The New Progressives: How will recently-elected Seattle and King County leaders shape the future of our region? 

An interview with Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson and King County Executive Girmay Zahilay about their progressive approaches to politics and policies – and what those actions mean for the Puget Sound region. 

Seattle University’s College of Arts and Sciences presents the Spring 2026 Conversations program with Zahilay and Wilson on Tuesday April 14, at 4 p.m, in Pigott Auditorium on campus.  

Zahilay and Wilson have been in office only a few months. This conversation, sponsored by the SU Department of Public Affairs and Nonprofit Leadership, presents a unique opportunity to hear from both leading progressives about how they plan to guide the city and county in the coming months and years. What changes will they make? What changes have they already achieved? Will their visions prevail — or be derailed? 

This new generation of leaders are making decisions every day that affect the lives of people in King County, not always pursuing predictable progressive approaches to problems. Listen in as they discuss what they are doing - listening, learning and taking pragmatic steps to deliver services throughout the region. 

Join the conversation to hear answers to questions like how often Wilson and Zahilay talk and how they work together. Do their interests always align or sometimes collide? How do they manage any conflicts? We will find out! 

The interview will be conducted by Joni Balter, journalist and Seattle University professional-in-residence, and SU graduate student Ari Winter, now pursuing her masters degree at Seattle University in public administration. 

April 14th at 4 p.m. in Pigott Auditorium at Seattle University. Free and open to the public. Please RSVP.

* There will be a security screening for large bags at the entrance. To help facilitate a smooth entry, please do not bring large bags, such as backpacks, if possible.