An interview with City of SeaTac Councilmember Iris Guzman
Lynette S. Winters (LW), Councilmember Guzman (CG)
We interviewed Iris Guzman, a Councilmember representing the City of SeaTac, to discuss her journey into civic leadership and her stance on several key issues including human services, housing, and community engagement.
LW: What led you towards the City of SeaTac?
CG: As a SeaTac resident for 14 years and a social worker in the local school district, I witnessed firsthand the increased need for services during the 2020 pandemic. Recognizing this, I reached out to the city with an email titled 'Help,' only to be met with skepticism about the severity of the need. However, I believe my email played a role in reshaping our priorities and addressing the community's needs.
LW: Do you feel there is a balance with essential services?
CG: The Human Services budget is currently at 1.5%, and I've been assessing community needs. When I organized an eviction protection event, more landlords attended than community members. To address this, I started informing residents through text messages. I believe in the importance of not letting only the loudest voices receive help, and I want to ensure residents are aware of available housing protections. SeaTac should enhance partnerships with other cities and treat housing stability as a regional concern. The human services budget must be increased; I am committed to advocating for this cause. I will die on that hill!
LW: How is the council actively working to ensure that individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds and demographics in Seatac are adequately served and represented?
CG: As the chair of the Parks & Recreation Committee, I've noticed a lack of accessibility and language tools. There is a pressing need for facilities that cater to individuals with cerebral palsy and those who use wheelchairs. Given the available technology, it's essential to modernize our approach. Unfortunately, it took until 2022, with the removal of the majority of the previous council, which mainly comprised elderly white individuals, to see these changes. There was resistance from a councilmember, Peter Kwan, regarding implementation, and the reasons for this remain unclear.
LW: How do you connect with members of your community?
CG: My priority is the people, and I aim to give them a voice in every decision-making process. Balancing a full-time job has made traditional outreach challenging, but I'm committed to staying connected with residents beyond the label of constituents. Some people don’t want the real you, but authenticity is crucial! I believe more young people should get involved. I've witnessed interest from high school youth eager to learn and participate, and I believe their involvement can contribute to the council's success.
LW: Have you encountered resistance or opposition while attempting to implement initiatives?
CG: Yes! An Islamic center had tried to expand and swap land with Parks and Recreation for 13 years, but the city resisted, claiming non-adjacent properties. The city manager's request for people's addresses was concerning, as I didn't want supporters to be targeted. I strongly oppose Islamophobia and xenophobia.
LW: What operational approach would you envision for individuals seeking assistance in SeaTac?
CG: I support a co-responder model, involving community officers, basic mental health first aid, access to language lines, and referrals to appropriate agencies with follow-up. Personally, I'm committed to sitting with individuals and taking direct action, such as sending emails or making calls to address their needs. Additionally, there should be opportunities for in-person communication with staff. It's important to inquire about funding. Sometimes, individuals only see or hear what they want, leading to tunnel vision. It's crucial we learn from Seattle's mistakes.
LW: What is your strategy for consistently influencing change in Seatac?
CG: Calling it out is my strategy! Why are people of color paid less? Why do majority white conservatives earn more? It's been challenging, but I'm advocating for the poor, even if it means risking friendships and promotions as a light-skinned, Latina cisgender female.
LW: I've observed a scarcity of housing for large families in Seatac. What plans are in place for developing housing options suitable for larger families?"
CG: We've advocated for larger housing units to accommodate big families and supported real estate development addressing these needs. Recently, during the Tukwila church situation involving hundreds of refugee children, we registered three to four children for school daily, transitioning families from tents to 100 rooms. Basic needs, such as scholarships, were available, and we recently awarded our first nomination. The city manager, who was formerly the Chief of Police, had the time to address these issues."
If Councilmember Guzmán keeps igniting progress and starts empowering a new generation of civic leaders, what’s next? With her momentum, she could easily take on more challenging roles like mayor or governor. The people benefit from having Councilmember Guzman, a compassionate advocate and social worker, representing them. “My priority is the people, and I aim to give them a voice in every decision-making process.” she says. Often, the outspoken face suppression and silence. Yet, Councilmember Guzmán’s voice resonates even through adversity.
