As the 2025 elections approach, The Urbanist is shifting its focus toward supporting local campaigns and endorsing candidates who align with their vision for urban development.
To engage the community and encourage active participation in local politics, The Urbanist will host two training sessions designed to equip volunteers with the knowledge and skills necessary for supporting urbanist candidates.
These training sessions are intended not only to assist endorsed candidates but also to foster connections among urbanists passionate about the future of their cities and regions.
The events will cover the fundamentals of how local campaigns operate, the significance of volunteer contributions, and the various roles volunteers can play. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet representatives from Urbanist-endorsed campaigns, including candidates like Claudia Balducci, who is running for King County executive, and Seattle City Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck.
The first training session is scheduled for August 14th in Redmond. This gathering will take place at Jack Sprat Cafe from 6 pm to 8 pm, focusing on the basics of volunteering and advocacy within the urbanist community.
Those interested in attending can utilize nearby transit options, including the 2 Line (Overlake Station) and several bus lines such as B Line, 221, 245, 542, and 545, making it convenient for participants to reach the venue.
The following session will occur in Seattle on August 21st, at TeKu Tavern from 6 pm to 8 pm. Like the previous session, this gathering aims to educate new volunteers about the importance of civic engagement and urbanist advocacy, while also providing a relaxed atmosphere to meet fellow urbanists.
TeKu Tavern is accessible via several transit stops near the E Line and Routes 2, 4, 5, 8, 28, and 62, providing ample opportunity for participants to attend and engage.
In addition to the training sessions, The Urbanist will host its Endorsed Candidate Party on August 17th. This event, taking place at a Bellevue location to be disclosed upon RSVP, will run from 2 pm to 4 pm and will serve as a garden party featuring candidates endorsed by The Urbanist.
Attendees can expect an afternoon filled with opportunities to mingle with candidates, discuss the upcoming election races, and contribute to the mission of The Urbanist.
As the event is situated in a location not ideal for transit, participants are encouraged to consider alternative transportation methods, like biking, to reach the venue easily.
The Urbanist’s commitment to fostering urbanist values and supporting effective candidates underscores the importance of community engagement in shaping the future of the region.
As the organization seeks to expand transit systems, address housing challenges, and transform neighborhoods for better living, these events aim to inspire and mobilize individuals to turn their urbanist ideals into actionable efforts.
Diego Batres, The Urbanist’s Director of Development and Events, emphasizes the significance of these gatherings in connecting advocates and facilitating discussions around essential urban issues, reinforcing the belief that collective action is crucial for promoting better urban policies.
Those interested in the mentioned events are encouraged to RSVP ahead of time to secure their spot and engage with the thriving urbanist community.
image source from:theurbanist