Jean Godden

Who is Jean Godden?

Jean Godden is a member of the Seattle City Council, first elected in 2003 and re-elected in 2007 and 2011. Council member Godden is currently serving her third term. As of January 2013 she chairs the Libraries, Utilities, and Center Committee and the Special Committee on Alaskan Way Viaduct and Seawall Replacement Project and Central Waterfront Planning. She is Vice Chair of the Parks and Neighborhood Committee and is a member of the Transportation Committee. Jean is also an alternate on the Parks and Seattle Center Committee.

Godden received her bachelor's degree in editorial journalism from the University of Washington in 1973 and was elected a member of Phi Beta Kappa. Her local fame is due to her award-winning column in The Seattle Times newspaper, which she gave up to run for City Council.

Godden won reelection to the Council in 2007. She defeated her challenger Joe Szwaja in the November election by winning 71.21 percent of the vote.