Before casting your vote in the Aug. 5, 2025, primary election, the public can attend an in-person debate between the three candidates for mayor of Auburn: incumbent Mayor Nancy Backus, Auburn City Councilmember Yolanda Trout, and local businessman Ron Morgan.
The event runs 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, July 9, at the Auburn Senior Center, 808 9th St. SE. All mayoral candidates have been invited to participate. This will be a recorded event.
In the meantime, below are Trout’s responses to questions sent by the Auburn Reporter.
Yolanda Trout
Q: Why do you want to be mayor?
A: I want to be mayor because I care deeply about the future of our community and believe in the power of local leadership to make a real difference in people’s daily lives. As someone who’s worked closely with residents, small businesses, and civic groups, I’ve seen both the challenges we face and the opportunities we can seize with exemplary leadership. My goal is to bring people together to build a safer, more affordable, and more vibrant city where everyone has a voice. I’m ready to lead with transparency, collaboration, and a focus on results.
Q: What are the top five challenges the city faces?
A: • Community Engagement: Too many residents feel left out. I’d create more inclusive town halls, implement multilingual outreach, and establish a standing advisory board to ensure that all voices are heard.
• Public Safety: We need safer neighborhoods and stronger trust. I’d support community policing, mental health crisis teams, and stronger partnerships between police and residents.
• Economic Revitalization: Our local economy needs a boost. I’d support small businesses, invest in job training, and revitalize underused commercial areas.
• Youth Leadership: Young people deserve a seat at the table. I’d launch a Mayor’s Youth Council and expand access to mentorships, jobs, and leadership programs.
• Transparency: Trust starts with openness. I’d improve public access to city data.
Q: Given concerns about public safety and rising crime rates in Auburn involving teen violence, break-ins, shootings, etc., voiced in recent public forums, what would you do, indeed, what could you do, to make things better?
A: Rising teen violence, break-ins, and shootings in Auburn are real concerns. As mayor, I’d take a balanced approach — investing in youth through mentorships, jobs, and after-school programs, while strengthening community policing and partnerships with families and schools. I’d also push for real accountability — setting clear public safety goals, tracking results, and making sure both city departments and community partners are delivering. We need both safety and opportunity, backed by transparency.
Q: How would you help strike the necessary balance between Auburn’s simultaneous needs for growth and development and for preserving what’s best about the city?
A: Auburn needs growth, but it must be thoughtful and respectful. I’d support development that brings housing and jobs without losing what makes Auburn feel like home — our neighborhoods, green spaces and history. Growth should benefit everyone, not just developers.
Q: What experience do you have working with large budgets?
A: I’ve served on the Auburn City Council for nearly 12 years, including two years on the Finance Committee. Each year, I’ve been directly involved in reviewing and shaping the city’s budget to ensure it aligns with our community’s needs and values. I understand how to navigate complex financial decisions with a focus on fiscal responsibility, transparency and long-term impact.
