United Way's Neustaeter to seek seat on Kamloops city council

Katie Neustaeter, long-time Kamloops resident and director of communications for United Way, is running for city council.

Neustaeter announced her intention to join the running for a council seat at Bright Eye Brewing in front of dozens of supporters on Monday morning.

“For those who hear the call of community at a pitch that is too loud, too compelling and too clear to ignore, it means that at some point, there's an inevitable next step to take,” Neustaeter said.

Neustaeter said she will be committed to promoting and furthering affordability, accountability and advocacy.

“In a community that works for all, we must work for all people. Therefore, we must amplify the needs of local businesses, children and families and a healthy, safe community,” Neustaeter said.

“There is no fairy dust or magic wand that's going to get these things done. Only hard work and the people who are willing to get into the arena and do it.

“I believe that with my experience in complex financial oversight, track record with crisis management, proven organizational leadership, history of volunteerism and very deep roots in this community. I can help move our city into its next phase of growth and prosperity by championing the voices of its people.”

Neustaeter, who is 40 years old, said her family moved to Kamloops when she was in Grade 1 and she spent her formative years in the community.

“All of my developmental years are here, those formative years. Played soccer, swam in the Riverside Park pool, which isn't here anymore. Cheered on the Blazers from childhood, and I love this place,” Neustaeter said.

“I think it is the perfect place to raise a family. We're so grateful for all this community has given us.”

She said she worked for a short time with School District 73 and worked in the local media industry for about a decade while deepening her involvement in community volunteer work and serving on the social planning council for the City of Kamloops.

Neustaeter said she has worked with United Way since March 2020 after volunteering with the organization and is currently serving as the director of communications.

Neustaeter said she will be seeking public consultation to help develop her campaign platform over the summer.

She said a large topic of conversation around the community is how to tackle issues of homelessness and substance use and challenges related to housing.

“We have some really exciting things coming down the pike provincially, and how do we make sure that Kamloops is on the radar for that? How do we make sure that we're on the map?”

Neustaeter said she values experience and learning, and she is looking forward to getting "into the weeds” of how municipal government makes its decisions.

"I'm very passionate about public consultation, and ensuring that that's attached to every decision that we make the impacts to certain communities,” Neustaeter said.

Neustaeter is one of 11 who have so far publicly announced an intention to run for council.

The general local election will be held on Oct. 15.