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About Kate
“Leadership that listens, plans, and follows through.”
Hi, I’m Kate Kelly, and I’m running for the Oxford Board of Commissioners because our community deserves leadership that listens, plans, and gets things done. I bring a fresh perspective, not weighed down by the way things have always been, and I’m committed to building a future that works for everyone in Oxford.
I grew up in Virginia Beach and spent years in cities like Charlotte and Chicago before choosing Oxford as my forever home. For more than 25 years, I’ve been an executive assistant to top business leaders, solving problems, managing complex priorities, and getting big projects across the finish line.
As someone new to Oxford, I see our city’s potential with fresh eyes and a deep respect for its roots. I will focus on smart housing — homes that are safe, mixed income, accessible, reasonably priced, and built where they make sense. I will work to bring in small businesses and good jobs, make neighborhoods safer through community-centered solutions, expand broadband access to every neighborhood, and launch youth leadership opportunities so the next generation has a voice in shaping Oxford’s future.
I’m a proud dog mom of three and a homeowner who worked hard to put down roots. I know how tough it can be to find stability in an uncertain world. I’m here to listen, to lead with integrity, and to deliver the fresh ideas Oxford needs to grow and to make sure no one gets left behind. Let’s build the Oxford we all deserve together.
I know Oxford’s challenges because I live them alongside you.
I listen. I plan. I deliver. Here’s what I’ll fight for:
Values & Vision
Infrastructure and Sustainability
Our roads, utilities, and public spaces are the backbone of Oxford, and they need attention now. I will put Oxford’s permit process online so plans can be submitted, tracked like a package, and approved faster. No more waiting in the dark. Everyone will know where things stand.
I will focus on the basics: clean water, reliable sewer, and expanded broadband to keep families, students, and small businesses connected.
When it comes to housing, we need more than just new construction. We need solutions that work for the people who already call Oxford home. That means fixing up what we have, removing outdated lot size mandates, and making it easier for people to add a duplex or a small rental unit to earn extra income and give younger families an affordable place to start. Growth is coming. Let’s make sure it works for everyone, not just big developers.
Economic Development
Oxford is full of potential, and it is time we tap into it. We can grow good jobs, strengthen our local economy, and expand opportunity without losing what makes this community special. I will champion a small business support initiative with startup grants, faster permitting, and hands-on mentorship to help local entrepreneurs open their doors and succeed.
I will also work to attract forward-looking industries like green tech, healthcare, and remote work hubs that bring not just jobs but real career paths for our residents. Oxford grows stronger, more resilient, and ready for the future when our economy works for everyone. Let’s make Oxford the place where people want to build their business and their life.
Public Safety and Well-Being
Imagine an Oxford where every neighborhood feels safe, well-lit, and welcoming. True public safety means more than just response—it means relationships. I believe in community-based safety where officers are visible, trusted, and connected to the people they serve.
I will build trust through community-based, safety officers known in neighborhoods, mental-health crisis training, walkable streets, and youth/senior programs that strengthen every block. But safety also means walkable streets, youth programs, and gathering places for seniors. I’ll champion initiatives that build trust, support prevention, and make Oxford safer for everyone—block by block.
Education and Youth Engagement
Every child in Oxford deserves access to a great education and real opportunities to thrive. I will work side by side with schools, parents, and community partners to support teachers, lift up students, and make sure youth voices are part of every conversation about Oxford’s future.
I am proposing a Student Leadership Council that gives young people a real seat at the table. We will pair it with mentorship and job shadowing programs that connect students with local leaders and small businesses, teach them how to act professionally, think critically, and solve problems, and help them see a future right here in Oxford. When we invest in our youth, we are not just helping them succeed — we are building the next generation of leaders who will keep Oxford strong for years to come.
If you know someone else who cares about Oxford’s future, forward my website, and join our journey. Together, we can shape an Oxford where progress lifts us all, and no one is left behind.
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Contact
Get in Touch with Kate Kelly
For inquiries, to volunteer, or to learn more about what Kate stands for, please reach out using the form below.