Lara DeLaney
Lara DeLaney Bio
Lara DeLaney was born in southern California, the middle of three girls, and raised in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Lara finished high school in Ashland, Oregon and after attended college at U.C. Santa Cruz, studying Literature and finishing with Honors in the Major and Honors in the College. She then obtained a Master's degree in Public Policy from the University of Chicago in 1993.
After her return to California, Lara began her career in government with the San Joaquin Council of Governments as a Senior Regional Planner, working on transportation and land use policy and projects. In 1998, Lara was hired by Contra Costa County, where she presently serves as a Senior Deputy County Administrator, providing budgetary oversight of County departments and serving as the County’s Legislative Coordinator.
While tennis has remained a central activity in her life, having achieved a credential as a tennis professional and umpiring at the U.S. Open in 1997, Lara has also engaged in a variety of civic activities including membership in the Kiwanis Club and the Martinez Rotary. Lara was also instrumental in the establishment of the Joe DiMaggio Hometown Hero Project.
Lara was first elected to the Martinez City Council in 2002, where she presently serves as Vice Mayor, and is happily married to Eric Halverson, a general contractor and football coach.
A long record of Public Service
It has been an honor and a privilege to represent you on the Martinez City Council, and I would like to respectfully request your support in becoming your Mayor.
As Mayor, my experience, vision and courage will lead Martinez forward. Our economic progress will continue and grow, safety and security for all Martinez residents will be enhanced, and the restoration and rebuilding of our marina will be a priority.
In my tenure on City Council, I have worked to renovate all city parks, the library, and pool and to create a new park at Pine Meadows. I supported the revitalization of Downtown through the outdoor dining program, farmers markets and Main Street programs. We brought indoor sports complexes, pickleball courts, food trucks, the planned Joe DiMaggio Museum, and the Martinez Sturgeon Baseball team to town. Most importantly, we were able to complete unprecedented levels of citywide water and paving improvements.
My strength is in the ability to listen to the community, staff, and colleagues and make tough decisions. I voted for open space and for housing at the right scale and location and voted against projects that missed the mark. With a master’s degree in public policy and a career in government administration, I pay close attention to ensuring your tax dollars are well spent, and I take pride in being responsive, respectful, and accountable to you, the citizens of Martinez.
I am uniquely qualified for this position and ask for your vote and participation. Together we can do this!
