parents and new immigrant families do not live on my block as much as they once did. I believe that with greater density and supportive housing programs, Takoma Park can move toward being the diverse, inclusive City that reflects our values, while aligning with the national goal to build environmentally sustainable communities.
I have a deep understanding and appreciation of the stability, security, and social standing that homeownership programs provide to families. My single mother bought our first home through one of these programs. That experience shaped my perspective, and I am deeply committed to positioning Takoma Park residents to experience the generational benefits that homeownership brings.
My philosophy is simple: "Leave a place better than you found it." I am proud of the work I accomplished representing Ward 1 on the Takoma Park City Council from November 2022 to November 2024. During my tenure on the Council, I enjoyed working collaboratively to support my colleagues, listening to diverse viewpoints, and finding sensible compromises to better our City.
Beyond municipal governance, I serve as the **Executive Director of Takoma Park Lunch & Learn** (since 2025), a local non-profit dedicated to preventing summer learning loss and ensuring food security by providing free meals and educational support in math, reading, and science for underserved youth.
I have also represented the City on regional boards, including the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Transportation Planning Board and the Maryland Municipal League Montgomery County Chapter Board, working collaboratively on transportation and sustainable infrastructure priorities.
My vision for Takoma Park focuses on progressive housing models, community infrastructure, and regional collaboration.
To build an inclusive community, we must address the root cause of our housing crisis: a severe shortage of supply. We need policies that actively encourage new construction and preservation.
Homeownership is the single most powerful driver of household wealth accumulation and family stability. Having grown up in a house purchased through a housing assistance program, I know this firsthand. I am committed to positioning our city to expand programs that help first-time buyers, single parents, and new immigrant families purchase and stay in their homes.
Our municipal services must keep pace with our environmental values. I support investing in stormwater management (meeting 50% treatment on existing surfaces and 100% on new), restoring the **Metro Branch Trail** for hikers and bikers along Fenton Avenue, maintaining our local tree canopy, and replacing our aging police and public works fleets with hybrid or electric vehicles as supply chains permit.
Ward 1's local needs are connected to regional resources. Drawing on my past representation on the **Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Transportation Planning Board** and the **Maryland Municipal League Board**, I will continue to work with county and state agencies to ensure Takoma Park secures regional funding for road maintenance, pedestrian safety humps (such as Westmoreland Avenue), and emergency bridge repairs.
A democratic city requires informed residents. I believe in sending detailed, regular council meeting reports and summaries to Ward 1 residents to keep them updated on budget forums, city nomination caucuses, and local ordinances. By providing direct, searchable updates (which you can browse on this site), I ensure the community remains engaged.
Proud to be supported by civic leaders, advocacy organizations, former councilmembers, and neighbors across Takoma Park who trust Shana's proven, collaborative leadership.
AFSCME Local 3399 represents the dedicated City of Takoma Park municipal employees who keep our city running every day — sanitation workers, librarians, public works staff, recreation and arts program leaders, crossing guards, gardeners, and emergency 911 dispatchers.
Following an in-depth candidate questionnaire, review of public governance records, and proven commitments to fair wages and workplace safety, the union committee officially endorsed Shana Fulcher for City Council, Ward 1.
“Shana Fulcher supports missing middle housing, such as duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes and small apartment buildings, across all of Takoma Park, including her own ward, along with denser housing near transit. She calls smart land use our most powerful climate tool and champions protected bike lanes and safer streets.”
“Shana is such a positive force in our community. She is always seeking out new ways to engage residents, particularly from underserved communities, and I like her comprehensive approach to building more housing.”
“Shana Fulcher has demonstrated her commitment to Takoma Park through years of community service and her previous service on the City Council. We have always admired her track record of thoughtful and balanced leadership and her genuine enthusiasm to work on tough issues facing our community.”
“Shana Fulcher is an experienced community leader who will ensure Takoma Park remains a welcoming home for immigrants and all residents...”
“Shana Fulcher is an experienced community leader who will ensure Takoma Park remains a welcoming home for immigrants and all residents, while delivering practical local solutions on housing and climate.”
“Shana Fulcher represents positive change for Takoma Park, bringing a clear vision to help our entire community thrive.”
“Shana Fulcher represents positive change for Takoma Park, bringing a clear vision to help our entire community thrive.”
“Shana listens, respects differing perspectives, and works constructively with others to find solutions.”
“Shana Fulcher has demonstrated her commitment to Takoma Park through years of community service and her previous service on the City Council. We have always admired her thoughtful, collaborative approach to addressing the needs of residents throughout our city. Shana listens, respects differing perspectives, and works constructively with others to find solutions.”
“Takoma Park needs proven, prepared leadership right now, and Shana is ready to deliver. I’m proud to endorse Shana Fulcher for City Council in Ward 1.”
“Having served on the Takoma Park City Council myself for eight years, I know firsthand that effective governance requires real experience and an understanding of how our city operates. Shana Fulcher brings exactly that. With a term on Council already under her belt, she understands the municipal budget process, respects our city staff, and hits the ground running on day one.”
“I have also worked closely with Shana in her role as Executive Director of Lunch and Learn, where she stepped up during a pivotal moment and revitalized the organization with hard work, vision and initiative. Shana has a tremendous work ethic and a collaborative leadership style that brings people together to get things done.”
“Takoma Park needs proven, prepared leadership right now, and Shana is ready to deliver. I’m proud to endorse Shana Fulcher for City Council in Ward 1.”
“Shana is everywhere in our community. She has great empathy for our neighbors and understands Takoma Park's complexity.”
“As a Girl Scout parent, I've seen how Shana shows up as a dedicated volunteer, supporting our daughters on their journey to adulthood. As an advocate for affordable housing, I have heard Shana's powerful personal story about growing up in Takoma Park, and when she was on council, I saw how that translated into a nuanced understanding of how housing policy affects neighbors' lives. From the Folk Festival to Lunch and Learn, and the Piney Branch Elementary School PTA, Shana is everywhere in our community. She has great empathy for our neighbors and understands Takoma Park's complexity.”
“Shana does her research, ensuring she understands the context and history of any particular issue, while reaching out to ensure that she is hearing from all our neighbors...”
“Shana Fulcher cares deeply for our community of Takoma Park and the families who live here -- as made evident by her constant volunteer presence in our schools, neighborhoods and youth programs. As a city council member, Shana does her research, ensuring she understands the context and history of any particular issue, while reaching out to ensure that she is hearing from all our neighbors, not just the loudest voices in the room. Whether it's advocating for a much-needed stop sign or digging into the details of sidewalk design, Shana's passion for building a livable, vibrant city, now and in the future, benefits everyone who lives here.”
“Some friends help you get by, but Shana is the kind of friend who helps you rebuild. She is defined by an intuitive kindness.”
“Some friends help you get by, but Shana is the kind of friend who helps you rebuild. She is defined by an intuitive kindness. At outdoor vendor markets, she is the type of person who brings me a chair and saves my displays from the wind with double-sided tape before I even realize I need the help and before my feet start to feel sore.”
“Shana is reliable and diligent. There was a time when I was experiencing housing insecurity and the potential of being unhoused, Shana quietly reached out to the right people, securing me a place to live for two years until I could get back on my feet. Today, as I sit in my apartment in Takoma Park, I know I didn't get here alone. I was able to overcome life altering hardships because Shana refused to let me fall.”
“Shana listens and makes sure that everyone knows they are a part of the community, regardless of age or zip code.”
“Shana is a person who puts her time and energy into things that are important to her. I have seen her dedication to making Takoma Park a welcoming, inclusive and safe place for everyone. Whether this is as a Council member, part of the Recreation department, through Lunch & Learn, or through her work with PTAs and Girl Scouts over the years. Shana listens and makes sure that everyone knows they are a part of the community, regardless of age or zip code. I am proud to support Shana and the work she does to make Takoma Park a community where everyone feels welcome and included.”
Join our growing coalition of neighbors, civic leaders, and advocates working together for housing stability, sustainability, and responsive municipal government.
Stay informed. Search and browse my historical notes, legislative analysis, and updates from City Council proceedings and community events.
Whether by hosting a yard sign, emailing neighbors, or door knocking, your support keeps our campaign moving forward. Sign up below.
Have a question about my platform or want to share a concern? Reach out anytime.
Every contribution powers our grassroots outreach across Ward 1 — from printing neighborhood materials and hosting community listening sessions to knocking on doors.
Fast, secure direct contribution to the campaign
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Have questions about supporting Shana or getting involved? Reach out directly through our contact page or email fulcher@gmail.com.
