Susanna Finn is one of two candidates on the Nov. 4 ballot running for the Ward Three seat on the Fredericksburg City Council.
FREDERICKSBURG, VA — The single most pressing issue facing voters in Fredericksburg is the affordable housing and the rising cost of living, accordingto Susanna Finn.
“This challenge affects working families the most, making it difficult for many to live and thrive in our city,” she said. “I intend to address this by prioritizing the preservation of naturally affordable housing, incentivizing the creation of new affordable units, and supporting strategic redevelopment of vacant properties to expand housing options without compromising our community’s character.”
Finn is running against Matt Kelley in the Nov. 4 general election to represent Ward Three on the Fredericksburg City Council. Early voting begins on Friday, Sept. 19.
As part of its coverage of the 2025 election, Patch has asked each of the candidates in the city council race to fill out a questionnaire to describe why they think they’re the best person to fill the job for which they’re running. The following are Finn’s responses.
Name
Susanna Finn
Position Sought
Fredericksburg City Council Representative for Ward 3
Age (as of Election Day)
34
Family: Names, ages and any pertinent details you wish to share.
Husband, Daniel, and two young girls.
Does anyone in your family work in politics or government? This includes any relatives who work in the government you’re a candidate in.
My husband and I are both federal employees.
Education
I have a BA from UMW in Historic Preservation and a Masters of Urban and Regional Planning from VCU
Occupation
I have over a decade career as a urban planner having worked at all three levels of government
Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Political Office
I am a first time candidate, having been appointed as the City
Why are you seeking elective office?
Fredericksburg is my home, a place where neighbors look out for each other and community runs deep. I am running for City Council because I’ve witnessed recent divisions, and I want to bring a sincere, collaborative spirit and a drive to ensure our city remains welcoming and united as we move forward together.
The single most pressing issue facing voters is _______, and this is what I intend to do about it.
The single most pressing issue facing voters in Fredericksburg is affordable housing and the rising cost of living. This challenge affects working families the most, making it difficult for many to live and thrive in our city. I intend to address this by prioritizing the preservation of naturally affordable housing, incentivizing the creation of new affordable units, and supporting strategic redevelopment of vacant properties to expand housing options without compromising our community’s character.
What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this post?
My approach is grounded in respectful listening, curiosity, and a commitment to bringing diverse voices to the table, ensuring decisions reflect the needs of all residents instead of narrow interests or partisan divides. I also bring the lived experience of being a working mom, which gives me a personal stake in improving childcare, safe routes to schools, and affordable housing. Together, these qualities distinguish me as a pragmatic, inclusive leader ready to build consensus and deliver real results for our community.
If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the community (or district or constituency)?
Being a first time candidate to Council, I am focused on effectively implementing the vision of the comprehensive plan. Our zoning code has fallen behind our community’s vision.
Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform.
What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?
In my career, I have tackled complex planning challenges both locally and at the federal level, which has prepared me to serve effectively on City Council. As Chair of Fredericksburg’s Planning Commission, I led public discussions and developed strategies for sustainable redevelopment, helping to guide decisions on major projects. I have also directly administered the City’s Community Development Block Grant to support low and moderate income households gain and maintain their housing. Currently, I manage long-range planning at the federal level, where I coordinate multi-agency projects and balance budget, regulatory, and logistical issues. These skills are directly relevant to the demands of City government.
The best advice ever shared with me was:
“To be curious, and not judgmental” has been invaluable advice in my public service and personal life. This mindset encourages me to truly listen and learn from others, opening the door to new perspectives and deeper understanding in every conversation. It’s helped me collaborate more effectively, bring people together across differences, and consistently leads to better decisions because I consider a wider range of options and concerns. Embracing curiosity lets me approach challenges with empathy and creativity, which is essential for responsive and inclusive leadership
What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?
Also See …
Matt Kelley Running For Ward 3 Seat On Fredericksburg City Council: Questionnaire
Kenneth Gantt Running For Ward 1 Seat On Fredericksburg City Council
Matt Rowe Seeking Ward 1 Seat On Fredericksburg City Council
David Cropper Running For Fredericksburg City Council: Questionnaire
Jesse Dominguez Running For Fredericksburg City Council: Questionnaire