Why Julia? – Julia Fraser

Experience & Leadership

15 Years of Proven Public Service. Thoughtful Leadership. Ready to Serve Kelowna.

Why My Experience Makes Me Ready to Serve on Kelowna City Council

For the past 15 years, I have had the privilege of serving the residents of the Central Okanagan as an elected School Trustee. During that time, I have gained the knowledge, leadership experience, and practical governance skills that are directly transferable to serving as a Kelowna City Councillor.

Municipal government is about making thoughtful decisions that balance community priorities with financial responsibility. As a Trustee, I have been doing exactly that for more than a decade and a half.

Strategic Planning & Long-Term Vision

Throughout my time on the Board of Education, I have helped develop and implement long-term strategic plans that guide one of the largest organizations in the Central Okanagan.

As Chair of numerous committees—including Finance & Planning, Planning & Facilities, Education & Student Services, Finance & Audit, Policy, and Executive Staff Management—I have worked alongside fellow elected officials, senior administration, community partners, and residents to establish priorities, measure outcomes, and ensure accountability.

Strategic planning means preparing today for the community of tomorrow. Whether planning for population growth, new schools, transportation needs, or major capital projects, I have consistently focused on thoughtful, evidence-based decisions that benefit our community for years to come.

These same leadership skills are essential on Kelowna City Council as we plan for responsible growth, infrastructure investment, housing, transportation, parks, and community amenities.

Financial Stewardship & Responsible Budgeting

One of the most important responsibilities of any elected official is safeguarding taxpayers’ dollars.

For over 15 years, I have overseen budgets totaling hundreds of millions of dollars annually while serving on the Board of Education. As Chair of both the Finance & Audit Committee and the Finance & Planning Committee, every budget decision required balancing limited resources with growing community needs.

Her leadership experience includes:

Balancing annual operating budgets
Managing rising costs and inflation
Protecting frontline services
Reviewing audits and financial statements
Planning long-term financial sustainability
Prioritizing infrastructure investments
Advocating for additional government funding
Ensuring transparency and accountability

Kelowna faces many of these same challenges. My experience making balanced, evidence-based financial decisions will allow me to contribute immediately on Council.

Public Consultation & Community Engagement

Good governance begins with listening.

Throughout my career as a Trustee, I have believed that the best decisions are made after hearing from the people they affect.

I have participated in hundreds of public meetings, consultation sessions, school visits, community forums, and stakeholder discussions.

I have worked closely with parents, students, Indigenous communities, teachers, support staff, neighbourhood associations, businesses, municipalities, and provincial government representatives.

Whether discussing school boundaries, capital projects, transportation, policy changes, or annual budgets, I have consistently encouraged respectful dialogue and meaningful public participation.

City Council requires the same collaborative approach. Residents deserve elected officials who listen first, seek common ground, and make informed decisions that reflect the interests of the broader community.

Health Promoting Schools Committee

Committee Member

Human Rights Committee

A Proven Record of Service

For 15 years, I have earned the trust of residents by making thoughtful, balanced decisions that put the community first.

I believe the role of an elected official is to listen carefully, ask thoughtful questions, make informed decisions, and remain accountable to the people they serve.

Kelowna deserves experienced leadership that understands governance, strategic planning, financial stewardship, and community engagement.

I am ready to bring that experience to City Council.

Together, we can build a Kelowna that remains financially responsible, thoughtfully planned, and a wonderful place to live, work, raise a family, and retire.