Meet Malia Vella, Your Alameda Mayoral Candidate

ALAMEDA, CA — As the November elections approach, Patch has reached out to candidates to ask about their professional experience and why they're the best fit for the role.

Alamedans will see a new mayor take the helm following the elections.

Malia Vela is one of three candidates vying for the top seat. Get to know her below:

What is your educational background?

Malia is a graduate of Wellesley College, where she earned a B.A. in Architecture and Political Science. She earned her J.D. with a special certificate in Public Interest and Social Justice at Santa Clara University School of Law. Malia is a licensed attorney admitted to practice in California and the United States Supreme Court.

What is your professional background?

2023 - Present: Senior VP of State Partnerships, Amira Learning
2021 - 2023: Deputy Superintendent at the California Department of Education, managing the Department's state and federal legislative/budget processes and statewide literacy efforts.
2016 - 2024: Council Member, City of Alameda
2013 - 2021: Policy Director & Attorney, Teamsters, focusing on labor and employment law

Have you ever held public office, whether appointive or elective?

Council Member, City of Alameda 2016 - 2024, served twice as Vice Mayor.

What are the top three issues facing Fremont's District 4 right now?

1. Housing Affordability
We need to continue to address housing relief across the city in myriad ways: preventing further displacement by maintaining rent stabilization ordinances, and building more homes affordable to all income levels.

2. Safety
Climate change isn’t an existential crisis for us - we see and live its impacts every day. We need to take steps to protect natural areas along the shoreline to mitigate sea level rise, improve Alameda’s preparedness and resilience to natural disasters, and maintain response times for police and firefighters.

3. Neighborhoods
Preserving our history and building towards a more vibrant future are not competing goals. We must keep neighborhoods distinct, maintain vital public services, and improve pedestrian and bike safety.

What is one specific action you would prioritize during your first year as a council member?

Agendize council priority-setting sessions with an all-new council and city manager so that we can update our strategic plan, Climate Action and Resiliency Plan, and review the Alameda Point Master Plan.

I will prioritize outreach to community groups and roving town halls to connect with residents across the city, set up regular meetings with HOAs, the Chamber of Commerce, and other stakeholders.

Why do you feel you're a better candidate than your opponent?

I have experience as a former city council member and a record of accomplishment on issues that improved the quality of life for Alamedans, including building more affordable housing and improving public safety. On the council, I was results-oriented, accessible, and proactive in engaging with the community. I will continue to lead in that manner as Mayor.

I am also a businesswoman and educator, where I have demonstrated the skills necessary to manage large organizations, motivate staff and stakeholders, and lead innovation and change.

I am supported by a diverse group of leaders and organizations, including the current Mayor Marily Ezzy Ashcraft, Vice Mayor Michelle Pryor, Council Member Greg Boller, and Congresswoman Lateefah Simon. I am the only candidate endorsed by the Democratic Party, the City of Alameda Democratic Club, and the East Bay Stonewall Democratic Club.