City of Saratoga City Council Councilmember Belal Aftab

A valley resident since he was 2 years old, Belal Aftab has worked in business development, high finance and operations roles for technology companies, municipalities and financial institutions. His mother taught preschool in Saratoga for 20 years, and his father was an electrical engineer. His interest in politics no doubt few when he interned for Congressman Michael Honda and led the district’s Student Advisory Committee. That interest led him to a successful run for Saratoga City Council in the general election on Nov. 8, 2022. His platform focused on public safety and traffic issues, as well as bringing “fairness and common sense on housing development. When he’s not running for office, Aftab works in the tech industry and also volunteers regularly at local organizations such as Martha’s Kitchen and the Rahima Foundation.

First elected: November 2022

Day job: Works at Stripe

Alma maters: UC Berkeley (major in business administration, minor in English), Bellarmine College Preparatory

Other positions held: Served on Saratoga’s Traffic Safety Commission and the Transbay Joint Powers Authority Citizens Advisory Committee.

Notable quote: “We are in a new and already challenging decade, and need fresh ideas for Saratoga to control its own destiny and maintain its special character while California continues to rapidly change. There is tremendous change coming to our borders as well - with a Costco in the works and a new mixed used development where Lucky’s used to be, our northeast corner of the city needs special attention from the city coupled with deep engagement with San Jose.” (Source: BelalForSaratoga.com campaign site)