April Robles, Candidate for City Council
https://www.aprilforwyoming.com
April.for.Wyoming.City.Council@gmail.com
In 2021, WCIA found that fewer than 35% of minorities felt their perspectives were valued in Wyoming. If you were elected to City Council, what would you do to ensure all residents feel their perspectives are valued?
I can honestly say that there are times that I have found myself a part of this group. I often think, should I say anything, and if I do, will it matter? As a proud Filipina-American, I’ve always had to speak up and advocate for myself and my family. I’ve learned that you do need to be brave to share your perspective and be vulnerable. If re-elected for a third term as a member of Wyoming City Council, I would continue to work collaboratively with the other members of City Council to advocate for fellow minority residents and any resident that feels like their voice is not being heard.
This last year, I created the High School Student Volunteer Board with the support of City Council and the City of Wyoming staff. It was really great to hear their voices and solid contributions to the committee and commissions they served.
Only one third of survey respondents of all backgrounds feel that all residents are treated equally in Wyoming. If elected to City Council what would you do to ensure Wyoming is a community where all residents are respected and treated equally?
This is very important to me. All residents should be treated with respect and treated equally. I will continue to empower residents to speak up when inequity is happening. I think it is important to be someone who can listen to residents and provide strategies and connections to help their situation. I believe that being treated equally has a strong correlation to the feeling of belonging in the community. I will also be brave to call out any disrespect or any inequity when I see it.
What will be your top focus on City Council and how have your background, experience and skills prepared you to create change in your focus area?
My top focus on City Council will be to educate residents about the many services and resources available to them. When people know what’s offered, they are better able to participate fully in our community and improve their quality of life. For example, we have a great composting program out of Oak Park, but many don’t realize how simple it is to use. Increasing awareness not only encourages sustainability but also strengthens community pride.
My professional and volunteer experiences have prepared me with strong communication, outreach, and relationship-building skills. I’ve seen how accessible information bridges gaps—whether in understanding initiatives, accessing services, or getting involved. As a Council member, I would focus on creating more opportunities to share information so residents feel both informed and heard. By investing in awareness and education, we can strengthen connections and ensure everyone feels included in Wyoming’s progress.
One factor that leads to segregation in housing and schooling (racial and/or economic) is zoning decisions, for example, restrictions on multi-family zoning. What are your thoughts about our current zoning map (which limits rental properties, commercial spaces and mixed-use configurations), and the feasibility of welcoming a more economically diverse population to our city?
It’s important to take a close look at our current zoning map to identify opportunities for growth and balance in Wyoming. Zoning decisions shape who is able to live here, so examining our policies with fresh eyes is essential to ensuring we remain welcoming and inclusive.
I believe our housing and planning discussions should include diverse perspectives so we can adapt zoning in ways that reflect both community values and future needs. We should also be more open to housing options such as multi-generational homes, smaller-scale multi-family units, and mixed-use configurations. These thoughtful choices can provide flexibility for families at different stages of life while still maintaining Wyoming’s character.
Ultimately, welcoming a more economically diverse population depends on intentional planning. By balancing tradition with innovation, we can create zoning policies that reflect our vision of being an inclusive, vibrant, and sustainable community.
Do you think that Wyoming has made strides toward making our community a more welcoming place for diverse peoples? What concerns are most pressing?
Yes, I do think Wyoming has made meaningful strides toward becoming a more welcoming place for diverse peoples. I see intentional efforts across the city to create spaces and opportunities where all community members can feel included. For example, the addition of a universally accessible playground is a tangible step toward ensuring that families of all abilities can gather and play together. Our beautiful Village Green has also become a hub for hosting community programs and entertainment that appeal to a wide range of demographics, helping to bring people together in shared experiences. These kinds of initiatives show that Wyoming values inclusivity and is willing to invest in it.
That said, there is always more work to do. One of the most pressing concerns is making sure these efforts are not just symbolic but truly reach and engage all residents. It’s important to continue broadening our outreach so that community members who may feel underrepresented or disconnected know their voices are heard and valued. We also need to look closely at systemic issues, such as housing affordability and zoning policies, which can impact who is able to live here in the first place.
In short, I believe Wyoming has made progress and should be proud of those steps, but the work of becoming a more welcoming and inclusive community is ongoing. We must continue to ask hard questions, listen to diverse perspectives, and ensure our policies and programs reflect the values of equity, accessibility, and belonging.
Are you open to building relationships with our surrounding communities? If so, how would you go about doing this? What experience do you have doing this?
Yes, I am very open to building relationships with surrounding communities. This is not only part of the City’s Strategic Plan but also a key aspect of being a good neighbor. Strong partnerships allow us to tackle challenges together, share resources, and achieve mutual goals.
I’ve experienced this firsthand by connecting with a Trustee from Springfield Township, where we exchanged ideas and identified ways to collaborate. Events like the Mill Creek Canoes and Conversation program, hosted by Woodlawn and Wyoming, also highlight the impact of regional partnerships—bringing together community groups to protect and celebrate shared resources.
It’s equally important to maintain dialogue with neighbors like Hamilton County, Springfield Township, and Woodlawn regarding Hillcrest Academy and its future use. Going forward, I would continue to reach out proactively, participate in regional forums, and ensure Wyoming has a seat at the table in regional decision-making.
Do you think the City Strategic Plan is on track? What have you done to help advance it? Is there anything you would modify?
Yes, I think that the City Strategic Plan is on track. It is a constant true North for the Council and City of Wyoming employees to refer to for rationale and guidance. I’ve encouraged all aspects to support the work that we do. I think one aspect that I would modify or at least draw more attention to is the theme around Ecological Stewardship and Sustainability. Wyoming can do even better in this area. When it comes to the environment, every little thing can help and if everyone in the community could make small incremental changes that can help the environment, it can make a huge impact in the future.
As a current member of City Council, what contribution or achievement are you most proud of?
As a current member of City Council, one contribution I am most proud of is supporting the City of Wyoming High School Volunteer Program. This program gives our students the opportunity to connect directly with their local government, learn how city operations work, and contribute in meaningful ways.
What makes me especially proud is seeing the growth and excitement in the students who participate. For example, I remember talking with one student who started by attending a commission meeting and later shared how the experience sparked an interest in career opportunities. Watching that transformation—seeing a young person realize that they can make a difference in their own community and their own career exploration—is incredibly rewarding.
This program not only benefits the students, but also our city. Their energy, ideas, and fresh perspectives bring new life to our work and remind us of the importance of building for the next generation. I am proud to have supported a program that strengthens the bond between our schools and our city while fostering the future leaders of Wyoming.