Incumbent Mayor Nancy Backus and Auburn City Councilmember Yolanda Trout are squaring off in the race for Auburn mayor in the Nov. 4 general election. Here’s a quick recap of the candidates.
Nancy Backus
Education: Master’s degree in accounting, City University; Leadership Institute of South Puget Sound; Washington Collaborative Elected Leaders Institute.
Occupation: Auburn mayor, 2014-present; The Boeing Company finance leadership, 1989-2014.
Statement: As your mayor, I’ve worked to build a safer, stronger, more resilient city — turning ideas into action, challenges into opportunities. We’ve made key investments in public safety, housing options, and vital infrastructure keeping Auburn safe, healthy and vibrant. I’ve prioritized downtown improvements, family-wage jobs, and expanded efforts to reduce homelessness — connecting 400-plus people with housing and services. I believe in compassion, accountability, community, and practical solutions. That’s why we’re hiring more officers, revitalizing parks, supporting arts and culture, and hosted summer block parties that brought us together. Our city is thriving — families feel secure, roads are being repaired, businesses prosper, and our neighborhoods are stronger.
As articulated at candidate forums: Backus supports the zero-based biennial budget process she recently introduced, which, starting with the upcoming budget, will require department directors to defend every program under their wings to help the city council decide if those programs are still worth what the city is spending on them or need to go.
Yolanda Trout
Education: Associate’s degree in early learning; SCA Certificate of Leadership and Finance.
Occupation: Auburn City Council from 2014 to present; Planning Commission, 2010-2013
Statement: Auburn is at a crossroads. Too many businesses have closed, crime has gone up, and neighbors tell me they don’t feel safe. We can, and must, change this. I have served you as a councilmember, building strong partnerships with local businesses, community groups, and leaders across Washington and the nation. I bring experience, energy, and a proven record of getting results. As mayor, I will make public safety my top priority — holding myself, our council, and our police accountable. I will bring back good-paying jobs, create affordable housing, and give our youth real opportunities to succeed. I will lead with integrity, transparency, and action — not words. I’m running a grassroots campaign with no PAC or special interest money, because my only commitment is to you. Together, we can restore the safe, vibrant Auburn we deserve. It’s time for strong leadership. It’s time for change.
As articulated at candidate forums: Trout supports a more aggressive effort to land appropriate grants so the city can stop “leaving money on the table” and helping to ensure that Auburn is not spending more than it’s bringing in. Trout said that when policies or programs come before her for an up or down vote, she asks herself not only whether it’s going to cost a lot of money, but also is it working or not for all the people. And if it’s not, the city needs to look at another way t0 make sure it does.
