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City attorney swears Auburn City Council members into office

Published 11:42 am Thursday, January 8, 2026

Councilmembers Lisa Sturgis, Brian Lott, Kate Baldwin, and Mayor Nancy Backus were sworn into office on Monday evening at Auburn City Hall. Backus won re-election to her fourth term as mayor last November. Sturgis, appointed in April of 2025 to fill the unexpired term of Larry Brown, begins her first fully elected term, Lott his first term, and Baldwin resumed the seat to which she was re-elected. Courtesy photo.

Councilmembers Lisa Sturgis, Brian Lott, Kate Baldwin, and Mayor Nancy Backus were sworn into office on Monday evening at Auburn City Hall. Backus won re-election to her fourth term as mayor last November. Sturgis, appointed in April of 2025 to fill the unexpired term of Larry Brown, begins her first fully elected term, Lott his first term, and Baldwin resumed the seat to which she was re-elected. Courtesy photo.

Mayor Nancy Backus and Auburn City Councilmembers Kate Baldwin, Lisa Stirgus, and Brian Lott raised their right hands Monday as City Attorney Jason Whelan swore them into office during a special ceremony Jan. 5 at Auburn City Hall.

Backus, Auburn’s first female mayor, was first elected to the office in 2014, following 10 years on the Auburn City Council and a 25-year career in financial management at Boeing. She is recognized for her regional leadership, consensus-building, and advocacy on issues ranging from transportation and housing to equity and economic development.

“I want to thank all my friends and supporters who’ve helped throughout the years with our campaigns and came to my aid when I needed help for our city and/or provided a kind word or action when it was needed the most,” Backus said.

Brian Lott, the newest member of the council, was elected in 2025, bringing to his position more than 20 years of experience leading complex projects. He thanked all who helped him in the recent election to get where he was on Monday night, and spoke directly to the community about the work that lies ahead.

“I don’t take it for granted, and I am very sincere in understanding that this is a job, and I’m here to make the community better and to work for you. I’m open to comments, suggestions and feedback from anybody on how to improve the city because that’s what I’m elected for. I especially want to thank my wife, who has supported me day in and day out, non-stop,” Lott said.

A longtime Auburn resident and community volunteer, Lott’s focus will be on public safety, fiscal responsibility and smart infrastructure.

Kate Baldwin is a senior advisory architect with extensive experience consulting on IT service management for organizations nationwide. A former journalist and nonprofit program manager, Baldwin is deeply engaged in civic life and community service here in Auburn. She has served on the council since 2022.

Lisa Stirgus, who was appointed to the Auburn City Council in early 2025 to fill the unexpired term of former Councilmember Larry Brown, was elected to her first full term last November, bringing several years of leadership experience in financial services and nonprofit work to the position. She is an advocate for youth, education, public safety, and inclusive community engagement.

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