A New Kind of Leadership
Pooneh is committed to working hard every single day for the people of Vancouver. She believes that great solutions come from listening to every voice in the community.
“When we work together, we can create real, lasting change that reflects our shared values and goals.” She’s ready to fight for a safer, stronger, cleaner Vancouver—and for the people who call it home.
Let’s build a better Vancouver—together.
Click audio below to listen to the KXRV Spotlight for Justice interview with Pooneh Gray and Host Michelle Bart
Check out the Pooneh Gray Interview by Rooted with James Oneil
Addressing Homelessness
Firm Boundaries,
Compassionate Solutions
Pooneh has experienced poverty and believes homelessness is one of Vancouver’s most pressing challenges. Vancouver deserves solutions that protect both public safety and human dignity. She believes restricting and eventually prohibiting urban camping while expanding critical services will lead to successful outcomes.
She will lead efforts to:
- Expand transitional housing
- Expand Drug Recovery and Mental Health services
- Job Training Programs
Victim Advocacy & Justice Reform
Turning Pain Into Purpose
In 1989, Pooneh’s mother was murdered—and her father was wrongfully convicted. As a college student, Pooneh became her younger brother’s guardian. For more than 30 years, she worked to ensure her mother’s true killer was held accountable.
Pooneh believes public safety is a shared responsibility—one that begins with ensuring law enforcement has the training and support needed to serve the community effectively and compassionately.
Pooneh’s Top Priorities will be:
- Public Safety
- Support funding for law enforcement, fire and emergency services
- Promote community safety by design through improving lighting, walkability and public spaces
- Will listen to residents and work with neighborhoods on safety concerns
- Advocate for criminal justice reform
Economic Opportunity
Building a Stronger Future
Pooneh knows that tax increases are often passed onto working families and consumers, driving up the cost of everyday goods. She believes significant responsibility comes with managing taxpayer dollars and will ensure that public funds are used efficiently, transparently, and for the benefit of the entire community.
As a business owner, she’s seen firsthand how policy can help—or hinder—economic growth. She believes Vancouver should be a city that empowers its people to build and create a strong economy.
On City Council, Pooneh will:
- Support responsible policies that avoid unnecessary tax burdens
- Promote job creation and local workforce development
- Create an environment for business startups and expansions to thrive in Vancouver
My 2025 Champion of Justice Award Speech
About Pooneh
For more than three decades, Pooneh has created transitional housing programs for the most vulnerable individuals in both the public and private sectors. Her work includes treatment, rehabilitation and skills training. She has provided paths to independence for many by creating safe, stable housing environments.
As a business owner, Pooneh understands real-world challenges including job creation and team building. She knows how to create opportunities and will bring that entrepreneurial, solutions-driven mindset to City Council.
READ FULL BIO
