MENDOCINO CO., 12/26/24 — Perhaps it’s not surprising that Madeline Cline ran for the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors—and won. Supervisor-elect for the 1st District, the Redwood Valley native has always had passion for her community. At only 27, she already boasts years of experience in public policy—a passion she discovered as an undergraduate at Sonoma State University. Even before she began college, Cline was deeply involved in Mendocino County, immersing herself in local organizations and activities.
As a child, Cline participated in the county’s 4-H program, volunteering and raising livestock. That early experience paved the way for her current role as a public policy consultant, where she advocates for businesses and farmers in Mendocino County’s policymaking process. Cline also works as a representative on the Mendocino County Fish and Game Commission, where she advocates for sustainable hunting and fishing practices. As our phone interview began, she mentioned chickens wandering outside that were making noise during the call.
“My background is in representing different industries, and working with government agencies,” Cline said. “My time has been spent working with government processes, and that’s why I will be able to translate things for constituents because I understand how government works on the local, state and federal level.”
After graduating from Sonoma State University with a degree in political science, Cline took her passion to the California State Assembly, where she advised a state legislator on public policy and legislation. Along the way, she earned another achievement: a graduate certificate in policy and government from Sacramento State University. Cline, a member of Generation Z, will become the youngest supervisor in the county and is eager to bring her fresh perspective to the table.
“There’s a wide range of advantages coming from a different generation, I bring my own perspective and experience,” Cline said. “It’s also not just about my experience, but about people my age and the things we are going through and the challenges that we face. I am going to be proud to represent those viewpoints.”
Cline added that she’s eager to broaden the conversation at board meetings to include voices from all generations. “When we are making a decision at a board level it shouldn’t just be focused on one demographic, whether that’s age or something else,” she explained.
As a Gen Z politician, Cline is no stranger to social media campaigning. The incoming supervisor is active on Facebook and Instagram and has a website that showcases her work in the community. She’s also passionate about fundraising for young women through Soroptimist International of Ukiah, working to secure scholarships for local girls and women. On top of that, Cline has supported efforts to raise essential resources for the Boys & Girls Club of Ukiah.
“A lot of people feel comfortable responding to me on it [social media],” Cline said. “These are different things that may or may not have been done by other people in the past.”
Cline said one reason she’s eager to connect with constituents on social media is to ensure that people living farther from Ukiah can still contribute to discussions at the county board of supervisors’ meetings.
“Our county is huge geographically, so how do we make sure that someone who lives far away and can’t make it to a board meeting still has an opportunity to hear what’s going on and share their feedback?” she asked. “There’s so many lessons we have learned from the pandemic that have shed light on what we need to do to better serve our communities.”
Raised in Redwood Valley, Cline has been a strong advocate for water sustainability. She has written letters, organized meetings and called on PG&E, state and federal representatives to discuss the Potter Valley Project decommissioning plan. She has described the facility as crucial for the county’s long-term water supply and emphasized that the board needs to work together to ensure sufficient resources.
“It has to be a goal for the entirety of the board to make sure we have long-term water sustainability,” she said. “There’s a lot of attention on the Potter Valley Project, which deeply impacts my district, but this cannot just be a district-specific issue. This must be something that we unify on for the vitality and the economic future of this community.”
She also added that she wants to collaborate with other supervisors on water issues affecting other districts. “Just because there’s pressing water issues inland, doesn’t mean there’s not issues happening on the coast,” Cline emphasized. “I’m here to be a partner with anyone on the board to work on our water issues. We need water sustainability for all the county.”
Cline invites residents to ask questions and share feedback, particularly as she is sworn in on Jan. 7 at the county offices, 501 Low Gap Road, in Ukiah.
“I’m an open book and always happy to chat about things that are happening across the county,” she added. “I want to make sure we are getting a better outcome that’s more well-rounded.”
To learn more about the incoming 1st District supervisor and submit a question, visit her website by clicking this link.