Our Vision

My vision for King County is grounded in the value that our success as a community depends on the well-being of every one of our neighbors. And my approach to policy-making is centered on the concept that those most directly impacted by public policies should be involved in the shaping of those policies.

There are two overarching issues that inform how I plan to approach all policy areas.  First, racial justice. I recognize that so many of the challenges we face as a county–and as a society–are driven by the ongoing impact of systemic racism. I believe it is essential to use a racial justice lens when evaluating policies in all these issue areas.

Second, I believe that we will not be able to make sufficient progress in any of these issue areas if we do not address the way that county services are funded. It is essential that we generate new urgency to the work with state legislators to develop progressive sources of revenue that will support the investments necessary to tackle the challenges in all of these areas.

People are not 'vulnerable' or 'voiceless'; they are powerful, courageous agents of change, in their own lives, the lives of their families, and of their communities.

  • I’m deeply committed to promoting public safety in King County through a thoughtful and community-centered approach. I recognize the importance of a holistic approach to public safety that goes beyond traditional law enforcement measures. I believe in investing in preventative strategies, such as community-based programs, youth development initiatives, and mental health services, to address the underlying causes of crime and reduce recidivism. I also believe in upholding the health and safety of our first responders.

    I will advocate for police reform and ensuring that law enforcement agencies prioritize transparency and accountability. I support measures to strengthen law enforcement oversight, enhance training in de-escalation techniques, and promote unbiased policing practices. My approach to this issue will be informed by my work as a member of the Joint Legislative Task Force on the Use of Deadly Force in Community Policing. Furthermore, I understand the need to address systemic inequalities within the criminal legal system. I’m dedicated to implementing reforms that reduce racial disparities in policing, sentencing, and incarceration. I will work to eliminate discriminatory practices and promote fairness and equity at every level of the criminal legal system.

    I recognize the importance of restorative justice approaches that prioritize rehabilitation, reintegration, and healing for both victims and offenders. I support programs that provide alternatives to incarceration, such as diversionary programs and community-based restorative justice initiatives.

    As the dad of school-aged children, I am deeply thankful for the leadership of Washington State on gun safety - particularly for Representative Liz Berry - and I know we must do more at a county level. Lockdown drills have been a routine fixture of my children’s school lives and all three of my kids have been outspoken advocates for gun safety. My middle daughter in particular has led walk-outs, mobilized her peers, spoken to the media, and engaged legislators to secure mental health resources for our public schools and ban assault weapons. Whatever my role in civic life, I will continue to partner with young people and advocate for accelerated progress in addressing the public health crisis of gun violence. Moreover, I seek to bring my deep experience in partnering with immigrant communities to deepen and expand the circle of neighborhood change agents working to interrupt and prevent gun violence community by community. It is untenable that gun violence is the leading cause of death for children and youth in our country, and also disproportionately impacts communities of color.

    I am committed to working collaboratively with community leaders, law enforcement agencies, first responders, social service providers, and stakeholders to achieve these goals and ensure that public safety is a shared priority and responsibility.

  • We must address the crisis of homelessness in King County with urgency, centering the experiences and needs of our unhoused neighbors.

    A comprehensive approach to solving homelessness combines short-term emergency measures with long-term strategies. Immediate shelter and support services are crucial to providing stability and dignity to individuals experiencing homelessness, and we must increase investments in affordable housing because safe and stable housing is the most effective solution to ending homelessness in the long-term. Addressing the root causes of homelessness will require expanding access to mental health services, substance use treatment, and increasing tenant protections. A robust support system will ensure that individuals experiencing homelessness receive the comprehensive care they need, and will keep people in their homes.

    I have always been, and will continue to be a strong proponent of collaboration and partnership among community organizations, government agencies, and service providers. By working together, we can pool resources, share expertise, and develop coordinated strategies to reduce homelessness in King County. However, I also recognize that we will not make sufficient progress toward the goal of effectively preventing homelessness without significant new and additional resources.

    I’m committed to addressing homelessness with empathy and respect. I will recognize the inherent dignity of every individual and am dedicated to implementing solutions that prioritize human rights, social justice, and equitable outcomes.

  • Access to safe, affordable housing is a fundamental human right and essential for building strong and equitable communities.

    We must take a comprehensive and inclusive approach to tackling the housing crisis. I will advocate for the development of affordable housing options that cater to the diverse needs of King County residents, including low-income families, seniors, and individuals experiencing homelessness.

    To ensure affordable housing is accessible to all, I will support the implementation of robust tenant protections and rent stabilization measures. I understand the importance of preventing unjust evictions and displacement, and will work tirelessly to strengthen tenant rights and provide resources to support vulnerable populations.

    Housing affordability is interconnected with other social and economic factors. I’m committed to fostering partnerships with community organizations, local businesses, and government agencies to create innovative solutions and increase affordable housing stock in King County.

    I understand the significance of equitable development and the need to address historical disparities. I will prioritize policies that promote equitable distribution of housing resources, reduce segregation, and combat housing discrimination.

    I’m dedicated to promoting housing stability and ensuring that every resident of King County has access to safe, affordable, and dignified housing. Through collaborative efforts and bold initiatives, I will aim to create sustainable and inclusive communities where everyone can thrive.

  • As a member of the King County Council, I will be committed to improving transportation and transit in our region. I understand that a well-functioning transportation system is essential for the economic vitality, livability, and accessibility of our communities.

    I believe in investing in a comprehensive and multimodal transportation network that serves the needs of all residents. This includes prioritizing the expansion of public transit options, such as buses, light rail, and commuter trains, to provide reliable and efficient transportation choices for commuters, students, and residents throughout King County.

    I will advocate for increased funding and resources to improve and expand our public transit and active transportation infrastructure. This includes supporting measures to enhance bus service frequency, extend operating hours, and increase coverage in underserved areas. I will work to ensure that our public transit system is accessible, affordable, and convenient for all, including those with disabilities and those living in low-income communities. I will support policies that will make our neighborhoods more walkable and that will promote cycling as a viable transportation option.

    Recognizing the importance of equitable access to transportation, I will work to address transportation disparities and improve connectivity in underserved communities. I will collaborate with community organizations and stakeholders to identify and address transportation barriers, with a focus on reducing transportation inequities and improving access to jobs, healthcare, education, and recreational opportunities.

    By championing comprehensive transportation solutions, investing in public transit, promoting sustainable modes of transportation, addressing transportation equity, and prioritizing safety, I aim to create a transportation system that enhances the quality of life for all residents of King County and supports our region's continued growth and prosperity.

  • The district my family calls home is a vibrant hub for the arts with many important arts and cultural institutions. A thriving, resourced, and diverse arts community is a core component of a strong King County. I would be honored to continue outgoing Councilmember Jeanne Kohl-Welles’ championing of the arts community in District 4 and throughout King County.

    I am proud of my family’s involvement in the arts. Growing up, I saw my father using music and arts as an avenue to bring peace to Colombia as our country navigated internal conflict. I learned from him the importance of cultivating and uplifting local talent, as he worked to bring Colombian artists national and international attention. After college, I worked in the film industry before my interest in civil rights drove me to attend law school. Now, I see the impact and importance of strong arts, music, and theater in our public schools through my three children. My middle daughter trained at the Seattle Children’s Theater, and the experience has led her to wish to pursue a college degree in theater. I’m grateful to the arts community in Seattle for the opportunities it has provided my family, and I would be honored to support and partner with the community on the King County Council.

    I am committed to increasing public support for the arts. If elected, I will work to increase King County’s funding for arts and culture organizations and work to ensure stable and sustainable funding sources. I will urgently advocate for progressive revenue sources that will help provide sustainable long-term funding for the arts.

    We must ensure that arts and cultural programs are open to all communities across the county. I will work to develop policies and initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within the arts community. As a county, we have an exciting opportunity to address historical disparities in funding and representation. It is our responsibility to nurture the next generation of artists and participants in the arts. I will support arts education programming in schools throughout King County, with a focus on underserved communities.

    We must also ensure that King County is a place where artists and other workers can afford to live and thrive. I will collaborate with local governments and private entities to create affordable studio spaces for artists, especially in areas facing gentrification pressures.

    King County has the tools to support the incredible innovation, creativity, and diversity in our arts community. I will work to expand the availability of grants and scholarships for emerging artists and organizations. Small arts organizations are an important part of innovation, and I will work to develop resources and mentorship programs specifically tailored to small and grassroots arts organizations to help them thrive.

    Community engagement is key to a thriving arts community. I will work to foster community engagement through arts programs, including workshops, exhibitions, and performances, in neighborhoods throughout King County. Public arts projects are an opportunity to engage with the arts in daily life and support local artists. I will encourage the integration of public art in county infrastructure. I will also work to actively promote the work of local artists through county-sponsored events, exhibitions, and online platforms.

  • We must foster climate resilience to ensure a sustainable future for King County for generations to come. Climate change is here, and I am dedicated to implementing comprehensive strategies that address the intersectional nature of our climate crisis.

    I also recognize that the climate crisis is disproportionately impacting communities of color, who are bearing the brunt of the public health impacts from wildfires, flooding and extreme heat. I will therefore approach this issue as one of climate justice, prioritizing the mitigation of impacts of the crisis on marginalized communities.

    I will pursue ambitious renewable energy goals, and increase the use of renewable sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power, and policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, promote renewable energy, and incentivize energy-efficient practices, such as retrofitting buildings to be more sustainable.

    I will advocate for dense, walkable neighborhoods and robust public transportation as a viable alternative to individual car usage.

    I am committed to stewarding the abundant natural resources of the Puget Sound region through conservation and restoration, protecting biodiversity and ensuring sustainable land use practices throughout King County.