The Auburn City Council has appointed Councilmember Cheryl Rakes as deputy mayor for 2025 following a vote at Monday’s (Dec. 16, 2024) council meeting.
Rakes, who began serving on the council in 2023 after filling a vacancy left by former Councilmember Chris Stearns when he joined the state legislator, was elected to a full term later that year.
“I’m ready to get started,” Rakes said following her appointment. “For me, Auburn is my home; Auburn is my town. Going on my second year as councilmember — and with all of my leadership training — I’ll bring patience, understanding, and knowledge to this role, where I can train, advise, and work with all of my fellow councilmembers.”
Rakes’ ties to Auburn run deep. Her family moved to the city from Bellingham in 1960 after her father took a position with the Auburn Fire Department, where he retired as a captain in 1980. Rakes, a 1973 graduate of Auburn High School, attended Mr. Lee’s Beauty School, Knapp College of Business, and took classes at Green River College.
Since 2019, she has served as executive director of the Downtown Auburn Cooperative, a role she describes as a passion, allowing her to work closely with small businesses in the community.
“Deputy Mayor Rakes has roots that stretch deep into Auburn’s past,” said Mayor Nancy Backus. “She comes into this role with a wealth of knowledge, ready to represent Auburn in every way she can.”
In her free time, Rakes enjoys spending time with her husband, Shawn, her three children, eight grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. She also loves crafts, including sewing and crocheting.
Rakes is set to serve as deputy mayor throughout 2025, bringing her longstanding local ties and leadership experience to the role.
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