Council Member Kim Knaus Advocates for Collaboration

San Bernardino City Councilmember Kim Knaus (Ward 5) is advocating for a renewed vision of fiscal discipline, cross-sector partnerships, and unified leadership to guide the city forward. Drawing on her experience as a longtime public servant and current head of Intraurban Strategies, Knaus is focused on delivering practical solutions to long-standing challenges, including homelessness, economic development, and government accountability.

Leadership and Administrative Stability

With the appointment of Eric Levitt as San Bernardino’s permanent city manager, following more than a year under interim leadership, Knaus views the move as a foundational step toward institutional stability. She believes consistent executive leadership is essential for executing long-term strategies and restoring public confidence in City Hall.

Budget Constraints, Strategic Priorities

Facing a significant budget shortfall for the 2025–2026 fiscal year, the city council approved a 5% reduction across most departments. Knaus praised her colleague Councilmember Theodore Sanchez for his budget leadership, noting that the council was able to maintain critical funding for public safety and homeless services. “I believe in transparency, but I also believe in possibility,” she said. “Budget limitations don’t stop vision.”

Economic Development Through Collaboration

Knaus sees potential for economic revitalization rooted in San Bernardino’s unique infrastructure, including its airport, university, hospitals, historic downtown, and recreational assets. Her focus is on building public-private partnerships that generate jobs and opportunities without raising the financial burden on residents. She argues that these assets, when activated collaboratively, can serve as pillars of regional strength.

Tackling Homelessness with Regional Solutions

San Bernardino is home to a disproportionate share of the county’s homeless population, and Knaus views the crisis as both a humanitarian and economic priority. She supports a regional housing-first strategy and has worked with neighboring cities, including Fontana, to explore scalable solutions. “This is a human crisis, a public safety issue, and an economic concern,” she said.

Community Initiatives and Local Impact

From supporting the Verdemont Community Center to engaging with SB Foodfest, Knaus has remained grounded in neighborhood-level change. She credits these efforts with helping build trust and shared purpose. “Right now, I’m seeing a council that is more unified than it’s been in years. That gives me real hope.

A Vision for What Comes Next

Looking ahead, Knaus is prioritizing:

• Strengthening the city’s fiscal position through sustainable planning
• Fostering institutional partnerships that leverage San Bernardino’s assets
• Promoting unity within the council and the wider community

Her leadership reflects a blend of policy pragmatism and grassroots connection, aimed at building a more resilient and forward-looking San Bernardino.