Olympia’s newly elected Mayor, Dontae Payne, presided over his first city council meeting on Tuesday, January 2, 2024.
Mayor Payne brings a wealth of experience to this new position. In addition to serving on Olympia City Council since being elected to Position #6 in November 2021, he also works for the Office of the Governor as a Policy Advisor for Civil Rights & Racial Justice.
An overwhelming 69% of Olympia voters cast a ballot for Dontae. “I feel such gratitude to our community for electing me,” Payne said. “I’m excited to serve as mayor at this moment where the possibility of more substantive change is on the horizon.”
Dontae, an Army Veteran, made Washington history as Olympia’s first Black Mayor. To commemorate the historic city council meeting, Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland was in attendance to ceremonially swear in Mayor Payne to his new position. Dontae previously worked for the Congresswoman as a Deputy District Director.
Mayor Payne shared with WR, “I’m excited to get to work on our community’s priorities, including incentivizing more affordable housing development, welcoming more businesses and startups, and continuing to address public safety concerns. The City of Olympia is starting a new chapter, and I believe we’re on the right track to tackle our most pressing issues.”
