If you're like our family, you moved here because you wanted your children to grow up in a diverse community.
But desiring to live in a diverse community is different than being a part of a diverse community. And once you get here - especially as a person of privilege - you have an obligation to listen to all perspectives about how to ensure everyone feels welcomed to be a part of this community.
And in listening to folks from all backgrounds - whether it's our senior citizens in Rainier Manor, our neighbors in the Queenstown apartments, a new single family home owner, or a veteran resident of 30 years - what becomes clear is that promoting our diversity isn't a zero sum game of economic development v. keeping things as-is, or having a police force v. defunding the police. Because when you talk to folks, the vast majority want the same things, whether that is affordable housing, a vibrant economic scene, or quality policing.
What we seem to want, then, is the ability of everyone to participate in our community. So, whether that is owning a house, running a business, or ensuring our policing reflect our values and needs, that is what my policies seek to achieve. From Community Land Trusts to our Economic Incentive Fund to our Community Policing efforts, all of these seek to ensure we open doors for everyone to participate in our housing, our economy, and our public safety.