This profile is part of a “Meet the Candidate” series. All candidates were given the opportunity to answer the same questions. Their responses are published verbatim, without any editing.
Why did you decide to run for office?
I’m not running because something is horribly wrong here—I’m running because Newburyport is already a great city, and I want to help continue that greatness. I believe in being an active part of my community, and I’m committed to empowering youth to see government as meaningful and cool. As someone who’s lived in many places thanks to the military, I’m grateful to raise my son here and want to give back to the place that captured our hearts.
If elected, what are your top 3 priorities?
- Affordable Housing That Truly Lasts — New initiatives like ADUs and mixed-income developments are encouraging, but often the “affordable” label comes with strict resale restrictions or complex rules. We need housing that stays affordable and accessible in practice, not just theory.
- Fiscal Responsibility — I’ll use my experience managing multimillion-dollar budgets to ensure every dollar spent reflects community priorities and delivers tangible results.
- Civic Transparency & Engagement– Simplify city data and participation so every resident has a seat at the table, not just visibility, but real voice and impact.
How has your experience (either professional or personal) prepared you for this role?
I bring 15+ years leading multimillion-dollar budget operations and tech projects in government. I know how systems work (and where they fail). I’ve built responsive teams from scratch and helped organizations scale strategically—including navigating complex bureaucracies. That experience—and being a mom and military spouse—gives me both the technical grounding and human empathy to serve effectively.
What can city government do to make housing more affordable?
- Encourage ADUs and mixed-use development.
- Explore deed-restricted ownership models (like Boston’s Neighborhood Homes Initiative offering 50-year resale restrictions)
- Consider local mechanisms—like an affordable housing trust fund, similar to Medford’s initiative—to support long-term affordability
Do you think residents are getting their money’s worth in city services from taxes?
Yes—the city provides strong services and excellent schools. But in challenging times, we must ensure ongoing transparency and equitable allocation so everyone feels the benefit of public investment.
How would you balance historic preservation with practical concerns like safety and accessibility?
Preserving our heritage doesn’t have to conflict with safety or inclusivity. Thoughtful, discreet upgrades—like adding ramps or improving lighting—can make historic spaces safe and welcoming, without sacrificing character.
How do you think Newburyport schools stack up against others in Essex County?
Newburyport schools are strong—ranked #11 out of 25 in Essex County, with high student performance . We’re competitive academically and among the best in the region.
What else should voters know about you?
I’m not a townie—and that’s a strength. I’m not tied to keeping certain parties happy or playing into local clout. As a military spouse, I’ve built deep bonds with families from all over the country and all walks of life. That experience has given me a wide lens, a lot of empathy, and a deep love for community. At the end of the day, we all want the same things—for our families to be safe, healthy, and able to thrive. I’m here to listen, look at the data objectively, and be a steady voice for the people of Newburyport.
Rani Eng is a candidate for Newburyport City Council, at large. Election and early voting information can be found here.
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