Councilmember William Lam

  1. Mr. Lam originally came from Hong Kong, and grew up in San Francisco. After graduating from some of the finest universities in the Bay Area, Mr. Lam moved to San Jose for a few years before settling down in Milpitas in 1989. He loves the bay area with endless opportunity, with rich cultural diversity, and with the incredible potential for personal and professional growth. Mr. Lam believes in hard work, dedication and persistence are essential ingredients in achieving one’s goals. He sees these values as central to his journey and the key to unlocking success in an ever-evolving world.

    Throughout his career in Engineering and Corporate Management and community involvement, he has demonstrated a dedication to serving others and finding solutions to complex issues. Since 2003, he has served on numerous leadership roles in our local government and in our School District, reflecting his dedication to community service. His passion for education was ignited while raising his daughter, leading him to get involved with her schools for 13 years. His commitment to improving the educational system in Milpitas is driven not only by his personal experiences as a parent but also by his determination to advocate for positive change that benefits all students in the Milpitas Unified School District (MUSD). His sustained involvement exemplifies his belief in continuously refining and enhancing the school system to ensure a brighter future for the children in the community. 

    Mr. Lam is honored to be the first Chinese American to be elected to the Milpitas City Council. He will work tirelessly to ensure that every voice in our diverse community is heard and respected. Mr. Lam priorities as a City Council member will be focus on public safety, improving our quality of life, and managing our city budget responsibly. His extensive community involvement has developed a profound understanding of issues facing our city, including improving our infrastructure, fostering economic development, promoting sustainable practices, and enhancing community engagement. He believes in tackling these challenges head-on with innovative solutions that prioritize the needs of our residents.

    Mr. Lam believes our government should be transparent, accountable and inclusive of different viewpoints, and focused on continuous improvement to create a more vibrant Milpitas. He will apply his enthusiasm and dedication to represent the voice and vision of all members of the community. Together, we can build a better community where businesses can thrive, youth can succeed, and families can feel secure.

    A dynamic and balanced lifestyle is crucial for overall well-being. Mr. Lam treasures quality time with his family and friends, cherishing the moments spent with loved ones. Alongside this, he has curiosity and enthusiasm for technology gadgets and an interest in exploration. He stays active through sports, regular exercise, walking, hiking and dancing which helps to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, while also enjoying the finer things in life, such as discovering new places to eat and travel.

    Education

    • Bachelor of Science in Electronics Engineering and Computer Science from UC Berkeley
    • Master of Science in Electronics Engineering from San Jose State University


    City Boards and Commissions

    • 17 years (2003-2020), Telecomm/Technology Commission - Vice Chair for 2 yrs 
    •   9 years (2015-2024), Milpitas Community TV – Chief Operating Officer for 9 yrs
    •   2 years (2021-2022), Milpitas Homeless Task Force - Chair for 2 yrs


    Community Involvement and Awards

    • 13 years (2011-2024), MUSD School Site Council - Chair for 10 yrs
    • 13 years (2011-2024), MUSD Community Board Advisory Council(CBAC) - Chair for 6 yrs 
    •   9 years (2015-2024), Parcel Tax Oversight Committee – Chair 3 yrs, Currently Chair
    •   7 years (2013-2019), School Board Member of Milpitas Community Chinese School
    •   6 years (2017-2023), Berryessa Chinese School, Class Representative
    •   The City of Milpitas Commissioner Service Award for over 15 years of service to the Community of Milpitas.