Judy Runstad, prominent attorney, civic leader, and philanthropist, has been named the 2025 Seattle King County First Citizen — a distinguished recognition honoring her decades-long impact on the region’s civic and built environments.
“Judy Runstad’s influence in shaping Seattle and supporting others sets a remarkable standard for all of us. Being named the 2025 First Citizen underscores her enduring contributions to both our community and the Runstad Department of Real Estate,” said Shannon Affholter, Co-Chair, Runstad Department of Real Estate.
As vice chair of Wright Runstad and Company and a longtime real estate attorney, Runstad helped shape Washington’s Growth Management Act and led major civic and development efforts — including the CenturyLink Stadium project and contributions to the Rainier Square and Spring District developments.
Her philanthropic legacy includes decades of service to regional nonprofits and higher education. In 2001, she and her late husband Jon Runstad established the Department of Real Estate at the University of Washington, now bearing their name.
“Judy has been at the vanguard of Seattle’s explosive growth and is a key visionary making Seattle a center of international commerce and culture,” said Michael Callahan, head coach of UW men’s rowing.
Source: Seattle King County First Citizen Award “Introducing Judy Runstad The 87th recipient of the Seattle King County First Citizen Award”