County of Santa Clara Board of Supervisors Supervisor Joe Simitian

A major player in regional politics Joe Simitian was elected in 2020 for a third consecutive term on the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors. He serves the Fifth District, which includes Cupertino, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Mountain View, Palo Alto, Saratoga, Stanford, and portions of Sunnyvale and San Jose. Simitian’s local roots are deep—he was raised in Palo Alto and studied at Stanford University and UC Berkeley.

In addition to his service at all levels of state and local government, Simitian also boasts considerable experience in the private sector as a public schools attorney, businessman, and city planner. He is a member of the California State Bar and has been granted certification by the American Institute of Certified Planners. Simitian’s community involvement includes service with local organizations such as Adolescent Counseling Services, Acterra, Leadership Mountain View, and the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics.

Alma maters: Colorado College (bachelor of arts), Stanford University (master’s degree, international policy studies), UC Berkeley (master of city planning; juris doctor)

Other offices held: State Senator, 11th District; State Assemblymember, 21st District; Mayor of Palo Alto; President of Palo Alto School Board.

Notable quote: “One of the principles that should be always in our thinking is that every dollar we don’t spend well is a dollar we don’t have to do good work in the community for people that desperately need our help,” Simitian said. “If we care about the people we say we care about, if we don’t spend the limited resources we have to good effect, it’s at their expense, and they will be harmed if we don’t spend that money wisely.” —Joe Simitian, article by San Jose Spotlight 

Committee and board assignments: Simitian serves as chair of the Health and Hospital Committee, chair of the Federal Affairs Advocacy Task Force, and vice chair of the Housing, Land Use, Environment and Transportation Committee.