Jennifer Nelson-lastra is an experienced leader who gets results

Representing the City of Cape Coral as Councilwoman for District 4 from 2017-2022 and 2024-2026, Jennifer is focused on finishing what she started.

Jennifer is passionate about sustainability from all facets, with long-term results. She believes there are things that need to be resolved and brought to completion in the City of Cape Coral including prioritizing parks and finding a funding solution that doesn’t include tax payer dollars. She also wants to focus on balancing infrastructure with smart growth and development. Jennifer believes the decisions made today, and over the next two years, will affect the City of Cape Coral long term.

As someone with a business background, Jennifer wants to bring that mindset back to the City Council. Her career includes 24 years with Goodwill Industries, Executive Director at the Uncommon Friends Foundation, Executive Director of the Captiva Erosion Prevention District, and currently she serves as the Executive Director of Dress for Success Southwest Florida.

Her grant writing knowledge and experience was an asset to the City while she previously served. Often, she recommended applicable grants the City should be applying for when the coastal resiliency grants were funded by the Governor in 2021.

Jennifer focuses her free time on fundraising efforts in Lee County including PACE Center for Girls, The Vestor Water School at Florida Gulf Coast University, the Ladies Leading Right Women of Distinction Gala, and many others.

Jennifer is running for City Council to create a City future generations will be able to call home.