As a doctoral student of urban planning, Paula Yensen learned the importance of transportation to the economic health of a region. Economic development depends not only on good roads and mass transit, but also on a reliable infrastructure plan. As vice chair of the county's transportation committee, she pushed to complete the Rakow Road and Randall Road improvement projects, while also supporting county-wide repair and replacement of rural bridges.

Paula also helped to negotiate the long-delayed Fleming Road resurfacing project. She worked closely with residents of Bull Valley to save their cherished oak trees, while improving the safety of Fleming Road for everyone.

Transportation projects are not funded through local property taxes. The funding comes through federal and state grants as well as motor fuel taxes. Paula helped secure the funding for many improvement projects by developing relationships with state and federal officials. Local business development depends heavily on transportation infrastructure. That's why Paula has negotiated with businesses to help defray part of the costs of road projects. She believes in a strong public-private partnership that will endure for the good of all in McHenry County.