AT CITY HALL: Councilmember Rob Saka’s chief of staff Elaine Ikoma Ko leaving

The only member of District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka‘s staff who’s been there since he took office two years ago is leaving. But Chief of Staff Elaine Ikoma Ko – who’s been his representative at so many community events (among other duties) over those two years – says this was always the plan. She sent us the farewell note she sent to city colleagues:

Dear colleagues,

I have completed the two-year term I agreed to with Councilmember Saka. I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve and for our outstanding D1 team and colleagues who supported and partnered with me along the way.

Although I’m retiring, again, I will remain engaged in the community and continue supporting the important work happening in D1 as a resident and neighbor.

Let me be clear: this transition was planned from the start when I joined two years ago. There is no drama and no backstory. It has been a privilege to work alongside Councilmember Saka, and I remain one of his strongest supporters in the work he does every day for the people of D1 and the entire city.

All my best,
Elaine

Today is her last day; she says a successor, interim or otherwise, hasn’t yet been announced.

K February 27, 2026 (3:14 pm)

So who is the longest-serving member of his staff now? He sure has a hard time keeping people around.

WSB February 27, 2026 (3:35 pm)

Reply

Erik Schmidt, the district director, has been in the job a bit more than a year – his predecessor was in the job about a year, dating back to the start of Saka’s term. Policy adviser Brendan Kolding is a recent hire.

Rob February 27, 2026 (8:13 pm)

Seems like a great time to reduce headcount to help lower the City’s spending deficit.

k February 28, 2026 (8:10 am)

Reply

If that’s the goal, they need to start with Shon Barnes’ staff, not Saka’s. That guy has the most bloated executive staff of any Police Chief, ever. And because public safety isn’t expected to adhere to any kind of budget given to them, he just creates another six-figure job in his executive circle whenever a buddy of his needs somewhere to go. The city is spending more on paper pushers for Barnes than Sound Transit is spending on its top two executives. I hate that there isn’t more scrutiny on that, but of course when you challenge any police spending items at all, it automatically means you hate cops and love crime.

mem February 27, 2026 (9:12 pm)

I have worked with Elaine on several issues. I always found her receptive to listening to D1 residents and actively reaching for solutions to those concerns. Thank you Elaine and wish you the best in your future endeavors!

Odd son February 28, 2026 (12:01 am)

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I’m glad you did. She didn’t respond to 4 of 5 emails in 2024 I sent to her so I stopped asking for help. Saka never responded to many more. Saka’s auto reply is dismissive and directs constituents to a number of other contacts, some of which go into a black hole (684-road). Eric Schmidt was a contact for constituent issues but he never responded until I followed up. Then his communication suggested getting on a Teams call.

DavidWS February 28, 2026 (4:25 am)

Councilmember Saka and his team have done a stellar job of staying engaged with the district. Saka has shown himself to be a great judge of character and team builder. I have no doubt that he has prepared for Elaine’s departure and will bring on board a person of quality that will continue the team’s record of success.