Hello, neighbor!

My name is Jennifer Monroe Zakaras - most people call me Jen - and I’m running to be the City Councilor representing Burlington’s South District (Wards 5 and 6).

As a public health researcher, I spend my days working with data to find solutions to some of our most daunting social challenges. As a councilor, I intend to take the same evidence-based approach.

I believe Burlington’s best days are still to come, and I’m eager to work with you to build the city we all want, together.

I call Bayview Street home with my two young daughters, Mia (8) and Emmeline (5), and my partner of 17 years, Michael. You may have seen me delivering homemade apple butter to my neighbors, reading at Nomad Coffee, throwing on the pottery wheel at BCA Studios, or winter dipping at Oakledge Cove. We love our neighborhood and city, and growing our family here has been a delight and a privilege. 

My oldest will be graduating from high school in 10 years, and I find myself asking: What kind of city will Burlington be? And what choices can we make today to set us on a path of shared prosperity and wellbeing?

I’m running for City Council because I’m deeply invested in Burlington’s future and in working together towards the kind of city I believe we can be.

My Priorities

I’m optimistic about what’s ahead, while realistic about the problems we face. 

Housing & Affordability

We urgently need to address our housing crisis and soaring cost of living so that Burlington can be an affordable place where people of all ages and backgrounds can live and flourish alongside one another. 

Safety

Safety for all of us begins with ensuring that none of us has to live in perpetual crisis. We need evidence-based approaches to community safety that reduce harms and save lives now, while also addressing root causes so that all of Burlington’s residents can feel safe and secure over the long term.

Climate Change

We need to continue to ambitiously mitigate climate change and to ensure a “just transition” to a low-carbon economy in which the benefits and burdens are equitably shared among all members of our community.

Civic Health

We need to invest in our civic infrastructure to create more ways for Burlingtonians to channel their voices and concerns into meaningful collective action that solves problems and nurtures social trust. 

I bring crucial skills and perspectives that will make me an effective City Councilor.

  • I earned a Master’s Degree in Public Health from Columbia University, focused on the social determinants of health.

  • I manage multi-million dollar grants from the National Institutes of Health and coordinate large research teams.

  • I serve on the leadership team of a major university center focused on protecting our health from climate change impacts.

  • As a key part of my work, I use clear and compelling language that conveys complex ideas to the public.

  • I serve on the PTO and a family advisory group at the Integrated Arts Academy, and I’m a weekly classroom volunteer with the students there. I also help coordinate the Old North End Mutual Aid network.

“I cannot think of a better city council candidate for the South District. Jen knows her values, excels at solving complex policy challenges within her professional public health work, and can effectively work with anyone. I’m excited about the new energy and fresh ideas she’ll bring to the council – the kind that will keep moving our city forward.”

-Burlington Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak

“I am so grateful that Jen has decided to run for the South District City Council seat. Jen loves Burlington and has a vision for our future that is bold, smart and achievable. She brings deep experience in public policy, public health, collaboration and problem solving. As an Independent voter, I value Jen’s open-minded and pragmatic approach to leadership. I whole-heartedly endorse Jen’s candidacy, and I urge my neighbors to meet Jen, listen to her story and learn more about her campaign.”

-Jessica Oski, Charlotte Street resident

“We have worked together with Jen on the Integrated Arts Academy PTO for the past few years. She consistently shows up, asks insightful questions, follows through, and focuses on the needs of all groups of people. She is a true asset to our school community, and we are excited to see what she will bring to City Council. She has our vote!”

-Jasmine and Hollis Easter, Co-Presidents of the IAA Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) and South End residents

"We need people who are highly skilled at problem solving, and Jen is exactly that. Her focus on housing, safety, and the climate crisis and her expertise in public health, managing large budgets, and clear communication make her exactly the right person to help lead the South End and Burlington right now."

-Laurie Essig, professor at Middlebury College and South End resident for two decades


"I am deeply impressed by Jen's understanding of the social issues facing our city as well as the nuance and compassion she brings to the conversation. She sees the emotional burden we all carry as we helplessly watch our unhoused neighbors suffer. Jen knows that we all thrive only when everyone in our community thrives, and I believe she will approach this task with the urgency, thoughtfulness, and rigor that it requires."

-Lynda Siegel, retired Burlington SD teacher and South End resident

“I met Jen over a biscuit at Queen City Cafe, and we had a long conversation about Burlington, her family, her reasons for seeking public office and her hopes for our city. She is part of a vital wave of serious, thoughtful, smart and dedicated people stepping into leadership roles in Burlington. Jen understands and supports Mayor Emma's commitment to navigating Burlington's (and cities’ all across the country) growing problems. This is important. Reading Jen's website, you can see that the experience and values she carries with her are critical and will serve us well at this moment. This is why I am supporting Jen for City Council!”

-Ruby Perry, South End resident

“I am supporting Jen for City Council because…well, really, who wouldn’t? She is so smart, good with all types of people, professionally adept at understanding and interpreting data, deeply involved with her neighborhood and her kids’ school. I agree with her small-p progressive views on community safety, support for Burlington’s most vulnerable residents and collective action on climate change. Also her alignment with Mayor Emma’s dialogue-based initiatives. I hope you can meet Jen soon. New energy for the South End!”

-Andy Simon, South End resident

“We have the privilege of living next door to Jen and getting to witness first hand her kindness, fierce advocacy for our city, and compassionate heart. She welcomed our family with open arms, often dropping off delicious care packages and sharing about community events. Jen is an organizer to her core and our entire street benefits from her skill of bringing people together.  Jen is a doer and she shows up for so many people and we know she will show up for you!   She lives out the principles that are the foundation of her campaign - civic health, climate change, safety, and caring about our most vulnerable citizens. We proudly endorse her campaign and encourage others to get to know Jen. We know you will feel more hopeful, inspired, and supported just by knowing her!”

-Marissa and Gerald Coleman, Bayview Street neighbors

“Our family is deeply committed to a healthy, thriving, and just future for Burlington. We're concerned about the F35 noise that is harming our children's health and the McNeil generating plant harming the environment. We deserve a city council that will work hard to protect residents and preserve a habitable planet for all. Additionally, like so many cities, Burlington faces a confluence of complex challenges including homelessness, drug addiction, and a cost of living that shuts people out. These challenges require leaders who possess the appropriate skills, as well as the tenacity and vision, to meet this moment. Jen Monroe Zakaras is just such a person. Her background and extensive professional experience in public health makes her uniquely qualified for a seat on council. Her ability to work with people from a wide range of backgrounds is badly needed and would be a valuable asset. It is truly our good fortune that Jen, with her energy, enthusiasm, and vision for Burlington, is eager to take on the challenge of being a city councilor at this critical juncture. We're delighted to endorse her and hope you will join us in supporting her!”

-Ashley Adams and Pike Porter, South End residents

“Jen knocked on our front door one night, and we had a great conversation. I asked her the hardest questions I could about crime, the unsheltered, taxes, and bond issues. And she wanted to hear what I had to say about the challenges we face as a community. It was a real, two-way conversation, and her answers were thoughtful and straightforward. One lesson of the past eight years is that we need effective government leadership at all levels. Leadership that means neither a small group trying to do everything nor edicts handed from above. It means inspiring and organizing citizens to work together for the common good. We think Jen is that kind of leader.”

-Mark Floegel and Ada Puches, South End residents

Get in touch and get involved!

I look forward to speaking with many of you in the weeks to come and to hear your priorities and aspirations for our neighborhood and our city. I can call or stop by, and my door is always open.

Check back here regularly for updates on meet and greets and other community events.