Auburn leaders discuss homelessness response, pandemic pivot and 2025 State of the City on podcast

Nancy Backus, mayor of Auburn, and Council members Tracy Taylor and Hannah Nammer used a recorded episode of the city's podcast "That's So Auburn" to discuss their reasons for public service, the city—s pandemic response and human services efforts and to promote the Feb. 26 State of the City at the Muckleshoot Event Center.

The discussion centered on community priorities and public-service experience. Backus described the city's 2020 pandemic decisions — including canceling a youth theater production, closing city buildings and enabling remote work — as a rapid pivot to protect residents and keep services running. "We were able to pivot, keep everyone safe, and we kept the city moving," Backus said.

Why the topic matters: Backus stressed that, alongside building projects and downtown growth, the city has shifted resources to human services and outreach. She said the city's anti-homelessness team had "472 unique interactions" in 2024 and that staff assisted in housing 205 individuals. "There are humans and no one I don't believe anyone is a throwaway," Backus said, adding that Auburn's approach pairs "compassion, accountability, and community." These figures were stated on the podcast by the mayor and were presented as outcomes of the city's human services work.

Council member Tracy Taylor and Council member Hannah Nammer described what drew them to public office: Taylor cited a desire to build a city where her daughter can return and thrive; Nammer said volunteering and giving underrepresented residents a voice motivated her. Taylor, a former television reporter, said her background in storytelling and community engagement informs her outreach as a council member. Nammer, who works as an engineer at Boeing and is an active Girl Scouts volunteer, described time management strategies to balance work and council duties.

The conversation also touched on local priorities discussed by council and staff. Backus recalled budget deliberations and program decisions as some of the council's most difficult moments, including listening to department directors' requests and funding trade-offs. She mentioned that the council approved a budget that included adding 10 police officers and a capital project to replace a public-works building that lacked adequate restrooms for crews; the podcast framed those as outcomes of the 2024 budget process.

On outreach and community events, the mayor and council members described in-person activities they value, including the Veterans Day parade and the National League of Cities trip where council members met. Backus invited residents to the Feb. 26, 2025 State of the City at the Muckleshoot Event Center; she said the event is free but requires registration and will feature short videos about small businesses and city staff. "I want people to be excited and willing to be involved when we're finished," she said.

The episode also included lighter, personal items — favorite local businesses such as Zola Cafe, PNW Coffee and Happy Crab; references to the Sounder regional rail; and council members— volunteer work with Girl Scouts and animal-rescue organizations — which the participants used to illustrate local ties and community engagement.

Ending: The podcast closed with Backus thanking Taylor and Nammer and urging listeners to attend the State of the City. The episode presented no formal council motions or votes; it served to inform residents about recent human services activity, budget priorities discussed in 2024 and upcoming city outreach in early 2025.