SEATTLE — Katie Wilson is set to be inaugurated as Seattle’s next mayor on Friday at 10 a.m. in a public ceremony at Seattle City Hall’s first-floor lobby.
The event will mark the beginning of a new chapter for the city as Wilson takes the oath of office and delivers her inaugural address.
WATCH HERE:
The ceremony will feature several guest speakers who will reflect on Wilson’s background as a community organizer and her dedication to ensuring that all residents have the opportunity to shape Seattle’s future.
Wilson’s vision for the city includes addressing the affordability crisis, providing housing solutions, and enhancing Seattle as a place to live, work, and raise a family.
Hundreds of members of the public are expected to attend the inauguration to celebrate and hear from the new mayor. Wilson will emphasize her commitment to the community with the message, “This is your city,” as she embarks on her term in office.
More on Katie Wilson
Katie Wilson, a community organizer, transit advocate, and self-described democratic socialist, was elected Mayor of Seattle in November 2025, narrowly defeating incumbent Mayor Bruce Harrell in one of the closest mayoral races in the city’s history.
Wilson’s campaign for mayor began in March 2025 as a challenge to Mayor Harrell, whom she criticized for insufficient action on housing affordability, homelessness, and core quality-of-life issues. Her message resonated with voters concerned about rising living costs, shelter shortages, and public safety.
SEE ALSO | Mayor-elect Katie Wilson urges unity, community, collective responsibility in Seattle
In the August nonpartisan primary, she placed first among eight candidates and advanced to the general election. The November contest was exceptionally close. Wilson ultimately won with just over 50.2% of the vote, a margin of about 0.7 percentage points over Harrell, making it the tightest Seattle mayoral race since 1906.
Wilson describes herself as a democratic socialist, and emphasizes her commitment to economic equity, democratic participation, and strong public services.
Her campaign and transition messaging emphasize coalition building and broad community input. Wilson has stated that her administration will be shaped by collaboration across diverse sectors, including business, labor, housing advocates, and neighborhood groups.
SEE ALSO | What does history say about how Seattle’s new socialist Mayor-elect Wilson will lead?
Wilson’s agenda as mayor-elect centers on several interrelated issues:
Public Safety and Police Policy
Public safety was a major theme of Wilson’s campaign and transition planning. She has articulated a strategy that emphasizes professionalism and compassion in policing while also expanding behavioral health responses and community-based crisis interventions. After some initial uncertainty, she confirmed she will retain Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes as part of her public safety leadership team.
Housing Affordability and Homelessness
Wilson has said addressing housing affordability is an enduring priority. Wilson supports policies to expand affordable and social housing, strengthen renters’ protections, and ease the creation of homes across income levels. Her campaign proposed initiatives, such as a large bond measure for union-built affordable housing, to tackle Seattle’s housing cost crisis.
Homelessness remains a central challenge. Wilson has pledged to improve shelter capacity and support services, using a mix of government, nonprofit, and community partnerships aimed at both emergency housing and long-term stability.
Economic and Neighborhood Well-Being
Economic development, neighborhood vitality, and quality of life are also key themes. Her transition planning spans housing, workers’ rights, transportation, public safety, parks, and wellbeing, reflecting a comprehensive attempt to balance Seattle’s growth with livability.
Wilson has assembled an extensive 60-member transition team drawn from a range of civic and policy backgrounds, including housing experts, labor representatives, small business advocates, and transportation specialists. This team is tasked with shaping short-term actions and long-term strategies for her administration.
Challenges Ahead?
Wilson assumes leadership amid significant challenges, from homelessness and public safety concerns to economic headwinds and budget constraints. Seattle faces ongoing debates about how best to balance public investment, taxation, and service delivery as the city confronts both historic problems and emerging pressures.
