ABOUT ROSEMARY
A PROVEN LEADER DELIVERING RESULTS FOR WEST SAN JOSÉ
Rosemary Kamei was sworn into office in January 2023 to represent San José’s District 1, and was quickly nominated by the Mayor and confirmed unanimously by the City Council to serve as Vice Mayor. Her district encompasses the communities surrounding the Winchester Mystery House, Santana Row, WestGate, De Anza Boulevard, and Stevens Creek, and borders Campbell, Cupertino, Santa Clara, and Saratoga.
From her first day in office, Rosemary has focused on practical, informed solutions that strengthen neighborhood safety, expand access to housing, improve transportation, and protect the quality of life that District 1 families deserve.
Delivering for District 1
Strengthening Neighborhood Safety
Rosemary has championed investments in public safety that balance enforcement with community-based prevention. She has worked closely with city departments to address traffic safety, expand pedestrian protections, and improve responsiveness to residents’ concerns.
Expanding Housing Options
Understanding the regional pressures families face, Rosemary has supported affordable and market-rate housing solutions that fit the needs of West San José. She has advanced responsible development policies, pushed for more housing near transit, and supported efforts to streamline the production of homes for working families and seniors.
Improving Transportation & Infrastructure
As a longtime regional policymaker, Rosemary brings deep experience in transportation planning. On the Council, she has prioritized safer streets, stronger transit connections, and investments that make it easier for neighbors to get around.
Championing Education & Opportunities for Youth
With decades of experience in education leadership, Rosemary has worked to strengthen partnerships between the City of San José, local school districts, and community organizations. She continues to advocate for programs that support student success, expand after-school opportunities, and ensure every young person feels supported.
A Career Built on Service and Expertise
Before joining the Council, Rosemary spent her career improving outcomes for families, students, and communities across Santa Clara County.
She served as Vice President of Innovation and previously as Chief Operating Officer at the Silicon Valley Education Foundation (SVEF), where she helped advance educational equity and expanded STEM opportunities for thousands of local students. Prior to that, she was Executive Director of Building Futures Now in East Palo Alto and a senior leader at Planned Parenthood Mar Monte, where she supported critical health services for women and families.
Rosemary has also been a trusted regional policymaker. She served as a Trustee for the Santa Clara County Office of Education, representing the Cambrian, Campbell Union, Luther Burbank, Moreland, Union, and Campbell Union High School Districts, as well as portions of San José Unified and Santa Clara Unified. Additionally, she previously represented the community as a Director of the Santa Clara Valley Water District, bringing experience in infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and long-term planning.
A Leader You Can Trust
Across every role, Rosemary has earned a reputation as a thoughtful, collaborative, and deeply knowledgeable public servant. She understands how systems work, how to navigate complex regional issues, and—most importantly—how to deliver for the people she represents.
As Vice Mayor and Councilmember, Rosemary Kamei has been committed to building a safer, stronger, more connected West San José and ensuring that every resident has the opportunity to thrive.
