Debora Juarez facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Debora Juarez
Juarez in 2016
President of the Seattle City Council
In office January 4, 2022 – January 2, 2024
Preceded by	Lorena González
Succeeded by	Sara Nelson
Member of the Seattle City Council from District 5
In office January 4, 2016 – January 2, 2024
Preceded by	Constituency established
Succeeded by	Cathy Moore
Personal details
Political party	Democratic
Residence	Seattle, Washington
Education	Western Washington University (BA) Seattle University (JD)
Occupation	Attorney

Debora Juarez is an American lawyer and politician. She served as the president of the Seattle City Council. She was first elected in 2015 to represent the 5th district of Seattle. As a member of the Blackfeet Nation, she was the first Native American person ever elected to the Seattle City Council.

Growing Up and Learning

Debora Juarez's Early Life

Debora Juarez is an enrolled member of the Blackfeet Nation. This is a Native American tribe. She grew up with her five siblings on the Puyallup Reservation in Tacoma, Washington. Her mother was Native American. Her father was a Mexican-American who was the first in his family born in the U.S.

Education and College Life

Debora was the first person in her family to go to college. She earned a degree from Western Washington University. Later, she earned a law degree (called a JD) from Seattle University School of Law.

What Debora Juarez Did for Work

Starting as a Public Defender

While studying law at night, Debora Juarez began working as a public defender. A public defender is a lawyer who helps people who cannot afford a lawyer. She worked in this role for five years.

Helping Native American Communities

After that, she worked as a lawyer for the Native American Project. This project helps Native American people with legal issues. She also served as a temporary judge for two years. She worked in the King County Superior Court and the City of Seattle Municipal Court.

Working for the Governor

Debora Juarez also led the Governor's Office of Indian Affairs. She worked under governors Mike Lowry and Gary Locke. This office helps connect the state government with Native American tribes.

Serving on the Seattle City Council

Becoming a Council Member

In 2015, Debora Juarez was elected to the Seattle City Council. She represented District 5, which covers the north end of Seattle. Her two daughters and a niece officially swore her into office on January 4, 2016.

Focusing on Her District

As a council member, Juarez was known for focusing on her district. She worked hard to get big projects done. These projects included the Northgate Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge. This bridge goes over I-5. She also supported a new police station in her district.

Leading on City Projects

Debora Juarez played a key role in updating the Seattle Center Arena. This was after some council members voted against a new arena in 2016. She became the head of a special committee for city arenas. In 2018, the council agreed to renovate the arena. The goal was to bring a NHL team to Seattle.

Deciding Not to Run Again

On December 12, 2022, Debora Juarez announced she would not run for re-election in 2023.

Debora Juarez's Home Life

Debora Juarez lives in the Pinehurst neighborhood of Seattle.