EVERETT — City Council member Liz Vogeli will retire from the council at the end of her term, she announced Wednesday, opening up a race for the District 4 seat in the November election.
Vogeli announced her retirement during council comments at Wednesday’s regular meeting. She became emotional when sharing the news.
“I have deeply appreciated the lessons learned from my role as a City Council member,” Vogeli said. “I look forward to the next phase in my life.”
Vogeli was first elected to an at-large seat on the council in 2018. In 2021, she was elected to the District 4 position.
As a council member, Vogeli represents a left-leaning voice on the dais. She has previously supported affordable housing policies and advocated to support homeless individuals across the city. In 2021, Vogeli cast the lone no vote against the city’s first “no-sit, no-lie” buffer zone ordinance.
“You have made a real mark with your advocacy, especially with housing issues. Your voice will be missed,” Everett Government Affairs Director Jennifer Gregerson told Vogeli at the meeting.
Vogeli’s term will end on Dec. 31.
“Councilmember Vogeli has served with passion and heart for all residents of Everett,” council president Don Schwab wrote in an email Wednesday.
“On behalf of the City of Everett, I want to thank Councilmember Liz Vogeli for her years of service,” mayor Cassie Franklin wrote in a statement Wednesday. “Liz has been unwavering in her commitment to housing advocacy, promoting transparency and giving a voice to those who haven’t traditionally had one in government. We thank Councilmember Vogeli for her invaluable contributions and wish her the best in her future endeavors.”
As of Wednesday, libertarian Alan Rubio is the only person who had announced their intention to run for the District 4 seat. Rubio has raised just over $1,500 so far for his campaign, public disclosure filings show.
Candidates can file to run for office beginning on May 5. Filing ends on May 9.
Will Geschke: 425-339-3443; william.geschke@heraldnet.com; X: @willgeschke.
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