Sara’s Record

During a recent debate, Sara Nelson stated “At least I have a record. At least I have a record because I’ve got experience being a Councilmember. So you know what you’re getting.”

That’s right, she does have a record. Now let’s take a look at it:

A No, or a No-Show, on Affordable Housing

  • Despite previously expressing enthusiastic support for Neighborhood Centers– opportunities for additional housing and small business growth in 30 areas throughout Seattle– Sara abstained from all votes on adjusting boundaries for these centers (CB 120993), saying she was “not well informed” on issues in those neighborhoods. Position 9 represents the entire city, so it’s in the job description to be informed on each neighborhood.
  • In a city where most residents are renters, Sara refused to attend a Housing Committee meeting in July, which delayed votes on long-overdue appointments to the Renters’ Commission. (07/23/2025)
  • After ignoring standard review methods that have since caused expensive legal challenges, Sara forced through a zoning change for a small parcel of industrial land controlled mostly by a single property developer. Sara’s divisive tactics and effort to build units in a non-livable freight area drew widespread opposition from Port of Seattle Commissioners, a bipartisan group of state legislators, WA Farm Bureau, unions, and community advocates. (CB 120933)
  • Sara delayed placing the Social Housing Developer progressive revenue funding mechanism on the ballot and tried to undercut it with Prop 1B. Voters in February overrode her efforts and passed the original Prop 1A by 63%. (CB 120864)
  • A coalition of 65+ housing advocacy groups came together in support of a Connected Communities pilot program that would have encouraged low-income equitable housing development, directly mitigate displacement pressure, and address land use patterns caused by redlining and the use of racially restrictive covenants. Sara voted against it, so it failed 5-4. (CB 120750)
  • Sara voted against commonsense legislation to cap excessive late fees for renters who get behind on payment. (CB 120541)
  • In committee, Sara initially refused to support clarifying just-cause eviction standards that help people stay housed. (CB 120330)
  • Sara voted against Amendment 85 to the Comprehensive Plan which passed with a 5-2 vote and would implement new statewide parking reform standards by capping parking requirements to one parking stall per two housing units. (9/20/2025)
  • Sara “disappeared during the vote” on an Amendment to the Comprehensive Plan that would expand the City’s definition of a tree preservation area. Housing experts worry the change will add a layer of complexity to permitting that would delay much needed housing from being built. (9/20/2025)

Rolling Back Wages and Worker Rights

  • Sara forced Council to spend months on her proposal to rollback minimum wage standards and labor protections for gig workers, which 82% of Seattleites did not support. Only after immense public backlash did she eventually give up the crusade. (CB 120775)
  • Sara voted No on gig worker labor standards that would establish deactivation protections. (CB 120580)
  • In committee, Sara initially refused to support paid sick leave for gig workers. (CB 120514)
  • While every other Councilmember voted Yes, Sara voted No on legislation supporting wage equity for human service workers. This was after the Council was given a presentation describing how “Raising wages of human services workers would benefit Black workers and women who are overrepresented in this industry.” (Res 32094)

Opposing Progressive Revenue

  • After 64% of WA voters overwhelmingly supported it statewide, Sara voted against a city Capital Gains progressive revenue proposal that would have granted food assistance to food insecure households, down payment assistance to low, moderate, and workforce households, and rental assistance to rent-burdened households. (CB 120908/CB 120909)
  • Sara voted against a modest payroll tax for Seattle Public Schools to fund mental health counselors and culturally specific and responsive programming from community-based organizations. (CB 119950)
  • While every other Councilmember voted Yes, Sara refused to support WA’s Climate Commitment Act, which charges polluters and provides funding for climate equity, community resilience, worker training and clean energy development– and was overwhelmingly supported by 62% of voters statewide last year. (Res 32149)
  • Sara voted against Payroll Exemption Tax revenue funding for human services, transportation, Seattle Public Libraries, parks, and economic development. (CBA FG-501-A-001-2023)

Out of Touch on Safety Priorities

  • Despite overwhelming evidence that they’re ineffective, Sara has reinstated and championed failed “Stay Out” exclusion laws that ban people from certain areas of the city, yet have not resulted in significant reductions in crime. (CB 120835/CB 120836
  • Sara pushed through a Seattle Police contract with limited accountability provisions, despite a significant funding increase. We need a fully-staffed police force, but we need more accountability as well. (CB 120783)
  • In the face of overwhelming community opposition, Sara voted against amendments to CCTV expansion that would have delayed implementation until greater data safeguards are in place. (CB 121052)

Against Common Sense Policies

  • Sara refused to oppose a proposed change in Ethics rules that would let Councilmembers participate in policymaking even if they have a financial interest or other conflict of interest. (CB 120978)
  • While every other Councilmember voted Yes, Sara voted against basic human rights protections that make caste-based discrimination illegal. (CB 120511)
  • While every other Councilmember voted Yes, Sara refused to support King County’s Crisis Care Centers Levy, which was overwhelmingly supported by 57% of voters countywide and will provide critical services for behavioral health treatment. (Res 32085)
  • Sara refused to support a resolution in support of the Whole Washington State Universal Healthcare Initiative, which would ensure access to affordable healthcare for all Seattle residents. (Res 32074)
  • While every other Councilmember voted Yes, Sara voted No on Ranked Choice Voting for city primary elections, which Seattleites overwhelmingly supported by 76%. (CB 120369)
  • On August 5th, Sara missed an important vote on an amendment to the Supplemental Budget to add $300,000 to the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs for legal defense for immigrants as Trump targets immigrant and refugee families in our community. (CB 121031)

Seattle voters know what they’re getting from Sara Nelson. That’s why 65% opposed her in the Primary. It’s time for new leadership, and Dionne Foster is ready to get to work.