Civic Leader. Entrepreneur. Champion for Seattle’s Communities.

Tanya Woo is a fifth-generation Seattle native with deep roots in the city’s Chinatown-International District (CID). A community advocate, small business owner, and former Seattle City Councilmember, Tanya has built a reputation as a unifier—someone who bridges grassroots activism with pragmatic public service.

Raised in her family’s bakery in the CID, Tanya witnessed firsthand the struggles of immigrant communities. These early experiences shaped her lifelong commitment to cultural preservation, economic opportunity, and neighborhood safety. Over the years, she has led efforts to redevelop historic buildings into affordable housing, launched a community-based safety initiative, and worked tirelessly to prevent displacement of vulnerable residents.

In 2023, Tanya narrowly lost a hard-fought race for Seattle City Council’s District 2 seat. But in 2024, she was appointed to the Council’s at-large Position 8 seat, where she brought her inclusive, collaborative approach to urgent city issues—homelessness, housing affordability, public safety, and revitalizing underserved neighborhoods. Though she did not retain the seat in the 2024 special election, her tenure left a meaningful legacy rooted in bridge-building and advocacy for those often unheard.

Outside of elected office, Tanya remains deeply involved in Seattle’s civic life. She champions nonprofit work, protects cultural heritage sites, supports small businesses, and strengthens cross-sector partnerships. Her advocacy spans public health, senior care, the environment, and the arts—all connected by her belief in equity, dignity, and opportunity for all.

Whether performing traditional Chinese dances, volunteering locally, or advising on urban policy, Tanya Woo leads with heart, heritage, and hope. Her journey—and the stories captured throughout this site—reflect a lifelong dedication to creating a Seattle that listens, includes, and uplifts every voice.