Summary:
Eddie Lin, a former city attorney and housing policy expert, has been sworn in as the newest City Councilmember for Seattle's District 2, representing diverse neighborhoods including Beacon Hill, Rainier Valley, and the Chinatown-International District. Lin's focus will be on affordable housing, food access, childcare, and education, which he says are critical for working families in the south end. He brings a strong legal background and a demonstrated commitment to housing equity, having worked with the Seattle Office of Housing for the past six years. Lin's term will continue through 2027.
Eddie Lin was ceremoniously sworn in Tuesday as Seattle’s newest City Councilmember, representing District 2, which spans some of the city’s most diverse neighborhoods including Beacon Hill, Rainier Valley and the Chinatown-International District. Lin, a former city attorney and housing policy expert, enters office with a focus on affordable housing, food access, childcare and education, issues he says are critical for working families in the south end.
“I am incredibly honored to represent the south end in City Hall. Working families are struggling, but we have an opportunity and responsibility to decrease the cost of housing and childcare, improve access to fresh food, and provide a safe, nurturing space for students in Seattle schools,” said Councilmember Lin. “I look forward to working hard for south Seattle, investing in families, immigrants and refugees, and those seeking healthcare in our welcoming city. Please, reach out to my office with questions, requests for assistance, or opportunities for me to show up and learn across District 2.”
Lin brings to the council a strong legal background and a demonstrated commitment to housing equity. For the past six years, he worked with the Seattle Office of Housing to help drive historic investments in rental and homeownership projects citywide. He previously served in the Seattle City Attorney’s Office, where he focused on municipal legal work and community-centered initiatives.
“I am thrilled to welcome Councilmember Lin to this Council to represent District 2,” said Councilmember Joy Hollingsworth, who represents District 3. “Our City will benefit from his perspective as a former city attorney and his instrumental role in securing housing investments. I’m excited to work with Councilmember Lin on issues such as housing, food access and many others, for D2 residents and the people of Seattle.”
“Councilmember Lin brings incredible expertise and heart to public service,” said Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck. “The people of District 2 deserve a dedicated leader who will work tirelessly to address affordability and build a city that works for all, and that’s exactly what they can expect from Councilmember Lin. I am looking forward to partnering with him and his office over the next couple of years to deliver on meaningful change. Let’s get to work!”
Lin is the son of a Taiwanese immigrant and a mixed-race couple. He grew up in the South and moved to Seattle in 1998 after attending Macalester College. He graduated from Seattle University School of Law in 2009. A Seattle Public Schools parent since 2009, he lives in south Seattle with his spouse, a local educator and union leader, and their children.
District 2 includes the neighborhoods of Beacon Hill, Rainier Valley, Chinatown-International District, Columbia City, Mount Baker, Yesler Terrace and Rainier Beach. The seat was previously held by Mark Solomon, who was appointed earlier this year following the resignation of Tammy Morales in December 2024.
Lin’s term officially began upon certification of the election results on Nov. 25 and will continue through 2027.
