Kate Burke
A candidate for Spokane City Council, northeast council district, City of Spokane in the 2017 Washington General Election, Nov. 7
Party: No party
Age: 35
Occupation: Legislative aide for state Sen. Andy Billig
Her words: "After working in the nonprofit sector for so long, and then changing over to writing policy with Sen. Billig, I saw how many more people's lives you can touch with good policy. I've always wanted to run, since probably the seventh grade, but that kind of solidified the fact that I was doing the right thing."
Her pitch: A career spent advocating on behalf of nonprofit groups, like the Spokane Edible Tree Project and Project Hope, has prepared Burke to champion projects affecting northeast Spokane at City Hall, she said. A vision of that older, more impoverished part of town that is revitalized by targeted investments like what has occurred in Hillyard and other neighborhoods in town will drive her work at City Hall. Burke also said her contacts from working in Olympia will allow her to tap into relationships that could benefit Spokane through grants and other opportunities.
Work experience: Current legislative aide to state Sen. Andy Billig, D-Spokane. Previously served on board of directors for Project Hope, a West Central-based nonprofit promoting job training and other social services through training on small urban farms. Founded the Spokane Edible Tree Project, a volunteer group collecting fruit from trees in public areas of Spokane that are donated to local food banks.
Education: Received associate's degree from Spokane Falls Community College. Graduated from Lewis and Clark High School in 2007.
Political experience: Filed to run for Spokane Public Schools school board, but dropped out to eventually support Jerrall J. Haynes.
Family: Unmarried, but has a partner. Mom, dad and brother all live in Spokane.
Neighborhood: Nevada Heights
Contact information
Race Results
| Candidate | Votes | Pct |
|---|---|---|
| Kate Burke (N) | 4,799 | 58.32% |
| Tim Benn (N) | 3,430 | 41.68% |
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