(Unassigned — Councilmember1)

Lance Nishihira is serving his first term as Councilmember for District 1 in Union City. After marrying Tina in 1998, Lance moved from Newark to Union City and has called it home ever since. Together, Lance and Tina raised three daughters, all graduates of James Logan High School. Having raised three college-educated daughters, Lance understands the aspirations, challenges, and lived experiences of Union City families.

As a former Marine and one of the first Eagle Scouts of Troop 20 chartered in District 1, service has always been central to Lance’s life. He has served on the New Haven Schools Foundation since 2014, including on the executive committee as an at-large member and as board secretary. In 2016, Lance co-founded Daily Bowl, a Union City-based nonprofit that recovers excess food and delivers it to local agencies serving people in need. He currently serves as board president.

Lance has also served on school site councils across the district and was honored to serve as an elected governing board member of the New Haven Unified School District Board of Trustees from 2016 to 2024, including two terms as board president. He earned a Master’s in Governance from the California School Boards Association. Professionally, Lance has more than 22 years of experience as a design executive in Silicon Valley, creating technology focused on usability and positive impact. His priorities for Union City include public safety, housing, transportation, and climate