2025 Endorsements

Victoria Hunt
Senate

Deborah Krishnadasan
Senate

Tina Orwall
Senate

Edwin Obras
House, Pos. 1

Emily Alvarado
Senate

Brianna Thomas
House, Pos. 1

Janice Zahn
House, Pos. 1

Vandana Slatter
Senate

Deb Wilson
Ward 1, Position 2

I believe in listening to ideas, exploring solutions together, and making our city stronger through collaboration and transparency. Exploring the city and asking citizens to provide input as to how to approach and create safe environments. And, petitioning the legislature for laws to help our community.

 
Leah Wainman
Ward 2

"We are in a housing affordability and homelessness crisis due in part to our region’s rapid economic growth, natural beauty, and abundant resources—which have drawn people here faster than our systems were prepared to accommodate. But this crisis is also the result of decades of poor growth management and a failure to plan for equitable, inclusive development. At its core, the disparities we see today are rooted in long-standing oppressive and exclusionary policies—from redlining and racial covenants to zoning laws that restricted multifamily housing and prioritized private profit over public good. These choices didn’t happen by accident, and their impacts are still shaping who gets to live and thrive here. As an elected official, I would support housing-first models, invest in community land trusts and co-ops, and push for stronger tenant protections. I would also apply an equity lens to the distribution of our local housing levy funds, ensuring those most impacted by the housing crisis are prioritized. Additionally, I would work to expand our homeowner down payment assistance programs to help first-generation and low-income buyers—especially BIPOC families—build stability and generational wealth. We’re in a housing crisis because of decades of exclusionary land use, underinvestment in affordable options, and wage stagnation. In Bellingham, gentrification displaces low-income renters—especially BIPOC families—from historically segregated neighborhoods. I support community land trusts, co-ops, and zoning reform that encourages more infill while protecting tenant rights. I also want to prioritize homeownership strategies for working-class families, not just rental expansion. "

 
Kerri Burnside
Ward 4

Housing is a human right. As an advocate, organizer, and someone with lived experience of housing instability, I’ve spent years working alongside the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance to protect tenants and expand housing options across Bellingham and Whatcom County. If elected, I’ll fight to prioritize deeply affordable housing for people earning 0–80% AMI, expand renter protections, and increase investments in supportive housing. I will champion zoning and land use changes that include meaningful affordability mandates and anti-displacement measures. I’ve already built coalitions around local and state housing policies, helped pass tenant protection resolutions, and organized to implement the recommendations in the Whatcom County Plan to End Homelessness. My leadership is rooted in centering people most impacted and ensuring government works for all of us—not just those with access or wealth.

Michael Lilliquist
Ward 6

Housing has been a top priority for me since being elected to the city council, in too many ways to cover fully. I campaigned door to door to create the Bellingham Home Fund, which funds low-income housing, homebuyer assistance, and rental subsidies for families struggling to pay for housing. A few years later I successfully advocated for Bellingham to take advantage of another opportunity to bring in millions more from the state. Today, we invest nearly $10 million a year in local money that we leverage 8-to-1 to build hundreds of permanently affordable homes, with a pipeline of more projects in the works. On the council, I helped launch mixed-use Urban Villages, invested in equitable walking and biking infrastructure, voted for tax incentives that have encouraged infill, cut impact fees for affordable housing, and made more room in our code for ADUs and tiny home villages. I voted to enact tools to create livable neighborhoods with more housing forms and choices: we created “middle housing” types a decade ago. Earlier this year I voted to apply those to all residential areas, well in advance of the state mandate. With my support, Bellingham acted early and set the model for State laws to follow: banning discrimination against tenants using public assistance, expanded renter protections such a longer notification for rent hikes, and protected manufactured home communities from displacement. Just this year, I voted to enact rules against hidden, unfair, and excessive fees for renters and manufactured home park residents.

Jenne Alderks
Position 3

In the last four years, I championed housing options in my community by voting for middle housing, reducing barriers to building housing, and supporting legislation to plan for diverse housing types that meet the needs of residents at all income levels. I also led on the topic of homelessness and behavioral health in Bothell. If re-elected, I plan to continue leading on housing issues so that everyone in my community can live in a safe, healthy and affordable home.

Sam Méndez
Position 3

Housing is a human right. If elected, I will be a staunch advocate for increased density, mixed-use zoning, and smart development that brings more homes to Burien. I'll also champion transportation alternatives, including traffic calming measures, expanded bike lanes, and safer streets for pedestrians. I'll work closely with King County Metro to bring every available transit resource to our community.

I'm committed to securing safe, stable housing for Burien's unhoused residents. Criminalizing and vilifying people without homes is both inhumane and ineffective. In 2024, Burien turned down a $1 million grant and 35 Pallet shelters from King County simply because the city council declined to choose a location. That's unacceptable. I'll pursue every available dollar and collaborate regionally instead of wasting public funds on lawsuits or shifting the problem to neighboring cities.

Housing and homelessness are regional challenges, and we must act like it. Burien's limited resources mean we can't go alone, but we can lead with integrity, urgency, and partnership. That's what I'll bring to the council.

Sarah Moore
Position 5

Rocco DeVito
Position 7

I'm running for Burien City Council because I love my city and I think there is more we can do to get things done. For the last few years Burien has spent a great deal of effort to deal with issues around homelessness. They have pursued a punitive approach and have picked fights with King County and human service agencies that have cost a great deal in funds and reputation. The answer to working through these issues are readily apparent by talking with average citizens. People want to see our leaders set aside differences and work together to improve our budget, fund programs for youth and parks, and improve street safety. Many in our city talk about public safety, and we do issues to address, but also should acknowledge the crime is going down overall. We need to have a holistic view of public safety and stop this punitive approach and focus on upstream causes, by funding co-responders and community organizations. Everyone deserves a roof over their heads and I will work with our community, organizations, and neighboring cities to find ways for us to build emergency housing and encourage the development of permanent supportive housing. Finally, I will stand up for what I believe in and what is right! I've never been one to shy away from the truth or speaking it, even if it means some folks won't vote for me.

Chris (Christine) Eck
Position 1

As a nonprofit executive with an agency serving homeless and those at risk of homelessness, and a current Councilmember, I am dedicated to serving all community members and particularly our most vulnerable. In all decisions I make on council I keep people of all cultures, backgrounds income levels, and housing status in mind. This is something I am committed to continuing doing. Not only is it important that we enforce state laws about providing additional housing units, we must not stop there. I will work with other local and state officials to lobby for incentives and funding for temporary and permanent supportive housing, rental subsidies, and focus on general advocacy for these issues.

 
Alex Newman
Position 3

If elected, I’ll prioritize affordability as the foundation of my service. I will advocate for expanded zoning to allow more diverse housing types, support tenant protections, and champion investments in low-income and workforce housing. I’ll push the city to partner more effectively with housing authorities, nonprofits, and community-based developers to build and preserve affordable homes. I will also work to expand renter resources, reduce barriers to homeownership, and ensure that public investments are guided by equity and long-term affordability.

 
Thom Garrard
Position 4

Students need stable housing in order to be successful in school. A safe, healthy, affordable home boosts academic achievement, on-time graduation rates, and school attendance. I will advocate for measures that move our students and community members into acceptable dwellings and keep them there.

Paula Rhyne
Position 1

During my time working for the Affordable Housing Program at the Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle, I learned the difference between housing that’s affordable and affordable housing. People experiencing homelessness are not the only ones struggling with affordable housing. Everett also has a lack of available housing that is affordable to middle-income earners. That’s why on the City Council, I have focused on incentivizing the development of duplexes, triplexes, and other moderate multi-family housing developments.

The ability to afford housing is often contingent on having a living wage job. I have persistently advocated for workforce development policies and programs that help young people and adults reentering the workforce to access stable jobs and careers. At the forefront of this work is the legislation that I passed which bars any contractor who has willfully engaged in wage theft from being able to contract with the city for five years from the date of infraction. This enhanced penalty sends a clear message to contractors: you will not have a seat at the negotiating table if you steal from Everett workers. When re-elected I will continue working to address housing affordability and living wages.

 
Shaina Langley

Safe, healthy, affordable homes are critical to the safety and success of our students. If elected to the Everett School Board, I will be a dedicated advocate for affordable housing legislation at the state and local levels. That includes support for legislation on renters’ rights, rent caps, zoning laws, social housing options, improvements to community care, and services for people experiencing homelessness. Additionally, I will collaborate with my fellow board members, district administration, local organizations, and other community stakeholders to identify projects and other opportunities to increase access to affordable housing for our students, staff, and working families. As a School Board Director, I will prioritize policies that improve district communications about affordable housing to underserved families, expand family education outreach, and explore workforce housing models for district employees.

Emily Stone
Position 3

If elected, I will continue leading efforts to ensure that everyone in Gig Harbor has access to a safe, healthy, and affordable place to call home. Housing is a human right -- and local governments should do their part to uphold this right. Seniors and young families are being priced out of their own community.

As a current Councilmember, I've prioritized housing affordability, human services support, and thoughtful growth. I bring both professional and personal experience to this work -- as a renter myself, and as a Senior Policy Advisor at the Washington State Department of Commerce, where I support communities across the state in tackling housing production and homelessness. I also bring a background in social work and a deep understanding of how housing stability is connected to every other part of a healthy, thriving community.

We need more homes of all types -- especially those affordable for seniors and for people living and working in our community. I will keep advocating for zoning and land use decisions that allow for a greater variety of housing types, advocate for more preventative supports around behavioral health and economic stability, and work in partnership with state and regional leaders to bring more affordable housing investments into Gig Harbor. 90% of our City's workforce can't afford to live in City limits. Our city should be a place where teachers, grocery clerks, healthcare workers, and seniors can afford to live and stay. And I'm committed to making that a reality.

 
Kevin Nichols
Position 6

"Issaquah built only 54 affordable units in six years, a crisis demanding transformative action. As a scientist and parent, I see my children's generation being priced out of their hometown. I'll establish an Issaquah-focused public-private development partnership leveraging HB 1491's funded inclusionary zoning. This community-driven entity will build mixed-income housing profitably while reinvesting returns into more affordable units, maximizing community value over developer profit. I'll partner with Issaquah School District to co-locate new schools with parks and housing in Central Issaquah, creating community hubs that naturally attract density while preserving our hillsides. These mixed-use centers make walkable neighborhoods where families thrive. I'll implement dedicated transit corridors connecting to regional networks, making Central Issaquah attractive for transit-oriented development while immediately improving emergency response times. For our most vulnerable neighbors, I'll pursue HB 2015 behavioral health grants to establish co-responder programs, addressing root causes of housing instability. I oppose criminalizing homelessness and will champion permanent supportive housing with wraparound services. My approach includes: - Mandatory inclusionary zoning with anti-displacement protections - Tenant protections including rent stabilization and just-cause eviction - Streamlined permitting for affordable housing - Progressive revenue sources ensuring growth pays for infrastructure Through innovative partnerships, strategic development, and evidence-based policies, we'll ensure every resident from young families to seniors to those experiencing homelessness has access to safe, stable, affordable housing. Housing is a human right, and I'll fight to make that reality in Issaquah. "

Caitlin Sullivan
Position 2

 
Sarah Perry
District 3

"The complexities of affordable housing and homelessness touch many areas for those facing economic hardship and distress, from the severe shortage of affordable housing - specifically for our BIPOC community members, LGBTQ community members and those living with disabilities - to lack of resources in the behavioral health and substance use recovery systems. Helping our community members who are living outside get critical housing and services needed to quickly get back to living stable lives requires more than a single, simple solution. I am proud to have brought both compassion and action to this crisis, focusing on proven, cost effective solutions that work for our Eastside communities. In my first term, I: - Approved $166 million to fund affordable housing near transit centers, supportive housing operations, and coordinated crisis response efforts. - Allocated $55,500 in housing grants to six non-profits serving District 3 to help community members with housing needs and services. - Funded critical human services in our district for organizations such as the Issaquah Food and Clothing Bank, Eastside Seniors, and SnoValley Pride. - Appropriated $125,000 from our COVID budget for RECLAIM Shelter (formerly Snoqualmie Valley Shelter), to increase their motel voucher program by an additional four rooms and help house our neighbors. - Advocated for the Veterans, Seniors, and Human Services Levy (VSHSL), which voters overwhelmingly passed on the ballot, to expand our programs and meet our human services needs. - Ensured $6.2 million to stop the loss of human services providers, including those providing homelessness, housing, and gender-based violence services."

Kim-Khanh Van
District 5

 
Kurt Dresner
Position 7

"As a co-founder of Liveable Kirkland, I have spent years advocating for a more affordable and inclusive city. I am running for City Council to turn that advocacy into concrete action and provide the proactive leadership our community needs. My approach is built on a clear, three-part strategy: Supply, Stability, and Subsidy. To address the root cause of our affordability crisis, we must responsibly increase our housing Supply by reforming zoning to allow for more types of homes throughout our city, especially near transit. To protect our neighbors now, we must ensure tenant Stability by building on Kirkland’s strong protections and implementing new anti-displacement strategies. Finally, we must provide a robust safety net through Subsidies, fully funding proven Housing First models and permanent supportive housing for our most vulnerable residents. Achieving this requires a fundamental change in our public process. I will champion an engagement model that is truly inclusive, ensuring we hear from those with lived experience by meeting them where they are and compensating them appropriately for their expertise. Kirkland is ready for progress on housing. I have the experience, the strategies, and the regional relationships necessary to lead that effort and ensure our city is a place where everyone can afford to live in a safe, healthy home."

Ryan Siu
Position 6

Housing is where health begins. Without stable, safe, and affordable housing, families struggle to survive—and the entire community feels that impact. To build a thriving Lacey, we must first ensure it is a healthy one. That begins with building more homes that meet people where they are—across all income levels, ages, and abilities. If elected, I will make affordable housing a top priority. I will introduce and champion current and new policies that incentivize building a full range of affordable housing options. Central to that vision is implementing universal design, so housing is accessible for seniors, people with disabilities, and multigenerational families. I will also support forward-thinking housing solutions already used in cities across the U.S. and Europe—like solar-powered homes and environmentally sustainable designs. These models reduce utility costs for residents while helping us meet our climate goals. These aren't ideas for the distant future—they are opportunities we can embrace right now, across Thurston County. I support expanding Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and other innovative housing approaches already under consideration by the council. These solutions offer gentle neighborhood density and flexibility while helping families remain connected and rooted in the communities they love.

 
Isabel Mata
Position 2

Everyone deserves to live in a safe, healthy, and affordable home. If I am elected, I will focus on the basics that keep our community strong. That means making sure our first responders have the resources they need, our streets are well-maintained, and our emergency systems are ready for anything, from violence to extreme weather. Safety is not just about reacting to problems. It’s about preventing them and caring for each other. That is why I support expanding mental health and crisis response services that meet people where they are. Affordable housing is a top priority. I will work to protect tenants from displacement and support affordable housing projects that reflect our community’s diversity. I also want to make sure working families have access to affordable childcare, healthcare, and fair wages that match the cost of living. Housing is about more than just a roof over your head. It is about belonging and having a future you can count on. If elected, I will fight for wrap-around services in Lynnwood where everyone can feel safe, supported, and at home.

Josh Binda
Position 3

As a current Lynnwood City Councilman and advocate for affordable housing, I am committed to ensuring that every member of our community has access to safe, healthy, and affordable homes. If re-elected, I will prioritize policies that expand affordable housing options, streamline development processes, and foster partnerships with local organizations to create supportive housing solutions. I will actively engage with residents, especially those facing housing insecurity, to understand their needs and integrate their voices into our decision-making processes. By leveraging state resources, promoting innovative funding strategies, and advocating for inclusive zoning policies, I aim to create a community where everyone can thrive in a stable home.

 
Robert Leutwyler
Position 5

Everyone deserves a safe and secure place to call home. Housing costs are too high because there aren't enough homes available to meet people's needs and budgets. We need to create more home choices to provide safe, clean, and affordable housing. By building a range of homes, we can ensure economic stability and thriving communities for everyone. I have been a proud housing advocate, and we have made great progress in recent years - but there is so much more work to done.

Chris Davis
Position 2

I'm a single dad and disabled Navy veteran that has been an active volunteer in the Marysville community for several years now as a student and family advocate, and volunteer community support chaplain.

Over the years, I've served folks who didn't feel safe, are homeless, or were teetering on the edge of being priced out of their homes and lives. And far too often, the elected officials who could do some real good in our neighborhoods make statements that sound nice instead of acting to enact policies that promote safe communities by increasing opportunities and removing barriers.

If elected, I intend to continue working with community service organizations, labor and union groups, and affordable housing developers. I will remain dedicated to the safety and success of our children, and the comfort and care of our elders. And I pledge to continue being available to help, step in, and step up as you need.

 
Menka Soni
Position 6

"If elected to Redmond City Council, I will lead with a housing-first mindset that recognizes safe, stable, and affordable housing as a human right and the foundation of a thriving community. As a board member of the South King County Housing and Homelessness Partnership (SKHHP), I’ve already been actively engaged in regional efforts to expand deeply affordable housing, prevent displacement, and create policy alignment across jurisdictions. I support incentive zoning, expanded funding tools, and streamlined permitting to enable nonprofit and affordable housing developers to build and preserve housing for the most vulnerable. Through my nonprofit, AmPowering, I’ve provided interim shelter, housing assistance, and basic needs support to hundreds of families facing homelessness - many navigating the complexities of Section 8 delays, eviction, or domestic violence. This lived understanding of housing insecurity drives my urgency to advocate for policies grounded in compassion, equity, and impact. I will also champion renter protections, support increased density near transit, and prioritize funding for services that keep people housed - including mental health, addiction recovery, and wraparound services. Collaboration will be key: I will bring together city leaders, nonprofits, developers, and residents to develop solutions that reflect the realities of working families, seniors, and youth. Housing policy must be inclusive, community-informed, and bold. I’m ready to lead with action, listen with humility, and work tirelessly to ensure everyone in Redmond has a safe, healthy, and affordable place to call home."

Katie Wilson

As mayor, it will be my #1 priority to solve the homelessness crisis and address Seattle's severe shortage of affordable housing. I will work to open 4,000 new units of emergency housing and shelter in four years, reversing shelter loss under our current mayor and bringing people inside. I will work to better integrate supportive services and treatment with shelter and housing to improve stability and reduce the chances that people fall back into unsheltered homelessness. I will work to stabilize the affordable housing sector, which is currently in financial freefall. I will work with affordable housing providers and other stakeholders to create an Eviction Prevention Initiative to close this revolving door back into homelessness, without stranding housing providers without solutions.

I will fight to make Seattle's new Social Housing Developer successful -- as voters have resoundingly called for, twice -- instead of opposing and undermining it as our current mayor has done. I will follow King County's example in exploring a $1 billion bond for union-built affordable housing, because incremental progress isn't enough. I will clamp down on bad-actor landlord practices and strengthen protections for the growing majority of Seattle households who rent. And I will champion land use and zoning policies that make it easier to build homes for people and families to rent and buy, while also protecting communities against displacement and keeping Seattle green.

Rory O'Sullivan

Throughout his career, housing stability has been a top issue for Rory. He's represented homeowners facing foreclosure, he served as the Managing Attorney of the Housing Justice Project, and for more than a decade he has worked on housing policy at the state and local level, including helping to craft the Foreclosure Fairness Act, strengthening renter protections, and helping to make Washington the first state that guarantees renters a right to counsel during eviction proceedings. As City Attorney, Rory will continue his work on housing stability by defending the renter protections he helped to pass, and by holding slumlords accountable. He will work to strengthen and protect Seattle's new social housing developer, and he will work with the Seattle City Council to expand the progressive revenue options that we need in order to fund housing for all. He will also work with the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections to improve response times for tenants experiencing poor living conditions.

Erika Evans

I know what housing instability feels like. Before I turned twelve, my family moved eight times. We lived in Section 8 housing, and I saw firsthand how unstable housing creates stress and insecurity--especially for working families just trying to survive. That experience shaped my values and my deep commitment to building a Seattle where everyone has a safe, healthy, and affordable home.

As a former Assistant U.S. Attorney and as a line attorney in both the criminal and civil divisions of the Seattle City Attorney's Office, I've spent my career using the law to protect the most vulnerable. I've prosecuted wage theft, held bad landlords accountable, and stood up for victims of hate crimes and exploitation. But justice isn't just about punishment, it's also about stability, opportunity, and care.

As City Attorney, I will bring back a reimagined Community Court that connects people to housing, treatment, and support services--reducing recidivism and addressing root causes of crime. I will enforce tenant protections, support eviction diversion, and work alongside labor and housing advocates to make sure our legal systems promote, not undermine, housing stability.

Dionne Foster
Position 9 (citywide)

Alexis Mercedes Rinck
Position 8 (citywide)

Zack Zappone
District 3, Position 1

Raquel Isquierdo Lopez
District #2

If I am elected, I will use my position to advocate for students and families impacted by housing instability and work to strengthen partnerships between the school district, city leaders, and community organizations to address the root causes.

As a nurse and mother of four, I've seen how lack of safe, stable, and affordable housing directly affects student health, attendance, behavior, and their academic performance. While the school board doesn't create housing policy, we can be leaders in raising awareness, supporting wraparound services, and ensuring schools are equipped to respond compassionately and proactively.

I will push for improved identification of housing-insecure students, better coordination with local services, and increased mental health and social support within our schools. I'll also use my platform to uplift community voices, particularly those most affected by housing challenges, and advocate for long-term solutions that help families stay rooted in our district.

 
Latasha Palmer

"If elected, my leadership will focus on ensuring that every member of our community has access to safe, healthy, and affordable housing. This begins with advocating for robust policies that prioritize housing as a human right and address the diverse needs of Tacoma residents. Firstly, I will advocate for the expansion of affordable housing options through initiatives such as Community Land Trusts (CLTs), cooperatives, and social housing models. These approaches not only provide stable housing but also empower residents to actively participate in decision-making about their living conditions. Secondly, I will work to strengthen tenant protections and fight against housing discrimination. This includes supporting policies that prevent unjust evictions, improve rental conditions, and enforce fair housing laws. Thirdly, I will promote sustainable and equitable development practices that prioritize environmental justice and community well-being. This involves advocating for green building standards, urban green spaces, and equitable access to public transportation. Lastly, I will collaborate closely with community organizations, local businesses, and government agencies to leverage resources and expertise. By fostering partnerships, we can enhance housing affordability, expand supportive services, and address systemic barriers that contribute to housing insecurity. Ultimately, my approach to leadership will be inclusive and collaborative, centered on listening to community voices and prioritizing equity in housing policy."

Kim D. Harless
Position 1

First elected in November 2021, Kim D. Harless has served on the council since January 2022, bringing a deep commitment to the environment, equity, and affordable housing. Harless currently works full-time as the Policy, Advocacy, and Community Engagement Manager for the Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA) at their Vancouver office. Harless represents the City Council on multiple regional boards and commissions, including as Chair of the Lodging Tax Advisory Committee, the Southwest Washington Clean Air Agency, and as an alternate on the C-TRAN Board of Directors. Harless also personally serves on the board of Fourth Plain Forward, a community development corporation that supports BIPOC entrepreneurs, small businesses, and advances revitalization in historically underserved neighborhoods. Harless is also an alum of Heritage High School, Clark College, Washington State University Vancouver with a degree in Environmental Science. Harless also previously served as an elected official serving as Clark County Charter Review Commissioner representing District 1 and elected co-chair by the other fourteen elected commissioners. Harless identifies as Two-Spirit, Indigenous, Chicana, multi-racial, and is a parent of a teenager in high school.

Diana Perez
Position 3

Kaylee Galloway
District 1

 
Elizabeth Boyle
District 2 (dual)

"If elected, my top policy priority will be to ensure everyone in our community has a safe, healthy, and affordable place to call home. I have already been deeply involved in providing services for our unsheltered community members as a board member of the YWCA and through my work on the opioid crisis. I will support building more affordable and supportive housing, expanding year-round shelter, and helping people stay housed through rental assistance and eviction prevention. I’ll work with cities, nonprofits, and people with lived experience to reduce barriers, use public funds wisely, and focus on solutions that meet real community needs. The County Council recently approved 30% of the EDI fund to support housing infrastructure and affordable workforce housing for households earning up to 120% of Area Median Income (AMI). This is a strong step forward and if elected, I'll make sure the Council keeps housing as a top priority in every budget and policy decision. Most importantly, I believe we need to work together. I’ll bring people from a range of backgrounds to the table to build shared plans and take action. Everyone deserves a place to call home, and I’ll work hard to make that a reality in Whatcom County. "

 
Maya Morales
District 2 (dual)

"I plan to push for our County to require a percentage of affordable units in all new multifamily housing developments and contracts. I will suggest that we fund a joint cities-county enforcement office to help renters. I want to see us do innovative things to help us create a housing for ALL reality, so I will: push for WA State to allow local public banking, lay policy groundwork and look to secure funding for cooperative and publicly owned land and housing trusts, Collaborate with cities to create a public developer and social housing. In terms of equity, I will push for affordability requirements across all neighborhoods, and push for transit justice to ensure accessibility. I'll lobby our State legislature to take our win on rent stabilization further."

Jessica Rienstra
District 3

I bring a healthcare lens to housing policy because I've seen firsthand that housing is not just shelter, it's a critical determinant of health. When families live in unstable or unsafe housing, everything is affected: chronic illness worsens, children fall behind in school, and mental health suffers. I've seen the significant health impacts of delayed treatment because people didn't have stable housing or transportation. These experiences reinforced my understanding that housing justice is health justice.

To truly address our housing crisis, we must confront its root causes. My approach is shaped by public health principles: we need prevention, upstream thinking, and policies that improve long-term outcomes. I will advocate for affordable housing options in both urban and rural areas. I support strong tenant protections, housing-first models, and wraparound services that help people not only secure housing but stay housed. My commitment to equity, dignity, and community health drives everything I do. Together, we can build a Whatcom County where everyone has the foundation they need to thrive: a safe, stable place to call home.