Ahead of the special election for the Irvine City Council District 5 seat, the Orange County Register compiled a list of questions to pose to the candidates who wish to represent you. You can find the full questionnaire below. Questionnaires have been edited for spelling, grammar, length and, in some instances, to remove hate speech and offensive language.
Name: Betty Martinez Franco
Other political positions held: Immediate past Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee vice-chair for the city of Irvine
City where you reside: Irvine
Also read: As voting begins for Irvine’s Fifth District election, here’s where the candidates stand on issues
In your opinion, what are the biggest issues facing Irvine? And, what do you plan to do about them?
Irvine is a beautiful city, but the cost of living pushes out the very people who keep it running, like our teachers, nurses, firefighters and students. More than 53% of Irvine residents are renters, yet skyrocketing housing costs leave many struggling. I support Mayor Agran’s idea of setting aside more existing apartments at below-market rates, ensuring our workforce can live in the city they serve. I will advocate for housing solutions that work for both renters and homeowners, keeping Irvine’s economy strong and its neighborhoods thriving.
Small businesses are the heart of our community, but many face high operational costs and limited resources. As a small business owner myself, I understand the challenges entrepreneurs face. That is why I will push for business-friendly policies, streamline permit processes and create more incentives for local businesses to set up shop in Irvine. Investing in small businesses means more jobs, a stronger local economy, and a vibrant city.
Traffic congestion and public safety remain major concerns. We need better public transportation options and safer bike and pedestrian pathways to ease traffic. I will also work closely with law enforcement and community leaders to enhance safety measures that protect all residents.
What is your vision for the city as undeveloped land becomes scarcer but its population continues to grow?
As Irvine continues to grow, we must be proactive in planning for our future. Growth is inevitable, but it must be managed responsibly to preserve our city’s quality of life. Irvine’s master plan has served us well, but it must evolve to meet the demands of a growing population without overburdening our existing infrastructure.
That means developing new housing in strategic locations, such as near shopping centers, public transportation and recreational spaces, so that residents can live, work and enjoy their community without adding unnecessary congestion to our roads. We must also ensure new developments include the schools, parks and services needed to support them so that our classrooms don’t become overcrowded and our neighborhoods remain vibrant.
Responsible growth means avoiding overdevelopment in already dense areas and ensuring that any expansion is paired with the necessary infrastructure — better roads, reliable public transit and well-funded schools.
What do you think the city should do to address homelessness? Are you in support of building and operating a city-run shelter?
Homelessness is a growing challenge in Irvine and across California. We need a compassionate, long-term strategy that prioritizes housing, mental health services, and job opportunities to help people get back on their feet.
I support expanding transitional and permanent supportive housing options so that individuals experiencing homelessness can find stable, safe places to live while receiving the resources they need. This includes partnering with local nonprofits and county agencies to provide wraparound services like mental health care, addiction treatment, and workforce training.
While a city-run shelter could be part of the solution, it cannot be the only answer. Shelters provide temporary relief, but they don’t solve the root causes of homelessness. We need to focus on creating more affordable housing options, especially for individuals at risk of becoming homeless.
Additionally, Irvine should work regionally with surrounding cities and Orange County to ensure that homelessness is addressed in a coordinated way rather than placing the burden solely on one community.
Irvine set a goal to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030, but staff said last year the city won’t hit that target in time. What are your ideas to make Irvine more energy-efficient and greener?
One of my top priorities is expanding renewable energy adoption. I support increasing incentives for homeowners and businesses to install solar panels and invest in energy-efficient upgrades. We should also explore community solar programs to make clean energy accessible to renters and lower-income households.
Transportation is one of the most significant contributors to emissions. We must improve public transit options, invest in safer biking and walking infrastructure and push for expanded EV charging stations throughout the city. Encouraging businesses to adopt green commuting incentives, like subsidizing transit passes or providing bike-friendly amenities, can also make a difference.
Irvine’s Master Plan has helped keep our city green, but we need to expand urban tree canopy coverage and invest in more sustainable landscaping, such as increasing the use of drought-resistant native plants.
What makes you a good leader, and how would you represent the diverse communities of your district and city?
I am a leader who listens, builds bridges and takes action to create meaningful change. As a longtime Irvine resident, I have spent years working to uplift diverse communities. I served on Irvine’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee for nearly three years, collaborating with city leaders to ensure all residents feel heard and valued.
Through my multicultural public relations agency, I help industries authentically connect with diverse communities. My job is to find solutions, bring people together and amplify the often overlooked voices. I will bring this same approach to the Irvine City Council, ensuring every resident has a seat at the table, regardless of background.
As the first Latina (woman) ever to run for Irvine City Council, I understand firsthand the importance of representation. Latinos are the third-largest demographic in our city and District 5, yet we have never had a voice in City Hall that reflects our perspective. Representation matters, not just for Latinos, but for every resident who wants a city government that genuinely understands and serves its people.
My leadership is rooted in inclusivity, collaboration and problem-solving. I will work tirelessly to address our city’s most pressing challenges, from housing affordability to economic development while ensuring Irvine remains a welcoming, thriving and forward-thinking community for all.
