As a small business owner herself, Heather knows that economic growth and education go hand in hand. Too many employers struggle to find workers with the right skills. That’s why she is working with local schools, Lane Community College, and the University of Oregon to expand hands-on training programs that prepare students for good local jobs.

Our economy has left too many small businesses and local workers behind. In her first term, Heather helped lead the effort to raise the minimum wage for Lane County employees to $15 an hour. She also supports community benefit bidding to help keep public dollars working for local businesses and families.