Cr Carmen Houlahan said her priorities included keeping rates rises as low as possible, but the city could not neglect investment in roads, water services and community facilities.
"We must ensure our infrastructure keeps up with growth, supports local businesses and maintains a high quality of life for residents," she said.
"Every dollar spent must be managed responsibly."
Cr Houlahan was supportive of the arts, as well as what she described as groups doing grassroots work in communities.
She wanted to see strengthened relationships between the Dunedin City Council, University of Otago, mana whenua and the business sector, including Business South.
Her priorities also included holding the government to account about building the region’s new hospital as planned and with full services, she said.
"I'm not here to serve a political party or team," Cr Houlahan said. "I am here to serve the people of Dunedin."
Cr Houlahan placed fifth out of 11 candidates in the 2022 mayoralty contest.
City councillors Sophie Barker, Lee Vandervis and Mandy Mayhem are also challenging Dunedin Mayor Jules Radich for the job.
Other mayoral hopefuls are businessman and Mosgiel-Taieri Community Board chairman Andrew Simms and Green Party nominee Mickey Treadwell.
