Seattle Council President Debora Juarez “Leads to Leave” - First, only Native American on Council in Seattle’s 154-year history leaves office
Seattle, WA – Seattle City Council President Debora Juarez was recently honored by Coast Salish Tribal and Indigenous community leaders for her years of public service. The celebration was hosted by the Muckleshoot, Lower Elwha Klallam, Lummi, Jamestown S’Klallam and Suquamish Tribal Nations, Washington Indian Gaming Association, Seattle Indian Health Board, and Huy, and held at the Kraken Community Iceplex – a facility that Juarez successfully advocated be developed in her neighborhood of North Seattle’s District 5.
The “Kinship Celebration” included an honor song by Olivia Colegrove-Martinez (Hoopa/Quinault), presentations by Tribal and Indigenous community leaders, and a musical performance by Black Belt Eagle Scout (Katherine Paul, Swinomish/Iñupiaq).
Earlier this month, U.S. Senator Patty Murray joined in honoring Juarez, paying “tribute” to her from the Senate floor. As memorialized in the Congressional Record, Murray cited Juarez’s “important Indigenous legacy” at local, state, and tribal levels of government, and also heralded her as “champion of women sports.” Murray stated: “Working with Debora over the years has been an immense privilege, and it is my honor to thank her for her lifetime of dedicated service.”
In January of 2023, Juarez announced her decision not to seek re-election to the Seattle City Council, following 35 years of public service on behalf of the people of Washington state, King County, Seattle, and Coast Salish country. Juarez, a Blackfeet citizen, was elected to represent District 5 in 2015 and was at that time the first and only Native American elected to the Seattle City Council in the City’s 154-year history. She was re-elected by a solid majority in 2019, before being elected by her peers on the City Council to serve as Council President in 2022.
“We raise our hands in thanks to Debora,” said Gabe Galanda, who belongs to the Round Valley Indian Tribes of California and runs an Indigenous rights law firm headquartered in Juarez's district. “During a time when Indigenous communities needed leadership, healing and representation, Debora forged new ways of building community partnerships with her trademarked and determined ‘get-it-done’ approach. Propelled by a spirit of Indigenous kinship, Debora leaves a legacy marked by consistent advocacy for equity and empowerment for those who have historically lacked voice or visibility in local government.”
Selected highlights from Juarez’s service include:
● Indigenous Advisory Council – Juarez created the City’s first Indigenous Advisory Council, dedicated to advising the city’s elected leadership and departments.
● MMIWG Advocacy – Juarez successfully launched the first Native American data specialist position within the SPD to review missing & murdered Indigenous persons cases.
● John Lewis Memorial Bridge – In 2021 the City of Seattle opened the John Lewis Memorial Bridge; a wide, welcoming, and safe pedestrian/bike connection spanning twelve lanes of I-5. Juarez fostered construction of the bridge to connect North Seattle College and surrounding neighborhoods directly to the new Northgate light rail station, Kraken Community Iceplex, and Northgate Station shops and restaurants.
● Kraken Community Iceplex – Juarez argued successfully for the Kraken Community Iceplex (KCI) to be developed at Northgate to make use of the new Northgate light rail station (opened in 2021), and to help secure jobs in District 5. This $80 million private investment in D5 was completed in 2021 with three new rinks available for community use.
● Climate Pledge Arena – Juarez led the way for the city to rebuild Key Arena, bringing together government and private industry to rebuild the arena on Seattle Center grounds. The new $600 million facility was privately-funded, built to NHL and NBA standards, and completed in less than three years. In October 2021, the venue became home to the NHL’s Seattle Kraken.
● Seattle Storm Training Facility – Juarez championed women’s sports, asking facilities like Climate Pledge Arena to support the 4-time national champion Seattle Storm. She helped the construction of the Seattle Storm Training Facility in Interbay. She also advocated for the Kraken Community Iceplex to include space for girls’ hockey games and practices. In 2021, she was recognized as an “OL Reign Legend.”
● Waterfront Local Improvement District – Once the viaduct was demolished, Juarez led the creation of the Local Improvement District (LID) to support the redevelopment of the waterfront for public use. Projects include a pedestrian bridge leading to Pike Place Market, and a major expansion of the Seattle Aquarium.
Juarez’s term expires on December 31, 2023. “My departure from public office this year creates an opportunity for the next generation of leadership to bring fresh, new ideas and energy. I am proud of our legacy. It has been an honor to serve the city I love, with good people who care as deeply about it as I do,” Juarez concluded.
