Meet Sylvia Arenas
As a City of San José councilwoman, I’ve devoted my professional career to public service, focusing on making it possible for families and children to have a high quality of life within our community. To do this, I’ve prioritized economic development, public safety and family services.
Through my position on the City Council, I’ve championed issues that affect the everyday lives of San José women and families. I’ve led efforts to reform the city’s response to rising rates of sexual assaults and improve public safety. One of my greatest accomplishments was my launch of the City of San José’s Family Friendly Initiative, which is working to increase access to early education, after school programs, safe housing, family friendly public facilities, and paid family leave. I continue to make strides to support economic development, while working to make our streets safer, better maintained, and less congested.
Before serving on the city council, I received an M.P.A. from the University of San Francisco, and served as a member of the Evergreen Elementary School District Board of Trustees. My professional experience includes working in youth and early childhood educational agencies. I’m a proud long-time resident of Evergreen, where I live with my husband José, son Andres, and daughter Annaise.