Bellevue Councilmember Janice Zahn Announces Re-Election Campaign

Civil engineer, mom of two, and community leader remains committed to values of integrity, innovation, and inclusion that drove her to first run for office

BELLEVUE - Civil engineer leading major scale public works projects at the Port of Seattle, mom of two Bellevue Schools grads, and longtime community leader, Janice Zahn, announced her campaign for re-election. Zahn, who was first motivated to run for office based on Eastside values of integrity, innovation, and inclusion, cites continued work ahead with colleagues on the Council and regional partners to ensure Bellevue is welcoming for future generations.  

“It has been an honor to serve on the Bellevue City Council and build bridges of collaboration to lead our city forward,” said Zahn. “I was fortunate to start and raise my own family here and I am running for re-election so I can continue to ensure that our city remains welcoming and affordable for other young families, seniors, and future generations.”

Zahn, who brings her many years of transportation, infrastructure, emergency management and public policy experience to the council, points to leadership on transportation mobility and Vision Zero, housing affordability, and inclusive engagement, while acting with urgency to address our environmental impacts, and increase our resiliency and sustainability. 

“I believe I have been effective in increasing housing choices and affordability, improving the safety and mobility of our city, and making us a more inclusive, equitable, and welcoming community because I participate in as many diverse community and regional partner events as I can, to better listen, learn and understand the issues facing our communities,” said Zahn.

Zahn enters the campaign with 5 years of council experience and the endorsements of local elected leaders including State Representative Vandana Slatter, County Councilmember Claudia Balducci, and Bellevue Mayor Lynne Robinson.  Mayor Robinson said, “Janice is a dedicated advocate for the diverse neighbors and communities that make Bellevue the best place to live. Her perspective as a civil engineer, respected community leader, and mom are so valuable as we set the course for Belleve’s future. She deserves our continued support.”

King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci said, “Janice brings the kind of thoughtful leadership our city needs to continue to address big challenges like housing costs, safety, economic recovery and transportation, while preserving all the things we love best about our ‘City in a Park.’ She shows up for the people of Bellevue and represents our values of caring and inclusiveness. We need to keep her as our Councilmember and I strongly endorse re-electing Janice Zahn!"

State Representative Vandana Slatter, who used to serve on the Bellevue City Council, said, “Janice seeks out, listens to, and learns from neighbors across Bellevue, which gives her the ability to advocate and make progress on the issues that matter most. We are fortunate to have her representation on the City Council.”

Zahn, who immigrated to the US from Hong Kong when she was ten, has both a Masters in Structural Engineering and in Public Administration from the University of Washington, and is the Chief Engineer for the Port of Seattle. In that role, she oversees the Port’s Major Public Works construction and workforce programs, along with design, safety and survey. She lives in the Greenwich Crest neighborhood with her husband of 33 years and her family.