Suisun City waterfront
Dr. Jenalee Dawson  ·  Suisun City Council
A Record of
Accomplishments
Keeping Suisun Moving Forward — Leadership That Took Action and Delivered Real Results
✓
New City Manager Hired
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New City Attorney Firm Selected
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Measure S Renewed by Voters
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Economic Development Strategy Adopted
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15+ Active Development Projects
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First Trash Service RFP in 50+ Years
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Regional Homelessness Partnerships
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Five-Year Strategic Plan Adopted
Suisun City Council

First Term Results

2023
Restoring
Stability
🏛️
2023Restoring Stability
  • Inherited significant fiscal challenges; developed a clear recovery strategy
  • Utilized reserves responsibly while establishing long-term fiscal recovery plan
  • Hired a new City Manager and reset organizational direction
  • Increased transparency and accountability at City Hall
  • Began regional and local efforts to address homelessness
  • Supported cleanup of illegal dumping and encampments
2024
Protecting
What Matters
🛡️
2024Protecting What Matters
  • Measure S renewal approved by Suisun City voters
  • New City Attorney firm selected — stronger legal direction
  • Protected funding for Police, Fire, EMS, parks and city services
  • Expanded community beautification efforts citywide
  • Supported recreation and quality-of-life investments for families
  • Continued homelessness outreach and regional coordination
2025
Turning
the Corner
📈
2025Turning the Corner
  • Adopted Suisun City's Five-Year Strategic Plan
  • Adopted Economic Development Strategy for long-term growth
  • Rebuilt reserves and strengthened the fiscal outlook
  • Advanced 15+ active development projects across the city
  • Focused growth through responsible infill development
  • Initiated first trash service RFP in more than 50 years
  • Continued investment in infrastructure and economic vitality
NOW
Delivering
the Vision
CurrentDelivering the Vision
  • Implementing Strategic Plan priorities across all city departments
  • Supporting housing stability and economic opportunity citywide
  • Advancing infrastructure improvements throughout Suisun City
  • Protecting public safety — fully funding police, fire and EMS
  • Investing in parks and community amenities for all residents
  • Serving as Mayor Pro Tem 2024–2026 — leading with integrity
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Compassion & Accountability

Addressing Homelessness with Results

  • Worked locally and regionally to address homelessness across jurisdictions
  • Helped secure funding for recovery and skills pathways programs
  • Supported illegal dumping cleanup efforts throughout the city
  • Addressed encampments through legal enforcement and outreach
  • Coordinated with multiple jurisdictions and service providers
  • Built regional homelessness partnerships for long-term solutions
40%
Homelessness
Reduced
Since 2023
Professional Background

A Career in Community Service

Executive Leadership in Community Services
  • Regional nonprofit Director overseeing multi-program community services divisions serving tens of thousands of individuals across Northern California
  • Executive oversight of multi-million dollar federal, state, and foundation grant portfolios — ensuring compliance, fiscal stewardship, and measurable community impact
  • Leads geographically dispersed teams of program managers, social workers, case managers, and outreach staff across multiple service sites
  • Represents the organization before government bodies, boards of directors, and legislative audiences on program priorities and policy positions
Social Work & Direct Community Services
  • Extensive background in social work practice — case management, eligibility determination, and direct service delivery for low-income and vulnerable populations
  • Led community education programs focused on healthcare access, financial literacy, life skills, and wraparound support services
  • Built and managed referral networks across partner agencies, healthcare systems, and county departments
  • Grounded in trauma-informed, client-centered practice with a deep commitment to equity and community well-being

🎓 Education & Academic Credentials

Ph.D. — Human & Social Services
Specialization: Marriage & Family Therapy  ·  Focus: Childhood Trauma & Vulnerable Populations
Master of Social Work (MSW)
Advanced practice in community systems, policy advocacy, and human services leadership
M.A. — Human & Family Development
Focus on family systems, development, and community-based interventions
M.A. — Philosophy
Ethics, critical reasoning, and applied philosophy in public service
B.A. — Sociology
Social structures, community dynamics, and inequality
B.S. — Criminal Justice
Justice systems, policy, and public safety frameworks
Community & Public Service

Leadership Roles

Mayor Pro Tem — Suisun City Council
Director — Suisun City Housing Authority
Board Member — Solano County Continuum of Care
Board President — Fairfield-Suisun Sewer District
Board Director — Suisun Water Authority
Board Member — CAP Solano Joint Powers Authority
Director — Suisun City Successor Agency
Committee Member — Solano County Master Plan on Aging
Board President — Faith in Action (Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers)
Alternate Board Member — Solano Transportation Authority
Advisory Board — Solano Partnership Against Violence (Past Chair)
Representative — Tripartite Advisory Board of Solano County
Board Member — Area Agency on Aging
Board Member — Senior Coalition of Solano County
Volunteer Driver — Meals on Wheels Solano
Food Distribution Site Manager — Contra Costa & Solano Food Bank
Panelist — Solano County D.A. Neighborhood Court Program
★ National ROMA Certified (Results-Oriented Management & Accountability)
★ Certified Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence Advocate
★ 2019 Solano County Woman of the Year — Congressman John Garamendi
Dr. Jenalee Dawson
A Lifelong Suisun City Resident

More Than a Record

Dr. Jenalee Dawson is a lifelong Suisun City resident and working parent who has devoted over 17 years to nonprofit leadership and community service. From frontline social work and community advocacy to executive nonprofit and public-sector leadership — she has consistently chosen people over politics and community over self.

"I'm not just your Council Member — I'm your neighbor, your advocate, and a Suisun City resident who will always show up."

Every accomplishment on this page reflects real work done for real Suisun City families. Re-elect Dr. Jenalee Dawson on November 3, 2026 to keep that work moving forward.

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