Meet Athena
My name is Athena Burciaga. I'm a community organizer, a proud Chicana, and the daughter of a working-class family. Growing up, my family didn't have much, but we always had each other. Those experiences taught me that our greatest strength comes from working together, supporting one another, and building a community where everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
I'm running for City Council because local government should put Marina residents first—not outside interests. Our city stands at a crossroads. Without thoughtful leadership, Marina risks becoming an expensive bedroom community for Silicon Valley, driving up housing costs, straining local resources, and making it harder for working families, seniors, and young people to continue calling Marina home.
Marina deserves leaders who will listen, lead with integrity, and make decisions that reflect the needs of the people who live here. I believe we must engage the next generation in shaping our city's future and ensure every resident has a voice in the decisions that affect their lives. Strong local leadership has never been more important.
While I'm a new voice in local government, I bring proven leadership, determination, and a record of bringing people together to solve problems. I worked with community members, the Monterey County Board of Supervisors, and state legislators to help establish the Rainbow Raft Pride Center at California State University Monterey Bay. That experience showed me what is possible when people work across differences to build solutions that strengthen our community.
This campaign is about putting people first, protecting what makes Marina special, and building a future where every resident has the opportunity to thrive. Together, we can create a city that remains welcoming, affordable, and full of opportunity for generations to come.
Photo by Cheyenne Howell
Photo by Steven Garza @stevengarzastudios
Affordable Housing
Affordable housing is essential to preserving Marina's diverse and vibrant community. I am committed to supporting policies that expand housing opportunities, protect existing affordable housing, and help ensure that working families, seniors, young adults, and longtime residents can continue to call Marina home.
I also remain committed to protecting the rent-stabilized, city-owned homes in Preston and Abrams Park. The City Council's recent discussions about repealing or weakening the rent cap threaten the stability of hundreds of Marina families. Those protections should be preserved, and I will oppose efforts to dismantle them while working toward housing solutions that benefit all residents
Issues
No Platitudes. Just Policy.
Fiscal Responsibility & Transparency
Photo by Steven Garza @stevengarzastudios
The User Utility Tax that the current council is taking to the ballot in November is a fiscally irresponsible way of funding new projects. We must separate funding for our police and fire departments from funding for a new city hall and other projects. This forever tax will balance the city's budget on the backs of our working families, further worsening the cost of living crisis.
Photo by Steven Garza @stevengarzastudios
Protecting our Water
We must protect our water from CalAm's attempts to privatize and use it for their own financial gain.
