Washington State House of Representative Janice Zahn was appointed to the 41st LD on January 21, 2025 and completed her first session with four bills passed and two more incorporated within passed legislation. She is running to retain her seat and continue serving her community in Olympia.
Janice immigrated from Hong Kong to the United States when she was 10 years old. She 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.
Janice brings her many years of transportation, infrastructure, emergency management and public policy experience to the Washington State House of Representatives. During her over seven years on the Bellevue City Council, she was liaison on various transportation, education, disability and environmental boards and committees. Her local, regional and national knowledge is invaluable as our state and region develop strategies, policies and budgets to ensure a thriving, resilient and sustainable state.
Janice also served four years on the City of Bellevue Transportation Commission (the last year as Chair), where she helped shape the Commission’s review and recommendations regarding the Transportation Element of the Comprehensive Plan, Vision Zero policy updates, the Pedestrian and Bicycle Implementation Initiative and Multi-modal level of service. She also serves on several Transportation and Public Contracting committees at the State and National levels. She served on the National League of Cities Board of Directors, where she advocated for federal policies that benefit Bellevue and our region. She is a graduate of Advance Bellevue, Leadership Eastside and the Leadership Tomorrow community programs.
Janice actively helps others, to engage, grow and prosper. A mother of two adult daughters, Janice has been engaged for several decades in serving Bellevue and the Eastside. She has been a leader with the PTA, at Puesta del Sol Elementary and at the International School, serving various roles. She has also served as a Girl Scout leader for over 10 years, led two PEPs groups for new parents, and volunteered with local organizations committed to children and families, homelessness and food insecurity. She served for four years on The Sophia Way board serving women experiencing homelessness and Nourishing Networks, and recently joined the Bellevue Schools Foundation as a trustee. She is also an advisor to Seattle Chinese Radio and Chinese Institute of Engineers.
Janice remains committed to thriving communities for everyone. She serves our community and region every day with integrity, inclusion and innovation, to address the toughest challenges of transportation safety and mobility, housing affordability, and quality education and accessible healthcare for all. All this while reducing environmental impacts and preparing for the future. She attends as many diverse local and regional community events as she can, to better listen, learn and understand the issues facing our communities and our region.
