During Mo’s tenure as the Chair of the Bellevue’s Planning Commission, he oversaw a number of difficult issues and demonstrated a keen ability to lead the Commission to a balanced outcome. Bellevue’s Permanent Supportive Housing ordinance faced community backlash until Mo, as Chair, listened to their issues and worked with the other Commissioners and city staff to add reasonable protections that addressed the community concerns. In this year’s Comprehensive Plan Update discussions, Mo has exhibited a keen understanding of the challenges and opportunities the Plan presents, asked incisive questions, and made wise comments that indicate his desire to achieve an outcome that is in the best interests of Bellevue’s businesses and residents. We look forward to watching him conclude that work from a seat on the Council.

Professionally, Dr. Malakoutian holds a PhD in Civil Engineering from the University of Washington, where he now teaches as an Affiliate Assistant Professor. He also holds an MBA from the prestigious Foster School of Business, and works for Amazon helping their employees with reskilling and upskilling. This academic and business background, when combined with Mo’s demonstrated pragmatism on the Planning Commission, will serve him well as a member of the City Council. Mo has also been dedicated to preventing family homelessness on the Eastside through his longtime service on the Wellspring Family Services Board.

We know we can trust Mo to dive deep into the issues the Council considers and exhibit pragmatism in his decision making, and proudly endorse him for the Council.