Meet District 1 Councilmember: Melinda Liu

Irvine City Councilmember Melinda Liu was elected in November to be the first representative of Irvine’s new District 1. She is also the first Taiwan-born woman on the Council.

 

 

 

 

 

Melinda Liu: My passion for public service and my commitment to helping my community make serving on the City Council less of a job and more of a service to my neighbors. I was raised in a family that was devoted to public service. My motivation to run for city council came from my desire to help. As a single mother of three, a caregiver to elderly parents, a working parent, and a small business owner, I am inspired to work towards making Irvine more accessible and affordable for all families. Additionally, being actively involved in my children’s education has fueled my dedication to creating an equitable and economically vibrant community for young people. As a member of the “sandwich generation,” I understand the challenges of balancing family needs and maintaining stability, and I’m committed to ensuring that Irvine works for everyone.

 

ICNV: What issues in your district and/or in the city at large do you think are the most pressing, the most important to address?

 

Liu: The most pressing issues I’m focusing on are specifically fire and public safety for my district. I still vividly remember the 2020 Silverado Fire when I scrambled to evacuate with my children and elderly parents. It was the reason I made fire prevention my top priority. The recent wildfires show how much being in proximity to open spaces with droughts and unpredictable weather can still threaten our homes. For the City at large, I believe the most pressing issue would be balancing growth and quality of life. While we continue the City’s economic growth, we need to be mindful of the need for workforce housing while preventing foreseeable issues affecting childcare, senior services, environmental sustainability, and public transportation. These are crucial areas that impact our community’s well-being and our City’s future.

 

ICNV: What would you like to accomplish in your first year?

 

Liu: In my first year, I would love to implement a comprehensive fire prevention plan, given that District 1 is highly susceptible to wildfire risk and our homes are our most important assets. Additionally, I aim to expand services and improve accessibility for both senior citizens and young professionals, ensuring that all members of our community have the resources they need to thrive. To this end, I’d like to start the process of bringing a modernized community center with a library, while providing adult and children daycare, to District 1. The students from the many schools in District 1 can use the facility to study, research, and collaborate. The new community center will be a gathering place for District 1 residents.

 

ICNV: What have you learned since the election during your transition into office? Any surprises, good or bad?

 

Liu: I’ve learned that there is a tremendous amount of work ahead, particularly when it comes to reaching underprivileged communities and building a stronger, more inclusive Irvine for everyone. While the challenges are significant, I’m excited for the opportunity to make a real difference and work with my neighbors.