Irvine voters and members of the business community will have an opportunity to hear directly from candidates for Irvine Mayor and City Council during the Irvine Candidates Forum, hosted by the Greater Irvine Chamber on Thursday, Oct. 8, 1:00–5:00 p.m., at UCI Beall Applied Innovation, 5270 California Ave., Irvine.
Two mayoral candidates and 10 candidates seeking City Council seats in Districts 1, 5, and 6 will participate in four consecutive forums focused on issues shaping Irvine’s business climate, economic competitiveness, and quality of life. Topics may include business attraction and retention, the cost of doing business, artificial intelligence and workforce transformation, housing and mobility, innovation and investment, public safety and fiscal stewardship.
Candidates will have an opportunity to introduce themselves and respond to questions presented by moderator Kate Klimow, chief operating officer and associate vice chancellor, UC Irvine. The forum provides a nonpartisan setting for candidates to share their perspectives and priorities directly with voters and the business community.
The forum is free and open to the public. Guests may attend individual sessions or all four.
FORUM SCHEDULE AND CANDIDATES:
*Click a candidate’s name in the forum schedule below to read their statement. Candidate statements are presented as submitted and published by the City of Irvine.
District 1 | 1:00–1:45 p.m.
- Sukhee Kang, small businessman/educator
- Melinda Liu, City of Irvine Councilmember/attorney
- John Park, City of Irvine Commissioner/business owner
District 5 | 2:00–2:45 p.m.
- Steven Alves, small business owner
- Betty Martinez Franco, councilmember/business owner
- Julie Glossbrenner, housing specialist
- Anthony Kuo, City of Irvine Commissioner
- Byron Salvatierra, cybersecurity manager
District 6 | 3:00–3:45 p.m.
- Scotty Hong, City of Irvine Sustainability Commissioner
- Kathleen Treseder, City of Irvine Councilmember/educator
Mayoral Candidates | 4:00–4:45 p.m.
- Larry Agran, incumbent, City of Irvine Mayor
- Maksim V Egorov, software engineer/business owner
Irvine City Council Districts 2, 3 and 4 are not contested in the 2026 election. William Go represents District 2, James Mai represents District 3, and Mike Carroll represents District 4.
Walk-ins are welcome; however, RSVPs are appreciated as space is limited.
CANDIDATE STATEMENTS:
DISTRICT 1
Sukhee Kang
Irvine has been my home for more than three decades. My wife, Joanne and I raised our family here, and I have dedicated my career to serving our community with integrity, experience, and results.
I served two terms as Irvine Mayor and Irvine City Councilmember, leading our city through the Great Recession while maintaining balanced budgets without furloughs or core service cuts and while strengthening financial reserves. During my tenure, I secured more than $121 million in transportation funding, expanded community services, invested in education, and helped preserve Irvine's reputation as one of America's safest and best-managed cities.
Most recently, I served as a Presidential Appointee and Regional Administrator for the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), overseeing billions of dollars in federal assets and capital projects across eight states. This experience reinforced my commitment to fiscal responsibility, accountability, transparency, and protecting taxpayer dollars.
I am running for Irvine City Council District 1 to ensure responsible spending, strengthen public safety, support educational excellence, improve public transportation, promote local businesses, safeguard open spaces and promote thoughtful growth. Irvine deserves experienced leadership that puts Irvine residents first and delivers results.
I respectfully ask for your vote by November 3.
Website: sukheekang4irvine.com
Sukhee Kang
Melinda Liu
Dear Neighbor,
For the past two years, I have had the privilege of serving as your City of Irvine Council District 1 Councilmember. When I ran as a new candidate backed by grassroots support in our community, I made our shared goals my policy priorities. We have delivered practical solutions to meet your needs in Council District 1 and Irvine.
In my first short term, I have accomplished critical services and infrastructures for public safety, education, and quality of life:
- Initiated the first community center and library in Council District 1.
- Expanded Irvine Connect to alleviate Northwood High School traffic.
- Improved pedestrian safety citywide.
- Ensured new housing projects meet strict fire standards.
- Promoted economic development for small and start-up businesses.
- Created accessible housing options for young professionals.
- Developed a vital childcare program for working parents.
- Started an AAPI focused senior nutrition program using private funding.
I have listened closely to your concerns and delivered solutions with thoughtful deliberation, fiscal responsibility, and full transparency. Together, we can continue to ensure that Irvine remains the best place for families to live, work, and play.
Thank you for your continued trust and I humbly ask for your support to serve our community for the next four years.
Melinda Liu
Liu4Irvine.com
John Park
Every election, some candidates talk. They promise. They win. Nothing happens.
Residents still sit in traffic on Culver, worry about fire risk in our hillsides, and watch Irvine become less affordable. Our city council chases costly pet projects. Meanwhile the city faces a nearly $50 million deficit in just a few short years. Enough. It is time to get back to basics.
We have lived in District 1 continuously for 26 years, first in Northpark and now in Orchard Hills. We are still raising our family here, with our youngest currently in an Irvine public school. This is not a campaign stop. This is home.
I serve on the Irvine Finance Commission, having previously served as its Chairman, and have also served as Planning Commissioner and Transportation Commissioner. This experience will allow me to hit the ground running on day one.
This is not the time for nostalgia. We need forward-thinking leadership ready to tackle today's challenges.
My priorities: Fiscal responsibility, Public safety, Traffic relief, Fire mitigation, Open spaces and trails, Affordability, Educational leadership
I am endorsed by Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes and numerous elected officials who serve Irvine and Orange County.
Back to basics. Finally.
John Park
JohnPark4Irvine.com
DISTRICT 5
Steven Alves
With traffic getting worse, roads in need of repair, and a growing budget deficit, we need to bring the focus back to what really matters to the residents of District 5.
As your councilmember, I will bring disciplined, fiscally responsible leadership, professionalism, and bridge-building skills honed over years of doing business around the world. My priorities: balancing the budget without cutting essential services; protecting public safety; maintaining infrastructure; and keeping the University Park Library open.
I have called Woodbridge home for 31 years, raising two children, and volunteering for over 14 years in local Scouting. My wife and I built our life together in this community, and we will celebrate our 30th anniversary in November.
I served as Chief of Staff to our Vice Mayor, working on Irvine's major issues, including the budget deficit. I built strong relationships with city staff and department directors, engaged with residents, and supported local businesses.
I have successfully run my own international business since 2005, and I serve on the Irvine Community Alliance Fund board.
District 5 deserves a representative with deep community roots, real experience, and the judgment to protect what makes Irvine work. I am ready to serve on day one.
www.stevenalves4irvine.com
Betty Martinez Franco
When I took the oath to serve on the Irvine City Council, I promised to put Irvine first and deliver results. I have kept that promise by strengthening public safety through my service on the Orange County Fire Authority Board, expanding support for seniors and working families, protecting our beloved University Park Library, hosting Irvine's first Women's Conference, and launching our city's bike share pilot.
More than 30 years ago. I came to America picking apples and cleaning hotel rooms. After surviving domestic violence, Human Options helped my two daughters and me find safe, affordable housing in Irvine. I worked hard, earned a Master of Public Administration from USC, built a successful small business. and never forgot the opportunities this community gave my family.
I am running for reelection to keep our neighborhoods safe, our city financially strong. and our local businesses thriving. I want to make Irvine more affordable and ensure seniors, working families, and financially vulnerable residents are not left behind.
Irvine gave my family a new beginning. I will keep working every day to protect the opportunities that make our city one of America's best places to live. I respectfully ask for your vote.
Learn more at bettyforirvine.com.
Julie Glossbrenner
Decisions made by the Irvine City Council affect our quality of life today and our city's future. Residents deserve a councilmember with the integrity to do what is right, the compassion to understand people, and the sound judgment to make thoughtful, independent decisions.
My professional experience, combined with my education at the University of California, Irvine, has prepared me for this responsibility. I have extensive experience evaluating proposals, negotiating contracts, and solving complex problems. These are the same skills needed to review budgets, development agreements, public contracts, and the many other important issues before the City Council. Careful analysis, thoughtful questions, and informed decisions lead to better outcomes.
Volunteering with Irvine Meals on Wheels, Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County, and serving on the Board of Directors for UCI Health Family Health Centers has strengthened my understanding of our community and reinforced my commitment of service.
I am dedicated to protecting public safety, preserving open space, supporting responsible growth, and safeguarding Irvine's exceptional quality of life.
I would be honored to earn your vote and serve the residents of District 5.
Julie Glossbrenner
JulieForIrvine.com
Anthony Kuo
I grew up in Irvine, attended our public schools, and have spent my life serving the city that gave me so much.
I served eight years as an Irvine Commissioner and four years as your City Councilmember, working to keep Irvine America's Safest City for our size, protect our quality of life, promote transparency and accountability, and safeguard taxpayer dollars.
In my final year on the City Council, Irvine projected a budget surplus nearing $30,000,000, and I led the effort to return nearly $5,000,000 to taxpayers.
I will restore fiscal discipline at City Hall and build on my record of strengthening public safety; fighting for greater affordability while protecting our quality of life; and ensuring residents have a meaningful voice in decisions about our neighborhoods.
Public service isn't about titles. It's about listening, doing the homework, asking tough questions, working collaboratively, making tough decisions, and delivering results.
You've trusted me to serve. I've always put Irvine first. I've done it before, and I'm ready to roll up my sleeves and do it again.
I respectfully ask for your vote so together we can protect what makes Irvine special and build a stronger, healthier future for our city.
Anthony Kuo
AnthonyKuo.org
Byron Salvatierra
I'm an Iraq War veteran. I've called Irvine home for 40 years. I grew up here going to Springbrook Elementary School, Lakeside Middle School, Woodbridge High School, and Irvine Valley College. I worked as a Public Safety Assistant for the Irvine Police Department and served as a reserve firefighter with the Orange County Fire Authority.
After Iraq, I found another way to serve close to home. I'm the Cubmaster for our local scout pack, 50 families strong. I built the bridge our scouts cross at graduation. I also built the safety team for Orange County's pro-democracy rallies. I helped keep our neighbors safe as they exercised their right to speak out.
I rode my bike to the University Park Library growing up, and my kids have too. Irvine now runs its own library system, and families drive to Tustin for better selection. I'll get our community involved in building an Irvine library system that brings those families back.
Irvine also faces a real budget shortfall. We deserve a council that works toward real transparency and accountability, and one that listens and follows through for every resident.
I'm running because this city gave my family a chance, and I want to keep building that chance for the next one. It would be an honor to earn your vote.
byronforirvine.com
DISTRICT 6
Scotty Hong
As our district elects its own Councilmember for the first time, I ask for your vote. I'm running to represent everyone, to ensure that our district — which includes UCI and the Jamboree/MacArthur corridor — has a strong advocate at Irvine City Hall.
I earned my undergraduate degree from Harvard University and a Master of Public Administration from Cornell University. I currently serve as an Irvine Sustainability Commissioner and as Chief Policy Advisor to the Mayor, helping to shape our City's policies on public safety, transportation, sustainability, housing, and quality of life.
As your Councilmember, I will:
- Expand free Irvine Connect shuttle bus system throughout our district, connecting UCI and our residential communities.
- Reduce traffic and improve lighting, sidewalks, and walking trails.
- Increase neighborhood policing and strengthen fire and emergency services.
- Support affordable housing for working families, professionals, and students.
- Lower electricity costs by withdrawing from the Orange County Power Authority, which charges Irvine residents the county's highest rates and relies primarily on fossil fuels. Instead, I'll operate rooftop solar and battery storage programs, plant another 100,000 trees, and speed the transition to greener transportation.
With your support, we can build an even brighter future for our district and all Irvine residents!
Thank you,
Scotty Hong
scottyhong.com
Kathleen Treseder
My name is Kathleen Treseder. I am a scientist, not a politician. As a professor at University of California, Irvine, I work every day to find facts and uncover truth, to find solutions and push for progress.
For the last four years, I have been honored to serve as your City Councilmember. I have brought the same approach I bring to my lab and my classroom to City Hall.
I have pushed for reforms to clean up City Government, including balancing our budget and banishing corrupt lobbyists. I believe Irvine will work better for everyone when everyone can be sure their voice and the needs of their neighborhoods are heard. When Live Nation wanted a sweetheart deal to profit off public spaces, I stopped the corporate giveaway.
I have worked to expand access to green spaces and parks. As a mom and a climate scientist, I know how important protecting our outdoor spaces are to our health.
I am running for re-election because there is more work to do. We must strengthen our businesses while protecting our workers. We must solve the affordable housing crisis to ensure every family can prosper. And we must never stop fighting for our progressive values that keep us strong.
MAYOR
Larry Agran
It has been my privilege to serve as your Mayor, united by a shared vision to make Irvine the Safest, Smartest, Greenest, Healthiest, and Kindest City in America.
Together, we've made remarkable progress toward that goal. Now, I ask for your vote to continue our work. Specifically, we must:
- Invest in public safety to maintain our ranking as America's Safest Big City.
- Expand our newly established Irvine Public Library System with new programs, enhanced services, and 100,000 additional books.
- Build-out the Great Park; maintain our top-ranked Irvine park system; and add the 700-acre Gateway Preserve to our 10,000-acre Irvine Open Space Preserve.
- Implement our Urban Forest Master Plan, planting another 100,000 trees.
- Equip our City Hall with cost-saving solar panels and battery backup systems.
- Improve mobility and reduce traffic and pollution by expanding our free, non-polluting Irvine Connect shuttle bus service throughout Irvine.
- Expand our public health and social support initiatives, creating a City of Irvine Department of Health and Wellness.
Let's do all this ... and more, while continuing to adopt balanced budgets with $100 million in reserves to guarantee the delivery of Irvine's top-notch city services.
I ask for your vote so we can continue to move forward ... together.
Thank you!
Larry Agran
LarryAgran.com
Maksim V Egorov
I am blessed and proud to call Irvine home. My passion for protecting Irvine's open space, serving every resident, and planning responsibly for the future inspired me to run for Mayor.
As a software engineer, I have built my career solving problems, improving quality, and delivering results. I will bring a practical, transparent, and accountable approach to City Hall.
I serve on my neighborhood HOA Board and have volunteered on the School Site Council and English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC) at my children's Irvine school. These experiences have strengthened my belief that the best decisions come from listening and working together.
As Mayor, I will work collaboratively with my fellow Council members to strengthen fiscal responsibility, provide strong budget oversight, restore long-term budget stability, protect our open space, support public safety, encourage innovation, and give residents the opportunity to vote on the future of our open space.
As a husband and father, I want Irvine to remain one of the safest and best places to live, work, and raise a family by protecting our quality of life, planning responsibly, and improving mobility throughout our city.
I will lead with integrity and be a Mayor for all of Irvine.
