Council Honors Community Member of the Year

During its regular meeting on Tuesday, May 19, the Mercer Island City Council formally recognized Fan Yuan as the 2025 Community Member of the Year for her leadership, volunteer service, and dedication to bringing residents of the Island together.

Since 2023, she has served as president of the Mercer Island Chinese Association (MICA), where she has worked closely with the City’s Recreation staff to host events at the Mercer Island Community and Event Center. Through this collaboration, MICA has been able to expand opportunities for residents to engage with and celebrate Chinese culture through inclusive, family-friendly events and activities. Yuan also serves on the boards of the King County Library Foundation, the Mercer Island Preschool Association, and the Northwood PTA.

After reading a proclamation and presenting the award to Yuan, Mayor Dave Rosenbaum said: “The fact that the events that you put on at the community center have become staples so quickly is truly amazing. Thank you for all you do and thank you for all I know you will continue to do, because that is the kind of person you are.”

“Something I really appreciate about you is that you are a doer who looks at things with an eye for how you can make it better,” said Deputy Mayor Daniel Becker. “People like you step up time and again, helping to make this a great community.”

Each year, the City Council recognizes an individual or group for their contributions to making the Mercer Island community a great place to live and work. Honorees are selected for their significant service accomplishments within the past year and the benefits to the community resulting from those accomplishments, among other criteria. Past Community Member of the Year award recipients are listed on the City’s website.