Kat Maerz
Elections and appointments
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Contact
Kat Maerz ran for election to the Hays City Council District 5 in Texas. She was on the ballot in the general election on May 3, 2025.[source]
Maerz completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.
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Biography
Kat Maerz provided the following biographical information via Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey on May 2, 2025:
- Birth place: New Port Richy, Florida
- High school: Plano East Senior High School
- Bachelor's: Florida Atlantic University, 2008
- Gender: Female
- Religion: Christian: Presbyterian
- Profession: Information Technology Professional
- Incumbent officeholder: No
- Campaign Instagram
- LinkedIn
Elections
General election
Election results
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Maerz in this election.
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Kat Maerz completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Maerz's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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A dedicated foster and adoptive mom who has opened her heart and home to five incredible children through the foster care system. A passionate advocate for families and community, she also runs a thriving hobby farm that reflects her deep-rooted commitment to sustainability and self-reliance. Professionally, she’s a senior IT manager with over 20 years of leadership experience in a major corporation, where she leads a high-performing team and brings a strong technical foundation to strategic decision-making. Her journey as a foster parent has shaped her values of compassion, resilience, and nonjudgment—qualities she’s now ready to bring to the city council to help build a more inclusive, supportive, and forward-thinking community.
- Rooted in Community, Driven by Compassion
- Real Leadership. Real Life Experience. Real Results.
- A Voice for Families. A Vision for the Future!
Sustainable Agriculture and Land Use. Living in a community with large plots of land, I would love to see more sustainable use. Champion compassionate and community-based approaches to policing, neighborhood safety, and inclusive civic participation.
City councils hold a unique and vital role because they are the level of government closest to the people. Unlike state or federal offices, city council members deal directly with the everyday issues that affect residents—like public safety, local roads, housing, and parks. This office allows for swift, community-specific action, and offers citizens direct access to their representatives. Council decisions shape the character, quality of life, and future of a city. By bridging the gap between residents and larger government systems, the city council ensures that local voices are heard and respected in the broader legal and political process.
President Obama because of his leadership qualities, ability to inspire, and commitment to progress. His message of hope and unity resonated with many, as he worked to bridge divides, advocate for change, and prioritize public service. His calm demeanor, intellect, and ability to navigate complex issues with compassion and dignity set an example for how to lead with integrity and purpose. Whether it’s his focus on healthcare reform, his leadership during challenging times, or his emphasis on community, Obama’s ability to stay grounded while addressing critical issues is something I admire.
Film: “Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” – A documentary about Fred Rogers that beautifully illustrates empathy, service, and quiet, persistent advocacy for children and community
An effective elected official leads with integrity, empathy, and accountability. They listen to their community, act with fairness, and make decisions based on the common good. Strong leadership requires collaboration, a clear vision for the future, and the ability to find practical solutions to real-world challenges. Most importantly, they remain accessible and transparent, building trust through action and consistent engagement.
I believe my ability to listen deeply, empathize with others, and make thoughtful, informed decisions would help me be a successful officeholder. My strong leadership experience, both in managing teams and in my personal life as a foster and adoptive parent, has given me valuable skills in collaboration and problem-solving. I am committed to building trust, staying accountable, and working tirelessly to serve my community. Additionally, my background in technology allows me to think strategically and approach challenges with creative, data-driven solutions. I’m passionate about making positive, lasting change that benefits everyone in the community.
1. Creating and approving local laws and ordinances.
2. Setting the city budget and overseeing public funds.
3. Addressing community concerns and representing residents’ interests.
4. Working with city departments and officials to manage services like roads, parks, and public safety.
5. Planning for future development, land use, and zoning.
6. Approving city contracts and appointments.
7. Promoting community engagement and transparency in government. “P.S. I Love You”. A story of unconditional love.
Rosie, The Jetsons. She automated everything!
“We are the Champions” Queen
One of the struggles in my life has been navigating the complexities of foster parenting while raising neurodiverse children on the autism spectrum. Every day presents unique challenges, whether it’s managing sensory sensitivities, communication barriers, or finding the right resources to support each child’s individual needs. It’s a constant balancing act between advocating for their needs, ensuring they feel seen and understood, and providing a stable, nurturing environment for them to thrive. Yet, these struggles have also taught me invaluable lessons in patience, empathy, resilience, and the power of unconditional love. They’ve shaped who I am and deepened my commitment to creating a more compassionate, inclusive world for all families.
Yes—many people don’t realize how much influence a city council has over decisions that directly impact their daily lives.
Zoning and land use decisions – City councils control what gets built where, which affects housing, business development, and even school growth.
Local appointments – Councils often appoint members to planning commissions, housing boards, and other key committees that shape policy.
Public safety oversight – While they don’t manage police departments directly, councils help fund them and set local safety priorities.
Influence on state and regional policy – Through resolutions and partnerships, city councils can push for broader changes at higher levels of government.
These powers may seem procedural, but they’re powerful tools for shaping a city’s future. While previous experience in government or politics can be beneficial for understanding processes and navigating complex issues, it’s not a strict requirement. In fact, fresh perspectives from individuals with diverse backgrounds—such as leadership in business, community service, or even parenting—can bring unique insights to the table. The most important qualities for a city council member are a strong commitment to the community, the ability to listen to constituents, and the willingness to learn and collaborate. Prior experience may help with understanding bureaucracy, but passion, integrity, and practical problem-solving skills are just as crucial.
The most helpful skills for a city council member include strong leadership, financial acumen, problem-solving, community engagement, and a good understanding of local laws. Empathy and the ability to collaborate are key for addressing the diverse needs of the community and making informed, fair decisions.
The city council is unique because it’s the closest level of government to the people, directly addressing issues that affect daily life, like public safety, local development, and community services. It has the power to shape the city’s future through decisions on zoning, budgets, and policies. This office is essential for ensuring that local voices are heard, and it provides a direct link between residents and government, making it a key player in creating a responsive and thriving community.
I like Dad Jokes.
Why don’t skeletons fight each other?
Because they don’t have the guts! I believe financial transparency and government accountability are fundamental to a healthy democracy. Residents have the right to know how their tax dollars are being spent and to trust that public officials are acting in the community’s best interest. Transparent budgeting, open communication, and regular reporting help build that trust. Accountability means owning decisions, correcting mistakes, and always prioritizing the public good over personal or political gain. It’s about making sure government works for the people—with honesty, fairness, and clarity at every level.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
See also
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