Councilman Barlow began his interest in government at an early age, serving as student body president at Vocational-Technical High School. After graduating from UNLV with a degree in political science, he continued to pursue public service when he served as a legislative aide in Washington, D.C. to then-U.S. Sen. Richard Bryan. In Washington, the future councilman got to see first hand the importance and honor of representing constituents as an elected official.

Upon returning to Las Vegas, he turned his love of public service into a career when he joined the City of Las Vegas Mayor and Council Office. As a council liaison, he was instrumental in helping implement numerous projects, including efforts to revitalize neighborhoods and clean up blighted areas, repave and rebuild streets to improve traffic flow, help get more police patrols in Ward 5 neighborhoods and bring economic diversity to the area.

Councilman Barlow has held numerous community positions in recent years including: member, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Gang Task Force and Citizens Advisory Police Academy; chairman of the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District, Board of Trustees; the director of Educational Affairs-Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.; director of Men & Divas of Tomorrow Youth Program; district executive of the Boy Scouts of America; and director of the Welfare to Work program at Westcare Drug Treatment Center.

Over the years, Councilman Barlow has received awards and accolades for his community service including the Community Partners “Portrait of Pride” Award, Nevada Library Association Trustee of the Year and Clark County School District PAL Program Supervisor of the Year.