Jeff Schmitt reflects on new role on Menlo Park City Council

A five year resident of Menlo Park, City Council member Jeff Schmidt took office representing District 3 in January. Previously he was chair of the Environmental Quality Commission.

“In running for Council, I was drawn to the public service aspect of being involved in the City — the opportunity to devote more time and energy to broader range of topics,” he says.

Jeff works at Stanford in the Student Affairs Division. “I’m bit of a hybrid as started in high tech, but then ran a non-profit.”

In his relatively short time on Council, he’s come to appreciate even more the what City staff do. “We all want more and faster so staff jobs are big and broad.”

Anything surprise him now that he’s a Council member? “I’d say now much learning about the City you actually do.

“And I love the breadth of learning — and the amount of people I talk and interact with. That includes working on some projects span multiple cities”

Married with three teenage boys, spending time with family remains a priority. He’s also writing a book about making career moves.

“I feel incredibly fortunate to be in this community.”

Jeff’s office hours are every Saturday from 9:00 to 10:00 an at Cafe Borrone.

Photo by Robb Most (c) 2025