Councilmember Dan Strauss' Staff

Email Jesse

Jesse Franz lives in Ballard and serves as Chief of Staff for Councilmember Dan Strauss. He’s worked for the City of Seattle since 2018, including three years with the Seattle City Council’s Communications Team serving all nine council members. Prior to that, he worked as a journalist for television and print news publications up and down the West Coast.

Email Anthony

Anthony Rodriguez was born in Paso Robles, CA but grew up in Central Texas where he attended college at Baylor University for Political Science, History, and Communications. After graduating, he moved to Austin where he worked in political fundraising for progressive causes until getting a job with the Texas Office of the Attorney General in Child Support and then the Constituent Affairs Division. Seeking adventure and wanting to return to his West Coast roots, Anthony moved to Seattle and has loved the city ever since.

In his free time, Anthony loves bouldering, spending time outdoors, and is a PC gaming nerd.

Anthony is a policy advisor to the Councilmember covering policy areas such as land use, transportation, Sound Transit, parks, economic development, utilities, technology, sustainability, civil rights, arts & culture, and libraries & neighborhoods, and early learning. 

Email Emma

Emma was born and raised in Ballard and currently lives in Magnolia. She has a background in early childhood and elementary education and has a master’s degree from the University of Washington in Education Policy. Emma was recently a Session Aide in the state legislature and is passionate about state and city policy. Emma is a Seattle sports fan and particularly enjoys going to Mariner’s games. Emma also likes going to local bars for trivia nights. Emma is committed to public service in Seattle and is excited to be Interim District Director for Councilmember Dan Strauss in the district she calls home.

Email Noemi

Noemi Sanchez a born and raised Washingtonian, brings a legal background and a deep commitment to public service to the Councilmember’s Office. Before joining the team as a Legislative Assistant, they had a long-standing career in private practice, later transitioning to the Seattle city Attorney’s Office.  There she specialized in complex and constitutional litigation, navigating the intricate framework that shapes our city.

Outside of the legislative arena. Noemi is a dedicated advocate for the Seattle community. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for Seattle Pride and is a frequent volunteer as a foster parent at the Seattle Animal Shelter.

Outside of work and volunteering you can find her, running the Seattle trails with her rescue dog Jean Claude, catching an indie film at the SIFF, enjoying live music at a local venue.

Email Joel

Joel Raphael was born and raised in Seattle's District 6, earning his Eagle Scout award from Ballard's historic Boy Scout Troop 100. He then served as a Combat Medic in the United States Army's 101st Airborne Division, deploying twice in Operation Iraqi Freedom, including to the Triangle of Death during the Surge. After leaving the military to care for his daughter as a single father, he returned home to study Physics and Philosophy at the University of Washington. During the pandemic, he joined the United States Postal Service as a Letter Carrier and Postal Supervisor, personally delivering mail all across Crown Hill, Ballard, Fremont, and Magnolia during the quarantine.

Joel currently serves as the District Director for District 6, and as an Officer in the Washington Army National Guard.