Rishi’s political journey began in June 2005, when he created a neighborhood email group after a burglary affected a neighbor just a few doors away. What started as a simple effort to connect residents quickly evolved into meaningful community action. As a recent graduate, he had found himself unexpectedly serving as president of the Roma Ridge HOA  in Michigan— a role that deepened his commitment to civic engagement and neighborhood advocacy.

He also served as president of the De Havilland Circle neighborhood, where he partnered with fellow residents, worked closely with the Traffic & Safety Commission, and championed practical improvements — including new signage — to enhance pedestrian safety. To support these initiatives, he regularly prepared detailed PowerPoint presentations outlining the benefits and trade-offs of various options, bringing a data-driven approach to local decision-making.

In December 2005, he hosted his first Neighborhood Safety Watch meeting at the local library with Sheriff’s deputies present. The initiative gained momentum, and city crews soon installed neighborhood safety signs — a milestone he once thought was impossible. The success drew attention, and a city council member encouraged him to consider running for office, an idea that initially felt daunting since politics had always seemed like something reserved for others.

But the experience planted a lasting seed. Shortly thereafter, he applied to serve on the Saratoga Planning Commission and, despite being relatively unknown, was selected. That unexpected appointment marked the true beginning of his public service journey. 

His hands-on, results-driven approach resonated with residents, and he later earned reelection with the highest vote count in Saratoga’s election history — a reflection of broad community trust built through accessibility, data-driven decision-making, and a consistent focus on neighborhood quality-of-life issues.