Meet Our Commissioners

Updated November 5, 2024

Daniel Godfrey
Daniel Godfrey was raised in the Seattle area, and now rents a shoebox in Uptown. He studied Medical Anthropology at the University of Washington Honors Program, where he spent his time on chronic pain research and community work at grassroots organizations combating inequity. After graduation, he traveled on a Bonderman Fellowship to examine global economic inequality. Grounded by Covid-19, he returned to begin social work at a local non-profit. Now, he serves the community and individuals experiencing homelessness as Coordinator with the LEAD Program. Daniel believes that activism and thoughtful policy can lead Seattle to be affordable and accessible for individuals of any background.

Lydia Felty - Interim Co-Chair
Lydia Felty is a resident of Capitol Hill. Originally from Ohio, she holds a B.A. in American Studies and English and worked as an educator before landing in the nonprofit sector. She now works with small downtowns across the state as they focus on the continued care of their space and community through place stewardship, historic preservation, and small business support.

Atif Osmani
Atif was raised on the north side of Chicago, in the city’s South Asian enclave. A majority of his family immigrated to the United States in the 80s, so his ethnic and cultural heritage has always been an important aspect of his identity. In high school, and later college, he was surrounded by a more affluent and largely white group of peers. This dichotomy in populations, among many other factors, propelled him to learn about systemic social issues and how individuals, communities, and governments can work to solve or alleviate societal inequities. He attended the University of Chicago for his undergraduate degree, where he studied Public Policy and specialized in health policy. This program was an ideal interdisciplinary environment to deconstruct social issues because it leaned on economic, statistical, and multiple qualitative frameworks to view problems. Health policy issues hit close to him because he grew up helping his father and grandparents with their health impairments. Additionally, the study of health policy goes far beyond medical intervention and is fundamentally tied to the wellbeing of people. 
 
Atif believes that housing is a crucial part of a person's health and wellbeing, so he's excited to serve on the Renters’ Commission as an advocate for holistic and people-first housing policies. One of his first rental experiences in Seattle involved an agreement to run an Airbnb for "discounted rent". This work was on top of a full-time job, so Atif understands and empathizes with anyone struggling in the current rental market.  
 
Atif wants to further engage with the community to get a sense of what people care about and try to find solutions where possible. The community comes first and foremost, so he is doing what he can to center them in his work.

Kate Rubin - Interim Co-Chair
More information to come.

Julissa Sanchez
More information to come.