Author: Boting (Bo) Zhang
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Inner and Outer Power
What did I learn while at the City? Last month, I left my City job with the Equitable Development Initiative after a long leave of absence. Here is the other bookend to my original cover letter aspirations: the final farewell email I sent, with the most important thing I learned about power while in my…
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Embracing Complexity Politics
I’m cross-posting here so that you can find all of my writing in one place. Please visit the South Seattle Emerald to read the full essay. As an immigrant from an increasingly oppressive state, make no mistake — I love getting to have elections. But I sure hate election season. I used to feel ignorant…
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Reflections on Societal Healing
What does societal healing mean? What will it take? I’m steeping in the wake of an impossibly rich conversation with Rev. angel Kyodo williams, Kazu Haga, Tada Hozumi, and Staci Haines—some of my most inspiring and courageous teachers in the intersection of individual and societal healing. Thanks to the folks at Building Belonging for handing me…
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Healing Means Justice Means Healing
What will it take to stand in this opportunity for systemic change? Disclosure & disclaimer: Some projects mentioned here are partly funded through Seattle’s Equitable Development Initiative, where I work. Views expressed here are my own, not my employer’s. The data trail of racial wealth and health disparities in the path of COVID-19 is a…
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A new job: Real Estate Strategist
Why did I take a job at the City? In June, I began working at the City of Seattle’s Office of Planning and Community Development, as the Real Estate Strategist. There is so much to say, and I hope to have an essay for your thoughts soon. For now, here’s the cover letter that accompanied…
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Our Political Polarization: Heartbreak and Healing
Why does politics feel crazy these days, and what can we do about it? Last year, I facilitated a year-long conversation called Between Americans. The 24 participants—half red and half blue—had signed up hoping to achieve connection and understanding across the political schism. By the end of the year, most hadn’t achieved what they’d hoped…
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Authenticity
This is one of two essays that I wrote in Charles Mudede’s Writing the City class at the Hugo House in 2018. I was more afraid of making my truths public back then, and didn’t know what to do with it once I’d written it. I’m finally publishing it here, without edits, in late 2021,…
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Paradise for Productivity
This is one of two essays that I wrote in Charles Mudede’s Writing the City class at the Hugo House in 2018. I didn’t quite know what to do with it then. I’d submitted it to a few places and they didn’t want it. So, fuck it, I’m publishing it here, without edits, in late…
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How Should I Vote?
How should we select political leaders in complex and changing times? As election season ramps up again, I find myself wondering more than ever before: how should I research the candidates? This year, while facilitating a conversation among people who voted for Clinton and Trump, I’ve noticed that, even among people who’ve committed time to…
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Helping out Salmon in Fremont, Seattle, WA
Why would developers voluntarily clean up icky runoff from the Aurora Bridge? In Fremont, a block uphill from Seattle’s ship canal, construction is wrapping up on a glassy office building. An unassuming, newly landscaped terrace flanks the building. The Aurora Bridge soars above the terrace, carrying cars over the canal. Along the canal, boats dot…