Bien’s story is rooted in gratitude, service, and giving back.

A Leader for Us All

In 1975, Bien and his family immigrated to the United States and became the first Vietnamese family in Porterville, California. Welcomed by neighbors in a new and diverse country, Bien experienced firsthand the generosity and opportunity that define the American Dream. At a young age, he made a promise to himself to give back through public service.

After high school, Bien moved to Silicon Valley, where his family has lived in San José’s District 7 for more than 40 years. He earned degrees in Project Management and Psychiatric Technology (LVN), and worked at Agnews as a Psychiatric Technician, gaining valuable experience serving vulnerable populations and navigating complex public systems.

One of the most important decisions of Bien’s life was becoming a firefighter. He has served the community for 27 years, including 21 years with the San José Fire Department. Rising through the ranks from Rookie to Engineer to Fire Captain, Bien has held the rank of Captain for the past 11 years. He is the first Vietnamese Fire Captain in the history of the San José Fire Department, a milestone that reflects his dedication, leadership, and commitment to breaking barriers for future generations.

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Beyond his professional service, Bien has long been active in the community. He is the co-founder and President of Vietnamese American City Employees (VACE), has volunteered at COVID-19 vaccination clinics, serves as a Board Member of the Asian-American Women’s Alliance, and continues to work with the American Red Cross to implement the Sound the Alarm program—installing smoke alarms in mobile home communities, especially in District 7.

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Since being elected to the San José City Council, Bien has focused on delivering practical results that improve public safety, quality of life, and government accountability. His work includes strengthening efforts to combat human trafficking, expanding emergency shelter options to address homelessness, cracking down on RV and vanlording abuses, and restoring San José’s status as the safest large city in America.

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Bien has led initiatives to improve digital equity through expanded free Wi-Fi access, reduce blight and illegal dumping, strengthen oversight of city departments, and opposed unnecessary taxes and fees on residents. He has also championed neighborhood-level solutions—holding more than 45 Dumpster Days across District 7, supporting small businesses through targeted outreach programs, restoring treasured community assets like the Vietnamese Heritage Garden and Japanese Friendship Garden, and hosting community toy distributions for local families.

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As a Councilmember, Bien Doan brings the same values that guided him as a firefighter: service before self, accountability, and a deep commitment to the people he serves. He remains focused on building safer, cleaner neighborhoods, addressing homelessness with urgency and compassion, and ensuring City Hall delivers real results for District 7.