2026 Essay Contest

About the Essay Contest

Topic: If you were mayor for a day, what is one problem you would solve?

English - Spanish - Chinese

Contest Rules

1. Open to elementary and middle school-aged Mountain View residents
2. Maximum of 500 words per essay
3. Only one entry per person
4. One elementary AND one middle school-aged contestant will be selected by the Mayor.
5. Winners will be recognized at the City Council meeting at Mountain View City Hall, 500 Castro St., on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026. 

Submit Your Entry Online

The parent/guardian of the elementary and/or middle school-aged student must fill out the contest entry form on their child's behalf.  By submitting the form, the parent/guardian is giving their informed consent for their child to participate in the Mayor for a Day contest.

Mountain View Mayor Emily Ann Ramos will select two (2) winning entries, one from an elementary school-aged student and one from a middle school-aged student who live in Mountain View. The City of Mountain View is not responsible for any missing or late contest entries.

All entries are due by 5 p.m. Friday, October 9, 2026.

Questions?

For more information or questions, email the City Clerk’s Office.