Professional Bio

I am a lifelong Nevadan who has dedicated my life to serving my community and making Las Vegas a safer, stronger, and more welcoming place for everyone. I earned my degree in Political Science and Business from the University of Nevada, Reno, and went on to make history as the first Asian-American woman elected to the Nevada State Assembly. During my two terms, I was honored with the “Outstanding Assemblywoman Award” for my work on behalf of Nevada peace officers.

In November 2022, I was elected to represent Ward 4 on the Las Vegas City Council, becoming the first Asian-American to serve in this role. Since then, I have focused on projects that put families and neighborhoods first. I launched the Senior Safety and Security Initiative to give seniors greater peace of mind, helped establish the Northwest Metro Substation to improve response times and strengthen community policing, and championed the Red Rocks Communication Center to keep our entire region better prepared in times of emergency. I also proudly helped bring the Nevada State Veterans Memorial to the Thunderbird Family Sports Complex—a place where families can honor the service and sacrifice of our veterans year-round.

Outside of City Hall, I am a familiar face in the community. I support local nonprofits, youth programs, and charities that make a real difference, from Girl Scouts and Little League to Speedway Children’s Charities and the Southern Nevada Burn Foundation. I also serve on the board of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, working to promote the city I love.

At home in Northwest Las Vegas, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Steve, a Las Vegas Fire Captain, and our three children. Whether at a city event, a community fundraiser, or on the sidelines of a youth game, I am proud to be your neighbor, your advocate, and your voice on the City Council.

Community Involvement and Achievements: 

LVCVA: Francis Allen-Palenske takes the oath of office at the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, where she will work to showcase Las Vegas as a premier destination for visitors, conventions, and business.

Veterans: Councilwoman Francis Allen-Palenske led the successful effort to relocate the Nevada State Veterans Memorial to Ward 4’s Thunderbird Family Sports Complex, ensuring it remains a central place of remembrance in Las Vegas. The new site will offer enhanced access, an outdoor amphitheater, lighting, parking, and restrooms, making the memorial more inviting for veterans, families, and the public alike.

Fiscal Affairs: Councilwoman Francis Allen-Palenske serves on the Las Vegas Metro Fiscal Affairs Committee, where she helps guide critical budget decisions that strengthen law enforcement resources. Her leadership ensures taxpayer dollars are invested wisely to enhance public safety and keep Las Vegas neighborhoods secure. By working closely with Metro, she is committed to building a safer, stronger community for all residents.

Council of Government: Councilwoman Francis Allen-Palenske, a trailblazing lifelong Nevadan, lends her proven leadership and small business savvy to the Southern Nevada Regional Planning Coalition which works to strengthen regional collaboration and planning for our community’s future.

Francis’s Family: Paul, Ally, David, Steve, Francis, Emma, and Grandson Rhett

Balancing my time between my family, my business, and my commitment to community, I see the importance of living a well-rounded life. I am married to Steve Palenske, a Fire Captain and 23-year veteran of the City of Las Vegas Fire Department, who inspires me to dedicate time to giving back to those in need. Together, we have three children—Ally, Emma, and David. Ally is a labor and delivery nurse at Loma Linda Hospital, and her husband, Paul, is a firefighter with the Rancho Cucamonga Fire Department.

I am bilingual, speaking both English and Korean. In my free time, I love to hike, read, and whip up amazing Korean meals.