We have new content to share. The "About Janice" and the "Experience" pages have been updated as of 12/20/2024 to reflect 2024 committees and boards.
Check out the links below to learn more about me, why I decided to run for office and the tangible results I have delivered to represent the community.
Learn more about me:
When it began! Below is my announcement to run for Bellevue City Council in my first election for elected office in 2017. I doorbelled, fundraised and built a coalition of supporters AND won resoundingly with 61% of the vote. I soundly defeated the $50k of independent expenditures spent against me. During both my re-election campaigns in 2019 and 2023, I won with 67% and 66% of the votes.
Janice Zahn announces city council campaign | Bellevue Reporter – January 9, 2017
The Northwest Asian Weekly’s interview shares the beginning of my journey when running for Bellevue City Council in 2017. Read about my dreams of taking my skills as a bridge builder and making government better for the community.
Bridge builder hopes to continue bringing people together in Bellevue City Council – June 8, 2017
I was part of the 2016-2017 Leadership Tomorrow cohort, who felt compelled to step up and adopt policies that support a thriving city for all. I shared my story of “servant leadership that focuses on collaboration and partnerships while putting the people we serve at the center.”
Alumni Spotlight: Janice Zahn, LT'17 — Leadership Tomorrow – Nov 6, 2018
I was honored to be part of the pilot group when the amazing leadership book “7 Forms of Respect” was being finalized. The concept that there are different forms of respect and no one form is the “best” really resonated with me. I too bring a curiosity mindset, of how we can do things better and innovate to improve government for all people. Below is the interview where I share a bit more about me, my journey into public service and servant leadership.
Women in Political Leadership: Interview with Bellevue City Councilmember Janice Zahn - CuriosityBased – March 21, 2022
I have delivered tangible results. Read about some of my accomplishments below.
During my first 8 months on the Bellevue City Council, I engaged with many community members to listen, learn and then take the tough vote to keep excessive regulations out of the land use code for citing homeless shelters. I was the 4th vote that was essential on a previously minority council, to allow the first permanent men’s shelter in Bellevue.
Bellevue council approves code amendment for homeless shelters | Mercer Island Reporter – August 2, 2018
Bellevue City Council takes steps to improve traffic safety and reduce injuries and deaths | The Seattle Times – December 9, 2020
A Perspective from the City Across the Lake - The Urbanist – March 22, 2021
Rental Assistance, Conflict Mediation Slowing Evictions in Bellevue – For Now – January 25, 2022
Bellevue Council Update: Health Through Housing, Litter Over Emissions, Meeting Urban Growth - The Urbanist – February 8, 2022
Wilburton Rezone Can Facilitate Over 5,000 New Homes in Bellevue – If Done Right - The Urbanist – February 28, 2022
Bellevue Council Update: Parks Levy Receives Further Study, Vision Zero Actions to Combat Rising Injury Toll - The Urbanist – April 19, 2022
Bellevue Council Update: Rezones for Religious Properties & City to Get Drug (Settlement) Money - The Urbanist – May 10, 2022
Bellevue to Pilot a Safe Parking Program for Unhoused Residents in Vehicles - The Urbanist – July 20, 2022
Bellevue Ordinance for Supportive Housing Passes Along a Divided Council - The Urbanist – July 29, 2022
Bellevue Had a Very Busy and Productive 2022 - The Urbanist – December 31, 2022
Coalition Urges Bellevue City Council to Ramp Up Road Safety Spending - The Urbanist – July 12, 2024
Bellevue Council Tries to Salvage Pieces of Imperiled Bike Network - The Urbanist – August 12, 2024
Even though my two daughters are not young adults, I continue to engage with youth and students – especially in the STEM fields and career in technical education like apprenticeships. The Robototes did an audio interview linked below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6zWTKeaUEc - 2024
I am passionate about collaboration and building coalitions for improving public service. Here’s a recap of the first University of Washington Evans School of Public Policy and Governance alumni network launch that I spearheaded with a fellow elected Evans alum, because I know the importance of working together to deliver tangible results.
From Isolation to Connection: Lockdown Relationships Inspire New Professional Network - Evans School of Public Policy & Governance – December 12, 2023
Event Recap | Evans In Government Network Launch Event - Evans School of Public Policy & Governance – April 5, 2024
I have always supported our public schools, from my 16 years as a parent in the Bellevue School District, 7 years serving on two PTSA boards in leadership roles, being part of starting the first PTSA Diversity Committee at Puesta del Sol Elementary School to leading the International School PTSA Community Outreach committee to better educate and connect with parents. I have also been a dedicated girl scout leader and PEPs group leader. Now that my daughters are adults, I joined the Bellevue Schools Foundation to continue supporting the school district in these challenging financial times. Read about my ‘why’ below.
Board of Trustees — Bellevue Schools Foundation
During COVID and the anti-Asian violence we were experiencing in the Asian community, I joined the Equity in Education Coalition and collaborated with many voices to work on solutions. This resulted in an alternative incident reporting tool for those who are fearful of reporting to law enforcement.
Partnership Members - Equity in Education Coalition of Washington
I stood front and center calling for unity and denouncing anti-Asian hate and violence in Bellevue.
https://komonews.com/news/local/bellevue-rally-calls-for-solidarity-against-anti-asian-hate-crimes-harassment – May 31, 2021
I also took the bullhorn as President of the National League of Cities – Asian Pacific American Municipal Officials to write an article about xenophobia.
Challenging Anti-Asian Xenophobia During COVID - National League of Cities – October 8, 2020
I also worked with staff to write and develop a policy briefing highlighting both the challenges and celebrations of our AANHPI communities.
Celebrating Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders - National League of Cities – May 4, 2021
https://www.nlc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/FNL-APAMO-POLICY-BRIEF.pdf – September 2021
I partnered with the CEO of the National League of Cities on a Facebook Live session. https://www.facebook.com/share/v/14RtUXrNF5/?mibextid=wwXIfr – March 24, 2021
I am innovative and know the importance of technology in high performance government. I stepped up to serve on the National League of Cities’ first AI Advisory Committee to learn, network and share the current community of practice on AI policy, governance and case studies. Read the newly published report for more.
NLC Releases New Report on Local Governments & AI Use - National League of Cities – November 13, 2024
I saw an opportunity to work with my National League of Cities colleagues from around the country to lobby Congress for direct COVID recovery funding to cities of every size (ARPA delivered $20 million to Bellevue).
ARPA Local Relief Frequently Asked Questions - National League of Cities
I am also stepping in as part of the National League of Cities Transportation Infrastructure Services committee to collectively lobby Congress for direct transportation funding for cities of all sizes. We successfully lobbied for the Bi-partisan Infrastructure Law to include direct grant funding for cities to pursue. In addition, recognizing that small cities don’t have a lot of internal resources, we launched the Local Infrastructure Hub to help cities of all sizes pursue these grant opportunities.
Ready to Rebuild - National League of Cities
https://nlc.org/article/2022/12/23/top-2022-infrastructure-takeaways
I am deeply committed to workforce development, jobs and having an inclusive economy where small and diverse businesses have access to opportunities and support to thrive. I directly oversee construction labor on Port of Seattle projects and supported my colleague to start a first of its kind apprenticeship program on city public works projects prior to any state mandated legislation. I have spoken on many industry panels about construction apprenticeships and trade jobs. See Washington Workforce Association 2022 Fall Conference - Panel discussion on "Growing Quality Jobs Through Infrastructure Investment" as one example below.
Washington Workforce Association 2022 Fall Conference - TVW – November 9, 2022
