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The Parks Department manages nearly 1,000 acres of park land and over 20 linear miles of trails.

The Parks Department manages nearly 1,000 acres of park land and over 20 linear miles of trails.

The Auburn Farmers Market runs seasonally from June-September each year at Les Gove Park.

The Auburn Farmers Market runs seasonally from June-September each year at Les Gove Park.

Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation features a variety of options for kids to get out and play.

Auburn Parks, Arts & Recreation features a variety of options for kids to get out and play.

The Auburn Community & Event Center features a robust Community Fitness Program with dozens of classes, open gym, and equipment and weight room.

The Auburn Community & Event Center features a robust Community Fitness Program with dozens of classes, open gym, and equipment and weight room.

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Mayor

Mayor Backus Photo


Nancy Backus has served as Mayor of Auburn since 2014 and is the first woman to serve in that role since the city’s incorporation in 1891. Prior to being elected mayor, she served 10 years on the Auburn City Council and spent 25 years in Finance leadership at The Boeing Company. She holds a degree in accounting and brings decades of public- and private-sector leadership experience to her role.

Mayor Backus is recognized regionally for her collaborative approach and her commitment to ensuring Auburn, South King County and North Pierce County have a strong voice in regional and statewide policy discussions. Her work has focused on homelessness and human services, housing affordability, transportation and infrastructure, economic development, public safety, and effective local government.

Mayor Backus currently serves in numerous regional and statewide leadership roles. In 2026, she was elected Secretary of the Association of Washington Cities (AWC) Board of Directors, continuing Auburn’s representation in statewide municipal policy and advocacy. Her board and committee service also includes the Puget Sound Regional Council, Sound Cities Association, South King Housing and Homelessness Partners, Valley Regional Fire Authority, Valley Communications Center, King County Regional Policy Committee, King County Regional Homelessness Authority, Greater Seattle Partners, South Sound Housing Affordability Partners and other regional partnerships. She served on the Sound Transit Board for ten years. Nationally, she is engaged with the U.S. Conference of Mayors and municipal policy efforts focused on issues affecting cities and their residents.

Throughout her career, Mayor Backus has received recognition for public service, leadership, and community involvement. Her honors include: Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce Senator Scott White Regional Leadership Award, Soroptimist International’s Women Helping Women Award, the Miss Auburn Scholarship Program’s Lifetime Achievement Award, the Business and Professional Women’s Woman of Achievement Award, Daughters of the American Revolution Women in American History Award, Eileen & Callie’s Place Callie Award, Catholic Community Services Jack Witte Spirit of Caring Award, Boeing’s BCFP Manager of the Year, and the American Medical Association’s Dr. Nathan Davis Award for Outstanding Government Service.

Mayor Backus continues to advocate for Auburn residents while building partnerships across the Puget Sound region, and Washington state. Her leadership emphasizes collaboration among cities and other levels of government to address challenges that cross jurisdictional boundaries and strengthen communities throughout the region.

Mayor Backus is thankful for the support and love she receives from her husband Kemon, their daughter Lucky and their daughter-in-law Macee. While the regional work is rewarding, it would be nothing without a loving family and caring friends. 


She's active on boards and committees advocating for Auburn's interests, including:

• Association of Washington Cities
Secretary, Board of Directors
Executive Committee
Worker’s Comp Retro Board
Large City Advisory Committee
Legislative Priorities Committee
• Cities & Schools 
Member
• Greater Seattle Partners 
Vice Chair, Board of Directors
Executive Council Member
• I-405/SR 167 Executive Advisory Group
Member 
• King County Flood Control District Advisory Committee
Member 
• King County Regional Homeless Authority
Governing Board Member
• National League of Cities
Member
• Puget Sound Regional Council 
Executive Board
• Regional Policy Committee
Vice Chair
• Sound Cities Association
Leadership Advisory Committee
Member
• South Correctional Entity Regional Jail (SCORE) 
Board of Directors
• South King Housing & Homeless Partners (SKHHP)
Chair
• South Sound Affordable Housing Partners (SSHAP)
Member
• U.S. Conference of Mayors
Member
• Valley Communications Center
Chair  
• Valley Regional Fire Authority (VRFA)
Chair, Board of Governance

 

Current term began: January 1, 2026
Current term ends: December 31, 2029

CONTACT:

Mayor Nancy Backus
City of Auburn
25 West Main St.
Auburn, WA 98001

253-931-3041 (p)
253-288-3132 (f)
Email Mayor Nancy Backus (e)
Podcast - That's So Auburn!

Stay in the loop with the Mayor's Updates:

Mayor Duties

The mayor is the chief executive and administrative officer of the city, in charge of all departments and employees, with authority to designate assistants and department heads (In accordance with Chapter 2.30 ACC.) Other duties include:

  • Sees that all laws and ordinances are faithfully enforced and that law and order is maintained in the city;
  • Has general supervision of the administration of city government and all city interests;
  • Negotiates the terms of and/or award contracts falling within the scope of the mayor’s authority pursuant to ACC 3.10.020 (Purchasing Policy) and sees that all contracts and agreements made with the city or for its use and benefit are faithfully kept and performed;
  • Negotiates agreements to complete the acquisition of real property pursuant to ACC 3.10.020;
  • Presides over all meetings of the city council, when present, but shall have a vote only in the case of a tie in the votes of the council members;
  • Makes recommendations for council consideration and action;
  • Prepares and submit to the council a proposed budget, as required by Chapter 35A.33 RCW;
  • Has the power to veto ordinances passed by the council and submitted to the mayor as provided in RCW 35A.12.130;
  • Develops and brings to the city council for approval pilot programs that promote and encourage the city council’s goal of sustainability, seeking to balance and support the needs of the community, the environment, the economy, and the needs of future generations (As stated in Resolution No. 4368);
  • Appoints, and at their pleasure may remove, all city appointive officers, subject to the provisions of any applicable law, rule or regulation pertaining to civil service, state law or city ordinances;
  • Has power to administer oaths and affirmations, take affidavits and certify them;
  • Signs all conveyances made by the city and all instruments which require the city seal. (Ord. 6191 § 2, 2008; 1957 code § 1.03.050.);
  • Has general supervision over the several departments of the city government and over all its interests;
  • Has general administrative and investigative authority provided by state statutes, city ordinances and as not in conflict with state law;
  • Has authority to approve expenditures in accordance with ACC 3.10.020 and/or as otherwise provided. (Ord. 5778 § 1, 2003; 1957 code § 1.03.080.);
  • Is responsible for the coordination of the activities of the various city departments, boards and commissions to eliminate waste and duplication of efforts;
  • Is responsible for the preparation of agendas for the meetings of the council and of the various boards, commissions and committees of the city for consideration by the council;
  • Ensures the timely publishing of notices for meetings and for public hearings for the meetings of the council and the various boards, commissions and committees of the city, and for setting the dates and times for said public hearings, (Ord. 6532 § 1, 2014; Ord. 6405 § 1, 2012; Ord. 5761 § 1, 2003.)
     
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