Karen DeVinney
WHAT MAKES DENTON SPECIAL
Is Worth Protecting
What I'll Do
Support Our Unhoused Neighbors
with permanent housing and smart services
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Invest in permanent supportive housing that gets unhoused persons off the streets and provides wrap around services to address root causes of homelessness.
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Reduce pressure on first responders by creating a dedicated health professional team for non-emergency calls and mental health support.
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Continue to support bond funded initiatives and work towards a coordinated solution with adjoining cities.
Defend Our Neighborhoods
from overdevelopment and traffic hazards
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Ensure neighborhoods have a seat at the table for zoning changes, with direct communication and local concerns reflected in final decisions.
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Allow upzoning to multifamily only with a demonstrated need.
Preserve Our Environment
with stronger tree protection and more parks
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Strengthen environmental protections by enhancing our tree ordinance and creating a program to preserve native plants from construction sites, ensuring we maintain our natural heritage as our city grows.
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Increase funding for Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center to expand its educational programs and preserve this vital ecosystem.
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Ensure that there is a park within a 10-minute walk of every home.
Champion Affordable Housing
not just big box apartment complexes
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Promote diverse housing options that maintain neighborhood character, including infill development and flexible housing options deemed appropriate by neighborhoods.
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Offer financial help to first-time homebuyers and incentivize builders to create affordable homes for low to middle income families.
Keep Big Money Out
through campaign finance reform
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Limit the influence of developers and wealthy business interests on council’s decisions.
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Set contributions limits for all campaigns, and limit the amount of money that can be contributed by non-Denton residents.
ABOUT ME
Twenty years ago, I joined my neighbors in a rezoning battle that launched my service in Denton government. Together, we secured historic district status for our neighborhood, leading to my seven-year tenure on the Historic Landmark Commission where I continued protecting what makes Denton unique.
As a 30-year resident of District 3, I've witnessed firsthand how thoughtful development preserves our community's character. From founding the West Oak Area Historic District to serving on commissions for Historic Landmarks, Traffic Safety, Public Utilities and bonds, I've gained the expertise needed to protect our neighborhoods and green spaces while managing growth. My recent training as a naturalist strengthens my commitment to preserving our natural spaces.
As your District 3 representative on Denton City Council, I will defend our neighborhoods from overdevelopment and dangerous traffic, while fighting for stronger tree protection and more parks to preserve our environment. Instead of rubber-stamping big box apartment complexes, I'll champion true affordable housing that serves working families and longtime residents. To ensure these decisions are made for our community and not special interests, I'll work to keep big money out of local politics through campaign finance reform. My grassroots campaign is built on small donations from neighbors like you who share this vision.
Civic Roles
Karen raised two children with her husband David. Sam is a speech therapist in Indiana and Sarah works for a nonprofit supporting family farms in Oregon. David is an English professor at UNT.