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 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.

  • Our national political landscape has changed significantly since I was first elected to the King County Council in 2023. At the time, a second Trump Administration was a daunting possibility, but now it’s a reality that is threatening the safety and well-being of so many, especially our immigrant and transgender neighbors. It is a reality that threatens state and local governments with depriving them of funding if they don’t succumb to the pressures of the federal administration. It is a reality that sees masked federal agents violating the constitutional rights–and even taking the lives–of people in our communities.

    Particularly at a time like this, I believe it is crucial to have leaders in state and local government who will be uncompromising in defending and advancing our community’s values in the face of an increasingly chaotic and authoritarian federal administration. This is an important part of the work I have been doing on the county council: strengthening our county’s policies to protect immigrant communities; working to protect our health and human services infrastructure from the impacts of cruel federal funding cuts; and standing up for our transgender community members.

    Continuing to stand up for our community’s values is one of the primary reasons I am running for re-election to the county council. I have spent most of my professional career advancing and defending human rights and I will continue to be a fierce advocate of those values on the council if given the opportunity to serve.

  • 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.

    During my first term on the council, I served as chair of the Law and Justice committtee. In that role, I have worked to ensure that the King County Sheriff’s Office and the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention 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 has been 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 have worked and will continue to work to eliminate discriminatory practices and promote fairness and equity at every level of the criminal legal system.

    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 the 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. I will continue to partner with young people and advocate for accelerated progress in addressing the public health crisis of gun violence. 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 continuing to work 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 also require expanding access to mental health services, substance use treatment, and increasing tenant protections.

    During my first term on the county council, I have served on the Governing Board of the King County Regional Homeless Authority (KCRHA). I have prioritized streamlining the governing structure of the agency and ensuring that it is able to carry out its mission. I have also worked to protect funding for homelessness services, particularly in light of federal funding cuts.

  • 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 continue to 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.

    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 work to create sustainable and inclusive communities where everyone can thrive.

  • As a member of the King County Council, I am 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 to provide reliable and efficient transportation choices for commuters, students, and residents throughout King County.

    During my first term on the King County Council, I served as chair of the Regional Transit Committee and advocated for increased funding and resources to improve and expand our public transit and active transportation infrastructure. I have also worked 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 also recognize that safety on our public transit system and especially on our Metro buses is critical: if people do not feel safe riding the bus, we will not have an effective transit system. I served as part of the King County Transit Safety Task Force and will continue to advocate for the implementation of its recommendations.

    By championing comprehensive transportation solutions, investing in public transit, promoting sustainable modes of transportation, addressing transportation equity, and prioritizing safety, I will continue to work 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 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 will continue to be a strong advocate for the arts and culture community on the King County Council.

    We must ensure that arts and cultural programs are open to all communities across the county. I will continue to 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.

  • 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 continue to approach this issue as one of climate justice, prioritizing the mitigation of impacts of the crisis on marginalized communities.

    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.