MAYOR LEE 
CITY OF SAN MATEO, CA

I have lived and worked all over the world, and am proud to call San Mateo home. Both my kids are born and raised San Mateans, attending our public schools. My path to council started when I became a mom. I joined the San Mateo Parent's Club, PTA board, and served as president of our Home Association of North Central San Mateo, then Vice Chair of the Parks and Recreation Commission.

I was appointed to the City Council in 2019, elected in 2020, and confirmed as Mayor in 2022, as the first Asian American woman and Jew of Color to hold the office. I am an "unlikely politician" who grew up on welfare and in public housing, working nearly full-time when I was in high school. My life was saved by good policies and since then, I have been unapologetically and audaciously driven to protect our democracy and ensure everyone can live with dignity and have a chance to succeed.

As a mother, nonprofit executive, and successful businesswoman, I have dedicated my life to creating healthy communities and families. I have extensive training in public policy and public health from Columbia University, combined with a 15+ year career building strong organizations and communities. On the council, I champion San Mateo's values of inclusivity, prosperity and resilience bringiing together a broad-base of community support from all neighborhoods and across all of the traditional divides in our community. 
 
I know what is possible when communities come together, and I envision a future for all of us, that doesn't sacrifice what makes our City so special. We face generational social and economic challenges. Too many San Mateans are being left behind, priced out and excluded from our governance. 

In the community and in City Hall I have a demonstrated record building bridges that bring us together and forward. Every day I'm grateful for this opportunity to work for every San Matean.