Governing Through a Progressive Lens

You might call them “The New Progressives” but recently elected Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson and King County Executive Girmay Zahilay are focused on the future and what policies will most serve the people of Seattle and county-wide.

The duo will likely discuss their priorities and more as guests of the College of Arts and Sciences spring Conversations program, happening at 4 p.m., Tuesday, April 14 in Pigott Auditorium. The event is free and open to the public but an RSVP is recommended to secure a spot. The Q&A-style interview will be conducted by Joni Balter, journalist and Seattle University Professional-In-Residence, and SU graduate student Ari Winter, who is pursuing a master’s degree in the Public Administration program.

“I love having the opportunity to hear from the executive and the mayor in the same room at the same time,” says Balter. “Here we have two new leaders—both relatively young, full of ideas and progressive. Hopefully, the audience will learn how their beliefs might translate to meaningful change in people’s neighborhoods and daily lives.”

In office only a few months, Wilson and Zahilay represent a new generation of civic leaders tasked with making good on the progressive policies that played a role in their electoral victories while balancing these priorities with the needs of a wide swath of the public who may not be aligned with their progressive policies.

This conversation, sponsored by the SU Department of Public Affairs and Nonprofit Leadership, presents a unique opportunity to hear how they plan to guide the city and county in the coming months and years. What changes will they make? What changes have they already achieved? Will their visions prevail or be derailed? 

As an audience member you get an up-close opportunity to hear directly from these high-profile elected officials, including how they work together, if their interests match or deviate and how they manage conflicts and the multitude of other challenges they face leading the state’s biggest city and county.

Graduate student Winter is excited to learn more about the local leaders, particularly their strategies for navigating issues across a region with diverse political views.

“Seattle University attracts leaders like Wilson and Zahilay because of our genuine social justice platform. Our students, staff and faculty are interested in seeing progress in King County that improves life for all residents and workers,” says Winter. “It is an honor to host such influential leaders on campus and hope to continue offering opportunities for students to engage with civic leaders and to learn more about the way their cities are governed.”

Guests please note: There will be a security screening for large bags at the entrance. To help facilitate a smooth entry, do not bring along large bags, such as backpacks, if possible.