Seattle's affordable housing landscape and advocacy for the underrepresented owes much to Frank Chopp, the former Washington State House Speaker, whose passing was recently announced. Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell expressed his sorrow, noting Chopp's influence on the city and his tireless work for housing and services to restore lives. According to the Mayor's office, Chopp was remembered as "not only a legendary Speaker of the State House, he represented the heart of Seattle in Olympia for three decades."
In his statement, Mayor Harrell expressed deep sadness upon hearing the news and described Chopp's enduring legacy within the city. While praising the late speaker, Mayor Harrell affirmed, "Frank literally changed the landscape of our city with his tireless advocacy for housing projects large and small." Frank Chopp's commitment to the city was evident even until the past week, when, in City Hall, he pursued additional housing policies and programs.
The Mayor extended his condolences to Chopp's family, signaling his sadness by mentioning Frank's humor, energy, and focus, which would be greatly missed amidst the work they do. Harrell and his wife, Joanne, shared their "warmest thoughts to Nancy, and his entire family," echoing a sentiment of loss shared by many who knew Chopp's work, per the Mayor's office.
