
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
DEI is a critical perspective to include in our conversations and decision-making as we talk about important issues like public health and safety, housing and income disparity or transportation equity. Supporting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion also means standing up to hate in Lynnwood, in Snohomish County, and across our state and country. We need to stand up for the marginalized who are being targeted by demagogues. 'All are welcome' is an insincere slogan when misinformation and hate speech against marginalized groups like the LGBTQIA+ community is met with silence by our elected officials.
Housing Equity
I am concerned about the disproportionately low homeownership rates observed in the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) communities here in Lynnwood. When we prohibit change in our single family neighborhoods, we perpetuate Lynnwood's disproportionately low rates of homeownership within minority populations. I am also concerned that our current housing approach means that BIPOC and lower-income families will continue to be unduly impacted by traffic safety and environmental concerns.
Transportation Equity
According to the American Journal of Public Health: "Low-income communities and communities of color bear a disproportionate burden of pedestrian injuries and fatalities, with Native/Indigenous and Black pedestrians being especially overrepresented. Moreover, roadway designs that enable speeding and discourage walking are more likely to be in areas that experience high rates of pedestrian fatalities, which are often lower-income, Black, or Hispanic/Latinx communities."