Seattle City Councilmember Nick Licata made The Nation magazine’s Progressive Honor Roll this year.
For more than a decade, the publication has honored politicians, journalists and organizations who advance progressive agendas.
Licata joins The Colbert Report, recognized for its satirical coverage of campaign finance, and Independent Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, who was named “Most Valuable Progressive.”
Listed as The Nation’s “Most Valuable Local Official,” Licata was selected for his sponsorship of Seattle’s paid sick leave law and his involvement with Citizens for More Important Things, a group opposing tax-supported sports stadiums.
Licata, who has held office since 1998, was not the only nod to the Pacific Northwest in The Nation this year. The publication listed legalizing marijuana as its “Most Valuable Big Idea.” The Nation said initiatives to allow the possession of small amounts of marijuana in Washington and Colorado have changed the discussion nationwide.
The Nation named fairness in banking as the “Most Valuable Grassroots Reform” and, as an example, cited Bank On Seattle-King County, a local aid to families victimized by predatory mortgage lenders. The initiative, sponsored by City Council President Sally Clark and former Mayor Greg Nickels, created a partnership of banks, credit unions and community organizations to help people open free or low-cost checking and savings accounts.