Catherine Nelson (Spokane Valley City Council Position 5, Washington, candidate 2025)

Catherine Nelson

Nonpartisan

Candidate, Spokane Valley City Council Position 5

Elections and appointments

Last election

November 4, 2025

Education

Associate

South Seattle Community College, 1996

Personal

Religion

Christian

Profession

Realtor

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Personal LinkedIn

Catherine Nelson ran for election to the Spokane Valley City Council Position 5 in Washington. She was on the ballot in the general election on November 4, 2025.^[source]

Nelson completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Catherine Nelson provided the following biographical information via Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey on October 3, 2025:

• Associate: South Seattle Community College, 1996
• Gender: Female
• Religion: Christian
• Profession: Realtor
• Incumbent officeholder: No
• Campaign slogan: Catherine for Change!
• Campaign website
• Campaign Facebook

Elections

General election

General election for Spokane Valley City Council Position 5

Pam Haley and Catherine Nelson ran in the general election for Spokane Valley City Council Position 5 on November 4, 2025.

		Candidate
	Submit photo	Pam Haley (Nonpartisan)
		Catherine Nelson (Nonpartisan)

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	Incumbency information for this election was not available.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Endorsements

To view Nelson's endorsements as published by their campaign, click here. Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Nelson in this election.

Campaign themes

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Catherine Nelson completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Nelson's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I have lived or worked in the Spokane Valley since 2004. My current profession is that of a Realtor. Previously, I spent roughly 25 years as a mortgage lender working with both retail and wholesale clients. I have also managed two multi-million dollar real estate investment trusts. Managing other peoples money, contracts and dreams come second nature to me. I believe in putting other people first! I decided to settle in the Spokane Valley because it used to be safe and affordable and when you stuck your hands out of the windows of your home you were not touching your neighbors house! I appreciated the good roads, schools, neighborhoods, and public safety that our community had. Things have sure changed over the years. As I looked around I started to think that whomever is in charge of our city must not live here as we have been inundated with apartments, dense building and we sure do not have the police presence we once had. I discovered that our City Manager does not live in our City. This knowledge encouraged me to look into details even further that have left me no choice but to stand up and try to be the change I want to see.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• Fully funding our Police Department would be my first priority. Although I did not agree with the sales tax increase for public safety, as we already pay for this service, it did pass. Still, our City has failed to authorize these new officers. We are continually being told they will get to it in January. I understand it can take up to one year to fully vet an officer and another year to train, so potentially we are two years from new officers on the street once they are authorized. That might not even mean we get additional officers, not if any of our current officers leave for some reason. Also, the council has not established a plan to see to it that we hire new officers every year. We should hire 1 to 3 new officers every year.
• We need to cut unfair taxes and fees! This will be a priority! If we want to encourage economic growth, investment and bring new businesses into our community then we must keep taxes and fees as low as possible. The incumbents consistently vote for increased taxes and fees, even though many of them represent that they are Republicans. They may call themselves Republicans but they are certainly not fiscal conservatives! My opponent has voted to defund the police, voted for and championed wasteful road projects and introduced and voted for the most new taxes and increases in Spokane Valley history. Even as a member of the STA board she was for raising taxes for unnecessary bus projects.
• We have got to stop wasteful spending! We can not afford more bloated projects like the Sprague road diet. We certainly do not need to spend millions and millions for Argonne sidewalks to be supersized! We must tighten our budgets for the projects that we decide to move forward. We should not be able to build or rebuild a project 2 or 3 times and still remain in budget! This means our overage allowance is to high!!! What happens to that left over money? Currently, it seems the city sweeps that money into a fund they can do whatever they want with. We, as city council members, need to watch that money closer and we need to make sure we are not just adding overage to allow a special pot of money for the city to access for pet projects.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about managing the Citizens of Spokane Valley's money. The current council and staff have no concern when spending or approving projects. Every time I turn around it becomes more and more expensive to live in Spokane Valley, while at the same time it seems we get less and less benefits. The majority of our current council seems to believe their only job is to rubber stamp anything the City Manager or staff bring before them. Rarely do they question or check on the information brought to them by city administrators. This must change. We must protect and value the resources of our citizens; especially, If we want to be a community that encourages economic growth that will be inviting to new businesses bringing jobs.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the state government and legal system?

What makes the Spokane Valley City Council position unique and important is that it is the level of government closest to the people. Unlike the state legislature, we deal with issues that impact residents’ daily lives like safety, roads, zoning, and how our tax dollars are spent in our neighborhoods. That direct connection to the community makes this office both important and highly accountable.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to my elders. My Great Grandmother and my Mother. Both of these women were pioneers of their time. They worked so hard and overcame so many obstacles, leading the way for the rest of us.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Honesty, integrity, transparency are the most important characteristics or principles for a Spokane Valley City Council person!

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibility for a Spokane Valley City Council member is safeguarding the assets of the citizens of the Spokane Valley.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like my legacy to be a City that my children can afford to live in that is safe.

The legacy I would like to leave on the Spokane Valley City Council is one of trust, accountability, and practical results. I want residents to know that when they elected me, I treated their voices, their safety, and their tax dollars with the seriousness they deserve.

Specifically, I hope to be remembered as a councilmember who helped the city thrive economically, creating an environment where local businesses could grow, jobs were plentiful, and investments were made wisely. I also want to leave a legacy of responsible stewardship, making sure that every decision, from budgets to contracts to policies, was made with integrity and transparency.

Finally, I want residents to feel that their city government listened to them, worked for them, and reflected their values. If, years from now, Spokane Valley is stronger, safer, and more vibrant because of the choices I helped guide, that will be the legacy I am proud to leave

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The eruption of Mount Saint Helens! I was 14 years old and living in the woods north of Deer Lake. The sky went dark in the middle of the day and the ash started to fall! Many bugs traveled all that way with the ash. Things we had never seen before. It was scary and exiting all at the same time!

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

When I first started working, I had three jobs. I worked for 7-11 and another convenience store pricing goods and stocking shelves. On the weekend, I worked the football games at Husky stadium. I also took a job at Chuck E Cheese. I did this for a couple of years.

What is your favorite book? Why?

My favorite book is Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White. I love it because it teaches timeless lessons about friendship, loyalty, and standing up for others. Charlotte’s dedication to Wilbur reminded me that meaningful change often comes from thoughtful action and caring for those around us, no matter how big or small the effort may seem.

Reading it as a child, I was inspired by Charlotte’s patience, creativity, and courage. Those lessons stayed with me as I navigated the challenges of raising my children as a single mom while building my professional career. I learned that persistence, problem-solving, and putting the needs of others first are what truly make a difference.

Today, those values guide how I approach leadership and public service. Serving on City Council isn’t just about making decisions; it’s about representing the community with integrity, listening to residents, and advocating for what’s right.

Like Charlotte, I hope to make a positive impact by taking thoughtful, dedicated action that benefits others and strengthens Spokane Valley.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

If I could be any fictional character, I’d choose Charlotte from Charlotte’s Web. She represents quiet strength, creativity, and selflessness, these are qualities I deeply value. Charlotte works tirelessly behind the scenes to help others, using her skills to protect and uplift rather than to seek attention for herself. That resonates with how I see public service: it’s not about the spotlight, it’s about making a positive difference in people’s lives. Like Charlotte, I hope my actions speak louder than my words and leave a lasting impact on my community

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

One of the biggest struggles in my life has been raising my children as a single mom while working full-time. Balancing the responsibilities of providing for my family, managing a household, and making sure my children had the guidance and support they needed was never easy. There were days when it felt like I was being pulled in every direction at once, and I had to learn quickly how to prioritize, manage time, and make tough decisions under pressure.

That experience taught me resilience, patience, and perseverance, qualities that are directly relevant to serving on City Council. Just like in parenting, leadership requires listening, problem-solving, and making decisions that impact not just one person, but an entire community. It also gave me a deep understanding of the challenges families face in Spokane Valley, from affordable housing to childcare to safe neighborhoods.

Through it all, I learned to stay focused on solutions, work hard, and never lose sight of my responsibilities. Those lessons continue to guide me today and are part of the foundation I bring to public service: a commitment to serving others with integrity, empathy, and dedication

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

Most people think the City Council only votes on big projects or budgets, but one of the lesser-known responsibilities is holding city staff accountable through policy direction and oversight. Councilmembers set priorities that guide how taxpayer dollars are actually spent, and if we don’t keep asking hard questions, staff can steer projects in ways that don’t reflect the community’s values. Our current council acts more like cheerleaders that rubber stamp the City Manager's every whim. The job of the council is not to rubberstamp but to ask those hard questions so that decisions are well thought out and we are as frugal as possible with the assets of our citizens.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?

I don’t believe it’s necessary to have prior government or political experience to be effective on the City Council. In fact, sometimes career politicians get too comfortable with bureaucracy and lose touch with the people they’re supposed to represent. What matters most is having the right skills, integrity, and judgment to serve the community well.

In my career, I’ve managed contracts, led negotiations, and served as a trusted steward of other people’s money and assets. That means I know how to read the fine print, ask the right questions, and protect the interests of those I represent. These are exactly the skills needed on our City Council, where every decision impacts taxpayers and local businesses.

The residents of Spokane Valley deserve leaders who treat public dollars with the same care and accountability they would their own. My background has trained me to weigh costs, protect investments, and ensure that people get real value for what they’re paying. Those experiences, combined with my commitment to listening to residents and putting the community first, are what prepare me to serve effectively, even without a political résumé

What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?

The most helpful skills for a City Councilmember aren’t political talking points, they are real-world abilities that translate directly into good governance. Strong financial stewardship is at the top of the list. Councilmembers are responsible for managing millions of taxpayer dollars, so it’s critical to have the ability to evaluate budgets, question spending, and make sure resources are used wisely.

Contract knowledge and negotiation skills are also essential. Much of city government involves agreements, whether with contractors, developers, or regional partners. A councilmember who understands contracts and knows how to negotiate fair terms can protect residents from costly mistakes and ensure Spokane Valley gets the best value for its investments.

Equally important are listening and communication skills. This office exists to represent the people, and that means taking time to hear concerns, explain decisions clearly, and build trust. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and the ability to collaborate, even when opinions differ, are what turn good ideas into real solutions.

In short, our City Council needs members who will be careful stewards of public money, practical problem-solvers, and strong advocates for residents. Those are the qualities I bring, and the qualities I believe make this office effective

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the local government?

Spokane Valley has a council-manager form of government, which is different from many cities. That means the Council doesn’t just pass laws, it sets the overall vision and policy priorities while the City Manager carries them out. This balance of power is a unique legal framework that ensures elected representatives are setting direction while city professionals handle operations.

Though we’re a city government, our decisions have ripple effects across Spokane County and Eastern Washington. Whether it’s transportation planning, economic development, or public safety partnerships, the Spokane Valley City Council plays a unique role in shaping how the region grows and works with state government.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

The Spokane GOP and many citizens of Spokane Valley!

Candidates hear many personal stories from voters. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching or memorable?

One story that has stayed with me comes from neighbors who are worried about being taxed out of their homes. More than one has shared how rising costs, whether property taxes, utilities, or everyday expenses, force them to make impossible choices between food, medicine, home or car repairs, or even keeping their car. Many are older or on fixed incomes and feel trapped, unable to move or make ends meet.

Hearing these stories has reinforced for me why our City Council decisions matter so deeply. Every budget choice, every policy change, affects real families and seniors in the Spokane Valley. It’s a reminder that public service isn’t abstract, it’s about protecting residents, ensuring fairness, and helping people feel secure in their homes and communities. We really need fiscal conservatives on our council that care about every last penny spent.

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

One accomplishment I am especially proud of is successfully balancing the responsibilities of raising my children as a single mom while building a stable career. It wasn’t easy, there were long days, late nights, and constant challenges, but I never lost sight of the importance of providing for my family and setting an example of hard work, responsibility, and perseverance.

In my professional life, I am also proud of earning the trust of others to manage their contracts, assets, and financial decisions. Being placed in charge of someone else’s resources is a responsibility I have always taken seriously, and it has shaped me into a careful and reliable steward.

Both of these accomplishments, raising a family on my own and earning professional trust, reflect qualities I would bring to the City Council: determination, accountability, and a commitment to protecting what matters most. They remind me every day that meaningful accomplishments are not just about titles or awards, but about the lasting impact we can make in the lives of others,

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Other survey responses

Ballotpedia identified the following surveys, interviews, and questionnaires Nelson completed for other organizations. If you are aware of a link that should be added, email us.

• VoteWA Profile

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