ABOUT SATWINDER
Satwinder Kaur is a lifelong Kent resident and proud Kentridge High School graduate (Class of 2004). She holds an MBA in Technology Management from the University of Washington and works as a Senior Engineer in the tech industry.
Satwinder began her public service journey as a Council Executive Assistant in Mayor's office and made history in 2017 as the first Indian-American Sikh elected to the Kent City Council. Re-elected unopposed in 2021, she has served as Council President, championing public safety, economic recovery, and community investment.
With over 20 years of community service in Kent, Satwinder has mentored youth, served on city boards and commissions, and held leadership roles on nonprofit boards—including the executive board of the Greater Kent Historical Society. A PTA mom since 2010, she and her husband, a Boeing engineer, are raising their four children in Kent, where they regularly volunteer to clean up parks and streets as a family.
Community Involvement
A Lifelong Commitment to Community
Outside of her official duties, Satwinder Kaur has spent over 20 years serving Kent through civic engagement, nonprofit leadership, and hands-on volunteerism. Her work spans city boards, local nonprofits, and regional and statewide committees—always focused on equity, youth empowerment, public health, and strong neighborhoods.
Regional & Statewide Leadership: Satwinder Currently serves Kent on:
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Federal Legislative Priorities Committee, Association of Washington Cities (AWC)
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Nominating Committee, AWC
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Growth Management Policy Board, Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC)
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Chair, Puget Sound Clean Air Advisory Council
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Member, King County Growth Management Planning Council
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Member, King County Domestic Violence Regional Task Force
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Board Member, MultiCare South King County Regional Board
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Past Involvements:
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Chair, Kent Cultural Communities Board
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Organizing Committee, Kent International Festival
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Green Kent Park Steward – leading park cleanups and tree plantings
Nonprofit & Volunteer Service
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Board Member, Greater Kent Historical Society & East Indian Connections
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Steering Committee, Living Well Kent
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Volunteer, KentHOPE women’s shelter, Northwest Harvest, Backpack Buddies
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Member-at-large & Social Media Lead, Sikh S.O.C.H.
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Family-focused volunteerism—often joined by her children in service projects
Youth & Education
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PTA Secretary at Sunrise Elementary; involved at Meridian Middle and
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President, PTSA at Kentwood High School
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Mentor, Communities in Schools of Kent
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Advocate for youth civic engagement and leadership
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Puget Sound Access Board, and Renton Mayor’s Inclusion Task Force
Satwinder’s lifelong dedication to service reflects her belief that real leadership means listening, showing up, and working alongside the community she proudly calls home.
City Council Accomplishments
Satwinder Kaur has served the City of Kent since 2017 and made history as the first Sikh woman elected to city council in Washington State. She is a passionate advocate for public safety, infrastructure, equity, and inclusive community development. Her leadership is rooted in listening, action, and ensuring city government reflects and serves all residents.
Satwinder brings a strong professional background in information technology, paired with deep community involvement and a focus on effective policy-making. She believes in making city services more transparent, accessible, and responsive to the people of Kent.
Key Accomplishments (2017–2024)
Public Safety
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Supported the Community Immersion Law Enforcement Program for police officers to deepen understanding and engagement with Kent’s diverse communities.
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Championed the expansion of Community Court, focusing on rehabilitation and root-cause solutions for non-violent offenses.
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Advocated for increased police staffing and community policing resources to enhance neighborhood safety and build trust.
Parks & Recreation
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Led efforts to upgrade major parks, including:
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Morrill Meadows Park, which now includes expanded play areas, dog park enhancements, and improved trails.
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West Fenwick Park, with significant investment in lighting, play structures, and community access.
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Supported improved security measures across parks to deter vandalism and ensure family-friendly, safe environments.
Public Works & Infrastructure
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Helped secure over $70 million in funding for citywide infrastructure upgrades.
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Supported safe sidewalks and school zone safety projects, improving walkability and protecting students across Kent neighborhoods.
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Championed the development of East Hill North Community Park with $2.5 million in state funding for surrounding street and park improvements.
Finance & Budget
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Served as City Council President during the 2024 budget cycle, leading a collaborative and transparent process.
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Ensured balanced investment in public safety, infrastructure, affordable housing, and fiscal sustainability.
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Helped Kent receive continued national recognition for Excellence in Financial Reporting and Distinguished Budget Presentation.
Information Technology
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Advocated for modernization of city systems, including a full city website redesign to improve usability and accessibility.
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Supported significant cybersecurity upgrades to protect residents' data and city infrastructure.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
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Championed the creation of the Kent Cultural Communities Board (KCCB) to advise the city on inclusive policies and outreach.
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Advocated for expanded translation and interpretation services across city departments.
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Supported the translation of critical city documents and communications to ensure all residents, regardless of language, can access services and participate in civic life.
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Promotes equitable hiring practices and culturally responsive services across departments.
ENDORSEMENTS
Congressman Adam Smith, WA D09
Washington Lands Commissioner Dave Upthgrove
Kent Mayor Dana Ralph
Kent City Council Member Bill Boyce
Kent City Council Member John Boyd
Kent City Council Member Brenda Fincher
Kent City Council Member Marli Larimer
Kent City Council Member Zandria Michaud
Kent City Council Member Toni Troutner
Kent Firefighters, IAFF 1747
Kent Education Association
47th District State Senator Claudia Kauffman
47th State Representative Chris Stearns
Renton Mayor Armondo Pavone
47th Legislative District Democrats
11th Legislative District Democrats
33rd Legislative District Democrats
and more...