Councillor Sade Etti has emerged as one of the most dedicated voices in Hackney’s local government, championing housing justice and inclusion with a firm grasp of both policy and community realities. Her rise to public office reflects not just professional determination but a deep-rooted passion for the wellbeing of vulnerable residents.
Ms Etti began her journey in the heart of community service, working at the grassroots where she built relationships, listened to local concerns, and became a reliable advocate for those whose voices were often overlooked. Her consistent visibility and advocacy earned her the trust of residents, particularly among those navigating the complex and often demoralising experience of temporary accommodation.
In May 2024, her work was recognised at the highest level of local authority when she was appointed Cabinet Member for Housing Needs and Homelessness by Hackney Mayor Caroline Woodley. The role placed her at the centre of one of the borough’s most pressing issues. Families across Hackney were enduring long waiting lists for social housing, with many living in overcrowded conditions, temporary homes, or unsuitable facilities for years. Ms Etti described the situation as heartbreaking and pledged to make it a top priority.
Her appointment came after a commendable performance as Deputy Cabinet Member, where she helped steer several local initiatives including the installation of solar panels on council homes, the expansion of access to general practitioners across underserved communities, and support for multi-agency responses to hate crime. In her new role, she quickly got to work addressing inefficiencies in the housing allocation system, promoting more transparency, and pushing for investment in the borough’s dwindling affordable housing stock.
One of her key goals has been to reduce the backlog of applications and the time it takes for families to be placed in safe and permanent housing. With a firm understanding of policy and an unwavering commitment to fairness, she has worked to introduce improved data systems that prevent delays, reduce miscommunication, and ensure that support reaches the people who need it most.
Her leadership has also involved strengthening partnerships with local services including healthcare, social support, education, and the police. She has been vocal about the need for a coordinated approach that not only houses people but also ensures they are supported through the broader challenges of homelessness including mental health struggles, job insecurity, and family breakdown.
Ms Etti’s work has earned her a growing reputation as a principled and action-driven public servant. In a city grappling with a worsening housing crisis, she has positioned herself not just as a figure of authority, but as a voice for the people. She is part of a new generation of political leaders who understand the importance of staying close to the community while making meaningful policy decisions.
Her story is not one of overnight success, but of steady progress, of listening before acting, and of carrying the hopes of many with humility and strength. She continues to push for a borough where no child grows up in a hotel room, where families have a place to call home, and where the council can be trusted to deliver with empathy and efficiency.
Councillor Sade Etti’s work is a reminder that public service, at its best, is personal. It is rooted in the lived realities of those it seeks to serve, shaped by honesty, driven by urgency, and guided by a vision of a more dignified and inclusive society.
