Nancy Goodloe Ellensburg City Council Position 2

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My Early Years

I grew up in Texas, where I spent 54 years living, working, and getting my education. I earned my undergraduate and master’s degrees from Baylor University in Waco, Texas, and my doctorate from the University of Oregon. During my time at Oregon, I worked as a graduate assistant in athletic training, providing support for the women’s varsity softball and field hockey teams. Through my travels with these teams, I became acquainted with the Northwest and decided I wanted to live there someday. I was drawn to its easygoing nature, commitment to the environment, and the friendliness of the people.
 

Becoming a Member of the Community

In 2000, I moved to Ellensburg after teaching for 30 years in the Health, Physical Education, and Recreation faculty at Baylor University. I was hired as the Administrator of the Kittitas County Health Department, a position I held for six years before resigning to become a full-time volunteer. I loved the public health work and continue to interact with staff and support the programs and services they provide for this county. Along the way, I joined the First United Methodist Church, where I found a home for my beliefs and values, as well as a supportive community.

In 2007, I responded to an ad in the Daily Record seeking volunteers for the Kittitas County Homeless and Affordable Housing Committee. I joined five other members, and our first task was to write the Inaugural 10-year Homeless and Affordable Housing Plan for Kittitas County, as required by the Washington State Legislature. This project took nearly a year and allowed me to meet people from city and county organizations that address the needs of the homeless population. I gained a deep understanding of their challenges and received valuable input on what an affordable housing plan should entail. We successfully completed our plan and established the infrastructure to recommend funding awards for services to agencies that provide housing and support to the homeless population. I left the committee in 2017 when a friend encouraged me to run for city council.

Personal Values & Positions of Leadership 

I value giving people a hand-up, not a hand-out. I believe the strongest community is the one where its citizens value and respect their neighbor and citizens are there for each other when needed. I am working toward a community where everyone knows and feels they belong in Ellensburg’s spaces.

 During my first two terms on the City Council, I am most proud of my role in creating the Ellensburg Affordable Housing Committee and the Ellensburg Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission, both of which I chaired through their early stages.

My additional experience includes serving as a Council representative on various boards and committees, including the County Airport Advisory Board, County Law and Justice Committee, City Homeless and Affordable Housing Commission, City Planning Commission, City Utility Advisory Committee, City/County LOEFF Board, Kittitas County Council of Governments (COG), Kittitas County Homeless and Affordable Housing Committee, and the City Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commission. I have also served two terms as Mayor Pro Tempore and as a member of the City Grants subcommittee to award funding for worthy projects in our city. 

• Recognition:
  2023 Community Leadership Award, Washington Association of School Administrators, for Outstanding Community Leadership and Contributions to the Improvement of Public Education.
• Hobbies:
  I love the environment and being in nature. My hobbies include fishing, gardening, walking my dogs, going to the symphony, and right now, the Mariners!