My opponent has been spreading lots of misinformation about me. Get the facts about the battery storage project, my support for Proposition 13, the salary increase I declined, and how I’ve made roads a priority.
For years, real estate developers had a friend in the District 4 Supervisor. They donated more than $150,000 to elect former Supervisor Lynn Compton and keep her in power. And during that time, Nipomo and the rest of South County saw unprecedented growth. It’s hard to name a housing project that Lynn Compton didn’t vote to approve.
I first ran for District 4 Supervisor in 2018 because I knew we needed someone who wasn’t beholden to developers. Yes, we need housing, but that doesn’t mean sprawling luxury developments are the answer. We need to preserve the hills, oak woodlands, and farmland that make this place special while focusing on building housing that our families, seniors, and workforce can actually afford.
I ran on a commitment that I would judge every housing project fairly and independently and only vote to approve a project if it was right for South County. That’s why I pledged not to accept campaign contributions from real estate developers—a promise I have kept since 2018.
Developers didn’t like that, and they spent tens of thousands of dollars to defeat me. They knew they couldn’t buy my vote.
After I was elected in 2023, they especially didn’t like that I voted against the Dana Reserve project, one of the largest and most controversial housing projects in South County history. A project that increases the Nipomo population by 25%, adding more than 1400 homes and requiring the removal of 3000 native oak trees was clearly not the right fit for a community that needs more investment in roads, parks, and public safety.
Now those same developers that controlled South County before I was elected are desperately fighting to get the District 4 seat back, and they’ve found their perfect candidate in Adam Verdin. Someone who doesn’t have a problem accepting tens of thousands of dollars from them. Someone who used to work for the Dana Reserve developer. And most importantly, someone who will rubber stamp any housing project they put forward regardless of its impacts on the surrounding community.
I refuse to let South County go back to a time when developers controlled our future. We need someone who will focus on real affordability issues but also isn’t afraid to say “No” to a project if it isn’t right for our community.
That’s been my position from day one, and why I’m running for re-election. I hope you’ll join me in this fight.
I’m Jimmy Paulding and I ask for your vote on or before June 2, 2026.
Jimmy’s opponent has claimed that Jimmy helped get the Caballero Battery Storage Project approved in Nipomo. That’s false, and the “evidence” he’s sharing are from emails that were sent more than a year after the project had already been approved by the Planning Commission in June 2023.
Here are the facts:
Jimmy never voted on the battery storage project. And he had zero communication with the developer until after the project was approved.
So during a radio interview when Jimmy said the project “wasn’t even on my radar” before the project was approved, that was the truth. The project had not received any public interest or opposition, and he not been involved with it in any capacity.
Listen to the full Dave Congalton radio interview here (discussion starts around 13:53)
In December 2024 — nearly 18 months after the project had been fully approved by the Planning Commission — the project developer contacted Jimmy’s office with permitting questions. Jimmy’s staff helped facilitate communication with County departments to ensure timely responses. That is a standard constituent service he provides to property owners, businesses, and residents across the district on a near weekly basis.
Here’s what Jimmy’s opponent doesn’t want you to know. Email records show that the battery storage project had been shared with former Supervisor Lynn Compton as far back 2019, yet she did nothing to alert the community or try to stop it.
If Adam Verdin believes Jimmy had a responsibility to warn the community about this project, why didn’t Lynn Compton—who has endorsed Adam—do so anytime during the 3 years she knew about the project while she was in office?
After the Moss Landing fire in January 2025, people in our community understandably began raising concerns about battery storage. Jimmy responded by improving the County’s notification standards for energy projects, helped organize additional safety training at the facility, and advocated for state legislation that has since increased battery safety requirements.
What did Adam Verdin do? He said he doesn’t have anything against battery storage projects and even declined to say he would have voted against the project if he had had a chance to do so (Dave Congalton Radio Interview 4/28/26).
Jimmy has always supported the taxpayer protections of Proposition 13. He’s also voted to ensure that support for Prop 13 was included in the County’s Legislative Platform every year he’s been a County Supervisor.
Adam Verdin claims the Legislative Platform Jimmy voted for in 2023 didn’t support Prop 13. That’s nonsense. Here’s the exact language from the platform:
“Oppose any legislation or initiative that proposes to modify Proposition 13. Specifically, oppose any proposal that would weaken the homeowner protections afforded by Proposition 13 by increasing or eliminating the 2% cap on annual property tax increases for homeowners. Oppose any legislation or proposal that would establish a so-called ‘Split Roll’ for property tax, which would thereby reduce protections for commercial property owners.”
Clear as day. Jimmy fully supports Prop 13 and always has.
It’s been suggested that Jimmy “voted himself a 26% pay raise,” but the truth is that Jimmy’s pay has stayed virtually the same the entire time he’s been in office.
While he voted to approve a salary increase for future County Supervisors back in 2023, Jimmy declined any raise for himself.
Former District 5 Supervisor Debbie Arnold didn’t even decline her own pay raise, and she received the Central Coast Taxpayers Association’s Hero of the Taxpayer Award!
Don’t believe it? Check out the records from Transparent California.
By declining the raise, Jimmy saved SLO County taxpayers over $65,000 during his first term.
And this isn’t the first time he’s declined a raise. As a member of the Arroyo Grande City Council, Jimmy voted against a council pay raise—twice.
Maintaining our roads and infrastructure has always been a critical responsibility of local government. Jimmy has made sure it’s a priority for the Board of Supervisors. The County has maintained consistent funding for our roads since 2017, and the data shows our Pavement Condition Index or PCI (essentially our road report card) has gone up in recent years.
Importantly, South County has seen big improvements since 2021:
That’s possible because the County has repaved 227 miles of roads since the year Jimmy was elected.
And when the Board received a recent report showing more funding was needed for the Road program, Jimmy directed staff to bring back a plan to increase funding in next year’s budget so we can keep our pavement program fully funded.
If there’s one thing that has shaped me more than anything else during my time walking neighborhoods, knocking on doors, and listening to people across South County, it’s the stories I hear from our seniors.
I can’t count how many times I’ve stood on a front porch and had a senior open the door slowly, smile, and say something like:
“I’m not as fast as I used to be.”
“My kids live far away now.”
“I’m worried about getting to my doctor next month.”
“I want to stay in my home… but everything keeps getting harder.”
Those conversations stay with you. They follow you back to the office. They guide every policy decision you make.
And for me, this work is personal.
My wife and I have lost all of our grandparents. We walked with them through the hard years — dementia, declining health, mobility challenges, the complicated maze of caregiving, and the slow, difficult loss of independence that so many families quietly endure. We saw the pressure it puts on spouses, siblings, and adult children. We saw the exhaustion. The fear. The moments of grace. And the deep grief.
That experience grounded me in what so many families are living right now. It’s why senior advocacy has never been a talking point for me — it’s been a mission.
And just a few months ago, that mission took on an even deeper meaning.
I went on a ride-along with the SLO County Long-Term Care Ombudsman, visiting care homes and speaking directly with isolated seniors who often have no one checking on them except the Ombudsman volunteers. I saw rooms where residents rarely get visitors. I saw the quiet loneliness that doesn’t show up in reports or budgets. I spoke with seniors who desperately want connection, dignity, and someone to notice when something isn’t right.
You can’t witness that and walk away unchanged.
You walk away with even more determination to make sure our seniors — the people who built our churches, our schools, our local businesses, and our community values — are not forgotten.
That is why the work we’re doing in SLO County for seniors and healthcare access matters so profoundly.
And this is the story of what we’ve achieved — and what’s still ahead.
This year, we reached an historic milestone: SLO County’s first Master Plan for Aging.
For decades, our county needed a comprehensive roadmap to serve the rapidly growing senior population — and now we finally have one.
This plan didn’t happen on its own. It emerged from months of listening:
The Master Plan for Aging focuses on four core pillars essential for independence and wellbeing:
• Housing: Safe, affordable options that allow seniors to age in place
• Healthcare: Improved access, shorter wait times, better coordination
• Emotional Wellbeing: Combating isolation and supporting mental health
• Caregiving: Strengthening support for family and professional caregivers
I’m especially grateful to our Department of Social Services, the MPA Advisory Committee, and senior leaders like Linda Beck, and the late Tauria Linala and Anne McCracken — whose voices have shaped this plan from the beginning.
This work reflects something fundamental: Our seniors deserve thoughtful, practical, long-term solutions — not empty promises.
One of the most common concerns I hear from seniors while walking precincts is:
“I can’t drive anymore… and I don’t know how I’m going to get to my appointments.”
Last year, that concern became a crisis when Wilshire Hospice abruptly closed and ended its transportation services — services that hundreds of seniors relied on.
Recognizing the urgency, my office stepped in to help Community Partners in Caring secure a new contract with SLOCOG and Caltrans, enabling them to expand their volunteer-based transportation and support services into Nipomo and the Five Cities — for the first time ever.
Transportation isn’t just mobility — it’s access to healthcare, nutrition, connection, and dignity.
This entire program runs on volunteer drivers. And the need in South County is enormous.
Even a couple of hours a month can be life-changing for a senior with no family nearby.
To learn more or volunteer, visit partnersincaring.org
Rural counties like ours face unique challenges: lower reimbursement rates, physician shortages, and long waitlists — especially for seniors.
That’s why I’ve fought for:
These improvements directly reduce wait times and help seniors stay connected to the care they need.
Many seniors tell me they fear being priced out of the community they helped build.
To help address those concerns, I’ve supported:
Affordability and stability are necessities.
Last year, we recognized October 8th as SLO County’s Day of Action for the Master Plan for Aging — a countywide commitment to senior wellbeing.
It was a powerful moment of unity between community groups, healthcare partners, caregivers, and seniors themselves. This effort is — and always will be — community-driven.
Our seniors deserve a county that listens to them, respects them, and protects their wellbeing.
Over the next year, I’ll continue working to:
Honoring our seniors is honoring the very people who made SLO County what it is today.
— Jimmy Paulding
When I ran for County Supervisor, I promised to deliver results. I ran on a vision of a resilient, connected South County: a place where our kids have safe parks to play in, our seniors and families have reliable services, and our roads, water supply, and community infrastructure meet today’s challenges.
Since 2023, I’ve worked every day with residents, County staff, nonprofits, and partners to turn that vision into real, on-the-ground progress. Here’s what we’ve achieved together, and what we’re building next.
🌳 Investing in Parks, Recreation, Public Health, and Community Spaces
I believe our quality of life depends on more than roads and services. It also depends on public spaces, recreation, learning, and community connection. That’s why I made parks, recreation, and libraries a priority, and why we are now seeing major improvements across our neighborhoods.
All of this matters because parks and libraries aren’t “nice to have.” They are essential infrastructure that brings people together, supports mental and physical health, and builds a strong sense of community identity.
💧 Water Security, Natural Resources, and Public-Health Preparedness
We cannot have thriving communities without reliable water, climate resilience, and environmental stewardship. That’s why I’ve pushed hard for sustainable water and resource initiatives.
These efforts aren’t flashy, but they are fundamental to keeping our community resilient, safe, and ready for what nature brings.
🚴♂️ Transportation, Mobility, and Infrastructure Upgrades
A connected community is a thriving community. Over the last few years, I’ve worked to ensure South County receives the transportation and infrastructure upgrades it needs.
These projects reflect a commitment to smarter growth, safer roads, better traffic flow, more sustainable transportation, and long-term connectivity.
🏘️ Strengthening Infrastructure, Public Safety, and Community Services
Safety and basic services are non-negotiable. That’s why we’ve taken action on multiple fronts.
🎯 Planning for Growth, Responsibly and With Community Input
Good government starts with listening and thoughtful planning. That’s why I initiated and prioritized the 2025 Nipomo Community Plan Update, aligning infrastructure, transportation, safety, parks, and development plans with community needs.
I’m also focused on balanced growth. When the proposed Dana Reserve housing project, a 1,470-unit master-planned development, came before the Board, I voted against it. I argued it lacked the necessary balance between housing needs and protections for open space, resources, and public safety.
We can and must meet our housing and growth needs while preserving the character, environment, and safety of South County.
🙌 Why This Matters, and What’s Next
From parks and playgrounds to water security, roads, fire protection, and community planning, these efforts are not isolated projects. Together, they represent a long-term investment in the health, resilience, and future of our communities.
I know what matters most to residents is what happens when the rubber meets the road: kids having safe places to play, commutes becoming easier, water supplies holding up during drought, and emergency services responding when minutes count.
I’m proud of the progress we’ve made, and I know this is just the beginning. Challenges remain, from funding constraints to balancing growth with preservation, but I remain committed to working, listening, and delivering results.
As we move forward, I promise I’ll keep showing up, keep fighting for South County, and keep building, not just houses, roads, and facilities, but community, pride, and opportunity.
Thank you for your trust. Let’s keep building the community we deserve, together.
— Jimmy Paulding
Homelessness and mental health challenges are complex—and deeply human. Behind every statistic is a neighbor who needs stability, care, and a real path forward. When I took office, I made a commitment to move past rhetoric and focus on solutions that work, grounded in partnership, accountability, and measurable results.
Together, that approach is delivering real progress.
Since 2022, unsheltered homelessness in San Luis Obispo County has declined by 31%. That number represents people who now have a safe place to sleep, access to treatment, and support to rebuild their lives.
One of those people is Joey.
I first met Joey when he was unhoused. Last year, I had the privilege of reconnecting with him at the one-year anniversary of Balay Ko on Barca, a supportive housing community made possible through the leadership of the Five Cities Homeless Coalition, the generosity of the Balay Ko Foundation, and strong county and city partnerships.
Joey showed me his home with pride. He shared that he’s maintained sobriety and is moving forward with his life. Today, Joey is living in a new apartment in Morro Bay. His story is a reminder of what’s possible when we invest in people and meet them where they are.
That’s why I’ve fought to scale what works.
This progress didn’t happen by accident. It’s the result of persistent work with the County of SLO Homeless Services Division, city partners, and frontline providers like Five Cities Homeless Coalition, ECHO, CAPSLO, and Transitions-Mental Health Association (TMHA)—along with healthcare providers, law enforcement, and community leaders.
Key investments include:
Supportive & Interim Housing
Mental Health & Crisis Care
Public Safety & Outreach
One of the most important recent wins is the opening of the SLO Sobering Center, operated by Good Samaritan and funded through CenCal Health and the County’s Opioid Settlement Funds.
The Sobering Center provides 24/7 short-term care for adults experiencing intoxication, helping divert people from jail or emergency rooms and connect them to treatment, housing, and ongoing support.
Sobering Center Details
This is exactly what smart, compassionate public safety looks like.
The new $22 million behavioral health facility will significantly expand local care and close long-standing gaps:
For the first time, SLO County will have local inpatient and crisis residential beds for both adults and youth—reducing hospitalizations, out-of-county placements, and helping stabilize people experiencing homelessness with acute behavioral health needs.
Alongside these investments, I’ve focused on strengthening coordination and accountability. For the second year in a row, I’m serving on the San Luis Obispo County Homeless Services Oversight Council (HSOC) as the Board of Supervisors’ representative.
HSOC brings together elected officials, service providers, public safety, behavioral health professionals, nonprofit partners, faith leaders, advocates, educators, and people with lived experience to oversee the countywide homelessness plan. This structure improves coordination, reduces duplication, and ensures public dollars are delivering results.
These aren’t just programs or line items. They’re people housed, crises averted, and lives stabilized. Compassion without action isn’t enough—real compassion means real solutions, and that’s what we’re delivering together.
There is still more work to do, but I’m proud of the progress we’ve made and grateful to the partners and community members who make it possible. When we lead with persistence, partnership, and accountability, change is possible.
With determination,
Jimmy Paulding
San Luis Obispo County Supervisor, District 4
