Biography
Committed to Community
Sarah Arndt's commitment to community is evident in every step of her journey. From growing up in a large family in the Chicago suburbs to marrying her high school sweetheart Adam and moving across different states and countries, Sarah's experiences have shaped her deep appreciation for local communities. Alongside her academic pursuits, including a Masters in Teaching from Western Illinois University and a PhD in History from Trinity College Dublin, she has dedicated herself to education and public service.
Sarah's transition from teaching history to administrative roles in non-profits demonstrates her dedication to making a positive impact. Her work with a Seattle area non-profit has underscored the importance of community involvement and how a vibrant local environment contributes to everyone's quality of life. Whether playing at the park with her boys, hiking local trails, or engaging in city and local organization efforts, Sarah is deeply rooted in her community.
Elected to the Woodinville City Council in November 2021, Sarah's leadership extends beyond her home city. As a councilmember, Sarah represents the city on multiple committees, including the Northshore Parks and Recreation Service Area, the Eastside Transportation Partnership, and the North King County Coalition on Homelessness. Her role as the Liaison for the City’s Public Spaces Committee exemplifies her commitment to enhancing public spaces and community well-being.
Sarah's involvement with the North Urban Human Services Alliance (NUHSA) as the Senior Manager is a testament to her dedication. Having served as a board member and chair of the Housing and Homelessness Committee, Sarah's passion for community growth and positive change through collaboration is unwavering. Since moving to Woodinville in 2014, she has tirelessly worked to become an active member of the community. Her unique blend of skills in project management, relationship building, and program development equips her to make a meaningful impact on the residents of Woodinville and the North King County community.
Sarah Arndt's journey from academia to public service reflects her unwavering commitment to community. Her dedication, experience, and passion for fostering positive change make her an invaluable asset to the Woodinville City Council.
Issues We Face
Learn more about Sarah Arndt and her work with the City of Woodinville. Here you will find key issues of interest to Woodinville residents and Sarah's work to support them. As our city is ever-changing, so are political issues and the need to amend city policies, reach out to Sarah for more information on these or other issues.
Traffic
Public Spaces
The Environment and Public Spaces
Improved Road Infrastructure
The City is currently undertaking some of our largest projects EVER to expand our road system and improve traffic. The biggest project is the upcoming 202 Trestle widening and the addition of grid roads and roundabouts for traffic flow downtown. Sarah is also helping to address parking needs by pushing back on state efforts to eliminate parking requirements. She negotiated for the city to acquire property near the Schoolhouse district which can be used for public parking, and is advocating for additional bus service with King County Metro.
Adding to our Parks and Recreation
Under Sarah's leadership the City Council has opened Wood Trails, the city's largest and biggest park, secured funding for planning the Eastrail trail and linear park, and stage at Wilmont Gateway Park. Sarah is the Chair of the board for the Northshore Parks and Recreation service Area and has worked with them to support the Northshore Senior Center and get Woodinville selected as the preferred site for a possible youth aquatics and recreation center.
The Stakes are High
Sarah worked to create the city's first ever Climate Action Plan, and supported Woodinville's continued Tree City USA status. She also voted to support electrification of City vehicles and charging infrastructure, and secured Federal grants for Salmon barrier removal along Little Bear Creek.
Affordable Housing
Sidewalks and Pedestrian Safety
Oppose the Transfer Station
A Place to Call Home
Sarah and the City Council secured the construction of the first affordable housing units in the city in decades and revised the MFTE program to incentivize the construction of affordable units.
The Council is currently examining inclusionary zoning policies to ensure that the city has enough housing to meet the needs of our working families.
Safe Sidewalks for All
Sarah prioritized city funding for pedestrian connections between neighborhoods and downtown in our Transportation Plan. She voted for construction of sidewalks on 124th Ave, and funded a study for pedestrian connection from the Westridge to Downtown. Sarah approved funding for a paved shoulder on 136th Ave in response to public input. She worked with our government partners to secure $5 million in Federal funding for planning on the Eastrail corridor.
No Woodinville Dump
The City Council hired consultants and attorneys to hold the county accountable for a fair and equitable siting process.
Sarah supported public efforts to provide public comment and submit multiple petitions against the Woodinville location. These efforts were successful in keeping the new transfer station at the existing Houghton location.