Katie B. Wilson Sworn In as Seattle’s Next Mayor
VIDEO: Mayor Katie B. Wilson’s inauguration speech. (Courtesy - FOX 13 Seattle)
By Staff Reports
Seattle City Hall was at capacity yesterday morning for the inauguration of Mayor Katie B. Wilson. The ceremony, held in the Main Lobby, drew a capacity crowd to witness a transition of leadership that Wilson described as the start of a "new era" for the city.
A Morning of Community and Celebration
The program began with opening remarks by Scott Myers, co-founder of the Transit Riders Union and the new mayor's husband. Following his introduction, several guest speakers shared reflections on Wilson’s history as a community organizer:
Ifrah Abshir, a Somali-American health services researcher and writer.
Jarvis Capucion, an organizer for Nickelsville and the first homeless person to receive Real Change’s "Change Agent of the Year" award.
Cynthia Anne Green, an eight-decade resident of the Central District and namesake of the Cynthia A. Green Family Center.
John Burbank, president of House our Neighbors and founder of the Economic Opportunity Institute.
The ceremony culminated with the oath of office administered by Pauline Van Senus, a founding member of the Transit Riders Union.
The Inaugural Address: "This Is Your City"
In her first address as mayor, Wilson emphasized a theme of shared ownership and collective responsibility. She directly addressed a diverse coalition, including union members, tech workers, city employees, and elders.
Key highlights from Mayor Wilson’s speech included:
Bread and Roses: Wilson invoked the historic labor slogan "bread and roses" to describe her vision for Seattle. She argued that while the city must ensure its residents have "bread"—the economic means to survive—it must also protect their right to "roses," which she defined as the time and space to experience beauty, community, and leisure.
Civic Trust and Results: Wilson stated that her most important job is to build trust in local government by "listening and responding, solving problems, and getting results," particularly regarding the homelessness crisis.
"Innovation from Below": While acknowledging Seattle’s tech and aerospace industries, she championed "innovation from below"—the creative work of musicians, small business owners, and volunteers that often goes unpaid.
Affordability: She reaffirmed her commitment to fighting for affordable housing and childcare so that residents are not forced to spend every waking moment figuring out how to pay bills.
A Call for Participation: Wilson encouraged residents to stay engaged, noting that major progress, such as the minimum wage and tenant protections, has historically been driven by grassroots organizing rather than handed down from City Hall.
Photos: Curated by Kalligraphy
