“I’m running because I’ve spent late nights looking for social workers for seniors days away from losing their home. I’ve sat with families as they debated if they should live in their car until their kids graduate from PAUSD. And I’ve seen how hard Palo Alto neighbors will fight to keep our community together - how they’ll rally to ensure our seniors, teachers, and families aren’t forced to leave our community because our community has each others’ backs.

- and I’m ready to have your back on city council.”

Katie Causey (pronouns: she/her/hers) is a Palo Alto Human Relations Commissioner and a lifelong Palo Alto resident born and raised in the community. She’s lived here for over 30 years. Katie has been dedicated to serving Palo Alto since she was 14, when she began actively volunteering with local community organizations, applying the values she learned as a student at Ohlone Elementary School, JLS Middle School, and Palo Alto High School (Paly).

After graduating from Paly, Katie earned a bachelor’s degree in Women’s Studies with a focus on local policy from The George Washington University. Her studies examined how local governments can work with communities to address systemic inequality. Katie’s goal was to apply this knowledge in service to her own community.

Upon graduation, Katie dedicated herself to serving her community through various local nonprofits focused on supporting women, bringing mental health services to youth and seniors, and enhancing Palo Alto community programs. She also worked at the First Presbyterian Church of Palo Alto and led non-partisan efforts to end gun violence as a Chair within the Palo Alto League of Women Voters.

Katie was appointed by Palo Alto City Council to serve on the city’s Human Relations Commission, where she’s worked to ensure that the city policymaking process promotes equality.

Katie identifies as bi and is a proud member of the LGBT+ community. She knows the importance of inclusivity and welcoming spaces and will always fight to protect our most vulnerable neighbors.

Katie currently works as a Community Organizer at the Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition, where she works with local governments across the Peninsula to improve street infrastructure for people who walk and bike. 

In the last few years, Katie has also worked in local nonprofits focused on housing, climate change, and transportation. In her nonprofit service, Katie has worked hands-on with Palo Alto community members facing eviction or on the verge of having nowhere to live due to the high cost of rent --  a reality facing too many of our neighbors. It was then that she decided to run for council to advocate for policies that help seniors and families stay in the community.