She’ll lead the SLO County Board of Supervisors in 2025. Here is her top priority | Opinion

This new year offers a fresh start, and as the incoming chairperson of the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors, I am dedicated to guiding and supporting the board in addressing the challenges our community faces.

While the challenges are significant, they also present opportunities to innovate and transform government’s role in a smart and diligent manner. However, even minimal progress in problem-solving requires public trust — a daunting task given its current low levels.

As we enter 2025, one of the most pressing challenges for governments, corporations and institutions worldwide is rebuilding and strengthening public trust. In an era defined by rapid technological advancements, global interconnectivity and rising political and social tensions, trust has become fragile. To navigate the complexities of the coming years, rebuilding trust between institutions and the people they serve must be a priority.

The erosion of public trust has been years in the making, driven by corruption, misinformation and lack of transparency. Scandals, broken promises and leadership failures have left many disillusioned. Institutions, whether governmental, corporate or educational, are increasingly viewed as symbols of dysfunction. This distrust deepens divides, stymies progress and undermines democracy.

In 2025, the SLO County Board of Supervisors will prioritize listening to your frustrations and acting with empathy. While we are imperfect, all five of us are committed to working together to better serve the beautiful county of San Luis Obispo. Building bridges to overcome differences is key to our success.

Rebuilding trust is not just a moral imperative; it is essential for addressing the challenges ahead. Without trust, society fragments, collective action falters and innovation stalls. The urgency for a new approach is clear.

Transparency and open communication must be at the heart of rebuilding trust.

Our commitment is to be open about actions, decisions and their reasoning. This is not about perfection but about explaining how decisions impact constituents’ lives. Effective communication — clear, consistent and honest — is vital. When communication falters, trust erodes. Our goal is to foster credibility and cooperation through transparent messaging.

Accountability is equally crucial. People need to trust that leaders will answer for their actions. Accountability must transcend politics and permeate all sectors.

Here in San Luis Obispo County, challenges like housing affordability, healthcare availability, systemic complexities and overregulation are intertwined with broader generational and economic shifts. Addressing these issues requires accountability at every level.

After four years in government, I often reflect on whether the bureaucratic layers designed to provide transparency and accountability have instead resulted in convoluted and expensive governance. Many of the problems we face stem from well-intentioned efforts to protect and perfect systems. This environment frustrates both the public and those within the government trying to enact change. Recognizing this is the first step toward meaningful reform.

Building trust is an ongoing process that requires humility, active listening and a willingness to adapt. Trust is built when people feel heard, valued and represented. This is a shared responsibility that demands respectful participation from both leaders and the community. Without trust, progress will stall. Tackling our community’s challenges demands unwavering commitment, courage and collaboration from all of us.

We invite you to join us in this trust-building process.

Attend the official swearing-in ceremony for Districts 1, 3 and 5 on Jan. 7, 2025, at 9 a.m. at the Katcho Achadjian Government Center, 1055 Monterey St. in San Luis Obispo. This event offers a chance to meet your representatives and see us in action as we kick off a fantastic 2025 with new Supervisor Heather Moreno.

Together, we can create a resilient and united San Luis Obispo County.

Dawn Ortiz-Legg represents District 3. She was elected to a second term in the March primary.