Candidate Close Up 2024: Jeff Starke

Jeff Starke is running to represent District 2 for Irvine City Council. Photo credit Jeff Starke

Jeff Starke, a candidate for Irvine’s District 2 City Council seat, is keenly aware that District 2 has been underrepresented for far too long. During a recent interview via Zoom, Starke, who has lived in Irvine for nearly a decade, said the focus of City Council needs to be rebalanced.

 “Our district is a newer part of the city,” Starke said. “Portola Springs is mostly new, Cypress Village is 10 or 12 years old, and much of the Great Park is only five or six years old. I don’t feel that we’ve been represented well on the city council. A lot of representation comes from the other side of town, and it feels like their priorities have taken precedence over ours.”

Starke pointed to issues with Sand Canyon as a prime example of the district's challenges. The road has become increasingly dangerous with the large number of garbage trucks that travel on it daily to reach the city’s Bowerman Landfill.

“We have to deal with 500 garbage trucks a day heading to Bowerman,” he said. “These trucks don’t belong on surface streets, especially with more cyclists using Sand Canyon. It creates a dangerous situation, with trucks blocking drivers' views and garbage flying out. We need to push for an exit off the 133 freeway to keep those trucks off our streets.”

 Another major concern for Starke is the lack of retail spaces in the district. With Woodbury Town Center being the only retail space in District 2, and 9,000 new homes coming to the Great Park area, retail options are increasingly inadequate.

“We need to get the retail space in the Great Park completed and keep the project on schedule,” Starke emphasized. “There’s more housing to be built, so we can’t afford delays.”

Starke is also focused on improving safety around e-bikes, which have become a popular mode of transportation, especially among younger residents. He acknowledges that while e-bikes are beneficial, they have led to dangerous situations on the streets.

“Everyone in the city has encountered a dangerous situation with e-bikes, so we need better regulations,” he said. “We have laws, but enforcement has been ineffective. I think we need more parental involvement, especially for children using e-bikes. I’ve taught my own kids how to ride safely, but once they’re out of my sight, I can’t be sure they’re following the rules.”

Starke remains committed to finding a balance that encourages the use of e-bikes while ensuring the safety of the community.

“We don’t want to ban e-bikes—they’re important for students commuting to school,” Starke said, “but safety needs to be addressed.”

A member of Irvine’s Finance Commission, Starke believes his experience on that board has prepared him for a role on the City Council. He said he has learned to ask the right questions and communicate effectively with fellow commission members, both skills he believes are crucial in city governance.

“To be an effective council member, you need to communicate and build coalitions,” he said. “You can’t get anything done alone—you need four votes to pass anything.”

When asked about what motivated him to run for city council, Starke’s answer was rooted in his strong connection to the community. Having served as a volunteer in his children’s schools and as a PTA board member, he said he sees this next step as a way to continue giving back: “I’ve talked to a lot of people in the community and know their concerns, so I feel like I can make a positive impact.”

Starke has also lived in various cities across the U.S., including Baltimore and the outskirts of Detroit. These experiences have shaped his vision for Irvine. He recognizes the opportunity Irvine has as a relatively new city. Without the burdens of older, industrialized cities, he said he believes the city can leverage its advantages to implement sustainable infrastructure and progressive values.

“Irvine was built with a master plan, with villages that have retail and schools within walking distance,” Starke explained. “I think we can build on that and show these programs work in the modern day.”

Starke acknowledged that Irvine still faces significant challenges, especially related to affordable housing.

“If housing is too expensive, businesses will struggle to attract workers,” Starke said. “Young entrepreneurs won’t choose Irvine if they can’t afford to live here.”

Starke’s focus on improving transportation infrastructure is another cornerstone of his platform. He said he sees a need for more bike infrastructure and believes that protected bike lanes would benefit Irvine. Additionally, he said he supports the city’s general plan, which aims to create denser housing and transportation hubs.

“If we had those denser housing areas,” said Starke, “it could serve as a catalyst for more mass transit, helping us overcome transportation challenges.”

In one sentence, Starke summed up why he believes voters should support his campaign: “I’m dedicated to representing the interests of our district and its members above all else.”

As the election approaches, Starke is hopeful that his platform, focused on traffic safety, housing, and infrastructure, will resonate with residents of District 2.