By Aaron Allen, The Seattle Medium
Seattle’s City Council began the new year with a wave of history-making leadership, as newly elected Councilmember Dionne Foster was sworn in to represent Position 9. Foster’s inauguration marked a major milestone, making her the first Black woman elected to an at-large seat on the Seattle City Council. Her swearing-in ceremony was one of several historic firsts for Black women in Seattle politics this year.
“I’m just really excited to get to be sworn in today as a citywide council member representing the whole city,” said Foster. “I think we are in an incredible moment right now where we have the opportunity to do things that really matter and making people’s day-to-day lives better.”
Raised by a single mother and shaped by the challenges of economic instability, Foster worked two jobs as a young adult. Those experiences deeply informed her perspective on economic justice, housing policy, and labor rights. For the past 15 years, Foster has built a career in public service across nonprofit, government, and philanthropic sectors, focusing on improving access and equity for vulnerable communities.
Foster earned her undergraduate degree from George Mason University and later received a Master of Social Work from the University of Washington, where she also served as adjunct faculty. She put herself through school using grants, loans, and part-time jobs. During her academic journey, Foster was recognized for her civic engagement, receiving awards such as the Spirit of King Award for her commitment to civil rights and the Dennis-Weathers Award for promoting cross-cultural understanding.
Foster’s first priorities as a council member include expanding access to affordable housing, strengthening public safety, supporting workforce development, and improving climate resilience. She emphasized that her lived experiences and community roots guide her work.
“Building more housing in our city, actually making sure that we’re improving public safety, my son swore me in and now I will work to make this a city that all of our kids can afford to grow up in, go to world-class schools, have access to great parks, libraries and open spaces and I am really excited to get to work on that as a council member,” said Foster.
Foster plans to support continued investment in the city’s CARE Team and gun violence prevention programs, and to advocate for police services that are both effective and accountable. Her policy approach centers on prevention, treatment, and root-cause solutions to public safety issues, including behavioral health and youth development initiatives.
“Finding an affordable home in Seattle is challenging, I know because I’ve lived it. As a renter, I struggled to secure housing. Later, I was able to buy my first home thanks to Seattle Downpayment Assistance,” said Foster. “Far too many people are homeless in our city, and the cost of housing is pushing folks out of Seattle. Everyone deserves the same opportunities for affordable, stable housing at every stage of life.”
In addition to housing and safety, Foster is focused on climate and workforce policy. She has played a role in crafting Seattle’s local climate legislation and has defended state-level efforts like the Climate Commitment Act. With federal environmental rollbacks underway, Foster intends to push for stronger local protections.
“I’m proud of the role I’ve played in helping craft some of Seattle’s climate policies and defending our State’s Climate Commitment Act,” said Foster. “We have a strong partner in the State of Washington, but we need to locally address the next steps in protecting our health and climate in the face of federal rollbacks.”
Foster views Seattle’s identity as rooted in small businesses, green spaces, and a thriving arts and culture scene. Her agenda includes strengthening these pillars while supporting organized labor, advocating for worker rights, and expanding training programs that open pathways to stable careers.
“I know firsthand how hard people in our city work to make ends meet. My mom, a teacher, worked tirelessly to provide for our family, and I took on multiple jobs in high school to help pay the bills,” said Foster. “As a restaurant worker in Seattle, I relied on affordable healthcare programs like Apple Health to care for my son. I believe that no one should have to struggle just to get by, and every worker deserves dignity, fair wages, and safe conditions.”
Foster plans to advocate for policies that support unionization, protect workers’ rights to organize and collectively bargain, and promote career advancement through investments in workforce development programs.
The historic nature of Foster’s election is underscored by a broader wave of Black women ascending to leadership positions in Seattle government. On the same day Foster took office, Councilmember Joy Hollingsworth was elected the first Black woman to serve as Seattle City Council president. Erika Evans, meanwhile, was sworn in as the city’s first Black woman to serve as Seattle city attorney.
Evans, who attended the ceremony to show support, voiced enthusiasm for the opportunities ahead.
“I’m just so honored to support these amazing councilmembers that were sworn in that I’m going to get to work with as the city attorney,” said Evans. “Dionne is someone that is a mom, a fighter, and is ready to do great things for our city.”
Foster said the experience of running for office and assuming her new role was humbling and energizing.
“I’m humbled and excited to represent the residents of Seattle and all the communities, neighborhoods and networks that make our city so special,” said Foster. “My office will work tirelessly to deliver for our neighbors across the city with a focus on improving housing affordability and abundance, supporting initiatives that improve the cost of living for Seattleites and make it easier to get from place to place safely and efficiently. I’m also excited to work collaboratively with my colleagues on Council, the Mayor’s Office and City Attorney to achieve our shared goals. Finally, I look forward to partnering with both the community and City Hall to deliver meaningful results.”
