Sara’s Priorities
Sara has already taken on some of Seattle's toughest fights and won - forcing business interests to accept workforce housing, pushing unused funds into action, expanding real addiction treatment. But the biggest battles are ahead.
City Council needs strong leadership to keep pushing when powerful interests push back. Sara has already proven she won't be intimidated, and she's ready to lead the fights that matter most.
When everything Seattle cares about is under attack, we need a proven fighter at the helm of City Council. Sara is just getting started.
-
Homelessness & Housing
-
Drug & Crisis Treatment
-
Public Safety
-
Small Businesses
-
Arts & Culture
-
Building Community
Seattle has millions in housing funds sitting unused while families get displaced and people sleep on sidewalks. Sara forced through legislation for 1,000 units of workforce housing in SoDo when business interests said it couldn't be done, and she's expanded non-congregate shelters that give people private rooms and real support services.
The housing crisis demands leaders who'll take on powerful interests blocking solutions. Sara has already proven she will.
Homelessness & Housing
Sara’s Results, So Far
On Council, Sara has supported historic investments in housing while pushing for greater accountability:
Supported a record $342 million investment in affordable housing for 2025-2026
Added $5.2 million in renter assistance funding
Provided $3.2 million for non-congregate shelter beds and $4 million for YouthCare's Constellation Center
Reformed the Regional Homelessness Authority's oversight structure to improve accountability
Advocated for faster deployment of housing resources to reduce project delays
Passed legislation to add new housing to new SoDo “Makers’ District”, at the doorstep of Downtown
Drug & Crisis Treatment
Sara knows what it's like to need help and get it. As someone in recovery, she understands that when people are ready for treatment, help needs to be there — not next week, not after they jump through bureaucratic hoops, but right then.
That's why she's launched Seattle's largest-ever treatment initiative and fought to expand detox capacity and recovery services. With four people dying from fentanyl every day in our city, Sara refuses to accept programs that sound good but don't save lives.
She's building a system where recovery is possible because she knows, personally, that it works.
Sara’s Results
Sara is Seattle’s biggest champion for life-saving treatment and recovery services:
Secured first-ever city funding for on-demand residential and intensive outpatient addiction treatment
Supported innovative mobile medication units bringing treatment directly to high-need areas
Successfully advocated for recovery-based support services in permanent supportive housing
Reformed the Regional Homelessness Authority's mandate to include recovery-focused approaches
Added $450,000 for mobile medication services in areas with high overdose rates
Driving Seattle’s biggest push yet for treatment services, Pathways to Recovery.
Public Safety
Sara doesn't believe in false choices between safety and justice — Seattle needs both.
While others got stuck in ideological debates, she focused on practical solutions: hiring new officers to improve response times while expanding programs that get people the right kind of help. She's pushed through police accountability measures, supported community safety teams in high-need neighborhoods, and made sure 911 dispatchers have the resources to handle the calls flooding in.
Sara knows that real public safety means people can walk to work, kids can play in parks, and small businesses can thrive. She's delivered the leadership to make that happen.
Sara’s Results
As Council President, Sara has championed a comprehensive approach to public safety that addresses both immediate needs and root causes:
Led passage of 15 pieces of public safety legislation (and counting)
Secured funding to restore prosecutor positions and improve 911 response times
Supported technology investments to combat gun violence and car theft
Implemented SODA and SOAP zones to address crime hotspots while providing services
Advocated successfully for competitive police salaries to address staffing shortages
Added funding for neighborhood safety ambassadors
Small Business
As someone who built Fremont Brewing from the ground up with her family, Sara knows firsthand the challenges facing Seattle's small business owners. She's experienced the late nights worrying about payroll, the struggle with city permits, and the impact that crime and instability can have on a business trying to serve its community. That's why she created the Storefront Repair Fund to help over 400 businesses recover from break-ins, fought for streamlined permitting, and became the strongest voice on Council for immigrant and minority-owned businesses.
Sara understands that small businesses aren't just economic engines — they're the heart of our neighborhoods, creating good jobs and building the generational wealth that keeps families rooted in Seattle.
Sara’s Results
Sara has worked to create an inclusive economy that supports small businesses and creates opportunities for all Seattle residents:
Created and maintained the Storefront Repair Fund
Established the Seattle Film Commission to attract production jobs
Protected funding for technical assistance programs serving minority-owned businesses
Supported the Metropolitan Improvement District to keep business districts clean and welcoming
Advocated for economic development initiatives targeting neighborhood business districts
Arts & Culture
Seattle's creative spirit — from our iconic music venues to emerging film scene — is what makes this city special.
Sara knows that supporting artists isn't just about ribbon cuttings and big announcements. It's about the daily challenges facing working musicians, venue operators, and cultural workers trying to make it in an expensive city.
She's focused on practical solutions that help artists and venues thrive — because a city without its creative soul isn't really Seattle at all.
Sara’s Results
As Council President and former Economic Development Committee Chair, Sara has strengthened Seattle's creative economy at every level:
Successfully established the Seattle Film Commission to attract production jobs and revenue
Worked directly with music venues like El Corazón to create designated loading zones, making it possible for artists to actually load in their gear and perform
Saved the Seattle Channel's award-winning cultural and civic programming
Partnered with King County to open Harbor Island Studios, the region's first professional sound stage since 1996
Secured first-ever dedicated funding for both Film and Music Commissions
Engaged with the Washington Nightlife and Music Association to support Seattle's venue ecosystem
Building Community
Sara knows that Seattle works best when neighbors know each other and look out for one another. As the only citywide representative on the Council, she's focused on strengthening the connections that make our neighborhoods resilient — from supporting youth programs that keep kids engaged to bringing city services directly to people where they are.
Sara believes strong communities aren't built by City Hall alone, but by empowering the grassroots organizations, local businesses, and neighborhood groups that are already doing the work.
Sara’s Results
As citywide representative, Sara has worked to strengthen connections across Seattle:
Supported neighborhood safety ambassadors to enhance community presence
Funded the Central District Panthers youth football program, recognizing its vital role in community building
Brought mobile medication and treatment services directly to high-need areas
Supported neighborhood business districts through Business Improvement Areas
Enhanced the city's graffiti removal program to maintain neighborhood quality of life
Funded Uplift Northwest's efforts to connect people with job training and housing opportunities
