Dear OneCity members and neighbours,
You are among the first to know: OneCity is running a Mayor in 2026!
Next year, Vancouver will face a choice about what kind of city we want to be. Will we move forward to a more affordable, prosperous future, or hand the keys back to ABC?
The Spring by-election showed it clearly: our neighbours want change. We’re honoured that Vancouver chose OneCity to be leaders in that movement.
That’s why OneCity will run a Mayor in 2026.
Our members - you - are the core of our party. And unlike some at City Hall, we believe in democracy and transparency.
We’ll host an open Mayoral nomination contest to select our nominee. Several candidates will launch publicly soon.
OneCity’s Mayoral nominee will be selected by you, our members, at our AGM on February 11th, 2026. Council, School, and Park Board nominations will conclude in May. Voting will be by electronic means in February. Members should expect more information with regards to voting procedure in late 2025/early 2026.
The AGM will be held at the York Theatre. Members will receive the RSVP link via email.
FAQs
Only candidates who have been approved by the OneCity Nominations Committee are considered qualified candidates eligible to seek the Mayoral Nomination. Approved candidates have met all requirements and passed thorough vetting. Requirements of candidacy include:
- Meeting or exceeding the required fundraising entrance fee from at least 20 donors;
- Completed nomination forms with the signatures of at least 25 OneCity members in good standing;
- Agree to OneCity's Statement of Values;
- Be a member of OneCity in good standing for no fewer than 30 days.
Once an approved candidate announces their intention to seek the OneCity nomination publicly, their name will be published on this page confirming their status along with more information about their campaign. The Nominations Committee encourages members to volunteer in nomination races and contact candidates' campaigns directly for opportunities. All approved candidates have agreed to strict privacy and confidentiality rules and will receive a copy of OneCity's membership list with members' contact information. Members may opt out from being contacted by nomination campaigns by emailing the Membership Secretary, Will Shelling, at [email protected].
Additionally, OneCity is in ongoing conversations with Vancouver's other progressive parties. The candidate OneCity nominates for mayor will work hard to earn their trust and yours. Together, we will build a city-wide movement to end Ken Sim’s reckless mismanagement of Vancouver.
The Nominations Committee will announce several member-exclusive events where you can meet your Mayoral candidates. They will be accessible and free for members.
Approved Mayoral Candidates
William Azaroff
William Azaroff is a community housing leader and city builder who knows how to bring people together to get things done.
Born and raised in Vancouver, William has dedicated the last 20 years to making our city stronger through building affording housing, partnerships, and organizations.
William is the CEO of Brightside Community Homes, where he leads a team that manages over 1100 affordable homes for seniors, families, and people with disabilities - with 400 more on the way. Under his leadership, Brightside is on track to double the number of affordable homes in its portfolio, has certified as a Living Wage Employer and is working to eliminate fossil fuel usage completely by 2035.
Prior to Brightside, William worked at Vancity for over a decade, working his way up to an executive position where he managed $4 billion in community investments. This work has had a real impact on our city, through funding local non-profits, supporting climate action, and backing Indigenous-led businesses.
He is also a dedicated board director, having served on the boards of community organizations like the BC Non-Profit Housing Association, Modo, and the Vancouver International Film Festival.
William and his family are long-time residents of the Strathcona neighbourhood.
Amanda Burrows
Amanda’s roots are in organizing and advocacy. For over 20 years, she’s worked alongside communities fighting for human rights, housing, and economic justice. During COVID-19, she helped launch DTES Response, a grassroots network that mobilized quickly to protect the city’s most at-risk. She’s also a trusted voice in faith and civic circles, often bringing people together to talk about what justice and belonging look like in action, and how we can all play a part.
She currently serves on the Ken Lyotier Fund Advisory Committee, the DTES Community Land Trust Coalition, and the Board of the Vancouver Opera, where she’s helping push for more equity and inclusion in the arts.
Amanda studied Art History at the University of Victoria and Museum Studies at the University of Toronto, and she’s a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE). She’s also completed leadership programs at Harvard Kennedy School and the London School of Economics – but what really drives her is the belief that real change starts with listening to, and learning from, the people most affected.
What's Next
We invite you to see the declared candidates in action on Saturday, December 6th at OneCity's Year-End Party.
With live performances, barn-burning speeches, and bar service. Get your tickets today! They'll go fast.