About Will Chen

Will was elected as your city council member in 2021, served as Finance Committee Chair, Disability Board council liaison, Lodging Tax Advisory Committee, and Port of Edmonds council liaison. Prior to being elected to the City Council, he served on Edmonds Citizens Housing Commission, volunteer for our community, he is also a small business owner here in Edmonds. In 2023, Will co-founded an Edmonds based non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, Asian Service Center, that aim to break barriers and build bridges by providing information and resources to the underserved in South Snohomish County.   Will is driven to bring integrity, common sense, fiscal restraint, and equity in decision-making to the role. Together with his wife Lisa, a respected high school science teacher and union member in the Shoreline School District, they share a deep understanding of the needs of the Edmonds community and a commitment to improving and expanding the opportunities for all those who call this city home.

Will arrived in the U.S. more than twenty-six years ago with very limited English skills and worked multiple jobs to pay for an education so that he could pursue a career and build a future. After receiving an undergraduate degree, followed by two master’s degrees from well-respected public universities in Iowa and Washington State, he passed the CPA exam and began a successful career in corporate finance. Will now runs his own CPA firm supporting clients in Edmonds and across the globe. 

Will pledges the same kind of hard work and commitment to the city of Edmonds. As a first generation American and a proud US citizen, he feels lucky to live in such a beautiful and vibrant community and states his love for the Edmonds community as a key motivator for running for office. When asked what else motivated him to volunteer his experience on the council he responded, “I want to use my skills and knowledge to help small businesses and all people in our city, serving everybody in Edmonds with a balanced policy decision-making approach.” He explained further that “Edmonds is a culturally rich community and more ethnically diverse than folks might realize. While our diversity is a strength, the truth is, we have neighbors who need help to access city services, secure housing and food security and be engaged in the civic process. I believe I am uniquely qualified to represent these issues and act as a voice for those who often get overlooked.”

Councilmember Vivian Olson agrees in 2021. “His candidacy makes Edmonds’ government relevant to a population that has not previously engaged.” She endorses Will Chen’s candidacy with excitement, saying he checks all of the boxes: good judgment, independence, and ability to unify. Will Chen has all of these things.” Olson also points out that Chen is an experienced accountant and auditor, able to offer invaluable expertise on the finance committee and during the all-important budget process.

Mr. Ralph Sanders whole-heartily endorse Will’s re-election campaign, saying “I strongly supported Will Chen when he first ran for Edmonds City Council, and I’m proud I did.  I’m excited to see he’s running again.  Will Chen has been an excellent representative for the city, especially in the area of budget and finance.  He was the one who first called the alarm on the sad state of the city budget.  Will, a dedicated family man who lives in the city, loves Edmonds, understands the way money works, is a tireless worker, is an excellent listener, and is truly a man of the people.”

Aurysia Ko also jumped to endorse Will’s re-election campaign, saying “Will Chen got my vote! So proud to see him represent the Asian community for City of Edmonds.  He been the one helping my family’s small business Harvest Wonton Noodle to grow over this past 2 years.  I am always grateful and the dedication understands the people’s needs.  As well as being a part of the Asian Service Center to raise awareness Asian (culture) and building meaningful connections along the way.  I am excited to see he is running again this 2025!”

Will has received the endorsements of local business owners, community members and many elected leaders including U.S. Representative Rick Larsen, 21st LD State Representative and Snohomish County Council Strom Peterson, 32nd LD State House Representative Cindy Ryu, Snohomish County Councilmember Jared Mead and Nate Nehring and many more.

Edmonds business owner Roberto Ha expressed his endorsement with the following, “Mr. Will Chen is a businessman and cares about Edmonds and its citizens. I appreciate his willingness to serve. Will is in the mold of leaders who have unselfishly, and with vision, made important decisions to improve our community.”

Will has always made time to serve. He is a co-founder and board member of Asian Service Center, member of Edmonds Rotary Club.  In his spare time, he likes to play golf.