The Seattle City Council elected Councilmember Tim Burgess (Position 8, Citywide) as the 55th Mayor of Seattle today. Burgess will take the oath of office today at 5:00 p.m., which will be administered by City Clerk Monica Martinez Simmons. Burgess will serve as Mayor until King County certifies election results on November 28, 2018.
Click here for a list of select accomplishments during his service on the Seattle City Council.
Burgess delivered the following remarks after his nomination at Full Council today:
“Thank you, colleagues, for your trust and confidence.
“For the past 10 years, the 2nd floor of City Hall has been my work home. It has been a great honor and privilege to serve with each of my colleagues and I’m grateful to the people of Seattle who have chosen me three times to serve them.
“This is certainly not the way anyone would have chosen to become mayor of our great city. It is, however, where we are.
“I promise to work every day for the next 71 days as mayor to help us heal and move the city forward.
“We will carry on our work to make Seattle a safe, fair and equitable city.
“We will serve all of our city, not one group or another; but everyone, all residents in every neighborhood and everyone who comes into the city to work their jobs.
“I take this transition from the legislative to the executive branch with all the gravity and seriousness of purpose the office demands. But, I cannot do it alone.
“I need the help of my colleagues here on the City Council, the team in my new office, the 11,000 City employees who work across the city every day and every hour, and, of course, my family.
“I’d like to take a moment introduce my family members who are here.
“Joleen, the woman who taught me love and forgiveness. This Saturday is our 40th wedding anniversary. I look forward to celebrating it.
“Our daughters—Kimberly, Katharine, and Elisabeth who is here with her husband Dahm Choi. These are strong, independent and accomplished women; they are the women who have made me who I am today. They have shaped my worldview. I cherish their wisdom and their love. And they’re not afraid to tell me when I’m wrong.
“Later this afternoon, I will take the oath of office and become mayor. And tomorrow, we will continue our work. Not simply because we have to, but because we want to.
“In fact, Councilmembers, I will return next Monday afternoon to deliver the 2018 budget for your consideration. It will be balanced. It will be fair and just. And it will uphold the progressive values of Seattle.”