Russ Melton is an experienced City Councilmember who works well with others to get things done for the people of Sunnyvale's District 4. Recognized for his service and leadership, Russ Melton has a track record of success on the City Council and in the private sector.

Experienced Public Servant

• Elected to Sunnyvale City Council in 2016
• Russ served as Sunnyvale Vice Mayor in 2019
• Government activities include service on the Boards of the Santa Clara Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO), the Silicon Valley Regional Interoperability Authority (SVRIA) and the League of California Cities (LCC) Revenue & Taxation Policy Committee
• Prior to Council, Russ served on the Planning Commission for 4+ years

Professional Leadership

• Russ earned an MBA from Santa Clara University
• Honorably discharged from the United States Navy
• Graduate of Leadership Sunnyvale

Education Advocate

• Russ’ children attend public middle school in Sunnyvale
• Russ serves on the Parent-Student Advisory Group and previously served as President of the School Site Council
• He and his wife Sami are raising two children in Sunnyvale, his home since 2000

Silicon Valley Expertise

• Born and raised in Palo Alto, Russ has a high-tech corporate background
• Executive VP and COO at National 1st Credit Union
• Senior Finance Manager at National Semiconductor. Worked for five years in mergers and acquisitions, driving strategic transactions involving complex negotiations and legal frameworks. Worked for three years in Tokyo, Japan.

In my spare time, I enjoy coaching and refereeing youth soccer, and I collect historic California license plates.

Five Campaign Pillars for Quality of Life in Sunnyvale

Fiscal Responsibility

• Oversee best practices on City budget and finances
• Carefully manage General Fund revenue decreases arising from COVID-19 emergency while maintaining appropriate rainy-day reserves
• Manage the City’s pension obligations over time

Smart Infrastructure

• Aggressively implement Vision Zero Plan and Active Transportation Plan, for bicycle and pedestrian safety and connectivity programs
• Complete Mathilda/237/101 interchange, move forward on planning to improve Fremont/Bernardo/85
• Strong oversight of Water Pollution Control Plant re-build
• Complete infrastructure planning: (a) Caltrain grade separations at Mary and Sunnyvale Avenues; (b) possible Mary Avenue overpass; and (c) fire stations master plan

Manage Balanced Growth in Land Planning

• Balance growth, housing and traffic
• Realize vision of vibrant downtown
• Get the new City Hall built on budget and come to a balanced solution on redevelopment of the Main Public Library
• Get the Lakewood Branch Library built on time and on budget
• Complete the Comprehensive Housing Strategy and come to balanced housing solutions in the Downtown, at Lawrence Station, Moffett Park and El Camino Real
• Explore a public-private partnership with Major League Cricket for a new cricket stadium at Baylands Park
• Support Sunnyvale businesses

Environmental Sustainability

• Meet 2030 and 2050 greenhouse gas reduction targets
• Meet 2025 organic waste reduction target (SB-1383) while ensuring maximum community outreach, engagement and participation
• Continue forward on City's Climate Playbook
• Complete the single-use plastics strategy study issue and implement the recommendations

Compassion for Community

• Black Lives Matter, Sunnyvale Unity
• Support Sunnyvale Community Services
• Protect homeowners, renters and mobile home park residents in District 4
• Pass legislation to improve the lives of Sunnyvale residents: (a) a right-to-lease ordinance; (b) a responsible construction ordinance; (c) a service worker retention ordinance; and (d) an ordinance banning the sale of flavored tobacco products