Katie Wilson's Mayoral Bid: Housing at the Forefront of Seattle's Future

Katie Wilson, a long-time community organizer, has set her sights on the Seattle mayor's office, with a campaign heavily focused on addressing the city's pressing housing crisis. In a recent interview with Trae Holiday, Wilson outlined her vision, detailing how her years of grassroots activism have shaped her platform and her desire to bring a community-centric approach to city leadership.

Wilson's journey into the political arena was sparked by the special election on social housing in February. The overwhelming voter support for funding a new Seattle social housing developer, despite opposition from major corporations and the current mayor, Bruce Harrell, motivated her to run. She expressed concern that without committed city leadership, the social housing initiative could fail, impacting both Seattle and other cities considering similar models.

"If I had to sum up my campaign in one word, that word would be housing," Wilson stated, emphasizing the widespread impact of high rents and unaffordable living. She pointed to the tech boom and subsequent influx of families as exacerbating the issue, leading to the loss of single-family homes and a scramble for solutions.

Wilson's background as a community organizer with the Transit Riders Union has been instrumental in her understanding of the city's challenges. She highlighted successful campaigns for transit affordability, including the Orca lift low-income fare program and free transit passes for youth. Additionally, she discussed her role in raising the minimum wage in Tukwila and advocating for renter protections and progressive revenue measures, such as the Jump Start Payroll Expense tax.

Coalition building is a key aspect of Wilson's approach. She stressed the importance of connecting with community members and organizations to ensure their voices are heard and their needs are addressed. Wilson aims to bridge the gap between City Hall and the public, advocating for elected leaders to be accountable and responsive to the people they serve. She also acknowledged the existing divide between the City Council and the mayor's office and expressed a commitment to fostering a better working relationship.

Addressing economic disparity, particularly the income gap affecting Black, Native, and Indigenous families, is another priority for Wilson. She believes that affordable housing and policies that benefit historically displaced communities are crucial steps. Social housing, in particular, has the potential to alleviate the financial strain on lower-income families and provide opportunities for economic advancement.

When asked about her message to Black communities, Wilson emphasized partnership and listening. She highlighted the importance of working with organizations on policies related to land use and preventing further displacement. She also suggested exploring options like making backyard cottage development easier and advocating for state-level property tax exemptions.

Regarding small businesses, Wilson recognized the current challenges they face in Seattle. She proposed facilitating access to low-interest or no-interest loans, exploring commercial rent control, and considering a master lease program where the city leases space to individual businesses. These initiatives aim to create a more hospitable environment for small businesses and promote economic opportunities.

Katie Wilson's campaign is grounded in her extensive experience as a community organizer and her deep commitment to addressing Seattle's housing crisis. Her focus on coalition building, community engagement, and equitable policies positions her as a candidate aiming to bring significant change to the city's leadership. Learn More: https://www.wilsonforseattle.com/