Steve Bonnar, a Moscow resident for 25 years and a University of Idaho alum, is running for the Moscow City Council to support first responders, create affordable housing options and maintain city financial accountability.
“A house is made of brick and stone, and a home is made of love, nurturing and empathy. And to me, Moscow is my home, and I would like to see it stay that way,” Bonnar said in an interview with The Argonaut.
Bonnar has experience addressing housing and poverty issues in Moscow. He served as treasurer for the Moscow Affordable Housing Trust from 2012-2020 and represented the region on the Idaho Homelessness Coordinating Committee from 2006-2021.
In 2010, Bonnar co-created the Poverty on the Palouse Forum, a collaborative effort focused on reducing local poverty. Bonnar also led the Sojourners’ Alliance, a nonprofit that provides recovery residences and support services, where he served as executive director for 14 years.
Bonnar served as the director of the Palouse Regional Crisis Line, which provides confidential care and immediate support for those in crisis, for five years. He received the Latah County Rosa Parks Human Rights Achievement Award in 2017.
Bonnar addressed three main areas of discussion if elected to the Moscow City Council: the city’s water supply and long-term concerns regarding the underground aquifer; affordable housing options amid population growth; and financial support for first responders to ensure the safety of the community.
Bonnar emphasized the support needed for “struggling individuals” seeking affordable housing in Moscow.
“Anybody that’s making under $16.10 an hour is considered living in poverty,” Bonnar said. “So how far does $16 go after taxes?”
Bonnar added that improving housing options can give individuals an opportunity to grow from and improve their lives.
He also said that the police department is short staffed, which has resulted in many officers working 12-hour shifts. At the same time, Pullman is paying $12,000 more per year for entry-level officers, according to Bonnar.
Bonnar is one of eight candidates running for three open seats on the Moscow City Council in the November 2025 election. City council terms are four years.
To read more about Bonnar’s campaign, visit steve4moscow.com.
Scarlet Herway can be reached at [email protected].