When the newest Seattle City Councilmember, Alexis Mercedes Rinck, was on the campaign trail, the 29-year-old frequently stressed that she’s a renter and a transit rider, like many other young people but unlike most politicians.
Now she’s made history for being the first person in their 20s to sit on the Seattle City Council.
“I think I bring an important generational voice,” Rinck said on election night. “Our generation is really wondering ‘What does this city have in store for us? Is this a community where 20-somethings are able to make roots, be able to develop careers in, ultimately afford to buy a home in?’”
Rinck’s concerns echo others in a small group of Washington leaders in their 20s who are also grappling with questions about what their communities have in store for the next generation.
Cascade PBS and KNKX spoke to half a dozen councilmembers in Washington under 30 about their motivations and the challenges facing young people in local office. Almost all are renters, and many say housing affordability was a driving issue behind their decision to run. They also cite climate change, transit access and mental health as key issues facing their generation. They say their priorities and approach to politics often differ from those of older colleagues, and that young people’s voices continue to be underrepresented.