California's city clerk of the year works for San Mateo

California’s ‘city clerk of the year’ works for San Mateo

in Community

California’s city clerk of the year for 2021 works and lives in San Mateo.

Patrice Olds was recently named California Municipal Clerk of the year by the City Clerks Association of California.

She oversees San Mateo’s City Clerk’s Office and is responsible for managing city elections, council meetings, official functions involving the mayor or council members, and providing access to public records and archives, according to the city.

“Over the past year, Patrice navigated the ever-changing challenges of the pandemic with a focus for enhancing civic engagement through technology,” the city said. “During the 2020 Presidential election she applied an equity lens as she thought strategically about how to help constituents participate in democracy. She has been a steadfast presence at City Hall throughout the pandemic and leads the City’s reopening safety committee. Patrice also carries the torch for several key relationships the City maintains, including with our Sister City Toyonaka, Japan, and the 101st Airborne Division of the United States Army.”

In a letter nominating her as City Clerk of the Year, San Mateo Mayor Eric Rodriguez described Olds as selfless and long-deserving of recognition.

“It’s hard to summarize the amount of passion, creativity and integrity she’s brought to this profession during one of the most challenging years in our history,” he said.

Photo of Patrice Olds standing in front of San Mateo City Hall posted to the city’s Facebook page in April 2020.