It's time for a more responsive and accountable city government.

This accountability starts with results on affordable housing and homelessness.  As your Councilmember, I’ll fight to build 5,000 units of affordable housing in three years by working with State, County, and non-profit partners through the “Home and Hope” plan. This plan to create public, tax-exempt multifamily housing, along with other initiatives, will allow us to rapidly increase affordable housing and reduce homelessness.  I’ll also advocate for increased mental health and substance abuse treatment to address the significant barriers to helping our neighbors transition out of homelessness.

Public safety: I’m proud of my work as a prosecutor obtaining justice for victims and the public. We need more police officers walking our neighborhoods and more prosecutors reviewing cases. We also need to increase successful criminal diversion programs like Choose 180, where only 8 of 245 participants have re-offended.  

Performance auditing: I’ve proposed an annual performance auditing plan similar to King County, which saved $127 million in the last three years. This plan will free up significant resources for essential services that benefit Seattle residents and businesses.

Public transportation: I will partner with Sound Transit to expand light rail through Interbay, including a rail tunnel underneath the ship canal to ensure reliable service and prevent displacing our maritime community. I will also work with State, Port, and Federal stakeholders to secure a one-for-one Magnolia Bridge replacement.

Public education: I’ll partner with the School District to build the estimated 12 new schools needed to accommodate projected enrollment. I’ll ensure every neighborhood in District 7, including Downtown and South Lake Union, has access to public K-12 schools.

My experience as a City and County Prosecutor, a Seattle Human Rights Commissioner, and a Rental Housing Inspection Stakeholder Committee member ensure I will hit the ground running at City Hall. I’m a fifth-generation Washingtonian, and a graduate of the Center School and UW. After college, I attended the London School of Economics and UC Berkeley School of Law, where I served as a teaching assistant to Labor Secretary Robert Reich.

Endorsements: King County Democrats, The Stranger, MLK County Labor Council, 36th District Democrats, 37th District Democrats, fmr. Congressman Jim McDermott, fmr. U.S. Labor Secretary Robert Reich, Rep. Gael Tarleton, fmr. County Councilmember Larry Phillips, fmr. City Councilmembers Martha Choe, Sue Donaldson, Nick Licata, and Peter Steinbrueck, School Board Director Eden Mack, and many more...

Jim Pugel: Unmatched Service for Seattle Families

I grew up in a Rainier Valley home, graduated from UW, and served our city for 35 years as a reform-driven police officer, captain and Chief of Police. I’m proud to have led efforts to reduce non-violent incarceration, fight racial bias, and pass statewide de-escalation legislation. I’m excited to bring hands-on expertise in public safety and human services, and a true understanding of neighborhood priorities to City Hall.

Safety: Throughout my career I have worked to address property crime, reduce gun violence, and develop award-winning diversion programs to reduce crime and incarceration. On the Council I’ll examine city policy to ensure our prosecutors hold prolific repeat offenders accountable and ensure our police officers, first responders, and human service providers receive the support they need to do their jobs.

Affordability: Too many people who protect our health and safety and teach in our schools cannot afford to live in the city they serve. I’ll work to expand affordable housing, rental assistance, and fixed income property tax relief so we aren’t pricing young people, seniors, and working families out of Seattle.

Homelessness: Homelessness is a regional issue. We need a comprehensive plan that provides long overdue solutions including rapid rehousing and permanent supportive housing, mental healthcare, and addiction services. Through my direct experience developing programs with local providers, I support a “four pillars” approach: prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and enforcement.

Transportation and Infrastructure: I’ll make funding a one-for-one replacement of the Magnolia Bridge a top priority — we cannot keep procrastinating on vital projects. From light rail expansion to maintaining local roads, we must continue improving our transportation systems while making Seattle a leader in electric fleet conversion and carbon reduction.

Inclusivity and Accountability: I am committed to restoring accountability, collaboration and trust in City government. We do this by listening to all voices, prioritizing inclusivity and equity for people of color, LGBTQ+, small businesses, and immigrant communities. We must also restore the Department of Neighborhoods so families have a real voice in City Hall and keep elected leaders responsible to the voters: we need a councilmember who will focus on the basics — parks, community centers, roads, and schools.

Endorsements: The Seattle Times; Alliance for Gun Responsibility; SEIU 1199NW; Civic Alliance for a Sound Economy; King County Sheriff Mitzi Johanknecht; State Senators Reuven Carlyle and Jamie Pedersen; many more!