Eddie Lin F’92: From Solo to Seattle City Council
A lawyer now running for Seattle City Council, Eddie Lin F’92, models what it looks like to prioritize community and service.
Eddie Lin graduated from law school at Seattle University. During his work as a lawyer, he found himself drawn towards community and service. Over the years, Lin has made significant pivots in his career to better align with these values, but currently faces perhaps the greatest pivot to date as he runs for Seattle City Council to represent South Seattle. Continue reading to hear Lin’s story and to learn how TMS has impacted his decisions along the way.
Written by Forrest Hendler S’25
“It was one of the first places where I understood the importance of working together for something bigger than myself, a common goal.”
Eddie Lin’s journey from the Mountain School to a candidate for Seattle City Council is a story of growth, introspection, and a deep commitment to public service. His path wasn’t always linear, but the values instilled in him during his time at TMS laid the foundation for his dedication to making a difference and repairing the world around him.
Reflecting on his time at TMS, Eddie shared, “It was one of the first places where I understood the importance of working together for something bigger than myself, a common goal.” It was here that he learned that growth comes not from isolation, but from meaningful connections with others. The school’s emphasis on community—where students collaborate toward common goals and care for both the land and each other—left a lasting impact on him. When asked to summarize how TMS influenced him, Eddie highlighted four words: reflection, community, care, and growth. “These values continue to resonate with me today,” he says.
One of the most significant moments of Eddie’s time at TMS was Solo:. “It was that time to slow down and reflect that really stuck with me. It made me realize how important it is to pause, take a beat, and think about my interactions with the world.” This opportunity for introspection has guided him throughout his career, especially in moments of critical thinking and decision-making.
Beyond personal reflection, Eddie was also deeply influenced by the school’s unique approach to academics. “The curriculum was place-based and interconnected. The transition from one class to another felt seamless,” he recalled. This interconnectedness mirrors his approach to life: seeing the intersection of various issues and finding ways to bring them together to create meaningful change.
Eddie Lin and Fred Melo in 1992.
While TMS's effect on Eddie running for office was indirect, it certainly did provide him the tools to pursue a career in public service. As a TMS student, Eddie discovered that success isn’t about competing with others; it’s about contributing to the community and working together. “TMS wasn’t about getting ahead; it’s about giving back” he reflects. This ethos of collaboration over competition has remained central in his approach to both life and work.
His decision to run for Seattle City Council is motivated by a desire to serve a larger community and tackle the pressing issues of today and tomorrow. “I have two kids now, and I think a lot about what kind of world they’re going to inherit,” Eddie shares. “The homelessness crisis is top of mind for me. It’s not just about losing your last dollar—it’s about losing your last connection.” His experience working in affordable housing has given him a deep understanding of the root causes of homelessness, including the high costs of housing, addiction, mental health challenges, and the absence of community support.
Eddie’s decision to leave behind a career at an international law firm was catalyzed by his father’s death and the divisiveness of the 2016 election. Seeking a path that better aligned with his values of community and service, Eddie transitioned to the Seattle City Attorney’s Office, focusing on housing and affordable housing policy. It was there that he saw firsthand how restrictive zoning laws and urban sprawl were exacerbating the housing crisis. “Seattle’s zoning has been so restrictive, with 75% of the city zoned for single-family homes,” Eddie explains. “This has made it harder to build affordable housing and has led to sprawl. We need to build neighborhoods that foster connections and make the city more walkable.”
For Eddie, public service is intertwined with education and community development. As a strong advocate for public schools—his wife is a public school teacher—he is deeply
committed to addressing the racial and economic segregation that persists in Seattle’s schools. “Seattle’s neighborhoods are still segregated, even though the laws have been changed for 60 years,” he says.“We need to create opportunities for students to learn from one another and for schools to better reflect the diversity of their communities.”
Running for City Council, Eddie’s platform centers on affordable housing, community development, and education. “We need to focus on building neighborhoods that connect people, both for the sake of the climate and the sake of the community,” he says. “And we need to prepare young people for civic engagement, so they can understand the impact of policies on their daily lives.”
Lin’s advice to current TMS students is simple yet powerful: “Pursue a life of service, whether it’s through your day job or how you spend your free time,” he shares. “Focus on helping others, and you’ll stay grounded.” Eddie’s story is a testament to the lasting influence of TMS—where community, reflection, and service are more than just lessons; they are guiding principles that have shaped his life’s work.