Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Betsy Wilkerson

A candidate for Spokane City Council President, City of Spokane in the 2023 Washington General Election, Nov. 7

Age: 68

City: Spokane, Washington

Education: Graduated from Lewis and Clark High School in 1973. Studied at Jarvis Christian College and Spokane Community College but did not graduate.

Work experience: Owned and operated Moore’s Assisted Living since 1993. Former president of the Women Helping Women Fund, past president of the Carl Maxey Center, past president of the Junior League of Spokane.

Political experience: Appointed a Spokane City Council member in 2020, and elected to the position in 2021. Current president of the Spokane Regional Transportation Council. Current president of the Associated Washington Cities. Serves on the Spokane Transit Authority board of directors.

Family: Single. Two adult children and three grandchildren.

Political donations: Reported raising over $192,000 as of Oct. 10. Top contributors include surgeon Jerry LeClaire, former insurance executive Kathy Greco, political fundraising firm Sterling Strategies, the United Association of Plumbers and Steamfitters Local No. 44, and Jordan Goldwarg, executive director for Seattle nonprofit OneWorld Now.

Contact information

Race Results

Candidate Votes Pct
Betsy Wilkerson 36,833 53.23%
Kim Plese 32,361 46.77%

Details & headlines

Related Coverage

Spokane pumps the brakes on new drive-thrus on congested stretch of 29th Avenue

New drive-thru restaurants that haven’t submitted building permits will no longer be able to be built on a frequently congested stretch of East 29th Avenue after the Spokane City Council voted Monday to change the zoning in that area.

Inslee presents ‘incredibly visionary’ Spokane with award for relaxing land-use restrictions

In 2022, politicians and city staff in Spokane responded to the growing housing crisis by drastically relaxing land-use restrictions to allow for denser housing like fourplexes and townhomes to be built in all residential areas in the city.

‘God help us’: Conservatives feel iced out by new, more progressive Spokane City Council

Conservatives have held less and less sway on the Spokane City Council since losing the majority in 2013, but after voters elected a more progressive slate of members in November the two remaining right-leaning council members who represent northeast Spokane feel they’ve almost entirely lost their influence.

Anonymity, limited testimony and an end to standing: Spokane City Council changes open forum rules

The Spokane City Council significantly changed its public testimony rules Monday night, including by banning audience members from standing to show support or displeasure.

Spokane City Council approves compromise resolution on Israel-Palestine conflict

The Spokane City Council has now voiced its support for Palestinian civilians under siege in Gaza in addition to the Israeli victims of the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas, after a 5-1 vote by the local legislative body.

Lili Navarrete appointed to two-year stint on Spokane City Council

Barbara Liliana Navarrete Lorenzo, better known as Lili Navarrete, has been appointed to fill an open seat on the Spokane City Council for the next two years.

New Israel-Palestine resolution coming before Spokane City Council on Monday

The Spokane City Council on Monday will consider once again speaking out about the Israel-Palestine conflict, this time voicing support not only for the victims of Hamas’ attacks against Israel Oct. 7 but the Palestinian civilians now under siege by Israel’s military.

Five finalists named for open seat on Spokane City Council

Five people have made the shortlist for an open seat on the Spokane City Council vacated by Betsy Wilkerson, who represented south Spokane until winning an election in November to the citywide position of City Council president.

New weight limits imposed on aging Latah Bridge as Spokane seeks funding for rehab

The aging Latah Bridge has new weight restrictions and is barred to some large vehicles, including garbage trucks, aerial fire trucks and other specialized trucks exceeding 22 tons after the most recent inspection found the structure has further deteriorated.

Development, infrastructure and homelessness among priorities for Spokane City Council in 2024

The Spokane City Council returned to work Monday after an end-of-year recess, and its returning and newly elected members say they have big plans for the year ahead.