The Bellevue neighbor and community leader will seek open seat on City Council, making first run for public office
BELLEVUE– Mo Malakoutian, a Bellevue Planning Commissioner who works in learning and development at Amazon and as a longtime UW Affiliate Assistant Professor teaching Civil Engineering has announced that he will run for an open seat on the City Council this year. Malakoutian, who holds both a PhD and MBA from the University of Washington, is looking to build on his record of community service on Council while also helping build a stronger regional economy.
“Bellevue is at a crossroads– a welcoming, safe and diverse city poised to increase its role as an regional economic engine,” said Malakoutian. “In my roles in technology, higher education, and service on the Planning Commission and as a Wellspring Family Services Board Member, I see all sides of the opportunities and challenges we face, and I’m excited to bring my passion and experience to serve all communities in our growing city.”
Malakoutian enters the race with broad support from elected and community leaders including King County Councilmember Claudia Balducci, Bellevue Mayor Lynne Robinson, and Councilmembers Jeremy Barksdale, Janice Zahn, and John Stokes.
Mayor Lynne Robinson said, “Over the years I have known Mo, he has proven himself to be thoughtful, engaged, hard working and dedicated to service. He cares deeply about our community and has invested his time and energy in creating opportunity and improving the lives of those around him. He will make an excellent City Councilmember.”
Councilmember Jeremy Barksdale said, “It's critical that our Councilmembers have the background, lived experiences, and empathy that will help them navigate the key issues impacting our community--affordable housing, equity and sense of belonging, access and transportation, and workforce development just to name a few. Mo gets it, and has a deep passion for serving our community. I hope you'll join me in supporting Mo for the Bellevue City Council.”
Malakoutian, a native of Iran who worked as a structural engineer and project manager, came to our region seeking both advanced education (PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering) and economic opportunity– and progressive political values that define the policies and priorities of the Puget Sound region.
Malakoutian’s priorities on the Council will be affordable housing so neighbors can afford to live where they work – decreasing traffic and emissions, safe and healthy communities for every neighbor, accessibility and transparency, and ensuring that Bellevue remains welcoming to all.
“This is an area where people and businesses can thrive when we have a level playing field, and allow all people to reach their potential,” said Malakoutian. “We build equity and protect opportunity through hard work and commitment to eliminating barriers to success– these are core principles that have helped me succeed, and I want to do my part to help others as a member of the City Council.”
“I want to thank Jeremy for his strong, principled leadership for our city,” said Malakoutian. “We need citizen leaders willing to speak out for marginalized communities and people at risk of being left behind in our fast growing city, and changing economy. I will carry on that voice for representation, while building on my record of collaborative leadership. I look forward to this opportunity, and the campaign ahead.”
Learn more at mo4bellevue.com.
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