FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Overland Strategies
December 18, 2024
IRVINE, CA – Former Irvine City Councilmember Tammy Kim today officially announced her candidacy for the Special Election to represent District 5 on the Irvine City Council, scheduled for April 15, 2025, to fill the vacancy created by Larry Agran’s election to Mayor. The newly established District 5 encompasses the vibrant villages of Westpark, Woodbridge, University Park, and Rancho San Joaquin.
Tammy Kim, a dedicated public servant since her historic election in 2020, is stepping forward to continue her proven leadership and advocacy for Irvine’s families, businesses, and communities. During her tenure on the City Council (Dec 2020 - Dec 2024), Tammy championed critical priorities, including housing affordability, environmental sustainability, public safety, and economic development. She advanced innovative policies to make housing more accessible, positioned Irvine as a hub for innovation, and reimagined the Great Park as a premier community asset that enhances residents’ quality of life. Notably, Tammy spearheaded the creation of Irvine’s new Public Library System, set to launch in July 2025
“Irvine is at a pivotal moment,” said Tammy Kim. “With our city growing and facing new challenges, we need experienced leadership to safeguard our quality of life while planning wisely for the future. I am committed to building a stronger, safer, and more inclusive Irvine for everyone.”
Tammy Kim’s campaign has already earned strong endorsements from leaders across Orange County, underscoring her broad coalition of support. Early endorsers include:
Congresswoman Katie Porter
Congressmember-Elect Dave Min
Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris
Orange County Supervisor Katrina Foley
Irvine City Councilmember At-Large Dr. Kathleen Treseder
Irvine City Councilmember Melinda Liu
Irvine City Councilmember William Go
Irvine Unified School District President Cyril Yu
Irvine Unified School District Trustee Dr. Jeff Kim
Irvine Unified School District Trustee (Ret.) Paul Bokoda
Irvine Sustainability Commissioner Dr. Steve Allison
Irvine Transportation Commissioner Ken Montgomery
Irvine Community Services Commissioner Naz Hamid
Irvine DEI Committee Member Mary Ann Foo
A long-time champion of Irvine’s neighborhoods and villages, Tammy Kim has led initiatives to expand affordable housing opportunities, enhance transportation infrastructure, support small businesses, and maintain public safety without increasing the police budget. Her leadership has also driven sustainability efforts, including water conservation and advancing Irvine’s ambitious Climate Action Plan goals.
Tammy Kim’s candidacy focuses on her vision for a city that balances growth with preserving Irvine’s unique charm and quality of life. She remains steadfast in her commitment to championing safe streets, enriching parks and green spaces, and ensuring fiscal responsibility for Irvine’s long-term success.
For more information about Tammy Kim’s campaign, visit http://www.tammykim.com.
ABOUT TAMMY KIM
Tammy Kim currently serves as a Finance Commissioner and previously served as an Irvine City Councilmember from Dec 2020 to Dec 2024, where she earned more votes than any City Council candidate in Irvine’s history. A dedicated advocate for Irvine’s families, workers, and businesses, Tammy is also a nonprofit leader, educator, and mother who has spent years advancing initiatives to make Irvine a more inclusive, forward-thinking, and livable city.
Tammy has also represented Irvine on several influential regional boards, including the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), Orange County Council of Governments (OCCOG), Orange County Housing and Finance Trust, Orange County Public Libraries, Orange County Mosquito and Vector Control, the League of California Cities and the Orange County Fire Authority.
Tammy is the founder and Executive Director of the Korean American Center, an Irvine based nonprofit. Her professional career includes high-level roles in Fortune 500 companies and venture-backed startups in the technology sector and running her own small business.
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