January 13, 2026 City Council Special Meeting

Video

Transcript

Segment 1

[00:00:06] Councilmember Ellen Kamei: All right everyone, good evening. Good evening everyone. Hello. Hi everyone, good evening. Thank you for your patience. We um, were just waiting on our colleague, but uh, we just want to welcome everyone to this special meeting of the Mountain View City Council of January 13, 2026. So we'll begin, ask you to please stand and join us in the pledge of allegiance.

Segment 2

[00:00:16] Councilmember Emily Ramos: And thank you so much everyone. Um with that, um I invite everyone to join us downstairs in the rotunda area where there will be light refreshments.

[00:00:26] Councilmember Emily Ramos: And also my parents brought turon for everyone, so um please enjoy the delicious snacks and and Filipino desserts.

[00:00:37] Councilmember Emily Ramos: Um and then the next unless anything else is the next City Council meeting will be held on January 27th, 2026.

[00:00:46] Councilmember Emily Ramos: Please join us in rot in the rotunda for refreshments. The meeting is adjourned at uh 6:51. Um See you later.

Segment 1

[00:00:55] Councilmember Ellen Kamei: All right everyone, thank you. We'll move on to item 3, which is roll call. The City Clerk will take attendance by roll call.

[00:01:45] City Clerk Heather Glaser: Councilmember Clark? Here. Councilmember McAlister? Here. Councilmember Ramirez? Here. Councilmember Showalter? Here. Vice Mayor Ramos? Here. Mayor Kamei? Here. We have a quorum with Councilmember Hicks absent.

[00:01:58] Councilmember Ellen Kamei: Great, thank you. So we'll move on to item 4, New Business. We will now hear from Supervisor Margaret Abe-Koga on behalf of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors.

[00:02:14] Supervisor Margaret Abe-Koga: Good evening. It's really an honor to be here. As mentioned, I'm Margaret Abe-Koga, County Supervisor for District 5, and thank you so much for inviting me to your very important reorganization meeting. It's always great to be home. And I just want to first of all thank you, Mountain View, Mountain View City Council, the residents, for your great partnership this year with the county, this past year. We have had some big challenges and we still have many more to go, but it's really wonderful to have the partnership with the cities and the county.

[00:03:33] Supervisor Margaret Abe-Koga: And I've been fortunate to be able to represent nine cities now. This is my last day of reorganization meetings. I have one more to go after this one and I will have done all eight cities, and then I have San Jose, but I try not to pick favorites, but I think you all know which one is in my heart.

[00:03:55] Supervisor Margaret Abe-Koga: So I'm pleased to be able to be here today to honor outgoing Mayor Ellen Kamei, and I just want to say first of all congratulations to you for a very successful year as Mayor. I recall because you were my Vice Mayor and then became Mayor in 2021 and that was during COVID when we were sheltering in place. And I know how disappointed you were because you didn't get to do all of the things that most Mayors do with events and ceremonies. So I hope that this past year you were able to fulfill all of your dreams as Mayor.

[00:05:10] Supervisor Margaret Abe-Koga: And I think that you did a wonderful job in leading the city. I appreciate your leadership on so many issues, especially with affordable housing. I know we were able to open La Avenida together. Homelessness response, I know we need to continue to work on that, but I appreciate your leadership there. I've been watching, sometimes I watch you on YouTube, your discussions on middle-income housing, so thank you for your work on that. As well as your continued commitment to the diversity of the community, making sure we are, Mountain View is a city for all, and your special focus on the youth. And I know that you championed the Chinese Language Leadership Academy, that with the Spanish Leadership Academy, to continue to encourage civic engagement for all. So just want to again thank you and congratulate you on your successful year, and on behalf of the Board of Supervisors, I'm very honored to be able to present this commendation to you. So congratulations.

[00:08:44] Councilmember Ellen Kamei: Thank you. We will now hear from Kevin Fong on behalf of Senator Josh Becker's office. No, sorry. Assemblymember Mark Berman's office. I should have that... so sorry Kevin.

[00:09:00] Kevin Fong: Not a problem, Madam Mayor. Kevin Fong on behalf of Assemblymember Mark Berman. It's a pleasure to be here with you all this evening as we honor and recognize Mayor Kamei for her year of service. Congratulations on a very successful year. Your steadfast leadership has guided the city through challenging times but I'm sure it's very worthwhile. And to what the Supervisor was saying, hopefully you got a fulfilling year out of this unlike your prior term as Mayor in 2021 when we were kind of still in the pandemic. And so on behalf of the Assemblymember, just wanted to extend his congratulations and his well wishes and looking forward to working with the new Mayor and the Council in this coming year as well.

[00:10:30] Councilmember Ellen Kamei: Great, thank you. We'll now hear from Nicolas Hargis on behalf of Congressman Sam Liccardo's office.

[00:10:40] Nicolas Hargis: Good evening, Council. On behalf of Congressman Sam Liccardo and his entire office, it's my honor to present a certificate of congressional recognition to the Honorable Ellen Kamei upon completion of your term as Mayor. Thank you for your steadfast partnership with Congressman Liccardo, Mayor Kamei, and for your exemplary commitment to good governance, collaboration, and leadership. I'd also like to take this opportunity to congratulate the prospective Mayor, Emily Ann Ramos, and state that the Congressman looks forward to working with all of you to serve the City of Mountain View.

[00:12:35] Councilmember Ellen Kamei: Thank you. We'll now hear from Isabelle Augustine from the office of Senator Josh Becker.

[00:13:30] Isabelle Augustine: Hi, I just on behalf of Senator Becker wanted to thank Mayor Kamei for your multiple terms of service as Mayor and your work as a Councilmember. You've really been a great partner to us. We've been able to do events together. We had a great time at our Java, and we really want to thank you for all that you've done during your time as Mayor. And we look forward to continuing to work with you as a Councilmember. And then also wanted to congratulate our prospective Mayor, and we look forward to working with you as Mayor as well. Thank you.

[00:14:15] Councilmember Ellen Kamei: Great. Well, thank you. What we'll be doing tonight is we're going to do all of our public comment right now. So we're going to take public comment for all the new business items which will include the recognition of the outgoing Mayor and the nomination and election of the incoming Mayor and Vice Mayor. So if you are somebody who would like to give public comment virtually or in person, please provide a comment card on these items. Please click the raise hand button in Zoom or submit a blue speaker card to the City Clerk now. We'll take in-person speakers first and each speaker will have three minutes. So in person first is Peter Katz.

[00:15:45] Peter Katz: Thank you very much. I'm Peter Katz, the CEO of the Mountain View Chamber of Commerce. And on behalf of our 600 members, I just want to really thank from the heart Mayor Kamei for all of her help and support through the years. I've had the great pleasure both personally and professionally of actually being part of the chamber for two terms as Mayor, but this one's much more fun because we got to do more outside, we got to do more without COVID hanging over us. But your... Hello! And also the children. That was really the best part of it, I think.

[00:17:04] Peter Katz: But again, really want to thank you for all that you've meant to our businesses, all that you've meant to our community, and how we all work together for one community for all. And I also want to welcome our incoming Mayor and say what a pleasure it is to be able to welcome you and to say how much we're looking forward to making Mountain View the best place to live, work, and play in the upcoming year. Thank you very much.

[00:17:30] Councilmember Ellen Kamei: Great, thank you. Alex Brown.

[00:18:20] Alex Brown: Congratulations. Good job.

[00:18:25] Councilmember Ellen Kamei: All right. I am not seeing any more in-person public comment or virtual public comment. So I'm going to turn it over to item 4.1.

[00:18:40] Councilmember Emily Ramos: All right, Madam Mayor, could you join me down to the lectern?

[00:19:10] Councilmember Emily Ramos: All right. We will... actually, let's start with this gift that I got you. So feel free to open it up now because I'm going to take a first point of personal privilege to show it off.

[00:20:05] Councilmember Ellen Kamei: It's reusable, it's recyclable because we're very green and we value sustainability in Mountain View. Oh look, who's this? Oh, is this me? It is!

[00:20:25] Councilmember Emily Ramos: Continuing on our tradition of Vice Mayors giving the Mayor a gift as a thank you for your year. Think of it as like a yearbook of your past year as Mayor. So we are moving on to the gavel... I don't know if there's a script. Did I... is there a script on the thing?

[00:20:55] Councilmember Emily Ramos: Okay. Oh, okay, we are starting with the proclamation. So we have this lovely proclamation for our wonderful Madam Mayor. So here you go as we read it. So, the City of Mountain View proclamation. Whereas Ellen Kamei was selected by her fellow councilmembers to serve as Mayor of Mountain View and took her oath of office on January 14th, 2025. Whereas Mayor Kamei is strongly committed to building a community for all in Mountain View. Addressing housing needs at all income levels including home ownership for low income and middle income households. Promoting language access and inclusivity through city programs such as the Spanish and Chinese language civic leadership academies. Highlighting the city's important work through the 'Minute with Mayor Kamei' video series. Inspiring youth to learn about civics through the 'Mayor for a Day' contest. And focusing on making government more accessible by continuously engaging with community members, business owners, and local and regional partners on important issues affecting Mountain View. And...

[00:23:30] Councilmember Chris Clark: Whereas while serving as Mayor in 2025 several important projects came to fruition such as the all-electric Rengstorff Park Aquatics Center, the all-inclusive Magical Bridge Playground, bicycle safety improvements through the California Street Pilot Project, the opening of the first affordable housing project in the North Bayshore, La Avenida apartments, and the El Camino Real rehabilitation and ADA improvements project. And whereas in performing her duties as Mayor, Ellen Kamei participated in local, regional, and national panels that encourage the responsible use of generative AI while embracing innovation in local government. And...

[00:24:05] Councilmember Lucas Ramirez: Whereas Mayor Kamei is a tireless advocate for vulnerable populations, convening the Mayor's roundtable on immigration and presiding as Mayor as the city adopted a homelessness response strategy called 'Pathways to Housing,' launched the 2025 Community for All grant program to help immigrant communities and mixed-status families, and placed the fire department's first emergency ambulance into service. And whereas Mayor Kamei participated in several community events to foster inclusivity and bring the community together with such highlights as the city's first State of the City, Lunar New Year celebration, Multicultural Festival, Earth and Arbor Day celebration, the city's first Pride celebration, 'Together in Pride,' Technology Showcase, Memorial Day, Dia de Muertos celebration, Veterans Day ceremony, German Holiday Market, and the Community Tree Lighting celebration. And...

[00:25:40] Councilmember Alison Hicks: And whereas Mayor Kamei represented her constituents locally by serving on the Council Appointments Review Committee as Chair, the Council Goal Setting Subcommittee also as Chair, Council Race, Equity and Inclusion Ad Hoc Subcommittee also as Chair, and the Council Transportation Committee and the Council Youth Services Committee. And...

[00:26:48] Councilmember Pat Showalter: Whereas Mayor Kamei has represented the City of Mountain View statewide and regionally by serving on the League of California Cities Board of Directors, Cities Association of Santa Clara County Board of Directors, City Association of Santa Clara County City Selection Committee, and Cities Association of the Santa Clara County Legislative Action Committee. And...

[00:27:10] Councilmember John McAlister: Whereas as a representative of the City of Mountain View and a champion for economic vitality, Mayor Kamei participated in panels about the city economic development efforts including downtown new retail pop-up programs, supporting local stores and shops by promoting Small Business Saturday, showcasing the planning underway for major sporting events coming to the Bay Area in 2026, and attending many local business tours. And...

[00:27:35] Councilmember Emily Ramos: Now therefore be it resolved that the City Council, City of Mountain View, on behalf of its members, city staff, and community does hereby express sincere and overwhelming appreciation to Ellen Kamei for her year of dedicated service to the community as Mayor.

[00:28:45] Councilmember Emily Ramos: We also have a really nice little gavel thing too.

[00:30:30] Councilmember Emily Ramos: Would any member of the council like to say a few words? Councilmember Ramirez.

[00:30:40] Councilmember Lucas Ramirez: Thank you Vice Mayor. Mayor Kamei, thank you for your service again this year. It's I think a great honor to have served the council twice in two four-year terms. And I know as many members of the community had shared, the first opportunity to serve as Mayor was unusual. It was a great opportunity to demonstrate leadership in a very difficult time, and you showed up for your community then. And now, still unfortunately, still some big challenges that we're dealing with as a community, but a lot of opportunity also to engage our residents in a much more direct way. And I think again your service this year is characterized by always showing up and being ubiquitous and being with the community when they need to see their leader in their presence. So thank you again for your service.

[00:32:18] Councilmember Emily Ramos: Next we have Councilmember McAlister.

[00:32:20] Councilmember John McAlister: You know, I could always find you, Mayor, just by your Facebook. I never had to call or look, I just looked down at Facebook, oh, she's here. 20 minutes later she's crosstown at another event. Next thing I know she's overseas and I'm going, where does this woman find the time? That is dedication. And so I just admire that what you've been able to do, I mean, you caught up for lost time. You really did. And I think you were one of the best representatives I've ever seen in my short term here on council. And what really made me proud is that you made Baskin Robbins your honorary ice cream, and I really appreciate that as a small businessman. So continued support us and you do have support of the small businesses and that's so greatly appreciated.

[00:33:48] Councilmember Emily Ramos: Thank you Councilmember McAlister. Councilmember Hicks.

[00:33:50] Councilmember Alison Hicks: I won't take long, but I'm going to give you a very short thank you. I especially enjoyed your service over the past year in person because, as you may have noticed, I go to every downtown ribbon cutting that I can. So I saw a great deal of you, had a lot of food and drinks that were very good, and I hope everybody patronizes the many places that we cut ribbons for. And I hope to continue seeing you at ribbon cuttings over the next year.

[00:35:00] Councilmember Emily Ramos: Thank you Councilmember Hicks. Councilmember Showalter.

[00:35:05] Councilmember Pat Showalter: Having been the Mayor the year before, I just know how many, many hours are involved in being the Mayor. And you don't get more than 24 hours in the day in spite of that. So I really appreciate just all the time and effort and dedication that you put in. It was much appreciated.

[00:35:30] Councilmember Emily Ramos: Thank you Councilmember Showalter. We have City Manager Kimbra McCarthy.

[00:35:35] City Manager Kimbra McCarthy: Thank you Vice Mayor. So Mayor, I just wanted to thank you for a great 2025. We've accomplished so much together as a Council and with the city organization. And I think it kind of goes without saying that we see here that your dedication to this job requires so much from you and from your family. And I just want to thank you for being the type of leader that has been willing to take risks, being a mother to two small children and really setting an example, I think for people that might want to be in office or be inspired to run for office. For women out there who are really inspired by your journey, and certainly I think that sets a great example for the city organization, for employees, perspective employees, and for all of us here to know that public service also means service to our family as much as it means to our community. So I just want to thank you for your partnership, for a great year working together. It's been tremendous two times. The first time was quite different from now, but I've always appreciated how available you are given how super, super busy you are. You're always there and always supportive of staff. And so for that I am so grateful and so appreciative for your leadership as Mayor. Thank you.

[00:38:20] Councilmember Emily Ramos: Thank you City Manager. City Attorney Logue.

[00:38:25] City Attorney Jennifer Logue: So I'm going to be brief, but I just wanted to say I remember when I interviewed for this position and you were the Mayor at the time and sitting there so, so nervous and you were a very calming presence for me. But by the time I got here, Councilmember Ramirez was Mayor. And so this was a pleasure to have the opportunity to serve as City Attorney while you were Mayor. And I really want to echo how much I appreciate your support for staff. It is really truly amazing and it means a lot to all of us. So thank you.

[00:39:00] Councilmember Emily Ramos: Thank you City Attorney Logue. I guess I'll finish up. Thank you Mayor Kamei for your service as Mayor. I don't think there would have been anyone I would have rather learned under as we do this transition. I learned a great deal of your professionalism, balancing so many different priorities from our community. I'm a bit more stubborn as a chaotic middle child, but you are always such a steady hand that I learned so much from. So thank you for your time here as Mayor and you're not leaving anytime soon. We're still together for another year at least. And I'm glad, I'm glad I had that opportunity to learn from you.

[00:40:34] Councilmember Emily Ramos: Oh Chris, uh, sorry. Councilmember Clark. Please go ahead.

[00:40:45] Councilmember Chris Clark: I was going to say this later, but it makes more sense to say it now. I just want to express my deep appreciation to Mayor Kamei for all the work over this past year. I mean, two things about being Mayor that are really, really important and I think show the dedication that Ellen has had to this is, one, it's about showing up and being communicative. I don't think there was ever a missed call that didn't get returned. With all, as was said before, with all the demands on your time, from family, from work, from the community, you always found the time to help be a thought partner to us when we needed it and to lead us. And that's the other key thing that not everyone recognizes about the Mayorship is that year is not about the individual who holds that position. It's about the trust that the community and the council place in that person to really lead us and to make sure that everyone is heard and you're the last to speak and you have to think about running the meeting and or handling this event or doing all these things. And that is not an easy thing to do. And you've done it so spectacularly well. The meetings have just been run incredibly. And I know those are more mundane things, but those are really the hallmarks of a really, really great Mayor. And being able to do that with everything else that you're juggling, I think it's just been absolutely incredible. So thank you for being a partner through all of this and especially for your dedication to our community and the diversity of our community with Together in Pride and all the other firsts that we had in this past year. It's been challenging, but I know you worked incredibly hard on all those things, but they got done and they got done super, super well. And I think all of our community really appreciates your effort.

[00:43:58] Councilmember Emily Ramos: Thank you Councilmember Clark. I think we are good. Anyone else? Anyone else? Okay, we're good. Take it away Madam Mayor.

[00:44:05] Councilmember Ellen Kamei: All right everyone, so we have item 4.2 is remarks by the outgoing Mayor. So I'll just say a little bit, which is thank you so much for the honor and privilege of serving as your Mayor. As was alluded to when I spoke in 2021, I dubbed myself the virtual Mayor because it was a completely Zoom year. And much of our connection happened through screens, but this year, this past year was different. It was very much lived in real life through conversations on sidewalks, at city events, and in moments both challenging and hopeful. And I'm deeply humbled and grateful for the opportunity to have served again as Mayor.

[00:45:35] Councilmember Ellen Kamei: I am immensely thankful to my city council colleagues, both past and present, for their collaboration and shared commitment to responsible stewardship. I want to especially thank, and maybe I get to be the first one to say this pretty soon, thank Mayor Ramos, Vice Mayor Clark, and Councilmembers Hicks, Showalter, McAlister, and Ramirez. Even when we face complex issues, we led with respect, shared purpose, and care for this community.

[00:46:45] Councilmember Ellen Kamei: I also want to thank city staff. Mountain View's tradition of collaboration between council and staff truly sets us apart. Your professionalism and dedication are the reasons our city continues to thrive in a fast-moving and innovative environment. You represent the very best of public service, and our residents can trust that this city works and works well because of you.

[00:47:15] Councilmember Ellen Kamei: 2025 reaffirmed my belief in Mountain View's vision as a community for all. A city where all are welcome, all belong, and everyone has opportunity. Being a community for all means creating a true sense of belonging, ensuring safety, dignity, and opportunity at every stage of life. It means confronting real challenges like the cost of housing, access to childcare, mental health support, and the pressures facing our working families.

[00:48:28] Councilmember Ellen Kamei: These issues are personal to me. Being multiracial and multilingual has shaped how I see this community and why inclusion, equity, and belonging are not abstract values to me, but lived experiences. Over the past year in particular, I've reflected about how my paternal grandparents met here working in the fields. They faced circumstances unfortunately not dissimilar to current times. Yet there was something about the City of Mountain View that led them to return here after Heart Mountain. They felt that the city was a place where, unlike other communities, they could belong. They were wanted. And it is that sense of belonging that brought me back here after graduate school to live with my grandfather, the reason I chose to stay, and has led to this incredible opportunity to serve the city that shaped me.

[00:50:00] Councilmember Ellen Kamei: Supporting families, especially young families, has been a key part of that work. And I'm proud of how Mountain View remains committed to helping create and sustain childcare options for both residents and city employees. In this year's budget, we included $100,000 subsidy to help offset costs at Learning Links so that our city site can continue offering affordable care to our Mountain View families and our city staff. We are also one of the only cities in the region to provide eight weeks of paid family leave for city employees welcoming a child through birth, adoption, or fostering. This is also available to our council, our boards, and our commissions. I'm grateful to have championed this and to have been able to utilize it twice for the birth of my children, rewriting our 123-year-old history. Now this pilot program is a permanent commitment and reflected in our recommended budget at $1 million in our parental leave reserve. We're also looking ahead to the development of a new childcare center at the Evelyn Affordable Housing Project on our city-owned land in partnership with Affirmed Housing.

[00:51:58] Councilmember Ellen Kamei: This is what it means to be a community for all, including our youngest residents. And it's the reason why in both of my stints I held a Mayor for a Day contest. It has been a meaningful way for me to give young people the opportunity to imagine how they would tackle issues facing local government. And I think it reminds all of us as policymakers that belonging also means helping the next generation see that their voices matter and that this city is theirs to shape.

[00:52:30] Councilmember Ellen Kamei: Together, the Council advanced major initiatives that will shape our city's future, including long-term planning for our parks, housing, downtown, public art, biodiversity, and a comprehensive homelessness response strategy, all while maintaining Mountain View's AAA credit rating, reflecting strong fiscal stewardship. And we opened La Avenida, expanding affordable housing opportunities in the North Bayshore. We placed our first ambulance ever into service, strengthening emergency response. Our city continues to be recognized statewide for leadership and innovation. And through our city-led Community for All initiative, we invested in connection and belonging, awarding grants, hosting a Dia de Muertos celebration, and holding our first ever Together in Pride event. We are also entering nine years of our Spanish Language Leadership Academy and the third year of our Civic Leadership Academy in Mandarin Chinese. Those efforts reflect our belief that strong communities are built not only through policy, but through empathy, culture, and shared experiences.

[00:55:00] Councilmember Ellen Kamei: Even amid challenges at the federal level, Mountain View stayed true to its values. And in a time when fear and division dominate our politics, Mountain View modeled empathy, courage, and cooperation. As I enter my final year on the City Council, I do so with gratitude and a deep sense of responsibility focused on this work and on helping lay a strong foundation for the future in Mountain View. So I want to thank all of you, everyone who serves this city, our staff, boards, commissions, community partners, residents, and of course our council. It's been an incredible honor to serve. And you may hear our incoming Mayor talk about how Mountain View is the best city ever, and this is the reason why: All are welcome, all belong, we're a community for all. Thank you.

[00:57:00] Councilmember Ellen Kamei: Thank you, thank you. All right, and now to some of the exciting stuff. Item 4.3, our nomination for election of Mayor. So now is the time for the call for nominations for Mayor. Councilmember Clark.

[00:57:15] Councilmember Chris Clark: Thank you Mayor Kamei. It's my distinct honor to nominate Vice Mayor Emily Ann Ramos to serve as Mountain View's next Mayor. When I nominated Emily for Vice Mayor last year, I spoke about her exemplary leadership and tireless dedication. Over the past year she has more than proven those words true. Emily has served this body and our community with distinction, demonstrating that public service is most effective when it's rooted in transparency and when every voice is heard.

[00:58:25] Councilmember Chris Clark: Her unwavering commitment to making housing more affordable remains a cornerstone of her service. With her engineering background and policy expertise, Emily has guided us through the complex work of producing and preserving housing. She's also a fierce advocate for protecting our most vulnerable residents, and her leadership has helped ensure that as Mountain View grows, we remain a community where families can thrive regardless of circumstance. Beyond housing, Emily's leadership as Vice Mayor in 2025 has been expansive and effective. She has skillfully chaired the Youth Services Committee and represented our city locally and regionally. Her work consistently reflects a commitment to making local government more accessible to our diverse community.

[00:59:10] Councilmember Chris Clark: On a personal note, I'm continually impressed by Emily's fortitude and dedication. She's a self-described optimist, and I would agree, and that's a trait that in today's political environment, I think we can all agree, is increasingly rare but necessary. She brings a collaborative spirit, deep policy expertise, and the heart needed to lead this city. Emily has served us well as Vice Mayor and I'm confident she's ready to lead us as Mayor. She will be Mountain View's first Filipino-American Mayor, a milestone that reflects the evolving story of our city. I look forward to working alongside her to achieve meaningful and lasting progress for our community. Please join me in supporting Emily as we navigate the year ahead together and continue building a welcoming, vibrant, and resilient Mountain View for generations to come.

[01:00:52] Councilmember Ellen Kamei: Councilmember McAlister?

[01:00:55] Councilmember John McAlister: Yes, it is my honor to second the motion.

[01:01:40] Councilmember Ellen Kamei: I think that's as brief as he's ever been. Let's take the vote. It's a celebration, let's take the vote. All right, and that is unanimous. Mayor Emily Ann Ramos!

[01:02:20] Councilmember Emily Ramos: All right, I will take it from here. We will now call for nominations for the Vice Mayor. I see Councilmember Ramirez.

[01:02:35] Councilmember Lucas Ramirez: Thank you Mayor Ramos and congratulations. It's dangerous to go out there alone, so I'm going to nominate the best person I think for the role to serve as your lieutenant, Councilmember Clark. It's an honor to nominate the Councilmember who I think has demonstrated the greatest ability to deliver consensus, to find a path forward even when we might be very divided. And I think his thoughtfulness, his balanced approach to deliberation, and his dedication to this community will serve you well as you lead the city as Mayor.

[01:04:05] Councilmember Emily Ramos: Thank you Councilmember Ramirez. And Councilmember Showalter.

[01:04:08] Councilmember Pat Showalter: I would very much like to second this motion. I've known Chris for about 12 or 14 years now and the first time I met him I was blown away by the depth of his understanding of environmental policy. And I've come to find out that that was just the tip of the iceberg. So I'm really looking forward to serving with you for many years.

[01:05:20] Councilmember Emily Ramos: Thank you Councilmember Showalter. We will now send it off to a vote. And the motion passes unanimously. Congratulations Vice Mayor Clark. All right, with that we will have the remarks by the incoming Vice Mayor followed by my remarks.

[01:05:50] Councilmember Chris Clark: Thank you Mayor Ramos and congratulations again, and thank you to my colleagues for your support. What Councilmember Ramirez didn't tell you amongst all those nice things that he said is that we also have a rotation policy which says that unless I've done something terrible I'm next in line, so here we are. But I'm honored to be entrusted with the Vice Mayorship and I look forward to serving all of you in the year ahead. Tonight's focus obviously should be celebrating the accomplishments of our outgoing Mayor, Ellen Kamei, and the year ahead under Mayor Ramos's leadership. So I'm simply going to thank all of you, my colleagues, my community, and supporters, and of course my family at home for the honor, for their support, and for the honor to serve you as Vice Mayor in 2026, and I'll turn things back over to you Mayor.

[01:07:30] Councilmember Emily Ramos: Thank you Vice Mayor Clark. All right, the last item before you guys get to eat. All right. So thank you everyone. I'm deeply honored by your trust and grateful for the opportunity to serve as Mayor of Mountain View. Tonight is meaningful to me in a very personal way. I will be the first person of Filipino descent to serve as Mayor of this city. I am a daughter of immigrants who came to the United States believing in the promise that through hard work and community their children could have a better life, and that promise is why I'm here today.

[01:08:58] Councilmember Emily Ramos: I want to thank my family and friends who are here this evening. I'm pretty sure like this whole room is like filled with them. And everyone say hi to my parents, they're right over there. Your love, encouragement, and patience, especially doing long nights, long meetings, and very long campaigns, mean more than I can ever say. When I was running for office, I often said that I've always believed that government is simply a structure for community to make decisions for themselves. That belief will guide my Mayoral year. My focus will be on community engagement. I want all residents to feel heard, valued, and empowered to shape the future of Mountain View.

[01:10:20] Councilmember Emily Ramos: That does not mean that we will always agree with each other. One of the many benefits of a diverse community is the range of perspectives and beliefs shaped by our experiences and our visions for the future of the city. We are living through challenging times. Even though Mountain View has led on policies that protect residents from displacement and continues to work on removing barriers to building more housing, many residents, seniors, and workers still feel the stifling impact of our housing crisis. Many residents also are facing fear and uncertainty from aggressive actions from our federal government against immigrants. For our city and our country, a community becomes great not by keeping people out, but by welcoming and cherishing our neighbors whether they have lived here for generations or just arrived.

[01:11:55] Councilmember Emily Ramos: Now, I have been watching City Council meetings from many different cities since 2015. I see a few of you in the audience, thank you for being here. And I've learned many things, including what we can do, what we probably should avoid. What has always stood out to me about Mountain View is how uniquely welcoming this community is to those who want to get involved. We are an ambitious city that wants to get many things done, and that requires many people giving their time and their effort. The more people involved, the better our chances of meeting our shared goals.

[01:12:30] Councilmember Emily Ramos: In 2017, then Mayor Ken Rosenberg began each City Council meeting with a historical fact about our city. I plan to carry forward that spirit with a small twist. Instead of history, I'll begin meetings by highlighting a volunteer opportunity in our community. There are so many needs, but that also means there are so many opportunities. Service is how community comes alive. So tonight, I want to make a call to action, a call to service, and a call to community. I encourage residents to volunteer with your neighborhood associations, nonprofit service agencies, city programs, rapid response networks, advisory boards, and community groups. It is our residents, showing up for one another no matter how long they have been here, who make Mountain View the best city. So I'm so very grateful for this opportunity and I look forward to serving you all. Thank you.

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