First Fil-Am councilor of Mountain View, California takes office

MOUNTAIN VIEW, California – Emily Ann Ramos became the first person of Filipino descent to serve on the Mountain View City Council upon taking the oath of office today, Feb. 14.

Ramos was appointed through a public process to fill a vacancy left by newly-elected California Board of Equalization Member Sally Lieber.

Prior to the appointment on Jan. 30, the current City Council held interviews with four finalists, including Ramos — a member of Mountain View’s Rental Housing Committee – and three former councilmembers.

Ramos was supported for the appointment by Congresswoman Anna Eshoo, State Assemblymembers Evan Low and Alex Lee, and Santa Clara County Supervisors Cindy Chavez and Susan Ellenberg.

“I am honored and humbled to have an opportunity to continue my service to the community as a councilmember,” Ramos said.

“As a daughter of Filipino immigrants who came to this country seeking a better future for their family, I’m grateful to live in a city that fosters an inclusive environment where anyone can make a difference. I look forward to working with my colleagues to keep our city at the forefront of innovative solutions to our most challenging issues such as affordable housing and environmental sustainability.”

During her interview, Ramos outlined her commitment to a displacement response strategy, solutions for middle-income housing, the Downtown Precise Plan update, and the Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan, all of which benefit Mountain View’s working families.

Professionally, Ramos works as a Preservation and Protection Associate for SV@Home, a locally-based nonprofit advocating for affordable housing and a more equitable Silicon Valley.

Outside of work, she serves on the Board of Directors for the Community Services Agency of Mountain View, Los Altos, and Los Altos Hills. She also volunteers her time with the League of Women Voters Los Altos-Mountain View Area’s Housing Committee.

Prior to her appointment, Ramos served on Mountain View’s Rental Housing Committee since it was created by voters in 2016 to implement and administer City’s Rent Stabilization Program. In 2022, she was honored by State Senator Josh Becker as California Senate District 13 Woman of the Year.

Ramos holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the California Maritime Academy. Born and raised in the Bay Area.

In a letter of support to the City Council, Congresswoman Eshoo said: “I believe that Emily has the experience, knowledge, and passion to continue Mountain View’s tradition of excellent, progressive governance. Emily is prepared from day one to be an effective councilmember. She has a deep understanding of Mountain View and its government and has been actively engaged in all facets of the community.”