top of page

Watch my Announcement 
MichellePironeLambros Channel on YourTownTube: https://www.yourtowntube.com/user/MichellePironeLambros

Dear Friends, Colleagues and Fellow Residents of Princeton,

I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for the privilege of serving this incredible community. It has been an honor to represent you on Princeton Council, and I am excited to announce my decision to run for a third term.

In times of national uncertainty and challenge, it is vital that we remain steadfast in our commitment to our town. Focusing on Princeton and the essential work we are doing together has never been more crucial. Our community deserves leadership that prioritizes our collective well-being, attention, and dedication.

Throughout my time on Council, I have emphasized three areas that I believe are crucial for our town’s prosperity and well-being: economic development, affordability, and sustainability. These goals are not merely objectives; they are interconnected and synergistic, each enhancing the others.

Economic Development: A thriving local economy generates jobs, supports businesses, and fosters innovation; it is at the heart of enhancing Princeton's quality of life. A growing commercial tax base not only helps offset the residential tax burden but also fortifies our schools and supports our non-profits and cultural institutions. Economic growth enriches our everyday lives, allowing us to walk or bike to shopping, dining, and activities while creating vital employment opportunities. 

In recent years, we have built on the successes of the Special Improvement District/ Experience Princeton. We are committed to making our town welcoming to businesses of all sizes, aiming to retain the unique small businesses that define our community, while also attracting and supporting larger establishments that add vibrancy. This past year has seen incredible investment in our commercial sector, including the opening of a new hotel and an array of new restaurants and retail shops—each contributing to Princeton’s dynamism. All of this is what makes Princeton truly special—a place where community, culture, and convenience come together. By investing in our community and creating new opportunities, we will strengthen Princeton’s economic foundation for generations to come. 

Affordability: As we work to improve our town, we must tackle the pressing issue of affordability. It is essential that all residents have access to safe, affordable housing and essential services. We recognize that a multi-pronged approach is necessary to maintain and support diversity within our community. We are focused on eliminating exclusionary zoning practices and creating "missing" middle housing options—both rental and for sale. There is no singular path forward; instead, we need a comprehensive strategy that incentivizes smart growth and development without increasing the financial burden on our taxpayers.

 

My work on the Council Redevelopment Committee has centered on expanding our housing stock while investing in community benefits—without exacerbating financial pressures on our residents. We have met our legal obligations regarding affordable housing in the third round and are already planning for the fourth round. Addressing the lack of affordable housing is crucial, as it threatens the socio-economic diversity that defines our town.By embracing innovative solutions, we can make Princeton a community that welcomes a wide range of people of different economic backgrounds

Sustainability: It is our responsibility to protect our environment and ensure that Princeton remains a vibrant place to live. Sustainable practices safeguard our natural resources and enhance our quality of life, creating a healthier community for all. To foster these goals, we are enhancing transit solutions to support sustainable growth in both our commercial and residential sectors. With new electric buses arriving later this year, we will expand our municipal bus routes, improving transportation for residents, visitors, students, and employees. Our efforts include enhancing our bike and micromobility infrastructure, implementing traffic calming measures, improving our streetscapes, and expanding parking facilities. The five-year agreement we reached with Princeton University last year boosts our ability to combat climate change and enhances our town's resilience through tangible investments. We are also revitalizing our recreational facilities, focusing on improvements at Community Park South and Grover Park—two essential spaces that serve our community. Investing in these parks is crucial for promoting a healthy lifestyle and providing access to sports and recreational facilities for people of all ages.

These three focus areas provide a solid framework for our future. Together, we can create a thriving, sustainable, and affordable Princeton that not only preserves our rich legacy but also prepares us for the challenges ahead.

As we look ahead to Princeton's 250th celebration in 2026, we find ourselves on the brink of a pivotal moment in our nation's history. This milestone presents a unique opportunity for us to build long-term assets for heritage and cultural tourism—one that requires meticulous planning and coordination among our town’s numerous community partners.

Princeton is not just a historic community; it stands as a beacon of the principles upon which our nation was founded. Throughout our history, we have been at the epicenter of revolutionary ideas, embodying the spirit of freedom and equality. Today, as we look into the future, we find ourselves at a crossroads—facing a pivotal struggle between two distinct visions for our nation.

On one hand, we uphold the enduring values of our democracy—freedom for all, equality under the law, and the recognition of human rights as foundational to a thriving society. These are the principles that our founders fought for and that patriots have defended throughout our history. This vision celebrates inclusion, empowering every voice to contribute to the tapestry of our democracy.

 

Conversely, there is a darker vision—a tech-oligarchy that threatens to erode these core values. There are those who seek to undermine the freedoms and rights that define our way of life, attempting to replace them with a hierarchical structure that favors a select few over the many. This vision poses a significant risk to the very democracy we hold dear.

As we approach the year 2026, we will witness the testing of these two national visions like never before. Princeton, will stand at the forefront of this historical moment. It is our responsibility to uphold the ideals of freedom, equality, and justice, ensuring that our voices resonate powerfully in this crucial dialogue.

I seek a third term in office imbued with a profound sense of duty. Together, we hold the responsibility to rally not just as residents of Princeton, but as custodians of our nation’s fundamental principles. Together, we will continue to champion the values that have guided us for 250 years, affirming our commitment to a united future—one where every individual has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to a society that respects and values all its members.

Thank you for standing with me as we embark on this journey to preserve the legacy of Princeton and fight for the ideals that define us as a nation. Here’s to our next chapter—may it be filled with courage, unity, and unwavering hope. Together, let us continue to strive for a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable Princeton—a place where we all thrive.

Thank you for your trust and shared belief in our community.

bottom of page