Bellevue council elects Malakoutian mayor, Hamilton deputy mayor

The Bellevue City Council elected Council Member Malakoutian as mayor and Council Member Hamilton as deputy mayor on Jan. 6, choosing both by written ballot among the seven council members.

Council Member Robinson nominated Malakoutian for mayor and, after staff collected and tabulated written ballots, the City Clerk announced that all seven council members cast ballots for Malakoutian, who was declared the new mayor. Malakoutian thanked outgoing Mayor Robinson and colleagues, called the role an honor and emphasized shared responsibility, safety, and keeping residents at the center of council work.

The council then proceeded with the deputy mayor election. Following nominations and the same written voting process, the City Clerk confirmed that all seven council members voted for Council Member Hamilton, who was declared deputy mayor.

The council recessed briefly for photographs before continuing the regular agenda. No public action beyond the elections was required; both positions will serve two-year terms under Bellevue’s council–manager form of government.