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Who runs Martinez

Debbie McKillop

Councilmember, District 4 · Until Dec 2026 · Elected November 2014

This seat is on the ballot Tue Nov 3. The new council is seated Wed Dec 9.

EmailCall the council office

What they campaigned on, and how it is going

> THE MARTINEZ WIRE ▌COUNCIL SCORECARD · SEP 2026D61 / 100
Grade D · score 61/100

Councilmember McKillop's grade is held down by 4 of 10 promises with no step in the minutes (waterfront amphitheater, unhoused relocation, ferry service, and more).

Confidence high

Left: what they campaigned on. Right: the council's steps on each, from the start of their term to today. The number is how far each has come, out of 100.

How the grading works

The short version

We list what they promised as a candidate, then check every council decision since they took office. A promise scores higher the further it got with their yes vote: a law in force or finished work counts most, a study or plan counts less, nothing counts zero. Promises they repeated count a little more, and the grade is the average.

The formulaS = P×A + L + I − CGrade = Σ(w·S) ÷ Σw

S = P × A + L + I − Ceach promise · 0 to 100

Grade = Σ(w·S) ÷ ΣwA 90 · B 80 · C 70 · D 60 · F below 60

P
Progress done 100 · committed 80 · early 50 · raised 20
A
Alignment their yes votes ÷ the votes they cast
L
Lead +10 when they moved or seconded it
I
Initiative +10 when they raised it at council
C
Counter −25 for a standing yes vote against it
w
Emphasis 1, plus 0.5 for each further place they said it, at most 2
Councilmember McKillop's record10 promises449 decisions
PromisewPALICS
Wildfire prevention21001.00+10+100100
Open space preservation1801.0000080
Fiscal accountability11001.00+1000100
Waterfront amphitheater100.000000
Unhoused relocation100.000000
Police hiring and retention1.5801.0000080
High-density transit housing11001.00+1000100
Affordable housing element11001.00+1000100
Ferry service100.000000
Vacant storefronts100.000000
Σ(w·S) ÷ Σw700 ÷ 11.561

449 decisions read · 45 months · 33 steps · 1 against · 1 contested · 1 raised · confidence high

How it is checked4 rules
  • Every decision of the term is read against every member's promises, without knowing whose they are.
  • Each step is read twice, separately; it counts only when both readings agree, at the lower level.
  • A recording counts only when its own caption names the speaker.
  • Which decisions move a promise, and how far, is our reading, one standard for every member.
Sources38 records
  1. Campaign promiseNov 2022Official candidate statement
  2. Campaign forumOct 13, 2022Thousand Friends of Martinez Candidate Night - Candidate Forum
  3. Campaign forumOct 14, 2022Martinez City Council Forum Districts 1 & 4
  4. Campaign videoOct 31, 2022Re-Elect Debbie McKillop: Wildfire Prevention (1)
  5. Campaign videoOct 31, 2022Re-elect Debbie McKillop for City Council: Martinez Marina
  6. Action takenJun 24, 2026Minutes
  7. Action takenMar 4, 2026Minutes
  8. Action takenFeb 18, 2026Minutes
  9. Action takenDec 10, 2025Minutes
  10. Action takenDec 10, 2025Minutes
  11. Action takenNov 19, 2025Minutes
  12. Action takenNov 19, 2025Minutes
  13. Action takenJul 30, 2025Minutes
  14. Action takenJul 16, 2025Minutes
  15. Action takenJun 25, 2025Minutes
  16. Action takenJun 25, 2025Minutes
  17. Action takenJun 4, 2025Minutes
  18. Action takenMay 21, 2025Minutes
  19. Action takenMay 21, 2025Minutes
  20. Action takenApr 16, 2025Minutes
  21. Action takenApr 2, 2025Minutes
  22. Action takenMar 19, 2025Minutes
  23. Action takenMar 19, 2025Minutes
  24. Action takenNov 6, 2024Minutes
  25. Action takenOct 23, 2024Minutes
  26. Action takenOct 23, 2024Minutes
  27. Action takenOct 2, 2024Minutes
  28. Action takenJun 26, 2024Minutes
  29. Action takenJun 5, 2024Minutes
  30. Action takenJun 5, 2024Minutes
  31. Action takenMay 1, 2024Minutes
  32. Action takenMay 1, 2024Minutes
  33. Action takenDec 20, 2023Minutes
  34. Action takenDec 20, 2023Minutes
  35. Action takenJul 19, 2023Minutes
  36. Action takenJun 21, 2023Minutes
  37. Action takenMar 1, 2023Minutes
  38. Raised at councilMar 4, 2026

Wildfire prevention

Campaigned on

Evaluate evacuation routes with police and fire, and grow cattle grazing and weed clearing efforts to reduce wildfire risk near homes.

Councilmember McKillop campaigned on wildfire prevention and voted yes on and , each of which passed and moves it forward.

2023202420252026

They raised it · 1

  • Requested a future update on fire safety, evacuation awareness, and public preparedness for Martinez residents. · 3 h 11 min 20 s in

Steps forward · 2

  1. Done · our readingAdopts the 2025 CCCFPD Fire Code and Wildland-Urban Interface Code with local changes.

  2. Early · our readingTakes the first of two votes to put the 2025 CCCFPD Wildland-Urban Interface Code into city rules.

Related only · 3

  1. Our readingContracts for maintenance of fire hydrants that crews had fallen behind on inspecting and testing.

  2. Our readingSets aside money for fire hydrant and valve maintenance, not evacuation routes, grazing or weed clearing.

  3. Our readingAccepts the city's 2024 update to its part of the county Hazard Mitigation Plan, without naming wildfire steps.

P 100 × A 1.00 + L 10 + I 10 − C 0 = S 100 · weight 2

Open space preservation

Campaigned on

Preserve open space by working with the Alhambra Highlands subcommittee.

Councilmember McKillop campaigned on open space preservation and voted yes on , which passed and moves it forward.

2023202420252026

Steps forward · 1

  1. Committed · our readingContracts with the John Muir Land Trust to evaluate the Alhambra Highlands Open Space project.

Related only · 2

  1. Our readingNames a canyon and its fire road for Barbara Woodburn, citing her open space preservation legacy.

  2. Our readingSigns an agreement to transfer the former West Hills Farm parcel to the National Park Service, outside the Alhambra Highlands subcommittee.

P 80 × A 1.00 + L 0 + I 0 − C 0 = S 80 · weight 1

Fiscal accountability

Campaigned on

Work through the Budget and Finance group to push fiscal accountability and transparency for tax dollars.

Councilmember McKillop campaigned on fiscal accountability and voted yes on , , and 5 more, each of which passed and moves it forward.

2023202420252026

Steps forward · 9

  1. Done · our readingAdopts rewritten city buying rules and cancels separate payment card rules.

  2. Committed · our readingContracts with Maze & Associates for independent audits of the city's books.

  3. Early · our readingAdds a long-range financial forecast to the Baker Tilly contract to support financial planning.

  4. Done · our readingAdopts Budget Policy changes meant to strengthen budget discipline and improve financial transparency.

  5. Committed · our readingContracts with Public Trust Advisors, LLC for help managing the city's investments.

  6. Early · our readingContracts with Willdan Financial Services to study the true cost of city services.

  7. Committed · our readingExtends the MV Cheng & Associates contract for budgeting and accounting help, including a transparency portal.

  8. Committed · our readingExtends the Krisch & Company contract to catch up on backlogged accounting and bank reconciliations.

  9. Committed · our readingExtends the Maze & Associates contract for audit services.

Related only · 32

  1. Our readingHears the Quarterly Investment Report for the month ended June 30, 2026.

  2. Our readingTells the city clerk to review the rules on which officials must report their money and property.

  3. Our readingSets the cap on how much tax money the city may spend in the coming budget year.

  4. Our readingChanges the main budget to use the CERBT Section 115 Trust to pay retiree benefits other than pensions.

  5. Our readingChanges the city's spending plan by canceling a transfer, cutting planned spending and moving money to the Water Enterprise Fund.

  6. Our readingApproves the operating budget for the coming budget year and changes the budget for work on city property.

  7. Our readingHears a report on the cost of the Animal Services Agreement for the budget year from July 2026 to June 2027.

  8. Our readingApproves the city's Investment Policy with no changes.

  9. Our readingHears the Measure X Citizens' Oversight Committee's annual report for the 2025 budget year.

  10. Our readingHears the Measure D Citizens' Oversight Committee's annual report for the budget year ending in June 2025.

  11. Our readingNames an Interim Finance Manager while the city recruits a permanent Finance Manager.

  12. Our readingAccepts the audited yearly financial report used to evaluate the city's financial condition.

  13. Our readingHears the yearly report on fees charged to new building projects and how they were collected and spent.

  14. Our readingAdopts a city law raising council members' monthly pay, adding to the city's yearly budget.

  15. Our readingHears the quarterly investment report on the city's portfolio without deciding anything on it.

  16. Our readingApproves a four-year plan of goals built on a forecast of the city's revenue and spending trends.

  17. Our readingExtends a consulting contract for accounting services, with no step described toward accountability or transparency.

  18. Our readingApproves the operating budget and a state spending limit for the budget year.

  19. Our readingApproves budget changes to the Marina Enterprise Fund, including an extra loan from the city's main account.

  20. Our readingLets the city manager sign a contract with MV Cheng & Associates for budgeting and accounting services.

  21. Our readingChanges the city's fee schedule so fees only cover the cost of running services.

  22. Our readingAccepts the audited Annual Comprehensive Financial Report and moves leftover money into set-aside reserves.

  23. Our readingApproves changes to the operating and Capital Improvement Program budgets after staff reviewed revenue and spending.

  24. Our readingEnds the Measure H Citizen Bond Oversight Committee that watched park, library and pool spending.

  25. Our readingContracts for a four-year plan meant to set city goals and guide the budget process.

  26. Our readingPuts in place updated rules on which officials must report their money and property.

  27. Readings disagree · not countedApproves mid-year budget changes, including tracking American Rescue Plan Act money in its own fund.

  28. Our readingHears the Water Utility Financial Plan and Rates Study and sets a date for anyone to speak before a vote on rates.

  29. Our readingSets up the City's Appropriations Limit for the budget year 2023-24, a routine spending limit.

  30. Our readingApproves the Biennial Budget for July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2025, with no accountability step described.

  31. Our readingApproves the city's five-year Capital Improvement Program for July 2023 to June 2028.

  32. Our readingApproves rules on which officials must report their money and property, not on how tax dollars are spent.

P 100 × A 1.00 + L 10 + I 0 − C 0 = S 100 · weight 1

Waterfront amphitheater

Campaigned on

Reclaim the Waterfront Amphitheater and redesign it for events and gatherings.

Councilmember McKillop campaigned on waterfront amphitheater; the official minutes from 1392 show no decision that moves it forward.

2023202420252026

Steps against · 1

  1. Done · our readingKeeps part of the Waterfront Amphitheater as a Temporary Dog Park for up to three more years.

P 0 × A 0.00 + L 0 + I 0 − C 0 = S 0 · weight 1

Unhoused relocation

Campaigned on

Work with nonprofit groups to aid in relocating those without housing.

Councilmember McKillop campaigned on unhoused relocation; the official minutes from 1392 show no decision that moves it forward.

Related only · 2

  1. Our readingPuts in place a city rule on camping, sleeping in vehicles and orders to leave city property.

  2. Our readingApproves county outreach and referral services, not a nonprofit relocation effort.

P 0 × A 0.00 + L 0 + I 0 − C 0 = S 0 · weight 1

Police hiring and retention

Campaigned on

Recruit and keep police officers who reflect community values, easing low staffing and double shifts.

Councilmember McKillop campaigned on police hiring and retention and voted yes on and , each of which passed and moves it forward.

2023202420252026

Steps forward · 3

  1. Committed · our readingKeeps a hiring incentive program to recruit officers for a short-staffed police department.

  2. Committed · our readingContinues paying a referral bonus, relocation help and academy cost repayment to recruit officers.

  3. Committed · our readingStarts a hiring incentive program to fill vacant police officer positions.

Related only · 10

  1. Our readingHears the Measure X Citizens' Oversight Committee's annual report without any step on police hiring.

  2. Our readingApproves pay and other terms for police officers for two years, without steps on hiring or staffing.

  3. Our readingSets the city's share of health care costs for working and retired police officers as CalPERS requires.

  4. Our readingApproves updated police job descriptions meant to help attract and retain staff.

  5. Our readingChanges the police labor agreement section setting extra pay for working certain shifts.

  6. Our readingReplaces one police lieutenant position with a police captain position.

  7. Our readingSets flat amounts for CalPERS medical coverage for Sworn active employees and retirees.

  8. Our readingGives a 2.8% wage increase to police officers, without naming recruitment or retention.

  9. Our readingChanges the chief of police salary without addressing recruiting or keeping police officers.

  10. Our readingChanges police officers' pay mid-contract without saying it is aimed at recruiting or keeping officers.

P 80 × A 1.00 + L 0 + I 0 − C 0 = S 80 · weight 1.5

High-density transit housing

Campaigned on

Plan denser housing near the train station and downtown for seniors, young adults and people without cars.

Councilmember McKillop campaigned on high-density transit housing and voted yes on and , each of which passed and moves it forward.

2023202420252026

Steps forward · 2

  1. Done · our readingAdopts parking rules in line with the Metropolitan Transportation Commission's Transit-Oriented Communities Policy.

  2. Early · our readingTakes first votes on rezoning 32 downtown parcels and new overlay districts alongside the Revised housing plan.

Related only · 18

  1. Our readingUpdates definitions to follow the regional transit agency's Transit-Oriented Communities policy, without planning denser housing.

  2. Our readingTakes a first vote updating condominium conversion rules to match the Transit Oriented Communities Policy.

  3. Our readingAdds Mixed-Use Housing to the land-use map at sites on Arnold Drive, Howe Road and Arnold Industrial Way.

  4. Our readingAcknowledges county financing for an affordable housing project on Alhambra Avenue.

  5. Our readingAllows homes in commercial areas and updates transit stop rules in the zoning code.

  6. Our readingAdopts new design rules for multifamily and mixed-use buildings and updates Downtown Overlay District rules.

  7. Our readingTakes a first vote on allowing housing in commercial areas and changing transit stop rules.

  8. Our readingAdopts a zoning chapter for micro units in housing and business areas.

  9. Our readingTakes a first vote on design standards for multifamily and mixed-use housing.

  10. Our readingMoves a parcel into the Downtown Transition district and raises homes-per-acre allowed in the DS zone.

  11. Our readingTakes a first vote on smaller micro unit housing without naming the train station or downtown.

  12. Our readingUpdates zoning rules on height and floor space to match the housing plan.

  13. Our readingTakes a first vote on a program letting developers build more in exchange for public benefits.

  14. Our readingTakes a first vote on lower parking minimums near public transit.

  15. Our readingReplaces the city's Density Bonus rules to match California's state Density Bonus Law.

  16. Our readingTakes a first vote on citywide density bonus rules without naming the train station or downtown.

  17. Our readingAdopts an affordable housing overlay without naming the train station or downtown.

  18. Our readingTakes the final vote on rezoning 32 downtown parcels and new overlay districts, without naming housing density.

P 100 × A 1.00 + L 10 + I 0 − C 0 = S 100 · weight 1

Affordable housing element

Campaigned on

Use the housing element to decide where housing goes, its height and density, including very low to moderate income units.

Councilmember McKillop campaigned on affordable housing element and voted yes on , , and 13 more, each of which passed and moves it forward.

2023202420252026

Steps forward · 16

  1. Done · our readingAdopts zoning law No. 1480 adding a chapter on affordable homes, implementing the housing plan.

  2. Early · our readingTakes a first vote on requiring certain housing projects to set aside a share of units as deed-restricted affordable housing.

  3. Done · our readingAdds Mixed-Use Housing to the land-use map to plan for homes including very low-, low- and moderate-income households.

  4. Done · our readingAdopts a law allowing homes in commercial areas and clarifying size and height limits for accessory dwelling units.

  5. Early · our readingTakes a first vote on allowing housing in commercial areas and clarifying backyard cottage size and height rules.

  6. Done · our readingRezones housing plan sites and raises homes-per-acre allowed in the DS zone.

  7. Early · our readingDeclares city properties surplus land as the housing plan requires, with outreach to affordable housing developers.

  8. Early · our readingTakes a first vote on a micro units zoning law the housing plan commits the city to.

  9. Done · our readingUpdates the Fee Deferral Program letting affordable housing projects put off certain fees, as the housing plan requires.

  10. Early · our readingTakes the first of two votes on a law for unpermitted dwelling units the housing plan requires.

  11. Done · our readingAdopts zoning rules on height, setbacks and floor space to match the 2023-2031 housing plan.

  12. Done · our readingSets up a Fee Deferral Program for affordable housing projects as the housing plan requires.

  13. Early · our readingTakes the first of two votes on density bonus rules allowing extra density to offset affordable housing costs.

  14. Done · our readingAdopts an Affordable Housing Overlay District to allow homes for very low-, low- and moderate-income households.

  15. Early · our readingTakes the first of two votes rezoning parcels to Residential and updating accessory dwelling unit rules.

  16. Early · our readingSends the Revised 2023-2031 housing plan for certification and takes first votes on rezoning downtown parcels.

Related only · 20

  1. Our readingSigns a contract to study the fee builders pay instead of including affordable homes in a project.

  2. Our readingTakes a first vote on zoning and subdivision rules, not on the housing element.

  3. Our readingReviews the yearly report on the city's 2023-2031 housing plan programs and sends it to the state.

  4. Our readingTakes a first vote changing condominium conversion rules, not the housing element.

  5. Our readingChanges accessory dwelling unit rules at the request of the California Department of Housing and Community Development.

  6. Our readingAdopts city law No. 1482 following the 2025 CCCFPD Fire Code, without addressing fire access roads or CERT.

  7. Our readingSells surplus land the housing plan required declaring, under a law aimed at affordable housing.

  8. Our readingTakes a first vote on new fire codes without naming fire access roads or the CERT team.

  9. Our readingAdopts new design rules for multifamily and mixed-use buildings.

  10. Our readingAdopts a zoning chapter for micro units under the housing plan.

  11. Our readingSpends city funds on fire hydrant maintenance, not on fire access roads or the CERT team.

  12. Our readingTakes a first vote on zoning changes the housing plan commits the city to make.

  13. Our readingAdopts an amnesty program for homes built without permits and updates accessory dwelling unit rules.

  14. Our readingHears the Annual Progress Report on the status of the housing plan and sends it to the state.

  15. Our readingSets aside city water fund money for fire hydrant and valve maintenance and testing.

  16. Our readingTakes a first vote on zoning chapter updates on definitions and housing.

  17. Our readingReplaces the city's Density Bonus rules to match California's state Density Bonus Law.

  18. Our readingHears the yearly housing plan progress report and sends it to state agencies.

  19. Our readingTakes the final vote on overlay districts and downtown rezoning, without naming housing element sites or income levels.

  20. Our readingTakes the final vote on new accessory dwelling unit rules, outside the housing element itself.

P 100 × A 1.00 + L 10 + I 0 − C 0 = S 100 · weight 1

Ferry service

Campaigned on

Keep pursuing ferry service to Martinez.

Councilmember McKillop campaigned on ferry service; the official minutes from 1392 show no decision that moves it forward.

Related only · 4

  1. Our readingApproves a yearly registration fee on vacant properties, without contacting owners about what keeps businesses out.

  2. Our readingChanges the rules on empty buildings and property, the same subject, without contacting owners about new businesses.

  3. Our readingTakes a first vote on rules for vacant buildings and property, without contacting owners about new businesses.

  4. Our readingPuts off the hearing on vacant property rules, without contacting owners of empty commercial properties.

P 0 × A 0.00 + L 0 + I 0 − C 0 = S 0 · weight 1

Vacant storefronts

Campaigned on

Contact owners of vacant business properties to learn what barriers keep tenants from moving in.

Councilmember McKillop campaigned on vacant storefronts; the official minutes from 1392 show no decision that moves it forward.

Related only · 7

  1. Our readingContracts for a system that takes payments for water bills, permits and the Police Department in one place.

  2. Our readingSeeks ideas for remaking a vacant city-owned building, not privately owned business properties.

  3. Our readingCharges a yearly fee per vacant property instead of learning what keeps tenants from moving in.

  4. Our readingAdopts changed rules on empty buildings and empty property, without reaching out to owners about barriers.

  5. Our readingTakes a first vote on rewriting rules on vacant buildings and property, without reaching out to owners.

  6. Our readingPuts off the hearing on vacant property rules to a set date.

  7. Our readingApproves plans and seeks bids to clear the vacant Old Train Depot for reuse for food, retail or cultural purposes.

P 0 × A 0.00 + L 0 + I 0 − C 0 = S 0 · weight 1

Voting record

Each decision the official minutes record them voting on, and the motions they made, from the minutes of Dec 2022 to Sep 2026. A row opens its meeting.

Show decisions

What
How the minutes record their vote
Year
2026113 decisions
2025144 decisions
2024113 decisions
202372 decisions
20227 decisions
About, contacts and sources

One of the five votes on the council, elected by one district for four years.

Office
Councilmember, District 4
Term ends
Dec 2026
History
Elected November 2014
Email
dmckillop@cityofmartinez.org
Council office
(925) 372-3505
City Hall
525 Henrietta Street, Martinez, CA 94553

The city's council pageTerms on the city's board list