Norm Rice facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Norm Rice
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| 49th Mayor of Seattle | |
| In office January 1, 1990 – January 1, 1998 |
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| Preceded by | Charles Royer |
| Succeeded by | Paul Schell |
| 53rd President of the United States Conference of Mayors | |
| In office 1995–1996 |
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| Preceded by | Victor Ashe |
| Succeeded by | Richard Daley |
| President of the Seattle City Council | |
| In office January 3, 1984 – January 3, 1986 |
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| Preceded by | Jeanette Williams |
| Succeeded by | Sam Smith |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Norman Blann Rice
May 4, 1943 Denver, Colorado, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse | Constance Williams |
| Education | University of Washington, Seattle (BA, MPA) |
Norman Blann Rice (born May 4, 1943) is an American politician. He was the 49th mayor of Seattle, Washington. He served two terms from 1990 to 1997. Norm Rice was Seattle's first elected African-American mayor.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Norm Rice was born in Denver, Colorado. He later moved to Seattle. He went to the University of Washington in Seattle. There, he earned a bachelor's degree in communications. He also got a master's degree in Public Administration. This degree helps people learn how to manage public services.
He became a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity. In 1975, he married Dr. Constance Williams.
Before working in city government, Rice was a reporter. He worked at KOMO-TV News and KIXI radio. He also helped lead the Seattle Urban League. This group works to help African-Americans. Later, he worked for the Puget Sound Council of Governments. This council helps different local governments work together.
Political Career
Joining the Seattle City Council
Norm Rice was first elected to the Seattle City Council in 1978. He filled a spot that was open. He was reelected three more times. He served on the council for a total of eleven years.
While on the council, he led important committees. These included the Energy, Finance, and Budget committees. He was also the Council President for one term. He helped make sure that electricity costs were fair for everyone. This was part of his work on the Energy Committee.
Key Achievements on the Council
On the Finance and Budget Committee, he achieved a lot. He helped pass a law to support businesses owned by women and minorities. From 1982 to 1987, he also worked to stop the city from investing money. This was in companies that did business in apartheid-era South Africa. Apartheid was a system of racial segregation.
Running for Mayor
Rice first ran for mayor in 1985. He lost that election to Charles Royer. He tried again in 1989. This time, he won the election. He was re-elected for a second term in 1993.
Mayor of Seattle
During the 1990s, Seattle saw a big growth in technology. As mayor, Norm Rice helped make Seattle's downtown area better. He also served as President of the United States Conference of Mayors. This group brings together mayors from across the U.S.
In 1995, he was part of a committee. This committee gave out the Rudy Bruner Award for Urban Excellence. This award recognizes great urban projects.
In 1996, Rice ran for Governor of Washington. He was a Democratic candidate. However, he lost to Gary Locke, who was then the King County Executive.
In 1997, Mayor Rice appeared on a TV show. He played himself on an episode of Frasier. The episode was called "The 1000th Show."
Life After Politics
After being mayor, Norm Rice became a CEO. He led the Federal Home Loan Bank of Seattle. He worked there from 1998 to 2004.
In 2009, he became the CEO of the Seattle Foundation. This is a non-profit group. He worked there until 2013. In 2010, he was chosen to join a special group. It was called the White House Council for Community Solutions. President Barack Obama created this council.
In 2011, Rice taught at the University of Washington. He was a Distinguished Practitioner-in-Residence. He led a project about how people can get involved in their communities.
Awards and Recognition
Norm Rice has received many honors. Several colleges have given him honorary degrees. These include Cornish College of the Arts and Seattle University.
He has also received many awards:
- The James R. Ellis Regional Leadership Award (with John Stanton)
- The American Jewish Federation’s Human Relations Award (with his wife Constance Rice)
- The National Award for Leadership on Behalf of Neighborhoods
- The YWCA’s Isabel Coleman Pierce Award
- The Mark F. Cooper Leadership Award
- The American Association of Community College Students’ Outstanding Alumni Award
See also
- Timeline of Seattle, 1990s
