Announcing the Campaign

Michael Westgaard Launches Campaign for Renton City Council Position 1, Championing Working People and Affordable Housing 

Renton, WA, January 29th 2025 – Michael Westgaard, a dedicated advocate for working families and seasoned community and labor organizer, has officially launched his 2025 campaign for Renton City Council, position 1. With a platform focused on tackling the cost-of-living crisis, creating affordable housing solutions, improving transportation options, and addressing public safety concerns, Mike is determined to build a city that serves its residents, not just corporate landlords. 

“Renton is facing a cost-of-living crisis, and housing is at the center of it,” said Westgaard. “I am running for City Council to fight for the working people of Renton and to ensure that everyone has a safe, affordable place to call home. Renton deserves a city that works for all of us, not just the wealthy few.” 

As a Democratic Socialist, Mike offers a bold vision for addressing Renton’s housing challenges. Drawing on his experience as a PAC Board Member and Steering Committee Member for the successful Raise the Wage Renton Campaign – which helped secure one of the nation’s highest minimum wages through grassroots organizing with the Democratic Socialists of America – Mike is committed to taking the fight to the next level. 

Key priorities of the campaign include: 

First and foremost he will make it his mission to protect the wages you have earned. That means fighting for a strong enforcement mechanism for the Raise the Wage Renton initiative and making sure you get every penny you voted for every year. 

Fighting for Rent Stabilization and Social Housing: Mike plans to pressure the mayor and city administration to implement rent stabilization policies and invest in social housing to alleviate the housing crisis. 

Expanding Transportation Options: Mike envisions a connected and safe Renton, advocating for expanded city bus services linking neighborhoods to Metro transit centers, as well as improved infrastructure to make bicycling safer by separating bike lanes from busy roadways. 

Building a Safer, Inclusive Renton: Through investments in housing and transportation, Mike aims to create a Renton that works for its residents a city that prioritizes the needs of working families over the interests of corporate landlords. 

“The solutions to our challenges are within reach, but they require leadership that’s willing to stand with the people and challenge the status quo,” Westgaard said. “I’m ready to bring that leadership to the City Council and build a Renton for all.” 

This campaign is rooted in the belief that change happens through collective action. Mike is calling on the people of Renton to join this movement and work together to make the city more affordable, sustainable, and equitable. 

For more information about the campaign or to get involved, visit MikeforRenton.com or contact MikeforRenton@gmail.com. Michael A Westgaard is a longtime advocate for working families and a dedicated community organizer and a shop steward in his union. He has worked on grassroots campaigns to raise the minimum wage and is committed to progressive policies that uplift all residents of Renton.

For Press and Endorsement Inquiries

Michael A Westgaard 

206-370-1987 

MikeforRenton@gmail.com 

MikeforRenton.com