General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer of global non-profit David Chen to run for Shoreline City Council

Long-time resident, community leader, and father of three brings hands-on expertise in human services, infrastructure development, and strategies to address homelessness and addiction in race for City Council

David Chen

Wednesday, David Chen announced he will run for Shoreline City Council Position 4. Position 4 is currently held by Deputy Mayor Doris McConnell who was first elected in 2007 and has not yet filed to retain her seat.

Chen, a 34 year-old father of three and general counsel to an international non-profit headquartered in Shoreline with over 1,800 employees, will focus his campaign on combating high housing costs, increased traffic, and managing rapid growth in Shoreline.

“We need to move our city forward by increasing housing options and services for seniors and families and by supporting strategic development that brings more small businesses and living wage jobs to our community,” Chen said.

Chen would also like to enhance zoning laws and local ordinances to encourage sustainable growth that builds strong neighborhoods.

“As part of the Shoreline Park Funding Advisory Committee, I saw our community’s need for more neighborhood gathering places connected by properly maintained sidewalks accessible to everyone in Shoreline,” he said.

Another priority for Chen is addressing homelessness in Shoreline. Chen served for six years as the Board President of Vision House, a housing non-profit in Shoreline that successfully moved hundreds of single parents and their children from homelessness to permanent housing.

“I’ve dedicated my career to expanding opportunities and upward mobility for the residents of Shoreline. I have hands-on experience partnering with regional organizations in the public and private sectors and working with individuals experiencing homelessness to address barriers to permanent housing, including addiction, and mental health services,” said Chen.

Chen enters the race with a strong list of community endorsements reflecting his commitment to service. Early endorsers include former Shoreline Mayor Shari Winstead, former Seattle Mayor Tim Burgess, former Seattle City Councilmember John Okamoto, Vision House* Executive Director Melissa Gehrig, and CRISTA Ministries* CEO Jacinta Tegman.

Chen will formally kick off his campaign in the coming weeks and plans to visit every Shoreline neighborhood. Chen will be talking and listening to voters through his door-to-door field effort.

“I believe Shoreline’s greatest asset is its residents and community, and I’m excited to continue meeting them, talking about the important issues, finding common ground, and working together to make our community the best it can be,” said Chen.

Chen grew up in Lake Forest Park and graduated from Shorecrest High School before attending Western Washington University and Seattle University School of Law.

Chen and his wife, Chelsey, are active PTSA volunteers at Cascade K-8, where two of their children attend school. They live in the Echo Lake neighborhood with their children, Alyssa, Zach, and Isaiah, and their Springer Spaniel, Lily.

Learn more at ElectDavidChen.com.


*Organization for identification purposes only