Scotts Valley City Council · November 2026
Michael
Zeller
Leadership for Scotts Valley's next chapter.
Photography by SV Mommy Photography
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.
2021 Cohort
Five Priorities.
Real Experience.
Grounded in what residents have said, and what's achievable.
Media Coverage
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.”
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."
Ready to Help Elect Mike?
Your time, your voice, and your contribution all matter in a local race decided by neighbors.
Rooted Here.
Ready to Serve.
A neighbor and a public servant running for Scotts Valley City Council.
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.
Shaping a Stronger Future
Values in Practice
The principles that guide how I work, lead, and show up for this community.
Skills That Matter
for Scotts Valley
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.
Ready to Help Elect Mike?
Volunteer, donate, or simply add your endorsement. Every action matters in a local race.
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.
If These Priorities Reflect Your Vision
Join the campaign or chip in — every contribution helps reach more Scotts Valley voters.
Endorsed by
Neighbors
Real people from across Scotts Valley standing up for proven leadership. Add your name.
Voices from the Community
Add Your Endorsement
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
Your Voice Matters.
Let's Build This Together.
Scotts Valley elections are decided by neighbors. Here's how you can make a real difference.
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.
Pick Your Way
to Make a Difference
Where to Find Mike
Canvassing dates, listening sessions, and community events. Updated as the campaign progresses.
Scheduled Events
Financial Support Matters Too
Yard signs, mailers, and digital outreach cost money. Even a small contribution helps reach more voters.
Chip In for
Scotts Valley
Grassroots donations from neighbors like you help support this campaign.
Every Dollar Reaches a Voter
Every contribution goes directly to reaching Scotts Valley residents — yard signs, door hangers, and the work of running a real community campaign.
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.
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.
Find Mike
Mike attends City Council meetings, community events, and neighborhood gatherings regularly. Come introduce yourself.
The easiest way to follow the campaign and reach me directly. I post regularly and responds to messages. Follow the campaign →
Use the form here to sign up to canvass or host a neighborhood conversation.