Why I’m Running
Mpiima Mugambe
My name is Mpiima Mugambe and I am humbled to call Lynnwood home. My journey from Uganda to the United States in 2012 was driven by a quest for safety and new opportunities. Since then, I have dedicated my life to empowering and advocating for marginalized communities, leveraging my expertise as a mental health professional, community leader, or policy advocate to create positive change.
As a Mental Health Professional on the Crisis Team at the Downtown Emergency Services Center in Seattle, I work directly -everyday- with individuals facing homelessness, addiction, and mental health challenges. My work entails serving as a bridge builder between those in crisis, first responders, and impacted communities. I am also the founder of Immigrant Guide, a nonprofit that supports immigrants and refugees who are adjusting to their new lives in the U.S. I also serve as an instructor at the University of Washington School of Social Work, where I train future social workers to lead with empathy and equity.
My advocacy work has taken me from the streets of Lynnwood and Seattle to the halls of Olympia and Congress, where I’ve worked to secure funding for healthcare, HIV/AIDS prevention, housing initiatives, and human rights protections.
I am running for Lynnwood City Council because I believe in a city where every resident, regardless of background, can thrive. Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive Lynnwood that works for everyone.
Lynnwood is a vibrant, growing city with incredible potential. As we move forward, we must ensure that our growth is sustainable, equitable, and inclusive—so that every resident, regardless of background, has the opportunity to thrive.
I believe that leadership is about listening, learning, and taking action that improves lives. My journey, from seeking asylum to advocating for vulnerable communities, has shaped my commitment to justice, fairness, and practical solutions. As a mental health professional, community leader, and policy advocate, I have worked to build trust, uplift voices, and create pathways for positive change.
My priorities reflect the needs of our city: expanding affordable housing, strengthening support for small businesses, enhancing public safety rooted in trust, and investing in parks and sustainable infrastructure.
Housing should be within reach for all. I will advocate for zoning reforms, rent stabilization, and permanent supportive housing. Small businesses are the backbone of Lynnwood’s economy, and I’ll fight for policies that foster entrepreneurship and local economic growth. Public safety must prioritize transparency, mental health response, and community partnerships to ensure a safer and more connected Lynnwood.
I’m running for Lynnwood City Council because I believe leadership is about service—not politics as usual. Together, we can build a city that works for everyone. I humbly ask for your support in shaping Lynnwood’s future.
