Organizers: King County NOW & Africatown UniversityLocation: Berrien Voter Education Forum
Moderator: Latricia Jackson & Fynniecko Glover Jr
Location: Berrien Voter Education Forum
Candidates: Katie Wilson & Bruce Harrell (Not In Attendance)

Opening & Introductions

Moderator:
Thank you for joining us. To start, tell the folks who you are and why you’re running for Mayor of Seattle.

Kate (Candidate):
I’ve lived in Seattle for over 20 years — my husband and I moved here in 2004 when rent was $400 a month for a room. I’ve seen Seattle change so much since then — some good, but much of it has made the city unaffordable for youth, elders, and working families, especially the Black community.

For the last 14 years, I’ve been a community organizer and coalition builder, working to transform policies for working families. I’ve helped win free transit for youth statewide, and organized the coalition that led to one of the highest minimum wages in the country.

I’m running for Mayor because this is the best way I can continue that work — giving everyday people a real voice in decisions that affect their lives.

Q1: Executive Action for Black Generational Wealth

Moderator:
Black families have been systematically pushed out of Seattle. As Mayor, what executive actions would you take in your first 100 days to begin creating pathways for Black generational wealth?

Kate:
Seattle’s history of redlining and displacement requires direct action. In my first 100 days, I would convene every organization currently working on affordable Black homeownership and anti-displacement, including groups like Resource Equity Association, who are building intergenerational housing models that allow displaced family members to return to Seattle.

My administration would expand funding and coordination to support affordable homeownership, especially multigenerational models that help families stay rooted in community.

Q2: Land Use & Gentrification

Moderator:
The Central District was historically a Black community. What land use and housing policies would you implement to reverse gentrification and support Black property ownership?

Kate:
I would prioritize city-owned and public land for community-led development, making sure it’s available to organizations like Africatown that center Black ownership and culture.

We also need to expand shared-equity and cooperative housing models, like those being piloted by HomeSight, that make ownership affordable for middle-income families.

As a renter myself, I understand that renters deserve stability too — affordable renting should also mean a dignified life where people can raise families and thrive in Seattle.

Q3: Reparations

Moderator:
Do you support the Mayor’s proposed reparations framework?

Kate:
Yes, I do. I know there’s a diversity of opinions within the Black community about how reparations should look, and I want to be part of designing a program that reflects that.

I believe reparations in Seattle must be community-informed, legally sound, and actionable — not symbolic. We must work collaboratively across local and state levels to make that real.

Q4: Funding Reparations and Black Economic Support

Moderator:
How would you move from discussion to real action — what specific funding or programs would you create to support Seattle’s Black community?

Kate:
At the state level, we’ve seen important movement, such as the homeownership covenant program that funds down-payment assistance. In Seattle, we can go further — for example, expanding access to affordable homeownership and wealth-building programs while ensuring legal frameworks support reparations at the city level.

We’ll need to be creative about funding — exploring progressive revenue and public-private partnerships — ensuring that we don’t balance budgets on working families but instead require those with market power to contribute their fair share.

Q5: Gun Violence & Youth Safety

Moderator:
Gun violence disproportionately affects young Black men. Beyond policing, what prevention and intervention programs would you scale?

Kate:
This issue is deeply personal for so many families. We have incredible local organizations doing community-based violence prevention — but the city hasn’t supported them with the coordination or strategy they deserve.

My administration would bring these partners together to co-create an evidence-based citywide violence prevention model, similar to successful approaches in Boston and Baltimore.

Q6: Anti-Displacement & Development Fund

Moderator:
Would you support a billion-dollar anti-displacement fund focused on Black development?

Kate:
Yes. I support creating a $1 billion reparative development fund through public-private partnerships, county collaboration, and progressive revenue sources.

We’ll need to align multiple funding levels, hold the private sector accountable, and design funding structures that don’t just rely on existing city budgets.

Q7: Black Youth Economic Opportunity

Moderator:
What programs would you implement to create real economic opportunity for Black youth?

Kate:
We need a continuum of support — from affordable childcare and youth programs for working families, to paid internships, apprenticeships, and mentorships for teens.

I’d like to pilot free summer care programs for school-age children through community centers and expand city partnerships that create paid youth employment and career pathways into good, unionized jobs.

Q8: Small Business & Public Safety

Audience Member:
Small businesses on Rainier Avenue are struggling — vandalism, homelessness, and drug activity are hurting business. What’s your plan to protect us?

Kate:
We need a smarter approach to public safety — not endless sweeps that destabilize people, but real emergency housing and shelter options so people can get off the streets.

I also want to restore community policing models, where officers are consistently assigned to neighborhoods, build relationships, and collaborate with small business owners.And yes — we need to fix the reimbursable grant system that burdens business owners. I’ll explore upfront grants and simplify permitting across city departments to make business recovery easier.

Closing Reflection

Audience Member:
How will you ensure your administration truly understands race and class analysis — not just poverty, but systemic racism?

Kate:
I’m a listener. I know I don’t know everything, and I’m committed to building an administration that includes people with race and class analysis at its core.

Our country was founded on the exploitation of Black people, and that history still shapes Seattle. My role is to listen, learn, and work alongside community leaders to dismantle those systems — not replicate them.

Hosted by: King County NOW & Africatown Community Land Trust
Moderators: Latricia Jackson & Fynniecko Glover Jr
Location: Washington Hall, Seattle Wa
Candidates: Dionne Foster and Sara Nelson

Candidate Introductions

Dionne Foster:
Thank you for having me. My name is Dionne Foster, and I’m running for Seattle City Council. I’m passionate about wealth and homeownership because I was able to buy my own home thanks to down-payment assistance — a program that helped me and my family stay in Seattle.

I currently teach at the University of Washington School of Social Work, and I most recently served as Executive Director of the Washington Progress Alliance, helping fund grassroots organizing across the state. Before that, I worked at the Seattle Foundation, where I pushed the organization to invest more in Black-led nonprofits and community-driven equity initiatives.

I’m proud to have supported efforts like R-88 (affirmative action reinstatement) — even though it didn’t pass, it helped shift the conversation toward justice. I bring humility, collaboration, and a lifelong commitment to strengthening community partnerships and making Seattle the equitable city we all know it can be.

Sarah Nelson:
Thank you for hosting us. I’m Sarah Nelson, the current Councilmember for District 9, and I’m running for re-election to build on the progress of the past four years.

Seattle in 2025 is not the same city it was in 2021, and it won’t be the same tomorrow. I’m running to protect that progress — especially against national political threats that could roll it back. Seattle needs a fighter with experience — someone who can take on tough fights and win them.

For example, I helped resolve the Equitable Budget Initiative funding dispute and secured $22 million in allocations, including $1 million for the Midtown Plaza Project. I’ll continue to champion community-led projects that strengthen Black Seattle and protect our shared progress.

Summary:

Foster emphasized equity, housing access, and grassroots partnerships grounded in her lived experience.
Nelson highlighted experience, fiscal stewardship, and defending Seattle’s progress from external political threats.

Question 1: Closing the Wealth Gap

Moderator:
The wealth gap between Black and white Seattle residents continues to widen. If elected, what specific programs or policies would you implement to create measurable equity for Black families — in dollars, programs, and timelines?

Sarah Nelson:
As a longtime small-business owner, I know small businesses are the backbone of Seattle’s economy. We must strengthen the ecosystem that supports Black- and minority-owned businesses — the same businesses that create jobs and sustain communities.

My focus is on low- or no-interest loan access, commercial property ownership, and permitting reform so entrepreneurs can grow. Ownership — not just participation — is key to wealth building. I’ll keep working with the Office of Economic Development to ensure real opportunities for business growth and generational stability.

Dionne Foster:
We can’t close the wealth gap without addressing housing inequity and zoning. Redlining and restrictive single-family zoning have pushed Black families out of Seattle. We must use our land-use tools to both protect existing Black homeowners and expand housing options in under-developed areas.

I support racially targeted down-payment assistance with oversight to ensure funds reach Black families. Homeownership remains the primary engine of generational wealth, and city programs must reflect that reality.

Whenever legislation comes before Council, I’ll ask: “How does this impact Black residents?” From job programs to housing budgets, accountability through data is essential.

Summary:

Nelson focused on business ownership and local economic growth.
Foster centered housing equity, zoning reform, and racial accountability as key to closing Seattle’s wealth gap.

Question 2: Retaining and Returning Black Families

Moderator:
The Central District was once 17 percent Black and is now less than 15 percent. What’s your plan to help Black families retain or return to their homes? How will you measure results?

Dionne Foster:
While at the Seattle Foundation, I helped fund the community preference policy that prioritizes housing for residents with historic ties to a neighborhood. That was a good start — but we need stronger protections.

We must regulate predatory home-buying practices that pressure seniors and longtime homeowners to sell below market value. Cities like Philadelphia require wholesale buyers to register and disclose activity. Seattle should adopt a similar ordinance to slow displacement and preserve Black-owned homes.

Sarah Nelson:
My work on Council has focused on keeping people housed and helping them buy. We expanded first-time homebuyer assistance, helping 150 families purchase homes in 2024, and allocated $5.2 million in rental assistance to prevent evictions.

I supported 400–500 units of workforce housing in the stadium district with commercial spaces for minority-owned businesses through the Main Street program. Ownership and access to space are how we stop displacement and preserve generational wealth.

Summary:

Foster proposed regulation of predatory buyers and expanded community preference programs.
Nelson cited existing housing and rental-assistance investments tied to minority business development.

Question 3: Anti-Displacement & Development

Moderator:
Seattle’s comprehensive plan has failed to stop Black displacement. What anti-displacement measures will you champion, and how will you ensure Black businesses benefit from development?

Sarah Nelson:
Zoning can’t be one-size-fits-all. We need to recognize the historic extraction of labor and wealth from Black neighborhoods and tailor land-use policies to protect long-term homeowners and renters. Different areas need different approaches that balance growth with cultural preservation.

Dionne Foster:
Displacement isn’t just residential — it hits small businesses too. New developments often create oversized, unaffordable commercial spaces that sit vacant. We should require smaller, affordable storefronts and priority leasing for local entrepreneurs, especially Black business owners.

I also propose extending community preference policies to commercial spaces so Black-owned businesses have the first right to return. These businesses are both economic and cultural anchors that keep our neighborhoods alive.

Summary:

Nelson emphasized customized zoning and anti-extraction policies.
Foster advocated for inclusive commercial design and first-rights-of-return for Black businesses.

Question 4: Reparations and Accountability

Moderator:
How will you advance reparations-focused policies to address historical harm toward Seattle’s Black community?

Dionne Foster:
We need real reparations, not endless studies. I support the state-level Reparations Task Force and will fight for city funding once recommendations are released.

Because of Washington’s limits on affirmative action and public-fund usage, we must find creative legal pathways to deliver equity. That includes data disaggregation so we can track results for Black residents — while ensuring privacy protections against federal overreach.

Sarah Nelson:
I fully support Mayor Harrell’s $5 million reparations package for descendants of enslaved people. It’s a critical first step. Beyond that, we should channel funds directly through trusted community nonprofits to get money where it’s needed fastest.

The simplest and most impactful approach is direct benefit — putting resources into Black communities and allowing residents to decide how best to use them.

Summary:

Foster stressed structural change, legal creativity, and data accountability.
Nelson focused on immediate direct-aid funding through nonprofit and city partnerships.

Question 5: Black Youth Opportunities

Moderator:
What concrete programs will you fund to give Black youth educational, enrichment, and economic opportunities?

Sarah Nelson:
Youth investment is prevention. I secured $43,000 in city funding for the CD Panthers Football and Cheer teams so families wouldn’t face $500 fees per child. Programs like this teach teamwork and confidence — skills that go far beyond sports. Councilmembers should look at what’s already working and fund it.

Dionne Foster:
We have to hold ourselves accountable for education outcomes. At Rainier Beach High School, community members told us only about 30 percent of Black boys are reading at grade level. That’s unacceptable.

As a councilmember, I’ll use oversight over the Families & Education Preschool Levy and Library Levy to ensure mental-health and academic resources actually reach Black youth. Libraries are also critical safe spaces after school; we must keep them open and well-funded as community hubs.

Summary:

Nelson underscored funding for community-based youth programs.
Foster emphasized educational accountability, mental-health access, and safe learning spaces.

Lightning Round

Moderators asked yes/no questions:

• Support disaggregating data for descendants of American chattel slavery?
  
• Support reparations for descendants of slavery?
  
• Support a $1 billion Reparative Development Fund for housing, business, and workforce training?
  
• Support Black community control of resources intended for Black communities?
  
• Support expanding paid opportunities for youth?
  
• Support funding for community-led housing like the Cairo site?
  
• Support creating an Office of Freedmen to represent descendants of enslaved people?
  

Both candidates signaled general support for these initiatives.

Hosted by: King County NOW and Africatown Community
Moderators: Latricia Jackson and Fynniecko Glover Jr
Location: Washington Hall, Seattle Wa
Candidates: Eddie Lin and Adonis Duckworth

Candidate Introductions

Eddie Lin:
Thank you. My name is Eddie Lin, and I’m running for City Council District 2, which stretches from the Chinatown–International District to Rainier Beach. I’ve been with the City Attorney’s Office and the Office of Housing for six years, focusing on affordable housing. I’ve lived on Beacon Hill since 2007, raising two sons with my wife, a homeschool teacher. As the son of a Taiwanese immigrant, I want to support our community through difficult times — especially with the federal attacks on immigrants, LGBTQIA+ people, and reproductive rights. District 2 has a long history of harm toward Black communities, and I’m committed to addressing that.

Adonis Duckworth:
I grew up on Beacon Hill and now live in Rainier Beach with my wife and two kids. What inspired me to run was my oldest daughter saying she wanted to move because she felt unsafe. Gun violence in South Seattle is a serious issue — our area makes up 13% of Seattle’s population but over one-third of its gun violence. Instead of leaving, I decided to step up. I’ve worked in city government since 2010, including in Mayor Harrell’s office. My background is in outreach and engagement, and I want to focus on ending gun violence and improving community safety.

Summary:
Both candidates expressed deep personal and professional ties to South Seattle and emphasized safety, equity, and community preservation as key motivations for their campaigns.

Question 1: Closing the Wealth Gap

Moderator:
Given the growing wealth gap between Black and white Seattle residents, what specific economic resources and policies will you implement to create measurable equity for Black families? We want to hear about dollars, programs, and timelines — not just intentions.

Eddie Lin:
We must focus on three areas: housing, education, and economic opportunity. On housing, I support initiatives like the Black Homeownership Initiative and the Black Legacy Homeowners program, which help families repair and retain their homes. Joy Hollingsworth has allocated $3 million toward this, and I’d continue that work. I also want to expand the Homeownership Covenant Act, which provides $150,000 in down payment assistance to redress historic housing discrimination.

Adonis Duckworth:
Education changed my life, and I believe it’s key to upward mobility. I support programs like Rainier Scholars and the Families & Education Levy on the November ballot. I’d push for free after-school care for Title I schools in South Seattle to put money back into families’ pockets. I’d also explore a guaranteed income pilot, modeled after King County’s program that provided $500–$1,000 monthly to residents, helping them stabilize and pursue education or work.

Summary:
Lin emphasized homeownership and anti-displacement funding; Duckworth focused on education, childcare, and guaranteed income as economic stabilizers.

Question 2: Retaining and Returning Black Families

Moderator:
The Central District was once 17% Black and is now less than 15%. What’s your plan to help Black families return and retain their property in the Central District?

Adonis Duckworth:
Change is inevitable, but we must ensure it doesn’t leave us behind. The city should support groups like Africatown in acquiring land and building affordable homes. Infrastructure projects have often displaced us — like the 23rd Avenue project — so mitigation funds must be built into all new developments. As a councilmember, I’d reinstate a “Statement of Legislative Intent” to study and fund mitigation for affected communities.

Eddie Lin:
For six years, I’ve worked with the Office of Housing on partnerships with Black churches to redevelop land for affordable housing and homeownership. I support tax relief for legacy homeowners and creative financing — such as building ADUs to retain family properties. We also need legal aid for seniors and protections against predatory property buyers.

Summary:
Both candidates proposed anti-displacement solutions. Lin focused on homeownership, tax relief, and legal protections; Duckworth emphasized community partnerships, mitigation, and land control.

Question 3: Anti-Displacement and Development

Moderator:
Seattle’s comprehensive plan has failed to stop displacement of Black residents. What anti-displacement measures will you champion, and how will you ensure Black businesses benefit from development?

Eddie Lin:
Seattle remains deeply segregated. We need equitable housing development in all neighborhoods, not just in South Seattle. Wealthier areas like North Seattle must also share growth. I’d support the Equitable Development Initiative, reduce barriers for small developers of color, and reform financial bonding requirements that block them from city projects.

Adonis Duckworth:
We must protect EDI funding and zone for diverse housing types — from market rate to social housing and tiny homes — so everyone has a place to live. Big corporations like Amazon have increased housing pressure; they must pay their fair share. Long-term, the city must support Black entrepreneurs so local businesses can grow from within, not be displaced by outside corporations.

Summary:
Lin targeted structural reform and equitable zoning; Duckworth focused on redistributing growth across income levels and ensuring corporations contribute to anti-displacement efforts.

Question 4: Reparations and Acknowledging Harm

Moderator:
How will you advance reparations-focused policies to address documented harm to Seattle’s Black community?

Adonis Duckworth:
Reparations must be concrete. I support Mayor Harrell’s efforts, but we need more — like city-funded internships and career tracking for youth of color. Education and opportunity are the real reparations, helping people achieve lasting economic independence.

Eddie Lin:
We should continue documenting harm as a foundation for legal and financial restitution. The Homeownership Covenant Act, which offers $150,000 forgivable down payments, is one model. I’d combine city funding with state programs to expand this work, ensuring reparations directly fund housing and land ownership for descendants of displaced residents.

Summary:
Duckworth emphasized youth opportunity as modern reparations; Lin proposed combining legal frameworks and city funding to expand housing-based reparations.

Question 5: Opportunities for Youth

Moderator:
What concrete programs will you provide to give Black youth education, enrichment, and economic opportunities?

Eddie Lin:
We need teachers and counselors who reflect our students’ experiences. I support the Academy of Rising Educators and mental health funding under the Families & Education Levy. I’d expand apprenticeship programs like IBEW’s in Rainier Beach to ensure youth can access skilled trades and real jobs.

Adonis Duckworth:
We must think outside the box — not every kid plays sports. I support building more “third spaces” like skateparks and creative hubs to keep youth engaged. I’d also reform city contracting so more Black-owned firms can work on $1.5 billion city projects.Summary:
Lin focused on education-to-employment pipelines; Duckworth highlighted creative and trade opportunities for nontraditional youth engagement.

Lightning Round (Yes/No Questions)

Moderators asked candidates to raise “Yes” or “No” cards to the following:

• Do you support disaggregating data for descendants of American chattel slavery?
  
• Do you support reparations for descendants of slavery and anti-Black city policies?
  
• Do you support creating a $1 billion Repair & Development Fund for affordable housing, business development, and job training?
  
• Do you support Black community control over resources meant for Black communities?
  
• Do you support increasing paid opportunities for youth (from Garfield High School student question)?
  
• Will you prioritize funding for shovel-ready, community-led projects such as the former Cairo site?
  

Summary:
Both candidates expressed general support for these measures, signaling alignment with Black community-led equity efforts.

Audience Questions: Transportation and Safety

Audience Member:
Parents with multiple children struggle with parking and safety. What creative solutions will you propose for families who need to drive, given increasing density and limited parking?

Eddie Lin:
We must balance density with accessibility. That means safe streets, reliable transit, and sidewalks so families who must drive can do so without gridlock. We should improve public transit options to reduce congestion and create safer, more walkable neighborhoods.

Adonis Duckworth:
I’ve studied city planning abroad. In London, every essential service is within walking distance — schools, groceries, healthcare. That’s my long-term vision for Seattle. In the short term, we must expand safe bike lanes, improve transit reliability, and protect elders and families who must drive.

Audience Follow-Up:
Transit safety is a huge issue for Black youth — they’re being targeted on public transportation.

Adonis Duckworth:
That’s real. Even in my house, my wife doesn’t want our daughter taking the bus because of safety. We need better lighting, security, and real accountability from King County Metro to protect our kids.

Eddie Lin:
Public safety must reflect the needs of those most affected. For some, police or security on buses increase fear, not safety. We need community-informed safety strategies that center Black and brown youth and families.Summary:
Both candidates acknowledged systemic transportation inequities. Lin emphasized community-centered safety, while Duckworth focused on infrastructure, lighting, and direct coordination with transit agencies.