Young WA councilmembers provide a ‘generational voice’ in politics

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.