Scotts Valley City Council · November 2026

Michael
Zeller

Leadership for Scotts Valley's next chapter.

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Meet the Candidate

Meet Mike Zeller

Scotts Valley works because people here show up for their neighbors, their schools, and their city. I’m running because the decisions ahead are ones I’ve spent my career preparing for and because I want to put that experience to work for this community.

The Town Center. Long-term fiscal health. Workforce housing that fits our community. Senior mobility. Safe routes to schools. These challenges are real and solvable but they require asking the right questions, working effectively with staff and regional partners, and seeing complex initiatives through to completion. That’s exactly what I’ve spent my career doing.

Scotts Valley has every reason for optimism. But a bright future doesn’t happen on its own. It takes steady leadership and the right experience at the right time. I’d be honored to earn your trust and your vote.

Learn More About Mike See His Priorities
10 years
Scotts Valley resident
20 years
Public infrastructure & finance experience
Vice Chair
California Rural Counties Task Force
CARL
California Academy of Regional Leaders
2021 Cohort
SV
Scotts Valley Citizens Academy 2026
Platform

Five Priorities.
Real Experience.

Grounded in what residents have said, and what's achievable.

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A message from Mike Zeller

My wife Jenna and I moved to Scotts Valley because we wanted to raise our daughters in a community with real neighborhoods, good schools, and people who look out for each other. More than ten years in, this place has more than lived up to that. We’re grateful every day that it’s home.

I’ve spent my career in public sector transportation and infrastructure managing programs, securing funding, and building the partnerships that get hard things done. I want to bring that experience to Scotts Valley. To ask the right questions and help the city make the most of every resource and every opportunity.

I'd be honored to earn your vote. More than that, I'd love to hear from you.
— Mike Zeller
Candidate, Scotts Valley City Council 2026
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In the News

Media Coverage

Santa Cruz Sentinel August 14, 2026

Three Candidates File for Two Scotts Valley Council Seats

Speaking with the Sentinel after the candidate filing deadline, I shared what’s shaping my run for City Council by bringing 20 years of government experience to the Town Center, city finances, and mobility:

"I want to help ask the right questions and just make the most of every resource and every opportunity that the city has in front of it.”
Read Full Article on
Santa Cruz Sentinel

Scotts Valley Times August 2026

Bethany Drive Developer Skips Community Meeting

As a Bethany Drive resident, I urged neighbors to reach out to our state representatives directly:

"Let Gail Pellerin and Senator John Laird know how this law is impacting the community and the effects it is having."

My comments came during discussion of the proposed 125 Bethany Drive development and its impact under state housing law.

Read Full Article on
Scotts Valley Times

Press Banner August 6, 2026

Hundreds attend National Night Out event at Scotts Valley’s MacDorsa Park

Speaking with the Press Banner at National Night Out, I shared what’s driving my campaign for City Council:

"With my background — working in government for the last 20 years — I have a lot of experience in how government works, how to be collaborative, how to bring people to the table. I think it would be beneficial to the city.”
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Press Banner

Santa Cruz Sentinel July 2, 2026

Proposed Scotts Valley affordable housing project faces community backlash at informational meeting

At a packed informational meeting on the 125 Bethany Drive project, I urged residents to reach out to state legislators to voice their concerns:

"The way that AB 2011 is being used in the community, it's moving fast and not thoughtfully and there's opportunities at the state level for the legislature, our representatives, to be able to make changes with those laws. Let them know how this law is impacting the community."
Read Full Article on
Santa Cruz Sentinel
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About the Candidate

Rooted Here.
Ready to Serve.

A neighbor and a public servant running for Scotts Valley City Council.

Michael Zeller
Candidate · Scotts Valley City Council 2026
Mike's Story

A Neighbor and a Proven Infrastructure Expert

My family and I have called Scotts Valley home for over a decade. My daughters go to school here, my wife Jenna and I have put down our roots here, and this community is where I want to spend the next chapter of our lives.

By day, I serve as Director of Programming and Project Delivery at a regional transportation agency overseeing complex multi-year infrastructure programs, managing federal and state funding, and coordinating across cities, counties, and regional partners to get things built. I also serve as Vice Chair of the California Rural Counties Task Force, working through the policy and fiscal challenges that rural governments face.

Over 20 years in California public service has taught me how government actually works: how funding gets secured, how to build consensus among people who don’t agree, and how to keep complicated initiatives on track. Those skills are exactly what an effective council member puts to work.

Outside of work, I’m a husband and a dad. You’ll find me hiking or camping with my family, cheering on the softball sidelines, or at the grill on a weekend afternoon.

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My Commitment

Shaping a Stronger Future

Presenting at the IAP2 Conference
Presenting at the International Association of Public Participation conference on alleviating community fear and navigating misinformation on public infrastructure projects.
Groundbreaking
Bringing my daughters to our groundbreaking events so they can see the positive influence government can have on communities.
SVEF Food Truck
Volunteering with the Scotts Valley Education Foundation for Food Truck Fridays.
Fourth of July Parade
Walking in the Fourth of July parade with SVEF supporting our teachers and schools.
What Guides Mike

Values in Practice

The principles that guide how I work, lead, and show up for this community.

What Mike Brings

Skills That Matter
for Scotts Valley

Why Now

The Right Moment

The next few years will bring consequential decisions for Scotts Valley on the Town Center, on long-term fiscal sustainability, on housing mandates, on how we move people around our community safely. These aren’t abstract policy questions. They’re decisions that will shape what this city looks and feels like for the next generation.

I’m running now because the issues facing Scotts Valley call for someone who has done this work. Complex infrastructure delivery, regional funding, long-range fiscal planning aren’t abstract concepts to me. They’re what I’ve spent 20 years working through.

I'm also running because Scotts Valley has been my home long enough that getting it right matters personally. It’s the community where we've chosen to build our life and raise our daughters. We want to help make sure it’s just as good for the next family that arrives here as it was for ours.

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Platform

Focused on
What Matters Most

Grounded in what residents have said, and what's achievable. Building on Scotts Valley's strengths while tackling the challenges ahead honestly.

Where I Stand

Ballot Measure Endorsements

Measure G — Visitors Support for Local Services

"I support Measure G because it’s a fiscally responsible way to strengthen Scotts Valley’s finances without asking more of our residents. The Transient Occupancy Tax is paid by visitors staying in our hotels, not by the families and homeowners who live here year-round. This is a modest increase, from 11% to 13%, that keeps Scotts Valley hotel rates competitive while giving our town a stronger, more resilient revenue base to maintain the services, infrastructure, and quality of life that make Scotts Valley a great place to live and visit"

City's Measure G Info Page

Measure D — Oil, Gas, & Deep-Sea Mining On-Shore Facilities

"Though Scotts Valley isn’t a coastal community, we’re part of Santa Cruz County, and our residents share in the health of the Monterey Bay and our region’s coastline economically, environmentally, and in quality of life. I’m proud to support Measure D, which protects our coast by requiring voter approval before any onshore industrial facilities for offshore oil, gas, or seabed mining can be built in the county. It strengthens protections voters first approved in 1986, and reflects the kind of regional collaboration that keeps our whole county strong by coastal and inland communities working together"

stopthedrillsc.org
Stand With Mike

If These Priorities Reflect Your Vision

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Community Support

Endorsed by
Neighbors

Real people from across Scotts Valley standing up for proven leadership. Add your name.

What People Are Saying

Voices from the Community

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Everyone Supporting
Mike

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Your support is the foundation of this campaign. Adding your name shows neighbors that we are committed to building a stronger, more proactive Scotts Valley together.

Whether you choose to share a public quote or simply add your name to our list of supporters, every voice matters.

Endorsement Form

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Your Voice Matters.
Let's Build This Together.

Scotts Valley elections are decided by neighbors. Here's how you can make a real difference.

Why Your Involvement Is the Whole Game

In a City of 12,000 People,
Every Conversation Counts

Local elections are won through personal connection — neighbor to neighbor, street by street. The single most powerful thing you can do is tell the people you know why you're supporting Mike Zeller.

Four Ways to Help

Pick Your Way
to Make a Difference

Upcoming Events

Where to Find Mike

Canvassing dates, listening sessions, and community events. Updated as the campaign progresses.

Scheduled Events

One More Thing

Financial Support Matters Too

Yard signs, mailers, and digital outreach cost money. Even a small contribution helps reach more voters.

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Scotts Valley

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There Are Other Ways to Help

Volunteering your time is just as valuable. Door-knocking, yard signs, and spreading the word all make a real difference.

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Get in Touch

Let's Talk

Whether you have a question about my priorities, something on your mind about the city, or just want to say hello, I'd love to hear from you.

Other Ways to Connect

Find Mike

In Person

Mike attends City Council meetings, community events, and neighborhood gatherings regularly. Come introduce yourself.

Facebook

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Campaign Email

[email protected]

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