Pleasanton Councilmember Julie Testa formally declared her candidacy for mayor on Aug. 10, setting up a contest against first-term incumbent Jack Balch. Testa stated that she felt compelled to run because her absence would reduce the diversity of viewpoints on the city council. She described her role as balancing the current body and emphasized her commitment to independent leadership and listening to residents.
The central point of contention between the two candidates is the city’s fiscal strategy, specifically the failed 2024 Measure PP. This ballot measure proposed a 0.5% sales tax increase to address deficits but was rejected by voters, with 54.2% voting against it. Testa argued that Balch turned the tax issue into a divisive topic during his campaign.
In the measure’s absence, the city implemented approximately $6 million in service cuts for the 2025-26 budget, including reductions to library hours, commission support, and landscaping.
Following his election in 2025, Balch commissioned a $33,000 financial study by Eide Bailly. The report confirmed staff projections of an annual deficit ranging from $10 million to $22 million over the next decade. Testa opposed the study, arguing it signaled distrust in city staff.
She has since attempted to bring the tax increase back for council discussion but reported facing resistance from the council majority.
Testa also highlighted her opposition to using pension funds to balance the current budget and her recent vote against a development agreement for the Arroyo Lago housing project. She and Councilmember Jeff Nibert voted against the deal, which requires developer 330 Land Company to contribute $3 million toward El Charro Road upgrades, a figure below the $8 million recommended by city staff.
