About Maria

My name is Maria Shulman, and my family and I have lived in Clayton for over fifteen years. My daughter was educated at Mt. Diablo Elementary, Diablo View Middle School, and recently graduated from Clayton Valley Charter High School this past June.

We knew from the moment we visited this community that we wanted to make it our home. We appreciate the small-town charm, Clayton’s beauty and quaintness, and the “essence” of what makes life in Clayton so special.

Throughout my life, I have believed in hard work, pursuing education, and giving back to the community. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, with a minor in mental health and social science. I also earned a BS in Nursing and a Master’s in Nursing Healthcare Administration. I also have a background in banking, where I won awards for finance work. This finance work has been carried over to leadership positions in nursing and running independent clinics.

My life’s work and passion are about helping people and giving back to my community. My volunteer activities include serving on the Clayton Community Library Foundation board, volunteering with the Red Cross, Clayton Cleans Up, and Clayton’s Day of Service, and serving on the City Sponsored Special Events committee. Throughout the years, I have also volunteered at Mt. Diablo Elementary, Diablo View Middle, and Clayton Valley Charter High School while my daughter was in school.

Today, I have served on the Clayton Planning Commission since 2022 as vice chair in 2023-2024, and I was recently named Chair for 2024-2025. While on the Planning Commission, I approved Roadside 22 Café, a new restaurant coming to Clayton called Enye, with luxury loft apartments above the restaurant called Rhine House Lofts. I have also advised the city council on changes to the city master plan and the 6th Housing Element and review and approval for new ADU pre-approved master plans and certification. While serving on the planning commission, I also worked hard to ensure that disability rights were protected in the housing process and that there is truth in disclosure.

I am running for City Council because, like many small towns in America, we are increasingly pressured to develop our communities according to a “one size fits all” approach, which seriously concerns me and should also concern you. Yes, Clayton should grow with a strategic, well-informed approach consistent with our town’s general plan. Maria Shulman is Common Sense for Clayton.

I am running for City Council because the budget was not accurately and honestly presented to the public for over ten years; we must have financial transparency to plan accordingly and live within our means. I want to continue highlighting strategic planning by supporting the work of the citizen Financial Sustainability Committee and The Budget and Audit Committee and ensuring that our goals align with our budget. Maria Shulman is Common Sense for Clayton.

I am running for City Council because it is long overdue for Unity and Respect to return to our beloved community. The cornerstone of teamwork is collaboration and the ability to govern by working with others regardless of disagreements. Let’s agree to move Clayton in the right direction now and for the future. Together, WE can do this! Maria Shulman is Common Sense for Clayton.

I am asking for your vote on November 5th because I believe the City Council should represent all of the residents of Clayton, and we must bring trust back to our local government. I aim to take what each Claytonian has to say seriously and objectively and apply their needs to the tough decisions that have to be made. I am a uniter, and I have been all my life. My goal as your future Councilmember will be to work diligently and honestly, with my fellow Councilmembers to come to a consensus when possible, bring the community together, and ensure that you, as Clayton’s residents, have a voice. Vote for me, Maria Shulman, on Tuesday, November 5th, so we can finally move the City of Clayton in the right direction for our future!