ArenaCo. arrangement ‘unprecedented’, uses no public funding   The Seattle City Council approved final transactions documents by a vote of 8-0 to fully renovate the Arena at Seattle Center and formally approve Oak View Group’s (OVG) plan to privately finance. Taken together, the two ordinances – CB 119344 which revises use of the admissions tax; […]

Earlier today Mayor Durkan transmitted her 2019 / 2020 budget to the City Council.  On Wednesday of this week the Council will begin our budget deliberations, which last until the week of Thanksgiving. As the Chair of the Select Budget Committee I want to take some time to introduce the budget process to you as […]

Today is the start of the budget season. The City Council is required by law to pass a balanced budget, which is how we outline city priorities and show you, the taxpayers, how we are spending your tax dollars on city services. Each week, I’ll be sharing with you an inside look at how the […]

Budget Calendar/Key Deadlines On Monday, September 24th Mayor Jenny Durkan will submit her proposed 2019-2020 City Budget and 2019-2024 Capital Improvement Program. The Council will then begin meeting as the Budget Committee in a two-month process for consideration, amendment, and finally, approval of the City budget. Here’s a brief rundown the of the calendar, process, […]

For many Seattle families, public transit costs are a major household expense. National data shows that transportation costs are the second highest household cost after housing, affecting cost-burdened households in Seattle.  But few people know they can set aside money for transit expenses through a pre-tax payroll deduction. That money can be used to commute […]

United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention Calls for the Release of Xiyue Wang This week the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention ruled that Iran’s detention of Xiyue Wang, an United States citizen and University of Washington Alumni imprisoned in Iran since August of 2016, is illegal and arbitrary and that he must […]

September Means #BackToSchool! Congratulations to all of the students who returned to school this month!  And a mighty congratulations to Seattle Public Schools and the Seattle Education Association on reaching an agreement on a new teachers’ contract. To celebrate the kick off of another school year, my office delivered more than 20 backpacks and #BackToSchool […]

Commit to protecting exceptional trees, maintaining Seattle’s reputation as a ‘truly Emerald City’ Seattle, WA – Members of the Council’s Planning, Land Use and Zoning (PLUZ) Committee issued the following statement specific to the City’s forthcoming tree ordinance earlier today: “The benefits of tree canopies are numerous: a cleaner, more resilient environment, and a more […]

Hello D5, Over the last few weeks my office has received about thirty emails and calls regarding unauthorized homeless encampments at the Lake City Post Office/Grocery Outlet and the Kingfisher Natural Area along Thornton Creek. On behalf of my constituents I have reached out to the City’s Navigation Team, and they have responded to both […]

Audit will cover how department responds to customers who appeal ‘catch up’ bills   SEATTLE – Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda (Position 8, Citywide) and chair of the Housing, Health, Energy and Workers’ Rights Committee, has requested the Seattle City Auditor’s Office to look into billing practices at Seattle City Light over “catch up” bills caused by […]