Council President Sally J. Clark
Councilmember Sally Bagshaw
Councilmember Tim Burgess
Councilmember Richard Conlin
Councilmember Jean Godden
Councilmember Bruce Harrell
Councilmember Mike O'Brien
Councilmember Tom Rasmussen

Seattle City Council passes South Lake Union rezone
New zoning increases capacity for housing, jobs

SEATTLE - Seattle City Council unanimously passed Council Bill 117603, a package of land use changes that increases the development capacity of the South Lake Union neighborhood to accommodate projected future job growth and housing demands.

"After eight years of collaboration with South Lake Union stakeholders, neighbors and city staff, we're finally implementing the 2004 designation of South Lake Union as an 'Urban Center' and the South Lake Union Neighborhood Plan update," said Councilmember Richard Conlin, Chair of the Special Committee on South Lake Union and the Planning, Land Use, and Sustainability Committee. "By 2031, South Lake Union will have to absorb some 12,000 households and 22,000 jobs to continue to meet its share of future growth. This rezone will take the pressure off other neighborhoods and will shape South Lake Union for the next hundred years," added Conlin.

In addition to allowing greater building heights, the new zoning also imposes development standards and incentives to encourage a diverse urban form, more open space and an improved streetscape. For example:

• Only one tower per block will be permitted on the lake front blocks. Other blocks can have two towers but they must be more widely spaced than anywhere else in the city.
• There are strong street-level design standards and incentives to ensure a lively and vibrant pedestrian environment, such as requiring retail at ground level.
• A series of subarea standards will maintain the character of specific communities through incentives for preservation of landmark properties and existing open spaces.
• A new program that preserves farm land and forest land by transferring development rights into South Lake Union will generate funds for transportation improvements.

"This is the culmination of many years of hard work by many people," said City Council President Sally J. Clark. "Cascade neighbors, the South Lake Union Community Council, businesses large and small, property owners, research institutions, social service and low-income housing providers - they haven't always agreed, but they've all worked to shape a vision and now the rules for development of an amazing place to live and work."
"Imagine our South Lake Union alive with growing businesses a bustling neighborhood, connected to green spaces and great transit," said Councilmember Sally Bagshaw. "We've reached a sound compromise that will work."

The Council modified the legislation submitted by Mayor Mike McGinn by adding requirements for greener buildings, historic preservation and view protection, and strengthening affordable housing provisions. Major amendments approved by the Council include:

• Reducing the allowed height on the Mercer blocks from 240 feet to 160 feet, and reorienting the towers to protect views by limiting east-west width to 105 feet.
• Adding the opportunity for up to four 125 foot residential towers on two blocks between the intersections of Westlake and Dexter and Highland and Galer, where the slope of Queen Anne Hill creates a significant change in the topography. This will replace most of the development capacity lost with lower heights on the Mercer blocks.
• Requiring all new buildings to meet the Gold standard of the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) program of the US Green Building Council.
• Expanding incentives to encourage preservation of all landmarked structures.
• Raising heights in part of the Cascade neighborhood from 75 feet to 85 feet to allow more flexibility in design.
• Strengthening incentives if developers include a public school in their project.
• Creating permanent setbacks on east-west corridors to protect views of the Space Needle, which was accomplished without reducing development potential.

The Mayor's proposed legislation included a requirement for developers to either include affordable housing in their projects or to contribute to funds for building low income housing if the developer chooses to build above the base height, which is 85 feet in most of the neighborhood. The Council increased the amount of the required fee by 43% for residential projects in hopes of generating more affordable workforce housing in the neighborhood. The fee for commercial projects will increase 33%, phased in over eighteen months.

"We improved the South Lake Union proposal significantly for the public by generating more resources for affordable workforce housing, encouraging the creation of a new public school and establishing a positive precedent for future upzones that will ensure smart growth for Seattle," said Councilmember Tim Burgess.

"I am proud of the work Council did to strengthen the incentives to build more affordable workforce housing in South Lake Union, creating more opportunities for people to live near where they work," said Councilmember Mike O'Brien.

"As we grow denser - and we must - we are growing in a manner that promotes Seattle values: affordability, an inviting pedestrian environment, open space and protected public views, and design standards that will give us a neighborhood worthy of civic pride," said Councilmember Jean Godden.

"The rezone package strikes a sensible balance between developers and the affordability targets by the City. This year, we will begin a 7-year major update to the City's Comprehensive Plan so policy work will continue to address the city's share of affordable housing needs and stimulate the market with smart development," said Councilmember Bruce Harrell. "We want a City where residents can live, work and play. Most importantly, in this process to set a clear vision for the South Lake Union neighborhood, Council was forward-thinking and inclusive."

[View in Council Newsroom]

Council President Sally J. Clark
Councilmember Sally Bagshaw
Councilmember Tim Burgess
Councilmember Richard Conlin
Councilmember Jean Godden
Councilmember Bruce Harrell
Councilmember Nick Licata
Councilmember Mike O'Brien
Councilmember Tom Rasmussen

City Council Town Hall Meeting on Climate Action Tomorrow
Community encouraged to share thoughts and perspectives

Seattle - Join the Seattle City Council for a town hall meeting where Councilmembers will hear directly from the public.  The meeting will be hosted in the context of the City's recently unveiled Climate Action Plan. 

The town hall will open at 6 p.m. with remarks by Councilmembers, followed by a panel discussion to provide the community with an overview of the draft Climate Action Plan, why it's important and how the community can help.  The rest of the meeting will be dedicated to open public comment.  Speakers will not be constrained to addressing climate issues.

WHO: Seattle City Councilmembers, general public

WHAT: Council Town Hall on Climate Action

WHEN: Tuesday, May 7, 6 p.m.

WHERE: University Heights Center
5031 University Way NE, Room 209
Seattle, WA 98105

Read the draft Climate Action Program at http://www.seattle.gov/council/issues/climate/

For more information, visit the event flier .PDF here

[View in Council Newsroom]

A blurry Geena Davis (thanks to my colleague, Sally Clark, for snapping the pic)

Women’s charities used to be funded by the farmer’s wife contributing egg money to overseas missions. That’s definitely not true today — not since the YWCA began its tradition of Inspire Luncheons 25 years ago.

What began modestly a generation ago has become a three-venue production, raising somewhere around $1 million annually to empower women and families. This week’s 25^th anniversary event at the Washington State Convention Center first paid tribute to the late KOMO Anchor Kathi Gertzen who would have celebrated her 55^th birthday that same day, April 29. For 24 of the 25 years of luncheon fundraisers, Gertzen served as mistress of ceremonies.

The tribute to Gertzen was followed by a keynote address by actress Geena Davis who heads the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, dedicated to reducing gender stereotypes. The actress has built a career depicting women of strength including, but not limited to, her performances as the first female president of the United States and a World War II baseball star in “A League of Her Own.”

Davis told the story of how surprised she was to hear from a woman who told her that she was trying to relive Davis’ role in “Thelma and Louise.” Seems a little much to pattern oneself after a heroine, no matter how strong, who brandishes guns, commits robbery and ends up killing herself. But still, Davis believes it matters that there are some strong roles for female characters.

An interesting statistic cited by Davis was a survey, taken by her institute, that shows that at all levels of the movie industry (actors, technicians, extras etc.) women only constitute about 17 percent. It’s very much a male-dominated industry.

Davis said that, growing up, she’d never played baseball or other sport as she always thought of herself, tree-top tall, as uncoordinated. When it came to basketball, she didn’t know how to play, but because of her height – more than six feet – she was told that she should “just stand there.”  She told the Convention Center audience that she finally took up archery at the age of 41 and, surprisingly, became a semi-finalist for the Olympics’ team. She describes attaining that goal as “changing the course of my life.”

Davis’ stories of groundbreaking achievement served as a powerful metaphor for the YWCA’s mission in supporting women and families. Few were yesterday’s luncheon guests – more than 2,500 women and a few good men – who didn’t leave the event with a warm glow. Once again, the luncheon was taking women-centered philanthropy to a whole new level.

City Councilmembers to vote on gun safety public health funding

Seattle - The City Council's Government Performance and Finance Committee will consider tomorrow morning an amendment to budget legislation to fund a gun safety public health package. According to earlier news reports, the City of Seattle would be the first city in the nation to provide direct funding for basic research into the causes and effects of gun violence.

WHAT: Discussion and vote on public health gun safety package

WHEN: TOMORROW - Wednesday, May 1, 9:30 a.m.
(see agenda, item #4; timing is approximate)

WHERE: City Council Chambers
Seattle City Hall
600 Fourth Ave, 2nd floor

WHO: Government Performance and Finance Committee members

Partnering with the University of Washington's Harborview Medical Center and public health agencies, the $370,500 package of initiatives would spur research on gun violence and improve the City and County's response to mental health crises resulting from tragedies.

[View in Council Newsroom]

Councilmember Sally Bagshaw
Councilmember Jean Godden
Councilmember Bruce Harrell

Councilmembers Bagshaw, Godden, Harrell to appear on
May's City Inside/Out: Council Edition
The opportunity is yours: Ask City Councilmembers your questions

SEATTLE - Do you have questions for members of the City Council? What is the Council's plan for the future of Seattle's parks? Should the City Council be responsible for re-confirming the Seattle Chief of Police? Will the Seattle Supersonics ever return to Seattle? Join the conversation by submitting your questions now.

The May 7 episode of Seattle Channel's City Inside/Out: Council Edition will feature Councilmembers Sally Bagshaw, Jean Godden and Bruce Harrell answering your questions with host Brian Callanan.

Submit your questions for the Councilmembers by 10 a.m. on Friday, May 3.

• Email: contact@seattlechannel.org
• Online: http://www.seattlechannel.org/CouncilEdition/
• Twitter: @SeattleChannel
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SeattleChannel

Don't miss this opportunity to put your issues before the city's lawmakers. Send in your questions now and tune in to Seattle Channel, Cable 21, 7:30 p.m., Tuesday,
May 7 to hear the Councilmembers respond.

[View in Council Newsroom]

Cathy Allen, CEO of the Connections Group, posing with two of the visitors.

What I learned from these visitors is invaluable. I heard how they have been working on behalf of women and children in their countries to combat violence against women, counter human trafficking and address child sexual abuse.

At the dinner event, sponsored by the Center for Women and Democracy, I was lucky enough to be seated next to Daniella Misail-Nichitin from Moldava, a small land-locked nation between Romania and the Ukraine. Daniella is a well-spoken young woman and co-founder of the NGO La Strada (“the road”).  Since 2012, she’s been that organization’s executive director and is regarded as the leading expert in the field of human trafficking prevention.

Her principal role is to assist Moldavan women and prevent them from falling victim to trafficking. Her agency fills that role since, as she noted ruefully, “Moldova’s law enforcement and judicial systems are underfunded, poorly trained and corrupt.” Although young and slight, she shoulders heavy responsibilities. Not only does she direct counter-trafficking work in her country, she is also an international trainer on issues related to trafficking and domestic violence.

During our meal, she leaped up frequently to photograph speakers who included three international visitors as well as Seattle women who have been active in working for women’s rights. All of the speakers provided insights into the remarkable work that’s being done, sometimes under adverse circumstances, to protect women and children.

I was especially impressed by Freshta Karimi, who came here from her native Afghanistan. She directs Da Qanoon Gshtunkay, a non-governmental organization that works to assist women and children in her country. She told of some of the hardships she has faced. Local Talibs forced her office in Kandahar to shut down, despite her urgent calls to local and national leaders. She has continued to work in Southern Afghanistan while looking for ways to reenter Northern provinces

She mentioned one recent case involving a young girl who had been compelled to marry at the age of five. The youngster had been beaten and badly mistreated by her inlaws and, eventually, was sent off to an orphanage. It was from there that Freshta, over protests, managed to rescue the child.

During the question period, Freshta was asked if she had received personal threats. She readily admitted that she had and said that she often is the target of threats. However, she brushed aside the risks as part of the price of her calling. She said that she “balances” safety with the urgency of doing work on behalf of women and children.

Over and over, those of us at the dinner heard stories of the foreign visitors’ remarkable determination. The work they have been doing parallels Seattle efforts. But, whereas areas like Seattle see women trafficked from poorer nations, the international visitors are working to prevent their women from being caught up in the web of trafficking schemes.

The rescue efforts are mostly mounted by women. But it is not exclusively women’s work. The one man in the delegation was Parneet Singh, a passport officer from India. He   has made it his mission to improve the lot of women and girls in his district, working with women who have been abandoned by husbands residing overseas. To help the women left behind, he started a “Women’s Grievance Cell,” finding legal justification for his action in a little-known portion of the Indian Civil Code. He denies passports abroad to men until they resolve their wives’ claims.

The evening with the State Department visitors gave the Seattleites in attendance a sense of how important working internationally has become. It’s also gave them an appreciation for the courage and determination of those who work to help women around the world.

It’s National Volunteer Week and few groups have a better excuse to celebrate than Gilda’s Club Seattle.

One of 28 groups nationwide, the club takes its name from the late Saturday Night Live comedian Gilda Radner. After Radner contracted ovarian cancer, she was helped by friends. Her wish was that people everywhere could enjoy such support.

Although Gilda’s Club Seattle maintains a hard-working core staff, much of the support work –  hosting support sessions, teaching yoga, art, cooking and exercise – is done by dedicated volunteers.

Sunday afternoon, Executive Director Anna Gottlieb handed out more than a dozen “we couldn’t do it without you” awards recognizing the service of those volunteers. The large audience was seated in the comfortable mismatched easy chairs and sofas that occupy the salon of the 1911 colonial style building, a former funeral home at the corner of Broadway and East Union.

Gilda’s Club has no membership fee and all programs are free to its many thousand  members.  The no-fee financial miracle is made possible by fundraising events, individual donations and grants.  Still, the club had to cut back during the recession years, dropping some programs and cutting staff hours. More than ever, the club relied in those willing volunteers

Take the husband and wife team (John and Velerie Backus) who volunteered to help with the annual essay contest. Little did they know what lay ahead. Last year, more than a thousand youngsters submitted “It’s Always Something” stories about their families’ experiences with cancer. Imagine the dedication of reading through all those poignant tales to honor teens with scholarship awards.

Or there’s my friend and former Seattle Times co-worker Terry Tazioli who has long been a volunteer at Gilda’s Club. After his late sister Kai Leamer contracted breast cancer, he became a regular at the club. Terry raises money for scholarships awarded in her name. But, more than that, he — like many of the volunteers — enlists friends, co-workers and associates to help with Gilda’s programs.

The club’s website, tended, not so incidentally, by Jerry Liebermann, who came to the Club after years of dealing with leukemia, credits director Anna Gottlieb for founding Gilda’s Club Seattle.

The way Gottlieb tells it, she spotted an article in People Magazine 15 years ago, while waiting for a friend at her doctor’s appointment.  She says, “It was almost as if a light bulb went off in my head.” She flew to New York to see the first Gilda’s Club and returned in awe, thinking “how hard can it be?”

As she now says, “It’s a good thing I didn’t know.”  The fact that Gilda’s Club has survived and made a difference in so many lives is due to her hard work, the work of the enthusiastic staff and those many volunteers. As Gottlieb says, “We really can and do make a difference. Our members tell us so every day.”

Council President Sally J. Clark
Councilmember Sally Bagshaw
Councilmember Tim Burgess
Councilmember Richard Conlin
Councilmember Jean Godden
Councilmember Bruce Harrell
Councilmember Nick Licata
Councilmember Mike O'Brien
Councilmember Tom Rasmussen

City Council Strengthens Affordable Housing Program
in South Lake Union
Consensus built around the need for more affordable workforce housing in the neighborhood

Seattle -- The Seattle City Council South Lake Union Committee voted unanimously on an amendment to produce more workforce affordable housing in the South Lake Union (SLU) neighborhood by strengthening the incentive zoning program. The agreement is a compromise between two existing amendments offered by Councilmembers, which were introduced in last week's SLU Committee meeting. Consensus was built around the need to strengthen the incentive zoning program without discouraging development.

"Today's decision is an important, modest step toward securing more affordable workforce housing in South Lake Union, so that people at all income levels who work in the neighborhood have a chance to live there," said Councilmember Mike O'Brien. "This is a community of opportunity where the city is investing over $500 million in public infrastructure, and I think it only fair that the benefits of this redevelopment are shared more broadly."

The legislation to strengthen incentive zoning includes a 43% increase in the residential pay-in-lieu price (from $15.15 to $21.68), effectively immediately, and a 33% increase in the commercial price that will be phased in over eighteen months (to $29.71). These prices are paid on a percent of square-foot basis in exchange for additional height and building capacity. Collectively, these provisions will produce an estimated 733 units of workforce housing in and near the neighborhood. The original legislation would have created an estimated 406 units.

"After collaborating with local businesses and affordable housing advocates, we crafted a sensible solution that goes far beyond the Mayor's status quo proposal and brings affordable workforce housing to the City's hottest real estate market," said Councilmember Tim Burgess. "Now many more nurses, school teachers, construction workers and other working families can call this booming neighborhood home."

"The Council's adjustments in this legislation and the overall commitment to seeing workforce-priced units actually built in these developments will  help more working people find homes in South Lake Union near jobs and transit," said Council President Sally J. Clark. "That's good for employees and good for employers."
              
"The new Affordable Housing Amendment reflects a collaborative and inclusive decision-making process with developers and affordable housing advocates. The Council applied the Race and Social Justice Initiative lens to ensure we were having an honest debate on equity. Council honored its promise of delivering on-site affordable workforce units in this neighborhood," said Councilmember Bruce Harrell.

"These amendments strengthen one of our tools to generate more workforce housing in South Lake Union," said Councilmember Richard Conlin, chair of the Special Committee on South Lake Union. "I look forward to working with stakeholders and housing experts to both refine our incentive zoning program and also increase the supply of affordable housing city-wide."

"It all goes back to why so many people come to Seattle -- they come because we are a city of inclusive neighborhoods, not just a copy of someplace else. A strengthened incentive zoning program reaffirms our commitment to inclusive and affordable neighborhoods," said Councilmember Jean Godden.

"These amendments, while not a bold leap, are reasonable steps in the right direction. This is only a modest beginning for making housing in Seattle more affordable for average folks," said Councilmember Nick Licata. "We cannot continue to see workers forced to move ever further from the city and drive long distances to work here. The solution is clearly to require developers to provide substantially more affordable housing."

The Council last updated the incentive zoning program in 2008, establishing the goal of producing 5% of affordable workforce residential units in the neighborhood of the development. The Council will also consider similar fee adjustments to the downtown incentive housing program to take effect in 2014.

"Even with this step, we need to go further by engaging in the process laid out in Resolution 31444 to review and update of Seattle's incentive zoning and other affordable housing programs, so we can begin to bridge the gap between our affordable housing needs and the amount we are currently producing," said Councilmember Mike O'Brien.

City Council plans to vote on the full South Lake Union rezone proposal at the May 6 Full Council meeting at 2:00pm in Council Chambers.

[View in Council Newsroom]

Council President Sally J. Clark
Councilmember Sally Bagshaw
Councilmember Tim Burgess
Councilmember Richard Conlin
Councilmember Jean Godden
Councilmember Bruce Harrell
Councilmember Nick Licata
Councilmember Mike O'Brien
Councilmember Tom Rasmussen

City Council to host Town Hall Meeting on Climate Action
Community encouraged to share thoughts and perspectives

Seattle -- Join the Seattle City Council for a town hall meeting where Councilmembers will hear directly from the public.  The meeting will be hosted in the context of the City's recently unveiled Climate Action Plan. 

The town hall will open at 6 p.m. with remarks by Councilmembers, followed by a panel discussion to provide the community with an overview of the draft Climate Action Plan, why it's important and how the community can help.  The rest of the meeting will be dedicated to open public comment.  Speakers will not be constrained to addressing climate issues.

WHO:             Seattle City Councilmembers, general public

WHAT:           Council Town Hall on Climate Action

WHEN:          Tuesday, May 7, 6 p.m.

WHERE:        University Heights Center
                     5031 University Way NE, Room 209
                     Seattle, WA 98105

Read the draft Climate Action Program at http://www.seattle.gov/council/issues/climate/

For more information, visit the event flier .PDF here

[View in Council Newsroom]

Councilmember Jean Godden
Councilmember Mike O'Brien

Councilmembers Godden and O'Brien
release statement on white pages directories ruling
Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission removes phone book mailing requirement

Seattle -- The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) today issued new rules regulating to the distribution of white pages telephone directories in Washington.

The UTC removed the requirement that white pages publishers deliver directories to every resident in the state. White pages publishers must ensure its directory is accessible online and deliver a physical copy to anyone who requests it. In situations where publishers continue to distribute the directories to entire communities--for example in rural communities more reliant on white pages directories--the publishers must create and advertise an opt-out system for customers who do not wish to receive a book. 

Seattle City Councilmember Jean Godden, Chair of the Libraries, Utilities and Center Committee, and Councilmember Mike O'Brien, Chair of the Energy and Environment Committee, issued the following joint statement today in response to the new rules.

[View in Council Newsroom]

The complex includes a 14-screen multiplex, a sports arena with three tiers of suites, enough restaurants to feed a ravenous army, a 1000-room hotel and a revived convention  center.

The 23-acre site once was under-utilized land, a scary part of town where no one walked alone at night.  Now thanks to can-do vision and a slew of public/private partnerships, L. A. Live is a people magnet, drawing stars and average Joes alike from all over the vast urban area. The Staples Center, L.A. Live’s giant sports complex, covers three acres and hosts everything from the Lakers basketball team to Rihanna concerts.

The visit to L. A. Live was one of the highlights of the 2013 Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce Study Mission.  For over 25 years, the chamber and the City of Seattle have partnered on an annual visit to a North American city to learn best practices and challenge traditional thinking.

L. A. Live certainly qualifies for the latter – it’s definitely an outside the ballpark experience. It’s obvious that those who would build a new arena in SODO are thinking in a similar vein, although it’s difficult to imagine that such an over-the-top complex could be replicated in Seattle. For starters, the Mariners’ Bart Waldman grimaces over the news that the LA Live area boasts 35,000 parking spaces within a 10-minute walk.  Says Bart, “Not even in half-an-hour’s walk do we have 4,000 spaces.”

Although entertainment glitz was part of the three-day visit, it was scarcely the only L. A. experience. The trip started with a visit to L.A.’s 26-story City Hall, which has played a starring role in crime dramas such as Dragnet, Perry Mason and L. A. Confidential. While there, the Seattle delegation enjoyed the view from the observation deck and met Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and heard how Los Angeles is working to accelerate economic activity and invest in transit and highway projects.

A deputy police chief highlighted positive changes in the aftermath of the Department of Justice’s “consent decree” and subsequent work with the Merrick Bobb, the federal monitor now overseeing Seattle’s DOJ settlement. In the last eight years, Los Angeles has seen a significant decline in violent crime. The police force has added 1,000 new officers and has a strong focus on community policing. To hear the deputy chief tell it, most Angelinos are engaged in Neighborhood Watch programs.

Another major focus of the Seattle mission was education reform. Our speaker at the second morning’s breakfast at the historic Biltmore Hotel, scene of early Academy Awards ceremonies, was Dr. John Deasy, former education leader at the Gates Foundation and now superintendent of the largest public school district in the country. Dr. Deasy’s district serves 640,000 students at 900 schools and 187 charter schools.

Deasy described his vision in working to ensure that all students succeed, a dream that he hopes can be realized now that California Gov. Jerry Brown’s Proposition 30, a $6 billion annual tax to save underfinanced public schools, passed in November with 54 percent of the vote.

Later on, we visited KIPP L. A. Preparatory, a tuition-free, college-prep charter middle school, which opened in 2003 and serves grades five through eight. Students attend classes from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. three days a week and from 7:30 to 1:30 two days a week, spending their afternoons preparing for college. There is also an extended school year with classes into the summer months.

The Seattle mission at times seemed a forced march to gain as much knowledge about the region as possible in a limited time. Highlights included a tour through American Apparel, one of L.A.’s fashion houses. Style changes happen so quickly that the apparel industry has started to moved production back from China to the U.S.

Also on the program was a boat tour of the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, fifth busiest container hub in the world. The ports are investing nearly $6 billion in upgrades to keep the roughly 40% share of Asian import trade that they  handle. The ports recent emphasis has been on larger and cleaner ships and clean technology.

So, Does L. A. do better than Seattle? Certainly the region and its industries are worthy competitors. And it would not be surprising to find that many of the lessons learned on the 2013 Study Mission in La La Land will be fueling future innovations in Latte Land.

On paper, it’s known as the Windermere Basin project.

In practice, it’s a super-sized undertaking, a 2.05 million gallon underground storage tank that’s under construction near Magnuson Park. The tank sinks several stories into the glacial till and is, literally, the size of a football field. When finished it will have state-of-the-art technology to keep heavy rainfall from flushing stormwater and wastewater into Lake Washington.

Previously, the basin area was protected by a storage tank known as Windy Junior that is hidden beneath a private park in Windermere. However, in recent years that tank has been inadequate during heavy downpours. Consequently, storm and wastewater stream into Lake Washington several times a year.

The remedy is a key element of the new CSO (Combined Sewer Overflow) system. A well-versed crew of men and women are constructing a giant new tank, one that boasts self-cleaning equipment as well as technology designed to handle odor and pumping. The design calls for the storage tank to empty stored contents back into the existing system once rainfall subsides.

The project now underway also calls for construction of a pipeline from the existing tank to the new facility. The 2,000 feet of new sewer main will run along N.E. 65^th and then under Sand Point Way NE, using advanced drilling technology. Turns out Big Bertha isn’t the only boring machine at work in Seattle. Seattle Public Utilities plans to use a combination of open-cut and trenchless methods to install the new pipeline that leads to the new storage tank. The idea is to keep impacts to a minimum.

Once crews install the giant tank and pipeline, they will restore the sections of street and surfaces, enhancing the streetscape and making use of green infrastructure elements wherever possible. Infrastructure may not be the showiest addition to the city. But it’s easily one of the most valuable when it’s engineered to protect our waters for generations to come.

Councilmember Jean Godden

Councilmember Godden announces adoption of "No Child Without Water" legislation
No more water shut-offs to low-income homes with children

Seattle -- Seattle City Council today unanimously adopted the "No Child Without Water" legislation, expanding emergency bill payment assistance to prevent water shut-offs in low-income households with children.

Councilmember Godden's proposal provides an emergency assistance credit twice every 12 months for qualifying households containing a minor.  This subsidy, costing an estimated $26,000 this year, will allow low-income households with minor children to avoid water shutoffs.

"This subsidy reflects Seattle's commitment to protecting the health and safety of those in need.  We believe in offering a helping hand and making it possible to say that, in Seattle, there should be no child without water," said Councilmember Jean Godden, sponsor of the bill.

Under current law, a household eligible for the low-income Utility Discount Program (UDP) is eligible for an emergency assistance credit up to $340. Although a generous subsidy, it was insufficient for at least 68 low-income families with children.

Information about the Utility Discount Program is available here, or call 206-684-0268 to learn more.

[View in Council Newsroom]

It’s a topic that still merits discussion. And it’s particularly relevant in this era of states competing with one another to see which can most severely limit women’s health and reproductive choices.

Washington, a state that once earned kudos as a leader in gender equality, has fortunately avoided some of the worst of the march to the 19^th Century. But we have to recognize that even this region is falling short when it comes to women representing women across the broader spectrum.

It’s true that we have had two women governors in this state. And, yes, we’re represented by two powerful women senators and three (out of 10) members of Congress. But those are the exception. We have to recognize that we haven’t had a woman mayor in progressive Seattle since the 1920s. And we have had precious few women supervising our iconic corporations. Nor are there many women beyond the token one or two on corporate boards.

Writing about conditions recently prompted Seattle Times editorialist Sharon Pian Chan to conclude that “businesses are only as successful as they are diverse.” She quoted Seattle-based political consultant Cathy Allen as saying that the gender gap is a self-confidence issue. She said that women need to be asked seven times before saying “yes” to a run for political office, whereas men only need to be asked once.

I would agree that it does take more resolve for women to make political decisions. There’s nothing that goes more against the gender grain than the need to stand up in a roomful of people and tell them why you’re the best of those running for office.

But that isn’t the only challenge for women in representative positions. I’d trace some of the differential, believe it or not, to shoes. Just think about women’s shoes versus men’s shoes.

The cover of the latest New Yorker (picture above) depicts the ultimate caricature in women’s footgear, a gladiator sandal with heels designed to lift the wearer into the stratosphere. Just looking at the high-rise clog makes you wonder if it’s a fashion statement or a Geneva Convention sanctioned instrument of torture.

Men’s shoes, on the other hand, are mainly designed for comfort. Most men have no problem standing and schmoozing at a political reception for hours. But for women, teetering on high heels or forced into pumps that push the wearer’s weight onto a cramped instep, an hour can seem an eternity.

There’s no question that women’s shoes can be and often are punishing. How can one be at one’s best when in acute agony? And how can one’s self confidence triumph when the fashion victim is suffering through the anguish of self-inflicted pain?

Extreme high heels are nothing less than a form of bondage and something of an anachronism in today’s world. I believe it was Gloria Steinem who once said, “Women won’t be truly equal until they can wear comfortable shoes.”

Which gets back to the question: What’s holding women back? If you believe Sheryl Sandberg, it is because women don’t put themselves forward and  “lean in.” If you believe Steinem, it’s because they lack self confidence and have been tricked into wearing uncomfortable shoes and risk becoming nothing but a footnote.

Thousands of Seattle families had their water shut off last year. A city council member is introducing a measure to help one group of them — households with young children.

Social service providers told a city council committee what it’s like for parents to lose their water: unable to clean up after changing a diaper, forced to send kids to school unwashed and to borrow buckets to flush the toilet.

One provide, Bill Talbot of the Salvation Army Seattle White Center, was not speaking secondhand. Years ago he himself suffered an accident that cost him his income.

“Our water was shut off, then the meter was pulled. When you get to that point, you’re living in a house that’s no longer habitable. It is going to be condemned. Your children, they’re ashamed when they go to school.  As a parent, it’s devastating,” Talbot said.

Talbot says having running water should be considered a right, not a service that comes and goes.

Council member Jean Godden is proposing a measure to keep needy families with kids from having their water cut off by allowing low-income customers, already eligible for an annual subsidy, to access that help twice a year instead of once. Godden and Seattle Public Utilities say because of the lag in the billing cycle and delinquency notices, that’s all it would take to forestall a shut-off in most cases. The estimated $22,000 to pay for it would come from other ratepayers.

The measure only addresses the 3,000 or so families in the low-income discount program, 68 of whom lost their water last year. At least 4,000 other households had their water shut off, and it’s not clear how many of those included children.

Councilmember Jean Godden

Seattle City Councilmember Jean Godden announces "No Child Without Water"
legislation, no more water shut-offs to low-income homes with children

Seattle - Councilmember Jean Godden, Chair of the Libraries, Utilities, and Center (LUC) Committee will discuss legislation tomorrow that will prevent Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) from shutting off water to homes in which children reside.

"This legislation is based on a simple premise: no child should lack access to clean drinking water and sanitation," said Councilmember Godden.

In 2012, SPU shutoff water to 138 households registered in the low-income Utility Discount Program (UDP). Fifty percent of these low-income households - 68 in total - contained minor children (under 18 years old).

At tomorrow morning's LUC meeting, nonprofit providers from St. Vincent de Paul, the West Seattle Helpline, the Ballard Food Bank, and the Salvation Army will share their stories of children who endured water shutoffs.

"A teacher told me that one of his students showed up at school unwashed and unclean - the result of his family having their water shutoff," said Councilmember Godden. "Human service providers have told me of families using buckets filled with water from neighbors' homes to flush toilets and of parents unable to properly bathe their children or wash their hands after changing diapers."

Under current law, a household eligible for the low-income UDP is eligible for an emergency assistance credit up to $340. This emergency payment can only be accessed once per year. Although a generous subsidy, one reflective of Seattle's commitment to protecting and enhancing the health, safety, and general welfare of its people, it was insufficient for 68 low-income families with children.

Councilmember Godden's proposal modifies SMC 21.76.065(C) to make qualifying households containing a minor eligible for an emergency assistance credit twice every 12 months.

Given Seattle Public Utilities' bi-monthly billing cycle and time frame for issuing bill delinquency and shut-off notices, this change will allow low-income households with minor children to avoid water shutoffs.

Using 2012 as an example, a second chance for the 68 households with children would amount to an estimated $20,000 cost to SPU. This is a small subsidy in the context of SPU's almost billion dollar annual budget.

[View in Council Newsroom]

When I took over as chair of the LUC (Libraries, Utilities and Center) Committee last year, I began hearing troubling stories about children living in homes without access to clean water.

And today we heard detailed accounts of what it is like. At this morning’s committee meeting, human service providers (pictured above) told me of families using buckets filled with water from neighbors’ homes to flush toilets.  They told me how parents cannot properly wash their hands after changing diapers, can’t provide drinking water, and can’t bathe their children. They told me about students showing up at school unwashed and unclean – the result of their families water being disconnected.

What became clear is that, despite Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) offering low-income rates and lenient repayment policies, there are families in this city that lack access to potable water and sanitation due to water shutoff policies.

After discussing the problem and possible solutions with SPU representatives, I came to understand that water shutoffs are the only real hammer the city has to get people to pay. The harsh fact is that those who are economically strapped may not always consider utility bills their first or highest priority.

Although adults responsible for paying bills might rightfully expect shutoff notices, it seems unconscionable that children, who have no option over bill payments, would be deprived of such a basic necessity.

Last June, my office began working with SPU to try to find a way to ensure that no child in Seattle lacks access to clean water. Working together, we came up with a proposal that is the result of nine months of collaboration between my office, nonprofit organizations, SPU and the Human Services Department.

Under current law, a household in the low-income utility discount program (UDP) that has received notice of shutoff is eligible for an emergency assistance credit up to $340. That credit can only be accessed once per year.

That is a generous subsidy, one that reflects Seattle’s commitment to protecting and enhancing health and safety. But last year, it wasn’t enough for some. As we heard in today’s LUC committee meeting,138 low-income UDP households had their water shutoff in 2012. And about 50 percent of these – an estimated 68 homes in total – were families with minor children.

In mulling over the problem, we heard a number of suggestions, including the idea that SPU might ask regular customers to contribute to a fund to keep water service available to families who otherwise might be shut off. This idea, however, was discarded after learning of City Light’s experience with such a program, found to be more costly to operate than the alternative of simply supplying a modest subsidy.

The most workable solution is legislation that would modify the Seattle Municipal Code to make qualifying households eligible for a second emergency credit if they can demonstrate that a child—a minor under the age of 18 – is in the home. Given Seattle Public Utilities’ bi-monthly billing cycle and time frame for issuing bill delinquency and shut-off notices, this change would, in practice, allow low-income households with minor children to avoid water shutoffs.

Rationale is based on a simple concept: No child should lack access to clean drinking water and sanitation. And this would not be a large financial departure from our present system. Using 2012 as an example, a second chance for the 68 households with children, would amount to an estimated $20,000. This is a small subsidy in the context of SPU’s almost billion dollar annual budget.

I will introduce this legislation this week and anticipate voting it out of the LUC committee on April 2^nd.

This is the humane solution. As Tara Luckie, Director of West Seattle Helpline –  a nonprofit social service agency – explained, “Our clients are the working poor, those individuals struggling to make ends meet while working hard and raising families. Often they seek our help due to a hardship created by an emergency situation beyond their control, such as an unexpected layoff, a medical condition or a death in the family. “

It is to those working poor, people who have sought help from agencies like Helpline, that we believe we can offer a helping hand and make it possible to say that, in Seattle, there should be No Child Without Water.

Since setting a goal of “Zero Waste,” the city has dramatically reduced the tonnage hauled to landfills. It is now estimated that residents recycle more than 55 percent of its waste. But that’s not the ultimate goal. The city can do better and, in fact, the latest goal is to get to 70 percent.

How do we do it? That was the topic of discussion at the table. We talked about the big problems: construction waste and commercial buildings. And then we went around the table, asking each participant to identity their biggest waste problem.

The gentleman to my right said that, while he was successful with his compost bin, he had troubles dealing with packaging. Too many of the things he buys come with excessive packaging and it’s sometimes a challenge to fit cartons and wrappings into his trash receptacle.

The young woman seated next to him said her problem was spoiling vegetables, perhaps forgotten in the back of the fridge that had to be thrown out. She said with regret, “I really hate to waste food.”

I confessed that I have the same problem. Sometimes I stock up too heavily on vegetables – call it the Costco syndrome. In a small household and with an erratic schedule, it would be easy to allow food to go to waste.

However, as the child of Depression-era parents, I long ago learned that the solution, for me at least, is simple: Soup.

About once a week – usually Saturday mornings – I check out the refrigerator and make peasant soup. If you’ve never had peasant soup, it’s as easy as, well, soup. Scoop up your tired vegetables and leftovers and throw them in a soup pot and let them simmer. Because I’m often in and out on weekends, I use a slow cooker.

Later on, after a good simmer, I add a good hot bread or a simple salad. Soup is an easy lunch or supper and it lasts for four or five days.

Flavors vary, depending on the combination of leftovers. The only caution: be a little sparing with vegetables like broccoli that have a strong flavor and try for variety.

The last soup I made started with a cup and a half of leftover stew, augmented with half a can of diced tomatoes (left over from some other project), some limp celery and carrots and a tired bunch of scallions. At the last minute, I threw in a handful of pearl barley and a few lentils, along with salt, pepper and oregano to taste.

The aroma was out of this world. So good I couldn’t resist snapping a pic with my iPhone and sharing it with you.

Councilmember Jean Godden

Council Committee advances Seattle Public Utilities Strategic Business Plan

This morning the Seattle City Council's Libraries, Utilities and Center Committee (LUC) unanimously passed Resolution 31429 which establishes a Strategic Business Plan for Seattle Public Utilities (SPU).

"I strongly believe that we need to keep rates affordable and balance that with delivering quality services. The Strategic Plan will accomplish both of these goals and I'm looking forward to initiating this process," said Libraries, Utilities and Center Committee Chair, Councilmember Jean Godden.

Similar to the plan created by Seattle City Light in 2012, the SPU Strategic Plan will provide oversight and guidance for its lines of business: water, drainage, wastewater and solid waste services. The goal is to ensure the utility's services reflect customer values, provide rate predictability and result in the best value for customer dollars.

The Resolution also establishes a Customer Review Panel which will oversee the strategic planning process and include residents' voices in the process. The panel will be appointed during a future LUC Committee meeting.

"Seattle Public Utilities delivers services that the people of Seattle care about and value. The strategic plan process will clearly identify the direction SPU will take in carrying out these vital public services and implementing their strong commitment to the environment," said Councilmember Richard Conlin. "It will ensure that we deliver those services in a thoughtful and systematic way, guaranteeing the best value for our ratepayers."

The Resolution will be voted on by the Full Council on Monday, March 4.

[View in Council Newsroom]

The first Best Damn Happy Hour featured deals on specialty cocktails, inexpensive ($2.50) wine and beer and delicious food from the new Armory eateries. Think giant Jenga towers, room-sized Scrabble, mini-golf, Trivia contests, DJ Alex from KEXP and raffle prizes like tickets to concerts and shows.

To all that fun add hundreds of beautiful people, drawn by the chance to see and be seen and to engage in fun meet-ups. They tried specialty cocktails, among them: Black Cherry Chill, Illy Issimo, Cocoa Martini, Prosecco Punch and a “Mock-arita” spritzer. They loved the discount parking prices at the 5^th Avenue Garage ($1 parking when more than $10 is spent at the armory).

To tell the truth, I wasn’t expecting such a merry turnout for the Center’s first official happy hour. And, in fact, neither were Center staffers who admitted they weren’t sure they could attract such a lively crowd, especially for a debut.

But attract they did and the fun never stopped. Even though there were lines for beverages and food, everyone seemed to be in good spirits. And next time there definitely will be more of everything, according to the Center staff.

The highlight for me was kibbitzing at the jumbo sized Scrabble Court where players lounged in bean-bag chairs while playing their dinner-plate-sized tiles and agonizing over whether words were legal or not. Would you accept “Nu” and, if so, what does it mean?

Clearly, Seattle Center’s Best Damn Happy Hour  is what this city has been waiting for. In case you hadn’t guessed, Seattle has always been a Thursday Night kind of town. And now it’s even more so.

Councilmember Jean Godden

Council committee approves plans for Pike Place Market and Aquarium development

This afternoon the Seattle City Council's Central Waterfront, Seawall and Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Program Special Committee (Waterfront Committee) unanimously approved Council Bill 117699, an agreement to develop the PC-1 North site, the last underdeveloped site in the Pike Place Market Historical District. The agreement, authorizing the execution of an Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City and the Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority (PPMPDA), makes up to $7 million available - over the next two years - to the PPMPDA for engineering, design, and consultant services.

The project, designed by Miller Hull Partnership, will develop the neglected 0.75 acre site, long used as a surface parking lot, with a low-rise multipurpose structure. The new development will provide parking for both the Market and the Waterfront, added retail space, and several stories of low-income and artist housing. The new PC-1 North site will also anchor a sloping walkway that will connect the Market to the Waterfront, providing easy access for pedestrians between the two.

"What a thrilling opportunity for the market! And the opportunity is just as great for Seattle's emerging waterfront which will benefit from easy access to Seattle's prime tourist attraction," said Councilmember Jean Godden, Chair of the Waterfront Committee. "The walkway will offer matchless views of Elliott Bay all along the way and provide room for public art and green outlooks."

The expansion also means that there will be more room at the Market for booths and sellers and more room for the market's fresh produce and organic specialties, supplemented by increased parking and access.

The Waterfront Committee also unanimously passed Council Bill 117698, authorizing the execution of an MOU between the City and the Seattle Aquarium Society (SAS) for the renovation and expansion of the Aquarium. Under the terms of this agreement, the City will reimburse SAS for up to $1 million of its expenditures for aquarium expansion engineering, design, and consultant services.

Expansion plans call for a new structure - located under the walkway that connects with the Market - that will house an education center and theatre, redevelopment of 30,000 square feet of Pier 59, and the creation of a new 35,000 square-foot South Wing that will contain new exhibits.

[View in Council Newsroom]

Mary’s Place is a day shelter for women and their children. It was established in 1999 in response to concerns over homeless women’s need for a place to have their needs met: meals, laundry, medical care, the use of a phone, and a way to apply for housing and employment.

The facility flourished when it occupied space in the basement of the First Methodist Church on Fifth Avenue. But, when the congregation moved to a new site on Denny Way, Mary’s Place itself became homeless.

Advocates, led by founders like Rev. Jean Kim, reopened Mary’s Place in borrowed digs in Belltown. Many of their charges, then as now, are women who find themselves homeless due to domestic abuse. Others come to Mary’s Place after bouts with unemployment and illness.

Although in cramped quarters, the staff nevertheless succeeded in providing a caring atmosphere. And now, thanks to many generous backers – individuals, faith-based groups and corporate angels – Mary’s Place has a home to call its own at 9^th and Stewart in a wing of Gesthemane Lutheran Church.

It was to the new shelter, bright and spacious compared to the old facility, that we took the coats and jackets. I had guessed that they might be needed because of a story I had heard from one of the volunteers who visited the Belltown shelter. The volunteer told me that when she arrived she had hung her raincoat – the ultimate Seattle uniform – on a rack beside the door. When she was ready to leave, she looked but couldn’t find the coat. Puzzled, she asked a staff member is she’d seen her coat.

“You hung it where?” asked the staffer. “That’s the rack we keep stocked with donated coats in case someone needs one.”

As a matter of fact, many of the homeless come to the shelter with barely the clothes on their backs and their needs involve the basics: meals, clothing, laundry and a warm shower. Marty Hartman, who runs the shelter, said that they are always looking for supplies and for the essentials. It’s not only raincoats, but even underwear and socks.

It’s true the need is great, but the rewards for those who tour the facility and assist with its mission are priceless.

The day that I was there, the new digs were filled to capacity with women and children, safely off the street and enjoying companionship. There was a circle of women knitting and teaching others to knit. One woman had made an entire blanket of donated scraps. Others were completing warm hats and scarves.

At another table, there were some adorable youngsters. One child with a braid nearly as tall as she was, offered me a brightly heart-bedecked card and promised to be my valentine. Surely I have some unused yarn and some warm socks to take the next time.

Council President Sally J. Clark
Councilmember Sally Bagshaw
Councilmember Tim Burgess
Councilmember Richard Conlin
Councilmember Jean Godden
Councilmember Bruce Harrell
Councilmember Nick Licata
Councilmember Mike O'Brien
Councilmember Tom Rasmussen

Public invited to comment on memorandums of understanding related to renovation of Seattle's Central Waterfront

Members of the Seattle City Council Central Waterfront, Seawall, and Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Program Committee invite the public to provide feedback on two proposed ordinances relating to partner projects that complement the City's renovation of the Central Waterfront.

WHAT: Public comment opportunity

WHEN: Monday, Feb. 4, 2013, 5:30 p.m. (Sign up available at 5 p.m.)

WHERE:
Council Chamber, Seattle City Hall
600 Fourth Ave, second floor
More information on visiting City Hall

The two memorandums of understanding (MOUs), Council Bill 117699 and Council Bill 117698, outline guiding principles, the process to move the project forward and provisions for City-funded support. They also include baseline concept designs that will be refined in coordination with City design of public-right-of-way improvements, including the Overlook Walk, the plaza in front of the Aquarium and new Alaskan Way and Elliott Avenue surface streets.

These MOUs were called for by Council Resolution 31399 relating to the Central Waterfront Concept Design adopted in August 2012.

[View in Council Newsroom]

Originally published in the Seattle Times, 24 January 2013

Changes to Seattle’s program will make it easier for the elderly and low-income families to receive reduced rates.

Greenwood resident Ethel Palmer qualifies for Seattle’s utility-discount program, but for a short time the city didn’t think so.

Palmer, 88, maintains a house with her 92-year-old husband. She regularly files her paperwork for the utility program, which cuts participants’ Seattle City Light bills by 50 percent and Seattle Public Utilities bills by 60 percent.

But last year, she suddenly noticed her bills skyrocket.

The city had lost her application, and she fell out of the program. Palmer had to travel in person to the Seattle Human Services Department, which administers the program, to sort out the mix-up.

Other participants were experiencing similar hassles — or not signing up for the program — and Seattle City Councilmember Jean Godden wanted that to change.

As a result, on Jan. 1 the city,began allowing participants to re-enroll every three years instead of every 18 months and to retroactively apply the discount to the date an application was filed, rather than when it was processed. “We’ve always been interested in having a robust program that will enroll people at a low-income rate,” said Godden, who heads the committee that urged the changes.

Under Seattle’s program, discounted utility rates are available to seniors and residents whose monthly income is 70 percent or less of the state median.

The program was inefficient compared to similar programs in surrounding counties, and only about one-third of eligible residents applied, Godden wrote on her website.

The application is long and complicated. And even after applicants correctly filled it out and submitted it, they often had to wait months to see their rates go down, according to Godden.

Given the difficulty of the application, Godden figured that requiring seniors to file every 18 months seemed excessive, especially because many are on fixed incomes, so their salary — and thus their eligibility — doesn’t change between filing periods.

The Libraries, Utilities and Center Committee sent a letter to Seattle Public Utilities and the Human Services Department in May requesting the changes.

The committee based its recommendations on programs in surrounding counties, including Snohomish, which Godden says is able to process applications within the next 60-day billing cycle, with the discount effective when an application is filed

Seattle’s revised system, with its reduced paperwork, will lower stress for applicants and city employees alike said Michael May, a spokesman for Seattle Public Utilities.

“We expect an improvement in waiting time,” May said. “And the retroactive part, that’s a fairness thing.”

Council President Sally J. Clark
Councilmember Tim Burgess
Councilmember Richard Conlin
Councilmember Jean Godden
Councilmember Bruce Harrell
Councilmember Nick Licata
Councilmember Mike O'Brien
Councilmember Tom Rasmussen

Seattle City Council adopts updated Shoreline Master Program
New regulations protect shorelines for all

This afternoon the Seattle City Council unanimously adopted Council Bill 117585 comprising the first comprehensive update of Seattle's Shoreline Master Program (SMP) since 1987.

"These new regulations aim to meet the daunting goal of balancing three competing interests: the needs of our vital maritime industries, the public's right to shoreline access, and the state law to protect plant and animal habitat along our waters," said Councilmember Richard Conlin, Chair of the Planning, Land Use and Sustainability committee . "After five years, two drafts, hundreds of hours of staff work, and several phases of public involvement, this package of SMP amendments is a positive and proactive step in the right direction - protecting our precious shoreline resources for all."

The SMP is an important and complex set of regulations that govern development and uses on and adjacent to shorelines. In Seattle, this includes Puget Sound, Lake Washington, Lake Union and the Ship Canal, the Duwamish River, Green Lake, and wetlands and floodplains around these. The SMP affects land uses, structures and activities, including those occurring over water and on vessels, the location of structures including setbacks and allowed over water coverage, public access requirements and construction practices related to bulkheads, docks and piers.

Working extensively with the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) and the City Attorney's Office, the Council addressed most of the actions required under state law. In addition to that work, the Council held a public hearing along with public comment sessions at each of our seven Committee deliberations on the SMP, met with representatives of key affected constituencies, including people who live on boats and floating homes and water dependent businesses, and took field trips to visit houseboat communities and affected businesses. As a result of that work, the Council initiated and approved nearly 50 amendments to the legislation.

Many of these amendments were technical modifications and most of theothers clarify various situations involving water dependent businesses. The Planning, Land Use and Sustainabilitycommittee also strengthened some provisions relating to environmental protection and modified provisions relating to future regulation of people living on vessels. The Council made the following amendments to the SMP:

• Created a provision in the proposed allowed height and setback provisions for water dependent businesses to match the requirements for a Seattle company to modify their structure for building boats for Washington State Ferries. The improvements will not only make it possible to construct our ferries locally in a more efficient and economical way, but will reduce environmental impacts on the waterway.
• A provision defining fueling stations as water dependent uses inadvertently omitted the qualifier that these stations must only be for boats.
• A provision regulating single family homes in the shoreline environment did not exclude the use of historic lot lines that were not intended to definebuildable lots. We modified thelot definition.
• Language limiting signs in the shoreline area was strengthened.
• A provision prohibiting artificial reefs in functioning habitats was added.
• Language was added that directs DPD to prohibit the use of pesticides and fertilizers that impact ecological functions in the shoreline environment.
• In several cases, language was added that recognized that water dependent businesses can depend on certain non water related activities to sustain them financially. We allowed some exceptions to the use standards as long as there was no ecological impact and the property owner made a proportional investment in ecological restoration.

SMP update documents may be accessed onDPD's website at: http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/Planning/ShorelineMasterProgramUpdate

The most challenging aspect of the SMP amendments has to do with figuring out how to address residences on the water. State law specifies that residential uses over water are not preferred uses of the shoreline/water environment. The City cannot change that law - it is based on the SMA initiative, and only the Legislature could modify it. The State did grant exceptions to allow some 480 recognized floating homes and 34 house barges, but has made it clear that there will be no new exceptions.

The Council has formed a stakeholder group to develop and consider alternatives for providing certainty and an orderly process for people currently residingon the water whose status is uncertain because they are not identified as legal existing floating houses or legal barges and are not clearly identified as vessels.

[View in Council Newsroom]

Mayor Mike McGinn
Councilmember Jean Godden

Council and Mayor seek volunteer candidates for the Seattle
Public Utilities Customer Review Panel
City looking for residents to guide the development of a strategic plan

The Seattle City Council and Mayor are looking for nine volunteers to serve on a Customer Review Panel that will provide feedback and guidance during the new Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) Strategic Planning Process.

This year, Seattle Public Utilities will be developing a comprehensive Strategic Business Plan, similar to the one created by Seattle City Light to guide its investments, service levels and rate path over the next six years.

The primary goal of the Strategic Business Plan is to provide direction for all of SPU's business lines (water, drainage, wastewater and solid waste services) that reflects customer values, provides rate predictability and results in the best value for customer dollars.

"Seattle residents rely on SPU for a wide array of services. And we are always working to deliver those services as efficiently and effectively as possible," said Mayor Mike McGinn. "I will look to this panel to help us deliver the best possible services for our customers."

"Customers' feedback on rates and services will be at the forefront of the strategic planning effort. I encourage Seattleites to apply," said Councilmember Jean Godden Chair of the Libraries, Utilities and Center Committee.

The Customer Review Panel will guide development of the strategic plan, allowing residents and rate payers to provide leadership and guidance on priorities, direction and the future goals of SPU.

The Panel will meet bi-monthly between March 2013 and December 2014. The Panel will not continue to meet after the strategic plan is complete.

Specific Panel Duties include the following:

1. Gaining a working knowledge of SPU services, financial policies, costs and rates;
2. Reviewing the plan's assumptions, technical evaluations, policy directions, and action alternatives;
3. Working closely with staff to understand the issues and challenges;
4. Providing advice to the Mayor and Council on the Strategic Business Plan concurrent with delivery of the final proposed plan to Council;
5. Assisting the Mayor and Council in engaging customers in discussions of the merits and implications of the Strategic Business Plan.

Requirements: Service on the Committee will require a significant investment of time to learn about Seattle Public Utilities four lines of business (water, drainage, wastewater, and solid waste services) and in depth bi-monthly meetings between March 2013 and December 2014. Candidates should have an interest in learning about SPU's services and a commitment to the customers of SPU, including considering rates, fees, and utility services from the customer perspective.

Interested candidates should send a brief paragraph of interest (no more than 300 words) to Diane Clausen to Diane.Clausen@seattle.gov by 5 p.m. on Jan. 31, 2013. Of the nine positions five are Mayoral appointments and four are appointed by the Council.

[View in Council Newsroom]

Council President Sally J. Clark
Councilmember Sally Bagshaw
Councilmember Tim Burgess
Councilmember Richard Conlin
Councilmember Jean Godden
Councilmember Bruce Harrell
Councilmember Nick Licata
Councilmember Mike O'Brien
Councilmember Tom Rasmussen

Sea level rise will bring flooding to parts of Seattle by 2050
City plan will reduce greenhouse gases and adapt to climate change

Within the next 40 years,sea level rise caused by climate change will flood parts of Seattle during high tides, according to a new map developed by City planners, using conservative scientific assumptions.

Warming oceans are raising sea levels and changing shorelines worldwide. A new map created by Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) shows parts of West Seattle, Georgetown, South Park, Harbor Island, Interbay and Golden Gardens could be inundated by 2050. The impact on Seattle shorelines depends on factors such as tides and storms, along with actions the City may take to reduce its own contribution to climate change.

"Climate change is an immediate and critical challenge," City Councilmember Mike O’Brien, chair of the Energy & Environment Committee said. "We are already seeing impacts in Seattle from extreme events, such as last month’s flooding of some 100 properties along Beach Drive in West Seattle. We need to take bold steps to prepare our city for expected impacts and drastically reduce our contribution to greenhouse gases going forward."

The City of Seattle has already taken action to deal with climate change. Departments have been taking steps to reduce their climate footprint and adapt to changes in temperature, precipitation and sea level rise. In 2010, Seattle made a commitment to become carbon neutral by 2050 and is writing a new Climate Action Plan to meet that goal.

"Seattle Public Utility’s sea level rise map suggests we have work to do to ensure Seattle’s utility infrastructure and assets are prepared for climate change," said Jean Godden, chair of the Libraries, Utilities and Center Committee. "Seattle is at the forefront of cities doing climate change planning and we intend to stay there. We’re going to make sure - starting now - that climate change impacts join safety and reliability as primary planning considerations for SPU and all city departments."

Today, the City Council called for public input on a set of recommendations for a new Climate Action Plan that were put forward by a recently convened Green Ribbon Commission.

"In the absence of meaningful climate action by the federal government, the Mayor instructed the Green Ribbon Commission to continue Seattle's tradition of climate leadership among the nation's cities," said Green Ribbon Commission co-chair Denis Hayes, president of the Bullitt Foundation. "Our recommendations were designed to help Seattle significantly reduce its own climate impact, and also-learning from Katrina and Sandy-help the city prepare for climate disruptions that are now inevitable. Equally important, these actions will also make Seattle a more equitable, prosperous and safe place to live."

"The Climate Action Plan will build on Seattle’s legacy of environmental leadership," O’Brien said. "Over the next two months we will hold a series of public forums and host an online survey to gather input from the people of Seattle to help guide the actions the city needs to take. We welcome all ideas and suggestions for actions we should take in the next three years as well as in the long-term. We plan to adopt a bold Climate Action Plan on Earth Day, April 22."

It is not too early for Seattleites to start preparing, either. Residents living in areas prone to flooding are advised to obtain federal flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program, available through Federal Emergency Management Agency. The average flood insurance policy typically costs around $600 per year.

[View in Council Newsroom]

In those six short months, Seattleites have adapted. So much so that, surprisingly, a majority says they like the ban and how it is helping adjust behavior—reducing the plastic bag waste found on our beaches and in Puget Sound. Among four grocery stores surveyed, plastic bag use dropped by almost 15,000 bags per month.

This morning, Seattle Public Utilities (the organization charged with implementing the ban) provided a progress report to the Libraries, Utilities and Center Committee.  The utility’s report showed general acceptance by both customers and store owners, with few of the problems that had been anticipated.

Environment Washington surveyed 858 customers, tailoring queries to reflect local demographics, and found that 94 percent of those asked knew about the bag ban and 64 percent supported it. The survey found the ban was more popular with women than men. It also was more popular with whites than with people of color and scored higher with people aged 21-40 than with older consumers. Another survey finding is that 66 percent of customers said they now bring their own bag most of the time.

One customer, queried at a QFC on 15^th, said, “When I see everyone else doing it, it’s easier for me to remember.”

In the SPU study, the ban was found to be more popular with supermarkets than with other businesses. Overall, 61 percent of employees agreed with the ban; but at supermarkets that percentage rose to 78 percent. That seems to tally with the greater impact at supermarkets where 94 percent report an increase in reusable bag usage. In small businesses, especially in stores that previously didn’t offer plastic bags, only 47 percent reported an increase in resusable bags.

The study quoted Tony D’Onofrio, Town and Country’s sustainability coordinator, saying, “The Seattle plastic bag ban ordinance is and has been a great success for Ballard Market. We have seen a stable 60 percent increase in the use of reusuable bags.”

The bag ban was approved by the Seattle City council in December 2011, and went into effect June 2011.  It was the second time the council passed a ban. Three years ago, a somewhat similar ban was passed but was immediately opposed by industry forces, leading to a referendum vote. That bag ban law, which entailed a 25 cents charge per paper bag, most of which went to the city, was rejected by voters.

What made the difference in acceptance by customers this time? It’s thought that the imposition of bans by other cities in the region may have helped. Another factor promoting the bag ban may be that the 25-cent charge was changed to a nickel, a fee that is retained by the store rather than going to the city. The stores use this nickel to cover the costs of administering the ban. The revised ban also exempts food-stamp recipients from having to pay for paper grocery sacks.

The plastic bag ban does still have a few naysayers. Every once in a while I receive grinchy comments from tourists surprised by the ban. And then there are  customers who claim that they drive to other venues where single use bags are still used. However, it does seem a stretch to imagine someone using expensive gas to drive several miles to avoid using reuseable bags or paying a spare nickel for paper.

Ultimately, the ban is achieving the goal of changing consumer behavior around plastic bag use. A nickel is just enough to make people think twice about their bag use. And the fact that the majority of Seattleites like the ban? That’s just the environmentally-oriented Seattle I know and love.

Councilmember Mike O'Brien
Councilmember Jean Godden

New map: sea level rise will bring flooding to parts of Seattle by 2050 But city plan will reduce greenhouse gases and adapt to climate change

Within the next 40 years,sea level rise caused by climate change will flood parts of Seattle during high tides, according to a new map developed by City planners, using conservative scientific assumptions.

But Seattle is poised to act on the recommendations of a Green Ribbon Commission, which will help the city reduce its greenhouse gases and adapt to climate change.

WHAT: News conference - at water’s edge, at the highest 'king tide' of the year - unveiling new map showing areas of Seattle likely to be flooded by sea level rise, and Green Ribbon Commission’s climate change recommendations.

WHO: Seattle City Councilmembers Mike O’Brien and Jean Godden; Green Ribbon Commission co-Chair Doris Koo.

WHERE: North end of Myrtle Edwards Park. (Please see map. Directions are a bit complicated, so please allow yourself time to navigate.)

WHEN: 8:30 a.m., Monday, Jan. 14, 2013.

DIRECTIONS  

[View in Council Newsroom]

She has invented an updated – wait for this – trash can. She calls her invention “Toss with Care.”

How to describe it? Well, it’s a means of dividing a regulation round garbage can into three wedges. One wedge contains trash; another, recyclables, and a third, compostables. Each segment has a separate removable bag that canbe reused, or in the case of compostables, ideally would itself be compostable.

The design is simple, yet practical. The idea of having three containers in one makes a heap of sense. It saves cities and establishments from having to provide three separate cans. It conserves on walkway, hallway or whatever space.

Furthermore, the segmented containers force people to think twice about what they regard as trash and what they know can be turned into valuable compost. Used properly, the invention will help the environment, both through targeting waste and helping people acquire savvy in sorting.

When people who care about the environment discuss how to make recycling more efficient, they talk about the importance of judicious separation. If it is done easily and efficiently, it will reduce the amount of time required to process waste and make that waste more reusable.

Nicole thinks that the “excess food” container, which she hopes will contain some edible food, will serve to help people who must occasionally rely on diving into dumpsters. However, that would not be the reason for employing such containers. Obviously, there could not be assurance that the excess would be potable. But, at the very least, foodstuffs would not be mixed in with recyclables and trash.

What’s the likelihood that we’re going to see any of these “Toss with Care” receptacles in Seattle? Can’t say for sure. For one thing, it matters whether our solid waste contractors can easily access the tri-part containers for pick-up. That’s something that’s being assessed as we speak.

The point is that we should never close the door on possible improvements to the way we handle solid waste. Washingtonians now recycle more than they throw away (statistics show the state at 50.7 percent). Seattle, meanwhile, recycles about 57 percent. While that’s a vast improvement over past years, there’s still ample room for doing far better.

If there’s one thing that defines the Puget Sound region this spring, it’s that we are a well-armed and embattled people. As a result, too many of our citizens – too many of our young people –have been killed or wounded by guns.

On Monday, after a spate of gun incidents over the weekend, the score was one bystander killed, another wounded, four gang-led drive-by shootings and an armed robbery. The violent weekend fell only weeks after a 21-year old culinary student, an innocent bystander, was fatally shot in Pioneer Square.

Then on Wednesday, to Seattle’s horror, a mentally unstable individual took five lives, seemingly at random, left one victim fighting for his life and shot himself fatally. The bloody tragedies left citizens saddened, shocked and grieving.

“Why is this happening?” That was one of the first questions asked at Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn’s hastily called press conference on Wednesday afternoon. Similar questions followed: Is the Seattle Police Department holding back in the wake of the Department of Justice’s report on excessive use of force? Is there a link to the hostile crowds that recently impeded police access to victims?

To those of us who watched the impromptu press conference, it became clear the questions were skirting the mark. Among the issues that needed to be stressed were: How are people getting these guns? And, more importantly, are we, at long last, ready to revisit local regulation of firearms?

On the previous morning, Deputy chief Nick Metz clearly defined the problem. He said it’s not gangs, but guns. We have far too many guns, easily obtained. Furthermore, Washington’s gun laws are among the most lenient in the nation –even Texas forbids such things as open carry of loaded firearms without a permit.

The sad truth is that this city’s hands are tied. Seattle cannot implement laws to stem guns because of the state’s preemption law. That law (RCW 9.41.290) prohibits cities from enacting laws that are more restrictive than state regulations.

Preemption means Seattle cannot ban guns in city parks and buildings. Nor can we pass stiff penalties that would discourage youth under 21 from possessing firearms. Nor can we ban semi-automatic assault weapons, such as one that took the life of a Seattle police officer on Halloween night in 2009.

This one-size-fits-all approach is not working.  The regulation of firearms should be an issue of local control. People in Seattle know best what gun laws are appropriate for our dense urban city. Similarly, rural cities are best positioned to determine what works for them.

More police patrols may help, but will not solve the problem. The only way to stem gun violence is to reduce the flow of guns into Seattle and that requires courageous action in Olympia, action that’s sadly been constrained by lack of leadership.

It’s time for our state lawmakers to stand with cities and towns to improve the safety of our citizens. We can all make a difference by insisting that state legislative candidates go on the record on this issue. Seattle’s next legislative agenda needs to emphasize local control and, along with other councilmembers, I will personally lobby state lawmakers to allow cities to pass reasonable regulations. Only then will we able to stop the bloodshed.

As we prepare to send another year off into history, it’s time to take stock of the Year That Was. For the City Council, as an institution, and for me, personally, it was an eventful year.

In January, I took on new committee assignments, graduating after four years as chair of the council’s Budget Committee and the tough job of keeping the city’s core services strong in lean times.

My new committee chairmanship involves oversight of Libraries, Utilities and Center. For short: L.U.C.  I also took on chairmanship of the Council’s Waterfront Committee, overseeing work on the Seawall and replacement of the Alaskan Way Viaduct.

Oversight of these important aspects of city government had its challenges and rewards. Foremost among the successes was passage of two critical ballot measures: In August, it was the seven-year library levy, helping to keep the lights on and the doors open at our Central Library and its 26 branches.

The second ballot measure, the $290 million bond issue for the Elliott Bay Seawall, passed in November by an astonishing 77 percent of the vote. In order to find similar approval, one has to look back to the 1940s when a parks measure passed with a similar landslide. There’s no doubt that the Seawall is crumbling and needs to be replaced, but still it was heartening to have Seattleites vote so overwhelming to tax themselves in uncertain times.

These two accomplishments are the signal achievements of the year, but they are not the only ones. One of the headier successes was that, after years of wrangling, the city reached an agreement with the Department of Justice and state Department of Ecology over how to deal with chronic overflows of untreated sewage and storm water into city waterways. The agreement is exceptional. It allows the city to use a mix of tools that reduce the frequency and volume of combined sewer overflows with responses that save money and use green infrastructure techniques such as rain gardens, street swales and low-impact development.

A quieter – but no less important –  win for Seattle Public Utility ratepayers was the LUC committee wrestling with details to work out honest and predictable four-year rates for Solid Waste, Drainage and Wastewater (rather than resorting to annual adjustments and discovering that “surprise!” there just happened to be King County charges not previously acknowledged).

The LUC Committee opted to continue to work toward Zero Waste, instituting a money-saving One-Less-Truck pilot program and implementing the plastic bag ban. The Committee also worked to make the low-income rate assistance program more user friendly, asking only that seniors reapply every 36 months and that those who qualify receive help retroactively.

And, when it comes to proud moments, there was the summer morning when Joanie Wedes (aka Mrs. J. P. Patches) and I helped open the new South End Transfer Station. Unfortunately J. P. was too ill to join us. But, no matter, to Patches’ Pals, he will always be Mayor of the City Dump.

One of the year’s accomplishments was successful negotiation of a proposal to build a new basketball.  The council thoroughly examined the proposal, intent on ensuring that any public/private partnership agreement would be a benefit to citizens. Among the changes negotiated with the investor was a $40 million contribution to improved transportation in the arena district, as well as setting aside KeyArena tax revenues to study Seattle Center finances.

Finally, my committee gave me the chance to help celebrate the anniversary of the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair and the Seattle Center’s summer-long Next 50 commemoration. It was a joy to help read letters from the Time Capsule, penned by the Seattle Council of that 1962 World’s Fair year, and to help co-author a letter for our City Council colleagues to read 50 years in the future.

While councilmembers are not prophets and probably have not imagined what the future can bring, at least we are making plans for the years ahead, thinking about how we can structure the Seattle Center so that it continues to thrive and to offer something special for every citizen.

City Council Budget Committee refocuses 2013 budget on urgent, immediate needs
Budget actions invest limited resources to deliver results

Seattle – The Seattle City Council's Budget Committee today voted unanimously on a balanced 2013 budget for city operations and endorsed a spending plan for 2014.

The Council's revisions to Mayor Michael McGinn's September 24 budget proposal add funding for more police officers; focus more work on street repairs and transit speeds; care for Seattle's most vulnerable residents by adding nurse visits for low-income mothers, day shelter space, and support for food banks; build sustainable communities by maintaining investment in community centers and youth violence prevention; and step up the city's ability to measure results of tax payer investment.

"This year we asked the question – how do you deliver the right mix of services while still living out the end of a recession?" said Council President Sally J. Clark. "Mayor McGinn presented a good starting place. We dug into the numbers and the needs. I'm confident this final budget for 2013 manages urgent needs and invests for our future growth."

"The Council worked collaboratively to make changes that effectively address the urgent issues Seattle residents face today," said Councilmember Tim Burgess, Budget Committee Chair. "Listening to the community's priorities, we have developed a budget that invests our limited resources wisely and delivers results."

The following documents contain more information about the Council's changes:

• Summary of major Council changes
• Detailed list of Council actions and associated dollar amounts
• What community leaders say about the Council's budget

Proactive public safety

Continuing its emphasis on keeping Seattle's neighborhoods safe, the Council added more than $2.5 million to hire new police officers and fund police emphasis patrols to proactively prevent violent crime.

"The Council prioritized and focused on adding more police officers in neighborhoods," said Councilmember Bruce Harrell, Chair of the Public Safety, Civil Rights and Technology Committee. "We increased funding to add 21 police officers and $1 million for proactive policing emphasis patrol. The Council listened and acted to enhance public safety for all neighborhoods."

Enhance transportation mobility

Taking a balanced approach to transportation issues, the Council stressed the needs of today's transit riders while also advancing long-range planning for high-capacity transit already underway. The final budget package reprioritizes more than $2 million in transit funding to improve transit speed and reliability for bus corridors identified in City's Transit Master Plan.

Councilmembers also recognized the importance and need of basic road maintenance, preserving safety, mobility and the efficient movement of goods and allocating $2 million street maintenance, repairs and maintenance along Seattle's major transit corridors.

"The public is asking for better bus service now and with the additional funds SDOT will be able to make near-term road and signal improvements to help Metro provide better service and reliability," said Transportation Committee Chair Councilmember Tom Rasmussen. "We are also funding long-range planning for High Capacity Transit. The Madison corridor planning will begin in 2013 and the Eastlake corridor planning begin in 2014."

Caring for our most vulnerable residents

Councilmembers added $1.7 million in direct human services funding for a variety of vulnerable populations including victims of domestic violence, seniors, first-time moms living in poverty, individuals and families needing food security and homeless women, men and families.

"I'm pleased that the Council joined together to create human services package to enhance care for the most vulnerable members of our community," said Housing, Human Services, Health and Culture Committee Chair Councilmember Nick Licata. "In particular, it's critical that as part of that package we'll increase shelter capacity for the nearly 2,000 people sleeping outside as well as increasing day services for people spending the night in shelters that are closed during the day. Shelter and day services programs not only address critical survival needs but they also serve as outreach centers for those needing healthcare, case management and a connection back to a supportive community."

"We made great strides towards strengthening human services – adding an average of $2 million over the next two years on top of what the Mayor proposed – including funding for bilingual domestic violence advocacy," said Councilmember Jean Godden. "We also prioritized neighborhoods, making new investments in community center facilities and forest restoration to realize the Seattle we all envision."

Building a sustainable community

To encourage the growth of a more sustainable community and to support Seattle's continued economic recovery, the Council added funding for Green Jobs initiatives, growth-oriented land-use planning initiatives, efforts to reclaim public green space and restaurant permit streamlining.

"The Council is taking actions to create a better future for Seattle," stated Councilmember Richard Conlin, Chair of the Planning, Land Use, and Sustainability Committee. "We are investing in bus and streetcar systems that will increase transportation choices. We are increasing funding for the Green Seattle Partnership, which mobilizes volunteers to maintain the health of our urban forest. We are continuing our emergency preparedness efforts by funding work on unreinforced masonry buildings and creating a resiliency strategy. And we are adding new resources that will strengthen housing, community centers, and human services in our neighborhoods and urban centers."

Following policy developed last year, the Council preserved the tiered structure for community centers, keeping operating hours for centers intact from baseline 2012 levels. The Council also added $500,000 to make capital improvements for the Lake City Community Center.

"Even with our economy showing signs of recovery, we need to be strategic with our resources and spending. We can't continue to fund every desire; we must target results and effectiveness. We have chosen to keep all of our community centers open while directing our money towards proven, intentional programming," said Parks and Neighborhoods Committee Chair Councilmember Sally Bagshaw. "We are meeting both needs and wants across the city and being purposeful with our priorities."

"Lake City is a growing and changing community. It's got a great group of active neighbors and residents. Now we are looking into the right programming for teens and seniors and creating an accessible, open, and welcoming community center," added Council President Clark.

Delivering results

To make sure the City's new investments actually improve lives and communities, the Council set aside $400,000 for the City Auditor to conduct evaluations of programs targeted for significant expansion (the Seattle Youth Violence Prevention Initiative and the Career Bridge employment assistance program) and has provided additional staff at the Auditor's Office to support this work.

The Council also requested additional clarity from the Executive regarding the specific outcome targets for other new or expanded programs, including the Center City Initiative and entrepreneurial support offered by the Office of Economic Development.

"I want to say thank you to all of the people who turned out to testify at public hearings, emailed, called and met with Council throughout this budget process," said Councilmember Mike O'Brien. "I was impressed with the engagement we saw from so many in the community and I think the input we received helped guide our thinking and decisions in this budget."

Final adoption of the 2013-2014 biennial budget will occur Monday, Nov. 19 at 2 p.m.

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

Seattle City Council statement on likely passage of Seawall proposition

SEATTLE – Councilmember Tom Rasmussen, chair of the Council's Transportation Committee, released the following statement on the likely passage of Proposition No. 1 for General Obligation Bonds for the Alaskan Way Seawall:

"On behalf of the Seattle City Council, I applaud and thank Seattle voters for understanding the need to replace this most basic piece of Seattle's commercial and transportation infrastructure by approving Proposition No. 1. Rebuilding the seawall is critical to protecting the lives and property of our neighbors in downtown Seattle and along Alaskan Way and in the water."

The aging seawall has been considered vulnerable to an earthquake ever since the Nisqually Earthquake in 2011. Its collapse would have grave effects upon the businesses, utilities and roads along the waterfront and into downtown.

The measure was designed to fund the public safety need for a new seawall. The replacement project is also the critical first step in a larger vision to revitalize the downtown waterfront.

A strong and secure seawall will serve as the foundation and an important step in moving that revitalization forward. To meet the safety concerns caused by the seawall's vulnerability, the City has an accelerated schedule planned for replacing the seawall. By approving this necessary funding now, the project will be able to take advantage of today's favorable construction and bidding environment to begin this important project in 2013.

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

Since Monday’s presentation, the City Council has been analyzing and concentrating on proposed budget details. Citizens have weighed in by phone, email, public testimony, snail mail and in person on budgetary issues. Councilmembers have attended community and civic meetings to hear citizen concerns. The issues have been addressed in the press and on the blogs. Seattle’s dedication to public participation means that it takes a city to pass a budget.

The City Council typically takes seven weeks to consider, reallocate, and pass a balanced budget (unlike the federal government, the city is prohibited from operating with a deficit; in other words, it cannot spend money that it cannot reasonably expect to receive). The budget deadline is December 1, but custom dictates that the council passes the budget on the Monday before Thanksgiving.

For the past four years, the city has had to trim operations, due to the dismal economy. To achieve this belt tightening, it has been necessary to implement numerous efficiencies, reduce the number of workers and accept concessions from city unions. Some city workers – foremost among them the Seattle Public Library employees – even agreed to accept unpaid furloughs to help the city keep layoffs to a minimum. There were cuts in branch library hours, grass was mowed less frequently and there were fewer community center hours. And, although the Council vowed to keep virtually untouched the City’s highest priorities – public safety and direct human services – there were even small savings found in these critical core services.

There was a tendency to gloss over the austere times saying that the city was “doing more with less;” but the reality was that the city was doing less because we had less.

Thus it was heartening last week, at the Council’s first budget discussion, to hear, City Budget Director Beth Goldberg predict that there would be only a $20 million shortfall in 2013 (down from an earlier $32 million prediction). The source of this additional revenue: More from real estate sales, street vacation funds expected from Children’s Hospital and Amazon and the welcome news that federal bloc grants will be holding steady. There will also be a few million added to the city’s general fund, an amount freed by passage of the Library Levy.

Goldberg, one seldom on the side of wild enthusiasm, plainly assessed the situation: “There still are constraints in the economy, but there are signs of improvement.”

Among some of the miscellaneous savings in city spending are the lowering of temperatures in city buildings, Seattle Parks’ reducing water usage, selling of vehicle parts inventories and reduction in unneeded parks’ planning staff. Goldberg said that the Mayor also is proposing higher parking fees at city garages and the Seattle Municipal Tower, as well as an amnesty period for pet licenses that might bring in several thousand in fees for previously unlicensed pets. She proposed using several million remaining from the City’s sale of a property known as the Rubble Yard to the State DOT.

These savings to the City’s general fund are proposed to pay for 10 additional Seattle Police Officers, replacing in-car systems, paying for a gunfire location system, expanding community center hours and adding 450 slots to the Youth Violence Prevention Initiative. There also would be an expansion of the Human Services Department’s safety net, including more for child care; support for homeless families and domestic violence survivors; increased “only in Seattle” neighborhood business grants; several million more on Safe Routes to Schools; greenway development; and funds to complete a Freight Mobility Plan.

Goldberg was careful to caution that there remain downside risks to the proposal. She talked about what would happen if there are fiscal troubles in Europe and China. But, all in all, prospects sounded a good deal better than when the Mayor, during his Budget Message, suggested, somewhat illogically, that the City Council should join him and “jump off the cliff together.” Fortunately, it seems as if that might not be necessary.

The Budget Public Hearings are the 4th and 25th of October at 5:30 pm at City Hall. Be a part of the City Budget Process.

Seattle City Council approves rental housing inspection legislation

Seattle – The Seattle City Council voted today (5-0) to approve rental housing inspection legislation, improving living conditions for Seattle's more than approximately 269,000 renters occupying 147,000 rental units. Council Bill 117569 provides a multi-faceted approach to addressing Seattle's sub-standard housing through a registration and inspection program.

"I have great hopes that this program will improve the conditions of renters living in substandard housing.  A similar program in Los Angeles has resulted in a $1.3 billion re-investment in the City's rental housing stock while costing tenants in LA less than $13 year," said Councilmember Nick Licata, Housing, Human Services, Health and Culture Committee Chair.

"This law protects senior citizens and thousands of other residents throughout Seattle by ensuring that their rental homes are safe," added Councilmember Tim Burgess. "We listened carefully to both the tenant groups and the apartment owners, and the resulting law proves that collaboration can accomplish great things for our city."

"Tenants deserve safe and livable housing and landlords need clear and reasonable inspection regulations," said Council President Sally J. Clark. "This legislation makes both of those things happen and has a realistic roll out plan."

"This legislation is the result of years worth of conversation and making sure we remained focused on protecting the health of renters," added Councilmember Sally Bagshaw. "This was a successful collaboration of many stakeholders, all concerned about quality of life."

"This legislation reinforces the simple notion that tenants are entitled to basic standards of health and safety," said Councilmember Jean Godden.

In June 2010, the Seattle City Council adopted Ordinance 123311, creating a rental housing registration and inspection program. At the same time, the Council also adopted Resolution 31221, requesting that the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) convene a stakeholder group and report back with recommendations for implementing the rental housing registration and inspection  program.

The Stakeholder Group met 14 times between December, 2010 and January, 2012, resulting in a series of recommendations on the scope of a rental housing program.  The current legislation passed out of the City Council's Housing, Human Services, Health and Culture Committee after eight committee meetings on September 26, 2012 with a vote 4-0.

For a summary of elements of the program, clilck here.

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

Seattle City Council approves arena legislation
Revised agreement preserves jobs and protects public investment

Seattle – The Seattle City Council voted 6-2 today to approve a revised agreement with private investor Chris Hansen for a new sports and entertainment arena (Council Bill 117480). The final version of the bill includes technical amendments discussed over the past ten days with the King County Council.

"Council staff, lawyers and councilmembers have worked hard to produce an agreement that protects the city, charts the right site review process and secures appropriate public benefits," said Council President Sally J. Clark. "Today's vote closes one phase of tasks and begins another, including work on how we plan for a bright future at Seattle Center."

The final agreement approved by the City Council expands public benefits in the proposal through dedicated funds for transportation projects and Key Arena. It also strengthens the legal and financial protections afforded to the City and County, including a personal financial guaranty from Hansen.

"The Council's action today allows us to move forward on the processes laid out in this agreement," said Councilmember Tim Burgess, chair of the Council committee that reviewed the agreement. "Working together, we can improve freight mobility, protect maritime and industrial jobs, bring a new source of economic and cultural activity to our city and ensure a healthy future for the Seattle Center."

"The financial protections in place for Seattle and our taxpayers make this a great deal for non-sports fans and fans alike, and I applaud everyone involved for coming together to work out a winning solution for all parties," said Councilmember Mike O'Brien. "I think this deal sets a new standard for public-private partnerships in projects like this around the country."

"The terms of this agreement reflect our commitment to taxpayers' financial security, the well-being and viability of the Seattle Center, and the need for freight and traffic to move smoothly and reliably," said Councilmember Jean Godden. "This is a significant milestone in the journey to bring the NBA back to Seattle."

 "This new, forward-thinking agreement is a culmination of the hundreds of thousands of devoted Sonics fans working to bring back the Sonics," said Councilmember Bruce Harrell. "I applaud Mr. Hansen for his unquestionable commitment to Seattle and his pragmatic approach in negotiating with the City and conversing with all regional stakeholders for the strongest public/private deal in the country. The green and yellow are on their way back home and I look forward to hearing Kevin Calabro call out—flying chickens in the barnyard—once again."

"Throughout this process I've been asking a lot of questions," said Councilmember Sally Bagshaw. "I'm ready to move the process forward, remembering that concerns from our industries, taxpayers, Seattle Center and about environment impacts must be addressed before the documents are finalized."

The Mayor submitted legislation with agreements between the City, King County and Mr. Hansen's ArenaCo to the City Council on May 18. The Council spent two months reviewing the proposal and gathering input from members of the public. On July 30, eight Councilmembers sent a letter to Hansen outlining areas of concern in the proposal and stating a desire to reach a positive agreement.

The legislation includes two documents: a memorandum of understanding between the City of Seattle, King County and private investor Chris Hansen and an interlocal agreement between the City and County.

The following documents contain more information on the revised agreement:

• Summary of major changes
• Frequently asked questions

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

Chow, battling brain cancer, is a long time advocate for youth and the Seattle community, having served as a Seattle City Councilmember (1990 – 1997) and a School Board member.  She has also been a volunteer for the Seattle Chinese Community Club Girl’s Drill team and youth basketball leagues.

Photos from this event can be seen in this Flicker Gallery.

Video of the September 17 special recognition event, Seattle Channel

Video tribute to Cheryl Chow, Seattle Channel

Council Committee receives report on March 2012 Seattle Public Utilities fraud
Report details steps taken to protect the City and ratepayers

Seattle – The Seattle City Council's Libraries, Utilities and Center (LUC) Committee this morning received a report from the City Auditor and Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) on the steps taken to protect the utility from fraud and theft.

"The findings identified by the Auditor and other assessment efforts taken by SPU will go a long way toward improving internal controls. I'm pleased with SPU's rapid response to the fraud and the steps they have taken to get their financial house in order. I will continue to monitor their progress and ensure that ratepayer dollars are secure," said Councilmember Jean Godden, LUC Committee Chair.

In March 2012, a former SPU employee was arrested for allegedly stealing over $1 million in customer payments related to water main extension projects. At that time, the LUC Committee requested that the City Auditor provide an independent review of internal process breakdowns that allowed the fraud to go undetected. The Committee also directed SPU to take immediate action to address lax procedures that were exploited.

Through the work of the City Attorney's office, the $1 million loss will likely be fully recovered.

In the audit report released today, the City Auditor  identified three main areas of internal control weaknesses: lack of segregation of duties; lack of appropriate management oversight of financial transactions; and unauthorized system access. 

SPU has already started to fix internal processes identified by the Auditor. The City Auditor will monitor SPU's progress on audit recommendations and has identified other areas of potential risk and recommendations.

The Council will continue to monitor SPU's activities, ensuring it is doing everything possible to protect ratepayer funds and operate a strong and transparent department.

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

Seattle City Council approves Yesler Terrace redevelopment legislation
Comprehensive legislation lays the groundwork to improve neighborhood for low-income residents

SEATTLE — The Seattle City Council voted unanimously today to approve legislation allowing the Seattle Housing Authority (SHA) to redevelop the 22-acre Yesler Terrace public housing neighborhood.

The legislative package requires SHA to replace 561 existing units of very low-income housing for current residents, build more than 1,200 new income-restricted units at a variety of affordability levels, and allows for as many as 4,500 total housing units.

Council President Sally J. Clark said, "The Council took this opportunity to ensure the Yesler Terrace redevelopment plan will respect the needs of people who live in Yesler now and to make sure that Yesler evolves into a greater urban neighborhood for more residents."

Terms of the planned action ordinance, cooperative agreement and street vacation call for SHA to construct community gardens, pedestrian pathways and pocket parks open to the public, and re-landscape the neighborhood with more trees than are currently present.

"The Yesler Terrace redevelopment will increase low income housing, create a vibrant neighborhood next to downtown, and take a major step towards meeting our growth management goals. New Holly, High Point, and Rainier Vista demonstrate Seattle Housing Authority's ability to develop extraordinary communities," stated Councilmember Richard Conlin, co-vice chair of the Yesler Terrace Special Committee. "The Yesler Terrace Redevelopment project will be added to this list as a careful, thoughtful, and prudent project that will make a big difference in many people's lives."

The Housing Authority may build up to 900,000 square feet of office, medical service space and lodging, as well as 150,000 square feet of retail and services.

SHA will provide comparable housing for all current Yesler Terrace residents during construction. Every resident will also receive a certificate guaranteeing their right to return to the neighborhood once new housing is completed. SHA estimates replacement construction will begin in 2013.

Councilmember Nick Licata, co-vice chair of the Special Committee said, "The Council made this development better by providing stronger assurances that excess revenues must provide additional very low income housing and any future use of Housing Levy funds at Yesler Terrace must be awarded according to a competitive process.  In addition, renters' rights to return to Yesler are much strengthened by limiting SHA's criteria for screening returning tenants."

The Council modified the Mayor's proposed cooperative agreement between SHA and the City to improve the project and provide further safeguards for residents of Yesler Terrace. Of the 20 amendments to the cooperative agreement the Council passed, several were imposed to further protect Yesler Terrace tenants, improve the quality of the neighborhood and to increase the amount of low-income housing created:

• SHA is required to use all proceeds from the sale of land for infrastructure and low-income housing in the Yesler Terrace neighborhood. 

• If SHA gets more than it needs to pay for the infrastructure and low-income housing, additional funding will pay for up to 100 more units for very-low income residents (households that make no more than 30% of area median income).

• Housing built east of Boren in the early stages of the project must include units for low-income residents.

• If a tenant has a dispute, SHA is required to work with the Yesler Terrace Community Council and the Citizens Review Council to resolve the matter.

• If future Housing Levy dollars are requested for Yesler Terrace, any funds will be awarded through the regular Housing Levy Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) process.

• SHA must work with community organizations that assist women- and minority-owned businesses and economically disadvantaged individuals to obtain employment through Section 3 hiring, apprenticeship programs and equal opportunity programs.

"Our vision for Yesler Terrace is to improve the quality of life for all who choose to live, work, and play there," said Councilmember Sally Bagshaw. "This new community will foster understanding for generations among our children, seniors, those who speak English and those who don't. It will provide access to jobs, schools, transportation, medical care and more. It's a vision that has been years in the making. I am proud today to say Yes to Yesler."

"Since its inception, Yesler Terrace has fostered a unique community, allowing thousands of Seattleites to create a home and raise children near the heart of downtown.  I'm thrilled to see residents get the improvements they deserve in order to continue to thrive," said Councilmember Jean Godden. "Additionally, I am committed to ensuring that the voices of communities impacted by the change continue to guide the redevelopment process."

"Today's vote is an important step towards creating more healthy, affordable housing in Seattle. I am committed to continuing to work with SHA and Friends of Little Saigon to ensure that this is a project that benefits not just Yesler Terrace residents but the surrounding communities as well," added Councilmember Mike O'Brien.

"As Civil Rights chair, I believe we must work inclusively with this diverse community and reassure the 1,200 residents who include families with children, people with disabilities, seniors, and immigrants who speak other languages, a right to return to their home and community," said Councilmember Bruce Harrell. "I am confident that this cooperative agreement will assure, at a minimum, a 1-for-1 replacement of low-income units at Yesler Terrace."

"Remaking Yesler Terrace will create a strong neighborhood full of opportunity and hope in the heart of Seattle," said Councilmember Tim Burgess. "It's a project that creates jobs, contributes to economic growth, protects affordable housing and lines up perfectly with our desire for fairness and opportunity for all. It's a project that is rooted in our progressive values."

"This exciting project will rebuild badly needed low-income housing for current residents and generations to come," said Andrew J. Lofton, Executive Director of Seattle Housing Authority.  "We've enjoyed collaborating with the City Council, Mayor and many others to develop this plan, and we're excited to move forward."

For more information on the proposed Yesler Terrace redevelopment plans, visit http://www.seattle.gov/council/issues/yesler_terrace.htm.

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

Have a question for the Seattle City Council?
Get it answered on Seattle Channel's Council Edition
Councilmembers Clark, Burgess and Godden to appear
on September's City Inside/Out: Council Edition

SEATTLE – Do you have a question for the City Council? Will the proposed NBA/NHL arena become a reality? What are the Council's 2013 budget priorities and how will they align with those of Seattleites? What does passage of the Library Levy mean for Seattle libraries? What does the Council's vote on Yesler Terrace mean for the neighborhood and residents? Whatever your questions, submit them now.

The Sept. 11 episode of Seattle Channel's City Inside/Out: Council Edition will feature Councilmembers Sally J. Clark, Tim Burgess and Jean Godden answering your questions with host Brian Callanan.

Submit your questions for the Councilmembers by noon on Thursday, Sept. 6.

• Email: contact@seattlechannel.org
• Online: http://www.seattlechannel.org/CouncilEdition/
• Twitter: @SeattleChannel
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SeattleChannel

Don't miss this opportunity to put your issues before the city's lawmakers. Send in your questions now and tune in to Seattle Channel, Cable 21, 7:30 p.m., Tuesday,
Sept. 11 to hear the Councilmembers respond.

Follow SEATTLE CHANNEL on Facebook and Twitter!

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

Yesler Terrace redevelopment legislation passes out of Seattle City Council
Special Committee
Full Council will cast final vote on September 4

SEATTLE – allowing the Seattle Housing Authority (SHA) to redevelop the 22-acre Yesler Terrace public housing neighborhood.

Council President Sally J. Clark, chair of the Yesler Terrace Special Committee, said, "The Council took this opportunity to ensure the Yesler Terrace redevelopment plan will respect the needs of people who live in Yesler now and to ensure that Yesler becomes a great urban neighborhood again. The new development of great parks and gardens, better streets and a true housing mix means we ensure low-income people have a great Yesler home far into the future."

The legislative package requires SHA to replace 561 existing units of very low-income housing for current residents, build more than 1,200 new income-restricted units at a variety of affordability levels, and allows for as many as 4,500 total housing units.

Councilmember Nick Licata, co-vice chair of the Special Committee said, "The Council made this development better by providing stronger assurances that excess revenues must provide additional very low income housing and any future use of Housing Levy funds at Yesler Terrace must be awarded according to a competitive process.  In addition, renters' rights to return to Yesler are much strengthened by limiting SHA's criteria for screening returning tenants."

"The Yesler Terrace redevelopment will increase low income housing, create a vibrant neighborhood next to downtown, and take a major step towards meeting our growth management goals. New Holly, High Point, and Rainier Vista demonstrate Seattle Housing Authority's ability to develop extraordinary communities," stated Councilmember Richard Conlin, co-vice chair of the Yesler Terrace Special Committee. "The Yesler Terrace new development will be added to this list as a careful, thoughtful, and prudent project that will make a big difference in many people's lives."

Terms of the planned action ordinance, cooperative agreement and street vacation call for SHA to construct community gardens, pedestrian pathways and pocket parks open to the public, and re-landscape the neighborhood with more trees than are currently present.

"Remaking Yesler Terrace will create a strong neighborhood full of opportunity and hope in the heart of Seattle," said Councilmember Tim Burgess. "It's a project that creates jobs, contributes to economic growth, protects affordable housing and lines up perfectly with our desire for fairness and opportunity for all. It's a project that is rooted in our progressive values."

"I'm pleased that SHA has been working with members of the community to maintain the vitality of Little Saigon," said Councilmember Jean Godden.

The Housing Authority may build up to 900,000 square feet of office, medical service space and lodging, as well as 150,000 square feet of retail and services.

SHA will provide comparable housing for all current Yesler Terrace residents during construction. Every resident will also receive a certificate guaranteeing their right to return to the neighborhood once new housing is completed. SHA estimates replacement construction will begin in 2013.

"As Civil Rights chair, we must work inclusively with this diverse community and reassure the 1,200 residents who are families with children, people with disabilities, seniors, and immigrants who speak other languages, a right to return to their home and community," said Councilmember Bruce Harrell. "I am confident that this cooperative agreement will assure, at a minimum, a 1-for-1 replacement of low-income units at Yesler Terrace."

For more information on the proposed Yesler Terrace redevelopment plans, visit our web pages.

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

Seattle City Council special committee supports initial Central Waterfront concept design and strategic plan
Council recognizes mix of funding sources and Friends of Seattle Waterfront organization

This afternoon the Seattle City Council unanimously approved Resolution 31399 supporting the overall direction of a Central Waterfront concept design and strategic plan. This resolution also addresses a funding plan for public, private, and philanthropic sources for the Waterfront Improvement Program and states the City’s intent to form a local improvement district to help pay for the waterfront improvements. The resolution calls for partnerships with the Pike Place Market and Seattle Aquarium and supports formation of a Friends of the Seattle Waterfront non-profit organization.

“This resolution marks a significant milestone in turning Seattle’s Central Waterfront   into a vibrant and bustling public area,” said Councilmember Jean Godden, chair of the Special committee on the Central Waterfront, Seawall, and Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement program. “We now have a cohesive vision for connecting the waterfront and the City, a thoughtful strategy for funding and implementation, and partnerships to make the vision a reality.”

“We are moving forward and making this once in a lifetime opportunity a reality. With the replacement of the Alaskan Way Viaduct, we will create unique and memorable open space and a waterfront for all,” added Councilmember Sally Bagshaw, committee vice-chair.

Nearly 10 years ago, the City began a public process for developing a community vision to reconnect Seattle to its waterfront in conjunction with the removal of the Alaskan Way Viaduct and replacement of the aging Elliott Bay Seawall.

In the summer of 2009, the State, King County, the Port of Seattle and the City of Seattle signed a memorandum of agreement to signify the preferred Alaskan Way Viaduct (AWV) replacement option, a deep bored tunnel.

“Thousands of Seattle residents and organizations helped create this vision,” said Councilmember Richard Conlin, committee vice-chair. “Together we will build a truly remarkable waterfront.”

In early 2011, the Mayor and City Council appointed a 34-member Central Waterfront Committee (CWC) to provide oversight for waterfront planning and design efforts, including robust public outreach. The CWC and its subcommittees met more than 80 times to craft the strategic plan to implement the central waterfront designs. The City held four public meetings garnering feedback from approximately 4, 000 people and five community forums were held to explore topics including mobility and access, habitat, and the culture and uniqueness of Seattle.

"This plan is the product of an incredible collaboration with Seattle residents who attended the design forums, the citizen-led Central Waterfront Committee, and local organizations that will join with the new Friends for Seattle Waterfront non-profit. Public/private partnerships will forge the way to Seattle's new waterfront,” stated Councilmember and committee vice-chair Tom Rasmussen.

Click for more information on the Special Committee on the Central Waterfront, Seawall, and Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Program.

Reigning over the reception were the locals chosen as King Neptune and Queen Alcyone as well as the newly-crowned Miss Seafair. Assuming the role of King Neptune LXIII – the sixty-third king to head the city summer festival – is the former sports hero, Donald “Slick” Watts. Slick cuts a handsome figure as King, although he complains that he doesn’t much like the “jewel” encrusted crown. He says it’s too tight for his regal pate.

Taking on the role of Queen Alcyone is former King County Sheriff Sue Rahr, who now heads the state’s law enforcement training agency. Queen Alcyone doesn’t have as many Roman numbers following her name: She’s Alcyone XIII (the 13th). The fact is that until the year 2000, Seafair didn’t appoint a celebrity queen.

Completing the royal entourage are the 2012 Miss Seafair, Veronica Asence of Bothell, as well as Miss Seafair’s court of princesses, chosen from other local communities.

These royal folks are chosen to preside over Seattle’s annual summer festival which includes dozens of events, ranging from the Seafair Hydro Races to the aerial acrobatics of the U. S. Navy Blue Angels. There are parades and festivals, regal appearances and receptions, almost too numerous to count.

But the event at City Hall this week was the one that left me speechless for once. It seems that Seafair has a long standing tradition of “knighting” community leaders as a means of recognizing their contributions to this region. So at the appropriate moment Wednesday, King Neptune broke a out serious ceremonial sword and Queen Alcyone supplied the requisite pillow for kneeling and the royal couple “set their hand and caused the Great Seal” of their dominion to be affixed to my knighting.

To say I was swept off my feet would be an understatement. There I was kneeling on the royal pillow, gently tapped on both shoulders by the royal sword. I have a handsome certificate that appoints me “Countess of Community Chivalry & Columnist Extraordinaire.” I will treasure it always. But, even though my head has been turned, I promise that I still answer to just plain “Jean.”

Seattle City Council in discussions with investor Chris Hansen to modify proposed arena agreement

Seattle – A majority of Seattle City Councilmembers signed a letter today to investor Chris Hansen, continuing discussions regarding modifications to the proposed agreement for a sports and entertainment arena in SoDo. The letter outlines areas of concern in the current proposal and states the City Council's desire to address these concerns before moving forward with a final agreement. The full text of the letter is available here.

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

J.P. starred in the longest running locally produced children’s TV program in the nation.  Twice daily he hosted the unscripted Emmy-award-winning – before and after school. He was helped along by his equally talented sidekick Bob Newman, who played Gertrude, J.P.’s girlfriend, and the show’s other human characters including Ketchikan the Animal Man and Boris S. Wort, the second meanest man in the world.

It was something of a tragedy for J.P. fans, young and old, when he went off the air in 1981. But happily, J. P. and Gertrude continued to make appearances at fairs and festivals. The pair often appeared at Children’s Hospital to visit sick kids. I remember catching J. P. at the West Seattle Hi-Yu Parade some years ago, waving to his many fans. Another time, he shook hands at the Museum of History & Industry as part of a stunt to find a stand-in for Gertrude.

Wedes and Newman were together in 2008 for the dedication of a bronze statue in Fremont. Titled “Late for the Interurban,” the statue shows J. P. and Gertrude rushing in opposite directions. The unveiling was attended by hundreds of Patches Pals including Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire, Congressman Jim McDermott and members of the King County and Seattle City Council. The highlight of the event occurred when several hundred spectators turned their backs long enough to emerge wearing bright red clown noses.

But, weakened by treatment for multiple myeloma, a form of blood cancer, Wedes last applied his white-faced clown makeup – broad grin and round red nose — in December when he took part in a fundraiser for KCTS-TV.  He said it was his last performance, although he joked he might pull “a Frank Sinatra” and keep making additional appearances.

At the KCTS event, Northwest funny man Pat Cashman presented the entertainer with a framed certificate announcing that Seattle’s new North Transfer Station’s education center will be named for him. It’s not the same as presiding over “the city dump,” since transfer stations are no longer thought of as dumps,  but naming the education center for J. P. Patches will give a new generation a chance to become “Patches’ Pals” and learn such homey admonitions as “mind mommy and daddy” and “share your toys.”

I last talked with J. P. in May and asked if he could attend the opening of the South Transfer Station, a state-of-the-art facility in South Park. Unfortunately, he had to tell me that he was still recovering from the latest round of treatments for his cancer and didn’t think he be able to attend. However, his wife, Joan Wedes, graciously agreed to attend along with a giant blow-up picture of J. P.

J.P.’s Education Center, planned for the North Transfer Station, is exactly the right approach to memorializing a larger-than-life personality and a genuine hero. For those of us born in the earlier TV years, J. P. has made an important difference. We will always hold him dear. We will always remember the ICU2-TV, a box through which J.P. could look back at us and check to make sure we were following the rules.  For the J. P. Generation, he will always be mayor of the City Dump – oops, make that the transfer station.

Have a question for the Seattle City Council?
Get it answered on Seattle Channel's Council Edition
Councilmembers Burgess, Godden and Licata to appear
on July's City Inside/Out: Council Edition

SEATTLE – Do you have a question for the City Council? How can residents voice their opinion on the proposed NBA/NHL arena? Will there be program or staffing cuts in next year's budget? How are city leaders working to curb Seattle's rise in gun violence? Whatever your questions, submit them now.

The July 10 episode of Seattle Channel's City Inside/Out: Council Edition will feature Councilmembers Tim Burgess, Jean Godden and Nick Licata answering your questions with host Brian Callanan.

Submit your questions for the Councilmembers by noon, Friday, July 6.

• Email: contact@seattlechannel.org
• Online: http://www.seattlechannel.org/CouncilEdition/
• Twitter: @SeattleChannel
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SeattleChannel

Don't miss this opportunity to put your issues before the city's lawmakers. Send in your questions now and tune in to Seattle Channel, Cable 21, 7:30 p.m., Tuesday,
July 10 to hear the Councilmembers respond.

Follow SEATTLE CHANNEL on Facebook and Twitter!

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

Seattle City Councilmembers approve Seawall replacement bond levy
$290 million levy likely to be on November ballot

SEATTLE – Seattle City Councilmembers today unanimously approved Council Bill 117498, a 30-year property tax bond measure of $290 million to provide public safety and protection of the Central Waterfront and related public infrastructure. Once approved at the Full Council meeting next week, the measure will be on the November 6, 2012 General Election ballot.

A new Seawall is projected to protect the City and its residents and workers for the next 100 years or more. A 30-year bond spreads the cost of this project to existing and future Seattle residents who will benefit from today's investment. The 30-year bond for $290 million would cost the owner of a $360K home about $59 per year.

"Replacing the seawall is essential both to public safety and to the local and regional economy," stated Council President Sally Clark. "Failure of the wall could severely disrupt transportation and commerce and lead to widespread property damage, injury and loss of life."

Councilmember Tom Rasmussen, Transportation Committee chair said today, "Seawall replacement is also necessary to support construction of a new Alaskan Way surface road following removal of the Viaduct. The seawall must be removed and rebuilt by 2016 to ensure that Alaskan Way can be rebuilt on time to serve as a vital corridor for moving people and goods."

"The seawall project is the foundation for Seattle's future waterfront. Regardless of what kind of development will happen we are taking the next important step to providing a safe corridor and pedestrian friendly waterfront," stated Councilmember Jean Godden, chair of the Central Waterfront, Seawall and Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Program Committee.

"The first priority is to fix the seawall for public safety and get our public piers back in working order so that we can safely use them again," stated Councilmember Sally Bagshaw. "This is the beginning of reclaiming Seattle's waterfront."

A replacement Seawall is essential both to public safety and to the local and regional economy because the current Seawall is not designed to withstand seismic events. Seawall failure could lead to widespread property damage, injury and loss of life while severely disrupting public transportation and commerce.

The proposed bond would go before voters in November. The dollars generated would pay for construction of the new seawall from South Washington Street to Virginia Street and provide funds toward replacing the deteriorated pilings and decking of the two City-owned piers that extend from the seawall: Pier 58, known as Waterfront Park, and Pier 62/ 63, both of which are owned and operated by the Seattle Parks Department. Pier 58 is seismically vulnerable and the structural deficiencies of Pier 62/63 have forced the City to limit use of the pier to protect public safety.

The $290 million bond measure would complete project funding for this stretch of the seawall in combination with approximately $30 million from the King County Flood Control District and nearly $30 million already identified in the City's General Fund. Seawall replacement is also necessary to support construction of a new Alaskan Way surface road following removal of the Viaduct.  The seawall must be removed and rebuilt by 2016 to ensure that Alaskan Way can be rebuilt to provide public access to the waterfront and area businesses.

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

Seattle City Councilmembers support Supreme Court ruling
on Affordable Health Care Act

SEATTLE – Seattle City Councilmembers today celebrated the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling to uphold the Affordable Health Care Act:

"I applaud the Supreme Court's careful review of the arguments," stated Council President Sally J. Clark. "Coverage for all Americans is critical to urban places, as well as rural. Now we have work to do to ensure health care outcomes improve along with coverage."

"The Supreme Court chose logic over politics with this decision," stated Councilmember Nick Licata, chair of the Human Services, Health and Culture committee. "Now Washington voters must let their state leaders know if they support the expansion of the Medicaid allotment."

"I am pleased with the Supreme Court's ruling this morning," said Councilmember Tim Burgess. "We can now focus on the improvements necessary to make comprehensive health care affordable, efficient and effective for all Americans."

"This is an extraordinary opportunity to reshape our health care system by combining quality health care with affordable health care," added Councilmember Richard Conlin. "Seattle is working with our local providers to reshape our local system to ensure that all of us – including the least, the lost, and the left-behind, will share the blessings of healthy lives."

Councilmember Sally Bagshaw added, "I have longed for today's headline. Four years ago, Obama said, ‘Yes we can' and today five Supreme Court Justices said, ‘Yes we will' to affordable health care. At long last, all Americans will have choices and accessibility to a health plan. Thank goodness."

"I think that we always knew that extending the benefits of health care was the right thing to do. Now we know that it is not only right, but it is also constitutional," stated Councilmember Jean Godden.
"With national health care reform upheld, Washington can get to work making sure everyone has access to affordable, quality care," stated Councilmember Mike O'Brien. "Affordable health care will bring equity to those that need care and provide continued coverage for those already insured."
"After today's ruling by the Supreme Court the thirty million Americans currently without health insurance will begin having access to affordable health care," stated Councilmember Tom Rasmussen. "This is a great step forward for America"

"I have seen the detrimental impact of not having medical coverage in my own life through the eyes of family members, friends, and colleagues. This decision will ensure that they are no longer one major medical emergency away from health and financial disaster," said Councilmember Bruce Harrell. "People can now seek solace knowing that their health is not tied to their employment status. This is absolutely critical in building a healthy Seattle."

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

Seattle City Councilmembers to take public comment
on Seawall replacement bond levy
$290 million levy to be considered for November ballot

SEATTLE – Seattle City Councilmembers today announced the public hearing date to discuss a proposed 30-year property tax bond measure of $290 million to provide public safety and protection of the Central Waterfront and related public infrastructure. The measure under consideration would be on the November 6, 2012 General Election ballot. The 30-year bond for $290 million would cost the owner of a $360K home about $59 per year.

"Replacing the seawall is essential both to public safety and to the local and regional economy," stated Councilmember Tom Rasmussen. "Failure of the wall could severely disrupt transportation and commerce in the region and lead to widespread property damage, injury and loss of life."

WHAT:
Seawall bond measure public hearing
Central Waterfront, Seawall and Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Program Special Committee

WHEN:
Wednesday, June 27, 2012, at 5:30 p.m.
Sign up will open at 5 p.m.

WHERE:
Council Chambers, Second floor
Seattle City Hall, 600 Fourth Avenue, Seattle 98104

WHO:
Council President Sally J. Clark
Councilmember Sally Bagshaw
Councilmember Tim Burgess
Councilmember Richard Conlin
Councilmember Jean Godden
Councilmember Bruce Harrell
Councilmember Nick Licata
Councilmember Mike O'Brien
Councilmember Tom Rasmussen

A replacement Seawall is essential both to public safety and to the local and regional economy because the current Seawall is not designed to withstand seismic events. Seawall failure could lead to widespread property damage, injury and loss of life while severely disrupting public transportation and commerce.

The proposed bond would go before voters in November. The dollars generated would pay for construction of the new seawall from South Washington Street to Virginia Street and provide funds toward replacing the deteriorated pilings and decking of two City-owned piers that extend from the seawall: Pier 58, known as Waterfront Park, and Pier, 62/ 63, both of which are owned and operated by the Seattle Parks Department. Pier 58 is seismically vulnerable and the structural deficiencies of Pier 62/63 have forced the City to limit use of the pier to protect public safety.

The $290 million bond measure would complete project funding for this stretch of the seawall in combination with approximately $30 million from the King County Flood Control District and nearly $30 million already identified in the City's General Fund. Seawall replacement is also necessary to support construction of a new Alaskan Way surface road following removal of the Viaduct. The seawall must be removed and rebuilt by 2016 to ensure that Alaskan Way can be rebuilt to provide public access to the waterfront and area businesses.

Seawall Ordinance

Seawall Fiscal Note

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

Seattle City Council approves plan to protect local waters from pollutants
Proposed pollution control plan expected to save ratepayers more than $375 million

SEATTLE — This afternoon the Seattle City Council unanimously approved a first-of-its-kind proposed agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Ecology that will ensure the systematic control of Seattle's chronic sewage overflows, while allowing the city to use cost-effective and environmentally beneficial projects to control and treat both storm water and sewage.

The agreement, which took city, state and federal officials four years to negotiate, could save utility ratepayers as much as $375 million through 2025.

"This is a smart, responsible, and cost-effective way for Seattle to meet the goals of the federal Clean Water Act — using a new integrated approach that allows us better tools and strategic investments to protect the environment," said Councilmember Jean Godden, chair of the Libraries Utilities and Center Committee. 

"This plan is a win-win. I'm honored to work together with environmental groups to ensure the protection of our waters for generations to come," said Councilmember Sally Bagshaw, Libraries Utilities and Center Committee member.

"I'm very pleased that Seattle and our environmental community are committed to moving forward with this innovative, flexible, and less costly approach to solving our chronic water quality problems." said Councilmember Richard Conlin, Libraries Utilities and Center Committee vice-chair.

Today's vote has the support of key environmental leaders who had earlier raised questions about whether certain toxic compounds important to Puget Sound would be included in future analysis under the consent decree. The final legislation satisfies these environmental concerns. 

"Councilmember Godden asked us to try to address the concerns before the Council took final action.  I don't think we ever had a large disagreement with the environmental community; but we all benefited significantly from sitting down together to focus on key interests," said Martin Baker, Seattle Public Utilities Deputy Director, who led the consent decree negotiations with the state and federal government.

"This is a great start to protect our investment in the Superfund cleanup of the Duwamish River and shows the communities around the Duwamish that things can get better," said James Rasmussen of the Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition/TAG. 

"We applaud the city for working proactively to address CSOs and storm water as a partner in restoring the health of Puget Sound," said Tom Bancroft, Executive Director of People for Puget Sound.

"As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Clean Water Act, the City of Seattle is showing their commitment to clean up sewer overflows and storm water runoff," said Chris Wilke, Puget Soundkeeper and Executive Director at Puget Soundkeeper Alliance. "This is a very important step in the recovery of Puget Sound and our freshwater resources."

In 2010, 190 million gallons of combined raw sewage and storm water spilled from city-owned pipes into Lake Washington, Lake Union, local creeks, the Duwamish River, and Elliott Bay, creating significant health and environmental risks.

Under the proposed plan, Seattle agrees it will meet its commitment to clean up sewage overflows under a specific and regulated schedule, to an average of one overflow per outfall per year (the standard established by the Washington state Department of Ecology) and meet requirements of the federal Clean Water Act.

Over the next 13 years, the city estimates it will spend about $500 million on capital construction projects, including retrofits, green infrastructure and large underground storage tanks, to implement the proposed agreement.

The plan next goes to the Mayor for signature followed by a federal court review, which will include a public hearing. The proposed agreement is expected to be finalized by the end of the year.

For more information about Seattle's efforts to protect our waterways, go to www.seattle.gov/cso.

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

Seattle City Councilmembers to take public comment
on Seawall replacement bond levy
$290 million levy to be considered for November ballot

SEATTLE – Seattle City Councilmembers today announced the public hearing date to discuss a proposed 30-year property tax bond measure of $290 million to provide public safety and protection of the Central Waterfront and related public infrastructure. The measure under consideration would be on the November 6, 2012 General Election ballot. The 30-year bond for $290 million would cost the owner of a $360K home about $59 per year.

"Replacing the seawall is essential both to public safety and to the local and regional economy," stated Councilmember Tom Rasmussen. "Failure of the wall could severely disrupt transportation and commerce in the region and lead to widespread property damage, injury and loss of life."

WHAT:
Seawall bond measure public hearing
Central Waterfront, Seawall and Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Program Special Committee

WHEN:
Wednesday, June 27, 2012, at 5:30 p.m.
Sign up will open at 5 p.m.

WHERE:
Council Chambers, Second floor
Seattle City Hall, 600 Fourth Avenue, Seattle 98104

WHO:
Council President Sally J. Clark
Councilmember Sally Bagshaw
Councilmember Tim Burgess
Councilmember Richard Conlin
Councilmember Jean Godden
Councilmember Bruce Harrell
Councilmember Nick Licata
Councilmember Mike O'Brien
Councilmember Tom Rasmussen

A replacement Seawall is essential both to public safety and to the local and regional economy because the current Seawall is not designed to withstand seismic events. Seawall failure could lead to widespread property damage, injury and loss of life while severely disrupting public transportation and commerce.

The proposed bond would go before voters in November. The dollars generated would pay for construction of the new seawall from South Washington Street to Virginia Street and providing funds toward replacing the deteriorated pilings and decking of the two City-owned piers that extend from the seawall: Pier 58, known as Waterfront Park, and Pier, 62/ 63, both of which are owned and operated by the Seattle Parks Department. Pier 58 is seismically vulnerable and the structural deficiencies of Pier 62/63 have forced the City to limit use of the piers to protect public safety.

The $290 million bond measure would complete project funding for this stretch of the seawall in combination with approximately $30 million from the King County Flood Control District and nearly $30 million already identified in the City's General Fund. Seawall replacement is also necessary to support construction of a new Alaskan Way surface road following removal of the Viaduct. The seawall must be removed and rebuilt by 2016 to ensure that Alaskan Way can be rebuilt to provide public access to the waterfront and area businesses.

• Seawall Ordinance
• Seawall Fiscal Note

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

Seattle City Councilmembers join regional partners in launching next phase of Alaskan Way Viaduct tunneling project

SEATTLE – Seattle City Councilmembers today joined Gov. Chris Gregoire, state, port and local officials in breaking ground for the launch pit for the tunnel boring machine for the Alaskan Way Viaduct (AWV) replacement project. When complete the tunnel will connect to the new SR 99 roadway south of downtown to Aurora Avenue in the north providing for a safe corridor and better mobility.

Councilmember Tom Rasmussen, Transportation Committee Chair said today, "This event marks the next critical phase of the tunneling project as the pit is readied for the boring machine. The tunnel project maintains capacity of Viaduct, avoiding the kind of congestion that could cripple movement of freight and growth of commerce in Seattle. The tunnel project will take the traffic, noise and blight that now separates our downtown from our waterfront and will bury it underground." 

"Today we break ground on a tunnel that will finally allow Seattle to rediscover our waterfront," stated Councilmember Jean Godden, chair of the Central Waterfront, Seawall and Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Program Committee. "When complete, our waterfront will be active and vibrant, populated with parks, restaurants and cultural amenities. It will be a waterfront second-to-none, which will be cherished for generations. We are truly building for the future."

"One small scoop of dirt, one giant leap for Seattle," said Councilmember Bruce Harrell. "After a decade of debate, I am excited to finally start work on a safe and superior corridor that will improve mobility in this region and create thousands of jobs. I look forward to late 2015 when this tunnel opens."

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

Like many who have written in support, I am thrilled to think that there may be a way to bring the Sonics – we do have the right to that name – back to Seattle.

However, I also understand those of you who are asking tough questions.  As a Councilmember, I have a responsibility to make sure any deal the city enters into must be the best one for Seattle taxpayers. It’s important that your elected representatives check into the details, assess the alternatives and ensure that city resources are properly protected.

In the past, Seattle has had some ups and downs with sports enterprises. We have lost teams, venues and even money. To repeat mistakes, especially in light of lessons learned, would be irresponsible.

Many of the proposed arena details have yet to be released.  I do know that Seattle native Chris Hansen is asking the City and County to issue approximately $200 million in bonds to purchase land in SODO and build the arena. In two weeks, the Mayor will transmit a memorandum of understanding that delineates obligations of each party (the city, county and Mr. Hansen) in this enterprise. Mr. Hansen has asked for a binding agreement – a contract – in order to assure the NBA that he has the full commitment of the city.

It is a very serious matter to invest over 200 million dollars of taxpayer money. As such, I have many questions about the proposed agreement and potential bond issuance: Is there a business plan? A pro forma, discussing the chances of the enterprise succeeding? Have we vetted the finances of Mr. Hansen’s fellow prospective owners? What about the ability of a city of this size to support seven big ticket sports?

There does seem to be expectation that there will be a transportation study – a look at possible traffic problems associated with the proposed arena. I appreciate that Mr. Hansen has hired a transportation consultant and will make the results available to us. But it likely will be limited in scope. And, given the concerns of the Port of Seattle and Burlington Northern about freight mobility, a study that is not comprehensive may understate a new arena’s effect on congestion.

As you can see, there are pressing questions that must be answered before Councilmembers will be able to take an informed vote. Here are just a few of my most critical concerns:

• Will additional taxes that the arena will generate cover outlays?
• What additional city services will the arena require? And where will this funding come from?
• What added traffic and/or transportation infrastructure will the city need to provide?
• What about King County? What proportion of the outlay will the county assume? Is it a 50-50 deal? 60-40?
• Are there alternate sites where an arena might be built?
• What arrangements will be made for operating Key Arena in light of competition with a new arena?
• If the city borrows $200 million on this project – apparently a burden that the city could conceivably absorb, although it would almost maximize bonded indebtedness  – what future  projects would the city then be forced to forego?

We have complex and rich history of professional sports teams in Seattle: from the Seattle Pilots and the 1917 Stanley Cup winning Seattle Metropolitans, to our recent additions, the Seattle Storm and Sounders FC. I would like to see this legacy continue for future generations and believe it is possible. However, we must not unnecessarily burden our children and grandchildren if we do not have the best deal possible in front of us.

Going forward, my pledge to you is to be a careful steward of taxpayer’s money. I will work diligently to ensure any deal makes sense for all of Seattle and that we know the full cost and impact to city residents.

Seattle City Councilmember Jean Godden
takes up Utility Discount Program for low income and elderly
More change is needed to ensure access

Seattle – At the urging of Councilmember Jean Godden, the Libraries, Utilities and Center Committee today sent a letter calling for two changes to the Utility Discount Program (UDP).  These changes would immediately benefit low-income families and seniors who need assistance.

The letter, addressed to Ray Hoffman, Director of Seattle Public Utilities, and Dannette Smith, Director of the Human Services Department, calls for:

1. Changing the re-enrollment schedule for low-income seniors from once every 18 months to once every 3 years; and,
2. Making low-income discount rates retroactive to the date a certified application is received

"People who are fully qualified shouldn’t have to wait months for assistance," stated Godden. "Discounts should be retroactive to the date when a qualified customer submits the complete UDP application.

"Unnecessary red tape and bureaucratic delay seems like a high price for those in need to have to bear. Seattle can do better and should."

For more information please visit Councilmember Godden’s review of the program here. You can also visit the Utility Discount Program site.

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

Special Committee to discuss Seawall

SEATTLE – The Seattle City Council’s Special Committee on the Central Waterfront, Seawall and Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Program will meet after Full Council on Monday, April 23. 

The Committee will discuss public safety and protection of the Central Waterfront, the downtown business district, transportation and public infrastructure, a possible bond measure to replace the Elliot Bay Seawall and the Seawall design, schedule, cost estimates and next steps.

WHEN:
Monday, April 23, 2012, following Full Council
(approximately 2:30 p.m.)

WHERE:
Council Chambers, Seattle City Hall
600 Fourth Ave, Second floor, Seattle 98104

View the committee agenda here.

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

Councilmember Godden’s personal historical perspective:

The primary architect for the fair was Seattle’s own Paul Thiry, who personally designed the Washington State Coliseum to house the state’s “World of Tomorrow” exhibit. The famed feature of the Coliseum was the 150-passenger Bubbleator. The giant plastic bubble floated through exhibit of the imagined future, piloted by glamorous long-legged models who instructed fair-goers to “step to the rear of the sphere.”

I, alas, was not able to apply for a job piloting the Bubbleator nor for the job of taking passengers via elevator to the Space Needle’s observation deck. Operators needed to be 5 foot 6 and gorgeous. But I did get to leave a small mark on the World’s Fair. The fair designated two official coloring books and my late husband Robert (Bob) Godden, along with his ad-agency partner Ross Swift, was hired by Hayes Distributing Inc. to produce the books. As commercial artists often did, they drew from life and, as fate would have it, almost all adult women in both books could have been my twin sisters.

Aside from coloring books, Godden and Swift did scores of drawings for the fair. They designed a Paul Bunyan Cake, a giant pastry that was the centerpiece for one of the fair’s concluding events. They turned out dozens of ads that appeared in “The Official Guide Book.” They designed punch-out headgear for the Alaska exhibit and shamelessly produced flamboyant “Girls Girls Girls Girls” ads for the scandalous (for the times) adults-only show street extravaganza. Imagine topless beauties (“heavenly bodies”) on display at the “naughty but nice” presentation. It was a reversal for the Seattle City Council, which several years before had deliberated only 24 hours before banning all topless displays.

For more information on this weekend’s Next 50 opening celebration at the Seattle Center, visit http://www.thenextfifty.org/.

Seattle Municipal Archives has some excellent resources on the 1962 World’s Fair.  Click to view digital files, text files.  Image files can be viewed here and here.

Official Century 21 Coloring Book, featuring Councilmember Godden

Watch Seattle City Councilmembers share their
favorite Seattle Center memories

SEATTLE - In anticipation of the Seattle Center's Next Fifty celebration kick-off on Saturday, April 21, Seattle City Councilmembers sat down to share their favorite Seattle Center memories. Tune in to our Council Connection blog over the next week as they share their stories.

What:
Seattle City Councilmembers share their Seattle Center memories

When:
Morning and afternoon blog postings, April 16-20, 2012

Where:
Council Connection Blog at http://council.seattle.gov/
Subscribe to the RSS feed at http://council.seattle.gov/feed/

For more information on the Seattle Center's Next Fifty celebration, including the schedule of events, visit http://seattlecenter.com/news/detail.aspx?id=1719.

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

Library leaders and city officials join together in support of levy for The Seattle Public Library

Seattle Public Library Board President Marie McCaffrey, City Librarian Marcellus Turner, Mayor Mike McGinn and City Councilmember Richard Conlin announced support for a Library levy to restore cuts and improve core services at a noon press conference at Seattle's Central Library. City officials and Library leaders were joined by scores of Library patrons at the event.

The Library levy would fund increased Library hours, build the collection of books and materials, enhance computers and online services and improve building maintenance. The plan grew out of a two-year process that involved comments from more than 39,000 residents through public meetings, open houses, surveys, focus groups and forums. There were more than 14 million visits to The Seattle Public Library last year and over 11 million books and materials circulated.

The City Council is expected to vote on legislation that would authorize an Aug. 7, 2012, ballot for a Library levy at 2:30 p.m. today.

The seven-year Library levy of $17 million annually would stabilize the Library budget after four years of cuts that have eroded services. The Library has been closed for one week each year since 2009, 15 of 26 branches are closed two days a week, and the budget to buy books and other items has been cut by more than 13 percent since 2009. The levy would also provide an estimated $5 million to address anticipated cuts in 2013. The Library would continue to rely on the city's general fund for the majority of its budget. At about 15 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, the levy would cost the median homeowner approximately $52 a year.

"We owe a huge thank you not only to the mayor and council for their collaboration and support, but also to the people of Seattle who helped shape the plan over the past two years," said McCaffrey. "This is an important step toward completing the vision of the 1998 'Libraries for All' bond measure, which resulted in new and improved libraries across the city."

McGinn said people depend on libraries for access to information and resources they need to succeed. "Libraries are the great equalizers for people of all ages," he said. "A strong Library system contributes to the economic, educational and cultural vitality of our city." He noted that libraries are key partners in supporting his initiatives for youth and families and to bolster civic engagement. "Libraries support our residents looking for work, students needing homework assistance, and people who cannot afford a computer," he said. "Our libraries are educational centers in every community and gathering places for neighborhood meetings and activities."

Conlin initiated a study of alternative funding options for the Library in 2010 after recognizing the city's fiscal challenges and declining tax revenues were affecting services. A levy package grew out of that effort.

"At the City Council's April 3 public hearing, Library patrons spoke to how they have been impacted by the cuts and how critical it was that our libraries be open with the resources and assistance they need," Conlin said. "Libraries are particularly important in challenging economic times and it just doesn't make sense to cut services when people need them the most."

City Librarian Marcellus Turner said the plan was built to reflect the priorities of the community. "Libraries are the city's classrooms for both individuals and the community," he said. "The Library levy will help ensure we can provide essential Library services now and for the next generation of users." 

Ninety-one-year-old Eleanor Owen and local mystery writer Kathrine Beck also spoke about how the Library has helped them, and their families and friends, throughout their lives.

For more information, visit www.spl.org and select "Libraries for All: A Plan for the Present, A Foundation for the Future," or call 206-386-4636.

For more information contact: Andra Addison, communications director, 206-386-4103

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

Levy proposal addresses ongoing fiscal challenges and supports critical services

What:
After a two-year process involving the thoughtful contributions of tens of thousands of residents and collaboration between The Seattle Public Library, Mayor’s Office and City Council, a proposal to stabilize Library funding and improve Library services is complete.

Who:
Library Board President Marie McCaffrey, City Librarian Marcellus Turner, Mayor Mike McGinn and Seattle City Councilman Richard Conlin will announce a proposed Library levy to address ongoing financial challenges and support key service priorities: Library hours, collections, technology and building maintenance.

91-year-old Library patron Eleanor Owen and Seattle author Kathrine Beck will also speak about the Library’s importance to the city’s educational, cultural and economic vitality.

Library and city officials will be joined by other members of the City Council and Library Board, as well as the Friends of the Library, Library Foundation and members of the public.

When:
Noon Monday, April 9, 2012

Schedule:
Noon to 12:30 p.m. – Event Remarks
Library Board president, mayor, City Councilman Richard Conlin and city librarian will talk about the levy plan and what it offers the community. Two Library patrons will talk about the importance of libraries in their lives. The press will receive copies of the proposal, “Libraries for All: A Plan for the Present, A Foundation for the Future.”

12:30 p.m. – 1 p.m. - Other Broadcast Opportunities
Library officials, the mayor, City Council members, Library patrons Eleanor Owen and Kathrine Beck, as well as Library Friends and Foundation members available for further interviews. Opportunities to film baby story time, tax assistance program and poetry group and other activities happening in the building. City Council is scheduled to vote on the proposed Library levy for the Aug. 7, 2012 ballot at 2:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers, 600 Fourth Ave.

Where:
The Central Library, 1000 Fourth Ave., Level 3

Information:
Andra Addison, The Seattle Public Library, 206-386-4103, andra.addison@spl.org
Caroline Ullmann, The Seattle Public Library, 206-615-1627, caroline.ullmann@spl.org

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

Seattle City Councilmembers Clark, Godden and Harrell to appear on April's City Inside/Out: Council Edition
Email your questions now for Seattle City Councilmembers

SEATTLE – What is the latest with the Department of Justice's investigation of the Seattle Police Department? How will policing change in the City? What role will the Council play in Seattle Center's Next Fifty anniversary celebration? Can residents be involved in this year's budget process? Whatever your questions, submit them now.

The April 10 episode of Seattle Channel's City Inside/Out: Council Edition will feature Councilmembers Sally J. Clark, Jean Godden and Bruce Harrell answering your questions with host Brian Callanan.

Submit your questions for the Councilmembers by Friday, April 6, at noon.

• Email: contact@seattlechannel.org
• Online: http://www.seattlechannel.org/CouncilEdition/
• Twitter: @SeattleChannel
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SeattleChannel
• Simply reply to this email

Don't miss this opportunity to put your issues before the City's lawmakers. Send in your questions now and tune in to Seattle Channel, Cable 21 on Tuesday, April 10, at 7:30 p.m. to hear the councilmembers respond.

Follow SEATTLE CHANNEL on Facebook and Twitter!

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

Feedback sought on proposed Seattle Public Library Levy

SEATTLE – Providing funding stability for the Seattle Public Library is a priority for the City of Seattle. Seattle City Councilmembers invite members of the public to provide their feedback on the proposed Library Levy legislation before the Council. 

WHAT:
Public Hearing on the proposed Library Levy

WHEN:
Tuesday, April 3, 5:30 p.m. (Sign up will open at 5 p.m.)

WHERE:
Council Chambers, second floor
Seattle City Hall, 600 Fourth Avenue, Seattle 98104

Over the last two years, the Library has involved over 39,000 residents in strategic planning for the Library's future and setting priorities for Library services. In community surveys, focus groups panel discussions, five open houses, and three community meetings, the people of Seattle came together to identify the priorities for the Library's work now and in the future. Please take this opportunity to share your feedback on the proposed seven year Library Levy.

For more information on the proposed Library Levy, please visit the Council's issue page.  The proposed legislation will likely be voted on at the April 9, meeting of the Special Committee on the Library Levy at 2:30 p.m. in Council Chambers.

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

The Globe, spunky, animated symbol of the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, has long served as the city’s unofficial cultural icon. But there were no iron-clad assurances that the words “It’s in the P-I” would keep spinning into the future – until now.

The Globe, all 13.5 tons of it, no longer sits astride the daily newspaper offices that gave it life in 1948.  Three years ago, the Hearst Company, the P-I’s parent, ceased publishing a paper edition, turning the city’s oldest daily into an online only news source. (Check it out at SeattlePI.com). The newsroom, much reduced in size, recently moved to offices several blocks from the waterfront building at Elliott Avenue West on which the P-I Globe sits, rusty and minimally tended.

The Globe’s orphan plight has not gone unnoticed. Three years ago, three Seattle councilmembers, all former journalists, realized that, if the Globe were to escape the scrap metal heap, it would need protection as a landmark. And, unlike process as usual, the three councilmembers vowed to themselves nominate the globe for landmark status.

Three years seems a long time and, yet, the Globe’s landmark designation is only now reaching its critical point. There has been lengthy research – oh, my, the stories the Globe could tell; but more about that later. During those three years, there have been negotiations with the Hearst Company which still owns the Globe and which, fortunately and happily, recognizes the Globe’s status as part of the city’s history.

Add to that a series of negotiations with the Museum of History and Industry (aka MOHAI), the local nonprofit that has stepped up and is willing to accept ownership and responsibility for the iconic sign.  This is a grand gesture for the museum and a wonderful addition to the museum’s storehouse of significant artifacts which, of course, includes such city symbols as Rainier Beer’s giant “R” and the neon tail-wagging dog from the city’s once famed 24-7 Dog House Restaurant.

Rome, as they say, wasn’t built in a day. And neither was the Globe rescued for posterity in an abbreviated period. But, after much process, many meetings and robust discussions, there is finally is progress to report. Today, the Landmark Board will have before it the question of whether – or not – to recommend landmark status to the P-I Globe. Once that is done and terms of the agreement decided, the final vote will be taken by the Seattle City Council.

At that point, the Globe will likely be moved to a temporary storage location until it can be handed over to MOHAI and Executive Director Leonard Garfield. MOHAI is making plans to refurbish the Globe and find a new permanent location for it to reside.

Where the Globe might go next hasn’t yet been definitely decided. There are funds to raise and venues to consider. Garfield has said that the community should be involved in picking a locale.

Some think the ideal location might be near the museum’s new home at South Lake Union or perhaps near Olympic Sculpture Park on the waterfront. One suggestion – this one by Seattle Times reporter Lynn Thompson – is placing the Globe adjacent to the sculpture park’s other neon artwork, “Love & Loss.”

A word now about the globe itself, which was spinning atop the old P-I Building at Sixth and Wall Street when I first went to work at the paper in 1974, feeling elated to think that the world would soon, literally, be on my shoulders. By then, the Globe was already a fixture in the city, the result of a 1940s P-I contest won by University of Washington art student Jakk Corsaw. His entry featured a cylindrical map that shot streaks of light from breaking news across the continents.

The P-I art department refashioned the map into a world globe topped with an 18-foot eagle and encompassing the spinning words “It’s in the P-I.” The redesign was a more agreeable task than the department’s other jobs which included altering news photos to make them suitable for a family paper. Among their jobs: painting out the udders of cows and tracing paths taken by Aurora Avenue Bridge suicides. Artist Ray Collins, in a slightly irreverent mood, once wondered aloud if suicides would kindly take along a roll of toilet tissue to mark their route.

The Globe represents the legacy of those brawling Front Page-like days of the Post-Intelligencer, when reporters, editors and craftsmen fought rivals for scoops and put out a morning paper seven days a week in what one editor described as “an every day miracle.”

The late night crew, an inspired bunch of copywriters, editors and rim rats – among them Dune novelist Frank Herbert and “Even Cowgirls Get the Blues” novelist Tom Robbins — often took their “lunch” break on the Sixth and Wall-Street Building’s roof, next to the Globe, sometimes inhaling dried plant substances and wishing they could say, “Stop the World, I Want to Get Off.” Or now, like me – missing the old print edition and its iconic symbol –  but hoping we can preserve its memories for future generations.

Seattle City Councilmembers Clark, Burgess and Godden nominate PI Globe as official landmark
Hearst Corporation donates Globe to Museum of History & Industry

SEATTLE – Seattle City Councilmembers Sally J. Clark, Jean Godden and Tim Burgess, Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI) Executive Director Leonard Garfield, and the Hearst Corporation today announced plans to forever keep the Seattle Post-Intelligencer Globe in Seattle as a recognized historic landmark.

When the Seattle Post-Intelligencer (PI) newspaper announced its decision to stop the presses and move to an internet-only format in 2009, the three Councilmembers, all former journalists, began working with representatives of Hearst Corporation, MOHAI and the staff of the Landmarks Preservation Board to make sure that the Globe would continue to stay in Seattle as a beloved icon.

Council President Sally J. Clark said, "The PI Globe is like an old friend. Seeing it atop the PI Building not only makes us smile, it also serves as a reminder of the important role that the Post-Intelligencer has played in the history of Seattle and the greater Puget Sound region."

The Globe has been a fixture on Seattle's waterfront on top of the PI Building since it was moved from its original location at Sixth and Wall in 1986.  Hearst Corporation, which owns both the Globe and seattlepi.com, moved most of the pi.com operations to another building last year and does not plan to maintain a long-term presence in the PI Building.

In a letter to Councilmembers Clark, Godden and Burgess, Mark Aldam, president of Hearst Newspapers, thanked the Councilmembers and MOHAI for their work to honor the Globe and celebrated this historic moment in its existence.

"Following the designation of the Globe as a City of Seattle landmark, Hearst will donate the Globe to MOHAI, and MOHAI and the City of Seattle will together work to identify a suitable new home for it," Aldam said. "Hearst is deeply grateful for your dedicated efforts on behalf of the Globe and all it represents, and for the willingness of MOHAI to accept the important role as its new steward."

MOHAI is making plans to refurbish the Globe and to find a new permanent location for it to reside. The Globe will be taken to a temporary storage site for cleaning and maintenance, likely sometime later in 2012.

MOHAI's Executive Director, Leonard Garfield, announced that a campaign will soon be launched to find a new home for the Globe and to fund its restoration and provide for its long-term care. He said, "We thank Hearst for its generous and thoughtful gift. The Globe is one of Seattle's signature icons and we are thrilled that our community will continue to enjoy the Globe for many years to come. We are honored to become the steward of this cherished symbol of Seattle's journalism and our local history."

The City of Seattle is working with MOHAI and Hearst during the transition of ownership, and is in discussions with MOHAI to the Globe to be stored in a former airplane hangar at Magnuson Park during its restoration.

"MOHAI is the perfect caretaker for this historic Seattle icon," said Councilmember Tim Burgess. "We will continue to work with Hearst and the museum to find a permanent home for this landmark. It will forever be a reminder of the importance of a free and independent press."

This afternoon the Globe will be nominated for recognition as a landmark. Historian Mimi Sheridan will make the presentation to the Landmarks Preservation Board on behalf of the Councilmembers. The meeting will begin at 3:30 p.m. in the Seattle Municipal Tower, Room 4060.

"This is truly a great day for the citizens of Seattle. Today we're not only honoring the iconic globe but also decades of high-caliber journalism. For more than 100 years the P-I has been a trusted source of news and chronicler of life here in the Northwest. On behalf of my colleagues on the Council and the citizens of Seattle I want to say thank you to Hearst Corporation and MOHAI for preserving this wonderful gift to our community," said Councilmember Jean Godden, who worked for the Post-Intelligencer as a reporter and columnist.

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

Below is a press release the Council sent out this morning detailing the steps we are taking to address the recent discovery of fraud at SPU. Abuse of taxpayer trust is something I will not tolerate. We will act quickly to ensure that this never happens again.

—

Committee calls for independent financial review of Seattle Public Utilities

The Libraries, Utilities, and Center Committee, during this morning’s discussion of fraud at Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), called for an independent review of SPU’s financial practices.

“We need to move forward now to immediately fix this problem.  Ratepayers demand and deserve financial accountability from the utility. And they will get it,” said Councilmember Jean Godden.

The Committee asked the City Auditor—an independent third party—to conduct an investigation of financial controls at SPU, particularly those related to accounts that could be subject to high risk transactions such as the water main accounts.

“The public trust has been broken. Only through systematic review and tight new financial controls can we restore trust and provide the services we all expect,” said Councilmember Sally Bagshaw.

The Committee requested that the City Auditor and SPU report to the Committee with a scope of work by March 27, 2012 and present plan details to the Committee at the April 3, 2012 meeting.

The plan will address the immediate water main extension revenue problem and recommend whether all SPU development fees should be part of the review.

By the end of this week the Committee will send a letter to the City Auditor and SPU detailing issues it would like to see examined in their review.

“The Committee will participate in every step of this process,” said Councilmember Godden. “There will be no discussion of new utility rates until Seattle Public Utilities gets its house in order.”

Seattle City Council to announce update on Seattle Post-Intelligencer Globe
Council working with MOHAI and Landmarks Preservation board to save PI Globe

SEATTLE –  On Wednesday, Seattle City Councilmembers will announce developments in preserving a Seattle treasure, the Seattle PI Globe. Joined by leadership from MOHAI and the Hearst Corporation, Councilmembers will discuss the Globe’s future.

WHAT:
Status update for Seattle Post-Intelligencer Globe preservation

WHEN:
Wednesday, March 7, 11:30 a.m.
                       
WHERE:
Near Seattle City Council Chambers
Seattle City Hall, 600 Fourth Avenue, Second Floor
Seattle, WA 98104

WHO:
Seattle City Council President Sally J. Clark
Councilmember Tim Burgess
Councilmember Jean Godden
Leonard Garfield, MOHAI Director
Historian Mimi Sheridan
           
For more information view the Seattle PI globe’s landmark preservation application.

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

Seattle City Council Committee calls for independent financial review of Seattle Public Utilities

SEATTLE – The Libraries, Utilities and Center Committee, during this morning’s discussion of fraud at Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), called for an independent review of SPU’s financial practices.

“We need to move forward now to immediately fix this problem. Ratepayers demand and deserve financial accountability from the utility. And they will get it,” said Councilmember Jean Godden, committee chair.

The Committee asked the City Auditor—an independent third party—to conduct an investigation of financial controls at SPU, particularly those related to accounts that could be subject to high risk transactions such as the water main accounts.

“The public trust has been broken. Only through systematic review and tight new financial controls can we restore trust and provide the services we all expect,” said Councilmember Sally Bagshaw.

The Committee requested that the City Auditor and SPU report to the Committee with a scope of work by March 27, 2012, and present plan details to the Committee at the April 3, 2012, meeting.

The plan will address the immediate water main extension revenue problem and recommend whether all SPU development fees should be part of the review. By the end of this week the Committee will send a letter to the City Auditor and SPU detailing issues it would like to see examined in their review.

“The Committee will participate in every step of this process,” said Councilmember Godden. “There will be no discussion of new utility rates until Seattle Public Utilities gets its house in order.”

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council’s website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

Seattle City Councilmember Jean Godden's statement on Seattle Public Utilities situation

SEATTLE – Seattle City Councilmember Jean Godden, chair of the Libraries, Utilities and Center (LUC) committee, today released the following statement in response to learning a former city employee has been arrested for a $1 million theft from Seattle Public Utilities (SPU):

"To say that I'm outraged over this revelation is an understatement," said Councilmember Godden, the new chair of the LUC committee, which oversees Seattle Public Utilities. 

"Immediate steps must be taken to recover funds. Although one cannot comment on the accused's guilt or innocence, we must make sure that there are safeguards in place to protect the public's money.

"I have been assured that SPU has immediately responded to this situation and instituted new tight financial controls and oversight.

"This must not, and cannot be allowed to happen ever again. In a time when dollars are scarce we must be more vigilant than ever. We will take a hard look at Seattle Public Utilities’ procedures to protect our taxpayers."

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

Seattle City Councilmember Jean Godden’s statement on Seattle Public Utilities situation

SEATTLE – Seattle City Councilmember Jean Godden, chair of the Libraries, Utilities and Center (LUC) committee, today released the following statement in response to learning a former City employee has been arrested for a $1 million theft from Seattle Public Utilities (SPU):

"To say that I’m outraged over this revelation is an understatement," said Councilmember Godden, the new chair of the LUC committee, which oversees Seattle Public Utilities. 

"Immediate steps must be taken to recover funds. Although one cannot comment on the accused’s guilt or innocence, we must make sure that there are safeguards in place to protect the public’s money.

"I have been assured that SPU has immediately responded to this situation and instituted new tight financial controls and oversight.

"This must not, and cannot be allowed to happen ever again. In a time when dollars are scarce we must be more vigilant than ever. We will take a hard look at Seattle Public Utilities’ procedures to protect our taxpayers."

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council’s website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

 The truth is that Seattle, pre-fair, had been on maps all right, landing there as an obscure footnote to the 19th Century Klondike Gold Rush. But people in the East and Midwest, if they thought about Seattle at all – and most didn’t – believed the city was subarctic, perhaps a suburb of Nome, Alaska. When I studied journalism in Chicago years ago, my colleagues weren’t too sure that we didn’t live in igloos and commute by dog sled.

Thus it was that the 1962 Fair – this year celebrating its 50^th anniversary – did something surprising for a mostly forgotten city:  It branded Seattle in a way no advertising campaign could ever have done. The fair said that Seattle was a happening place, a place celebrating science and bent on opening the doorway to the future. Thanks to a couple of resident ad men (Gerald Hoeck and Marlowe Hartung), the Mad Men of their day, the fair discarded its original musty name (“Festival of the West”) and acquired a timely space-age identity: “Century 21 Exposition.”

The symbol of the fair was The Space Needle, an iconic tower envisioned by Western Hotel’s Eddie Carlson. When Carlson failed to persuade King County to fund his dream, he set up a private corporation. Thus the structure that he was first to visualize and to call “the Space Needle” was born. The design, fleshed out by University of Washington architect Victor Steinbrueck, resembled a saucer-shaped spacecraft about to spin out into the heavens, balanced atop a tripod-like sheaf of wheat. What an apt and remarkable metaphor.

The fair had an uninspiring start in the late 1950s when Seattle Mayor Allan Pomeroy appointed a group of businessmen, headed by Bob Block, to a committee charged with studying sites for city sports and cultural facilities. Despite the failure of a recent bond measure, the committee pushed ahead with a bold $8.5 million bond issue with half earmarked for an Opera House on Capitol Hill and half to develop a sports center on the site of the Civic Auditorium.

Mayor Pomeroy took the plan to the City Council, which definitely was not impressed. It took an initiative campaign and 15,000 signatures to finally get councilmembers’ attention. The Council then appointed its own Civic Center Committee, a group that wisely joined forces with the already operating World’s Fair Commission.

Members of the combined group set out to pick a venue for a fair. They studied a number of potential sites, among them Fort Lawton, First Hill, Sand Point Naval Air Station and Union Bay. Eventually they got around to looking seriously at the Civic Auditorium site, desirable because the city already owned 28 acres there and could purchase more. Eventually, that site was selected and the deal was sealed after the voters passed a bond issue for $7.5 million and the state voted to match that amount.

From that point, there was no turning back. The committee revved into action, meeting almost daily at local hotels for 7 a.m. breakfast meetings. There were dozens of barriers to overcome, including the worry that remote Seattle might not win the coveted prize: official international approval. Other cities, New York City for one, were in competition for the designation that was given only once in a decade. But, miraculously, Seattle won the official nod and, along with it, assurance that nations from all over the world would mount official exhibits at Century 21.

No question that the project now had momentum. Competitions were held to select designs.  And what designs they were. Winner of the competition for the international fountain was a splendid sunflower-shaped motif, 117 water nozzles, music and colored lights, submitted by Shimizu and Kazuyuki Matsushita. The Science Pavilion with its graceful arches and pools was proposed by Seattle-born Minoru Yamasaki and the architectural firm of Naramore, Bain, Brady and Johanson. That these handsome enduring designs both won approval is but one of the enduring legacies of that decades-ago fair.

Primary architect for the fair was Seattle’s own Paul Thiry, who personally designed the Washington State Coliseum to house the state’s “World of Tomorrow” exhibit. Famed feature of the Coliseum was the 150-passenger Bubbleator.  The giant plastic bubble floated through exhibit of the imagined future, piloted by glamorous long-legged models who instructed fair-goers to “step to the rear of the sphere.”

I, alas, was not able to apply for a job piloting the Bubbleator nor for the job of taking passengers via elevator to the Space Needle’s observation deck. Operators needed to be 5 foot 6 and gorgeous. But I did get to leave a small mark on the World’s Fair. The fair designated two official coloring books and my late husband Robert (Bob) Godden, along with his ad-agency partner Ross Swift, was hired by Hayes Distributing Inc. to produce the books. As commercial artists often did, they drew from life and, as fate would have it, almost all adult women in both books could have been my twin sisters.

Aside from coloring books, Godden and Swift did scores of drawings for the fair. They designed a Paul Bunyan Cake, a giant pastry that was the centerpiece for one of the fair’s concluding events. They turned out dozens of ads that appeared in “The Official Guide Book.” They designed punch-out headgear for the Alaska exhibit and shamelessly produced flamboyant “Girls Girls Girls Girls” ads for the scandalous (for the times) adults-only show street extravaganza. Imagine topless beauties (“heavenly bodies”) on display at the “naughty but nice” presentation. It was a reversal for the Seattle City Council, which several years before had deliberated only 24 hours before banning all topless displays.

By contrast, the Seattle World’s Fair presented a tame, slightly naïve, vision of the future. Transported by the Bubbleator, visitors saw plastic domes covering climate-controlled farmlands, the imagined way to grow crops in future years. Visitors viewed off-shore floating sea-farms producing kelp and plankton for the dinner tables of the tomorrow. They saw a highway system, clear of traffic jams, and futuristic transport unburdened by crowds. The interior of “the home of the future” featured a one-unit utility core and a built-in vacuum system. Furnishings were light-weight plastic and the kitchen was seen as a wonder of cordless appliances. All dishes were disposable and the home’s color system could be altered with a switch.

These visions of the future were beyond utopian and unrealistic. But, nevertheless, the fair, rightly, deserves credit for having given the city a substantial foothold into the future, an amazing 74-acre park, devoted to history, to science, to the arts and culture and to the Space Age. It gave Seattle its much-needed “living room,” a place to meet to celebrate victories and personal triumphs and, when needed, to jointly mourn such events as the assassination of the Rev. Martin Luther King and the collapse of the Twin Towers.

The Seattle World’s Fair was the beginning of Seattle Opera, of the cultural fundraising organization Poncho, of the Horiuchi Mural, Seattle Children’s Theater, the Pacific Northwest Ballet and the Seattle Repertory Theatre. It gave us ethnic festivals, the Seattle Shakespeare Theatre, Experience Music Project, Bumbershoot, Folklife, the Kobe Bell, McCaw Hall, KeyArena (aka the Coliseum), the Playhouse, Exhibition Hall and, of course, the stately Space Needle, an icon that everywhere says Seattle.

Portland Mayor Bud Clark was right when he said that Seattle won its place on the world map, the right to dream big, with the 1962 World’s Fair.  All of us who make a home here are indebted to the small group of visionaries who brought us Century 21 and launched the future.

Seattle City Councilmembers praise Governor Gregoire for signing marriage equality bill
Council's marriage equality resolution supports state legislative efforts

SEATTLE –Seattle City Councilmembers today recognized the signing of Senate Bill 6239, concerning civil marriage and domestic partnerships, as Washington state joins other states in support of marriage equality.

January 23, Councilmembers unanimously approved Resolution 31356 declaring full support of state-wide marriage equality, urging the Washington State Legislature to swiftly pass this legislation.

Council President Sally J. Clark said, "I'd like to recognize and thank Gov. Chris Gregoire, Sen. Ed Murray and Rep. Jamie Pedersen, and all the legislators who took this historic step toward equality.  The unprecedented level of community advocacy has been inspiring."

"This achievement is the result of decades of tenacious and courageous work by people throughout Washington," stated Councilmember Tom Rasmussen.  "I especially want to thank Sen. Ed Murray who has worked tirelessly for fairness and equality for the passage of this landmark law."

Councilmember Sally Bagshaw added, "This issue is about fairness. I am inspired by the thoughtful debate that took place amongst our leaders in Olympia, thrilled to see this day come and proud of our state."

"I thank the Governor and the state Legislature for showing strong leadership on marriage equality," said Councilmember Tim Burgess. "This effort has taken great patience and perseverance and today's signing is worthy of celebration."

"I applaud Governor Gregoire and the Legislature for doing the right thing for Washington's residents," said Councilmember Richard Conlin. "As a licensed officiant, I look forward to the opportunity to celebrate and perform wedding ceremonies as soon as this legislation takes effect and I can legally sign the papers."

"I'm thrilled state legislators and the Governor have made marriage equality the law of the land," stated Councilmember Jean Godden. "It's high time we lived in a state that recognizes everyone's equal rights."

"As an advocate for fairness, I am incredibly proud of our Washington State Senate, House of Representatives, and Gov. Gregoire on fighting for marriage equality in our state," said Councilmember Bruce Harrell. "Families come in many forms and all families in our city and state should enjoy equal rights and opportunities. I am overcome with pride that Washington state will continue to build momentum towards marriage equality in the United States, by becoming the 7th state to recognize gay marriage. We all benefit from an environment that promotes equality."

Councilmember Nick Licata stated, "As a longtime supporter of marriage equality,  I'm thrilled today that our state Legislature and Governor agree that though Washington's ‘Everything but marriage' law served its purpose for a time, it fell far short of what's right and fair." 

"This historic step makes me proud to be a Washingtonian. I cannot wait to attend my first official gay wedding and celebrate with friends and family who have been left out of this important institution for too long," stated Councilmember Mike O'Brien.

In February 1997, the City of Seattle adopted Resolution 29535 opposing discrimination against same-sex couples in Washington State and supporting legal recognition of civil marriages for same-sex couples. Supporting marriage equality is also in the City of Seattle's 2012 state legislative agenda.

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

Joncas heralded the news that Downtown Seattle’s population has grown 77 percent since 1990, while the city as a whole grew only 19 percent. Nearly 10 percent of Seattleites now live downtown. The city has experienced more residential growth than all of its peer downtowns of Boston, Denver, Charlotte, Minneapolis, Philadelphia, Portland, San Diego and San Francisco.

“Some people want to move down here so much that they’ve even brought their own housing,” Joncas said. The words were barely out of her mouth when the room erupted into  laughter. Behind her, the jumbo screen was showing the tents of Occupy Seattle spread out across Westlake Park.

Joncas had some pending items on her agenda, noting that Seattle still lacks a downtown school despite the fact that there are 3,000 kids 19 years of age and younger living in downtown neighborhoods, nearly 1,000 of those being preschoolers. She lamented that many parents move away when their children reach school age.  There was mention of “too expensive parking rates” and the negative effect they might be having on evening dining in some downtown neighborhoods.

Still there was a lot of good news.  Never shy about Seattle’s accolades, she noted that Seattle is one of the “best cities for young professionals,” “No. 1 post-recession mecca for young skilled workers” and picked as “one of the geekiest cities in America” by the U.S. National Science Foundation.”

She reported that the number of coffee shops (242) in downtown Seattle had rebounded since the recession and is now back to 2009 levels. As she said, “One shop for every 971 Seattleites, but way below our needs.” The number of bars is up 11 percent and, to show that we’re not all geeks, the number of spas is up 171 percent.  Pedestrian counts are up, Joncas said, cheering the  good news that the city has a move underway to clean up 3^rd avenue.

Joncas’ turn at the mike was followed by Blake Nordstrom, president of Nordstrom who cautioned that downtown’s recovery remains “fragile. He spoke about an increased emphasis on four downtown  imperatives: “live, work, shop and play.”  He said that it’s no surprise that Seattle is home to Amazon, recently named the U. S. company with the best service. He said, “What’s important are a company’s values and principles.” No accident that Nordstrom, long known for its outsized dedication to customer satisfaction, also happens to be based in Seattle. Takes one to know one.

Seattle City Council establishes Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs
Coordinated efforts will provide easier to use services to immigrant and refugee communities

SEATTLE – Seattle City Councilmembers today approved 7-0 Council Bill 117394 establishing the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs as an executive department. By creating one location for immigrant and refugee services, this office will coordinate the City's efforts in reaching and providing services to immigrant and refugee communities.

"The City of Seattle has better invested in the way we serve all residents – including immigrants and refugees," said Councilmember Bruce Harrell, chair of the committee that will oversee the new Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs. "This new office will improve how the City integrates new immigrants and refugees into the civic life of Seattle, as well as help all residents benefit from the diversity of immigrant and refugee cultures. It will be mutually beneficial to all."

The bill recognizes Seattle is home to many immigrant and refugee communities and that language and cultural barriers can compromise equal access to government services and programs. These barriers combined with the complex nature of issues that impact immigrant and refugee communities, resulted in this Council action to strengthen the relationship between government and these communities.

"Immigrant and refugee communities contribute to the vitality of Seattle in countless ways, but they can also have trouble accessing city services," said Councilmember Tim Burgess. "The Council created this office because we saw the need to provide a more coordinated welcome to these individuals and families."

"The Immigrant and Refugee Commission is excited about the new City of Seattle's Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs.  Seattle's Immigrants and refugees have quickly become part of the city's economic life, from the bustling International District downtown to the polyglot scene that is the South East, the most diverse zip code in the nation," said co-chair Devon Abdallah. "What a great way to show commitment to continue to advocate for immigrant and refugees," said co-chair Jesus Rodriguez.  "We are looking forward to having an office coordinating efforts across City departments and a central point of contact for individuals requiring City assistance."

"I am thrilled that we were able to create an office that will reach out to newcomers and serve as a one-stop place to access information and services," stated Councilmember Jean Godden.

"The Office will make city government more accessible and responsive to Seattle's immigrant and refugee communities, which now represent 17 percent of the City's population," said Councilmember Mike O'Brien. "I look forward to working with the new office to better include these communities, our newest residents, in our civic process and life."

"OneAmerica applauds the Council's leadership in creating this office which will help streamline access to services and create innovative ways to recognize and encourage immigrant and refugee communities to participate in city life. The office also provides a clear signal that city government values the input and contribution made by immigrant communities," said OneAmerica Executive Director, Pramila Jayapal.

The bill also renames the Immigrant and Refugee Advisory Board to the Seattle Immigrant and Refugee Commission.  The Seattle City Council created the Immigrant and Refugee Advisory Board and developed an Immigrant and Refugee Action Plan in 2007. The Immigrant and Refugee Commission will work with the City's Race and Social Justice Initiative to integrate principles of social justice and ensure consistency with the Race and Social Justice Initiative.

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

Chef Wayne Johnson, Photo from Andaluca

January and February are often months of culinary news:  word of new restaurants opening, old favorites moving to new locations, changing menus and staff. This year is no different.  And the big news is that Wayne Johnson, Andaluca’s Executive Chef, is leaving to take over the kitchen at Ray’s Boathouse.

Andaluca with its vivid décor – purples and burnt ombre — has long been a special place for insiders. It’s a restaurant that locals know well – eclectic and intimate – but are a little hesitant about sharing with newcomers. It’s been nominated time after time as “Seattle’s Most Romantic Restaurant. “ Chef Johnson arrived at Andaluca a dozen years ago. By then, he’d won his stripes as executive chef at the Parc 55 in San Francisco. With him, he brought his innovative approach to Mediteranean cuisine: paellas and shareable Spanish dishes known as pintxos.

Like many of our Seattle chefs, Johnson also brought keen dedication to public service.  You can find him four times a year at the University Family UMCA cooking a free meal for homeless teens. He donates his time at FareStart, the restaurant that trains homeless for the restaurant industry, and he also typically prepares a festive meal for residents at the Admiral Assisted Living facility. 

I have enjoyed many a meal at Andaluca, delighted to be in Johnson’s capable hands. One memorable meal last summer brought together a group of friends. We were lucky enough to have Chef Johnson show up at our table to  tell us about the cuisine and share news from his recent appearance on “Iron Chef America”  (he lost to Chef Michael Symon, but won plaudits for his irresistible smile). The menu that delightful evening at Andaluca was typically gourmet, starting with a stunning chilled green gazpacho with crab. There were delectable duck cakes with apricot chutney and a main course that featured fantastic halibut, smothered in piquant sauces and finished (as if one needed it) with liquid chocolate cake.

Andaluca will miss Chef Johnson, but his colleague Sarah Lorenzen, with whom he has worked for many years, will be taking his place in the kitchen. So, instead of losing a four-star guy, we’ll be gaining a trusted culinary star at Ray’s, a Seattle institution, while still enjoying our most romantic restaurant in Chef Lorenzen’s capable hands.  Our cups and our plates overflow.

This is a great opportunity for Seattle to showcase Seattle Center, as the marathon coincides with the Center’s Next Fifty program — honoring the 50th anniversary of the the World’s Fair. As an ambassador of the Next Fifty program, I am excited about an event that will bring thousands to our city’s hub and that promotes the health and wellness of everyone in our city.

Join your Seattle elected officials at Saturday's City Hall Open House
Office tours and civic education available for visitors

SEATTLE – Mayor Mike McGinn, City Attorney Pete Holmes and members of the Seattle City Council invite residents to City Hall this Saturday for a day of Seattle-centric festivities.

City Hall Open House
Saturday, January 28, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
600 Fourth Ave, Seattle, WA 98104
(enter on Fifth Avenue)

The open house will include tours of the Mayor's Office, City Council offices, and Office of Intergovernmental Relations, a Q&A with Mayor Mike McGinn, and workshops on the legislative process and interpreting credit reports. All departments will be on-hand to answer resident questions and provide information on City-sponsored programs. City Attorney Pete Holmes will be present along with the four new police Precinct Liaisons. The Seattle Animal Shelter will have adoptable animals available at their booth.

Details are as follows:

10 a.m. – 2 p.m.      

City Hall open for visitors, department tabling

City Council offices available for self-guided tours
(Second floor)

Pai's food truck available on Fifth Avenue

Pike Place Farmer's Market available on Fifth Avenue

"How a bill becomes a law" civic education exhibit
(Council Chambers, second floor)

10:15 a.m.                

Remarks by Council President Sally J. Clark
(Bertha Knight Landes Room, first floor)

10:20 – 11:15 a.m.  

Q & A with Mayor Mike McGinn
(Bertha Knight Landes Room, first floor)

11:15 a.m.

Mayor's Honor Song, Arlie Nakeshi, Native American
(Bertha Knight Landes Room, first floor)

12:00 – 12:30 p.m.  How a bill becomes a law workshop
(Council Chambers, second floor)

12:30 – 1:30 p.m.     Financial Empowerment Workshop: Unraveling the mysteries of credit reports/scores by Becky House, American Financial Solutions, a member of the Seattle-King County Asset Building Collaborative
(Floor L2, Room L280)

The following local musical acts will perform from 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.:

• The Fred Hoadley Trio (Latin Jazz; lobby)
• Arlie Neskahi and Eagle's Jump (Native American Music; seventh floor lobby)

The Farmer's Market on Fifth Avenue will include the following local vendors:

• Martin Family Orchards (apples)
• Sidhu Farms (frozen berries, honey, jam)
• Full Circle Farms (organic winter vegetables)
• Garden Flowers (pickled beets and winter vegetables)
• Alm Hill Gardens (fresh tulips)
• Sammamish Valley Farm (dried flowers and winter vegetables)
• Neng Farm (dried flowers and winter vegetables)
• Xai Cha Farm (dried flowers and winter vegetables)

For more information on tomorrow's Open House, visit www.seattle.gov.

Seattle City Council approves marriage equality resolution
Councilmembers unanimously support state legislative efforts

SEATTLE – Seattle City Councilmembers today unanimously approved Resolution 31356 declaring full support of state-wide marriage equality, urging the Washington State Legislature to swiftly pass Senate Bill 6239. This bill is explicitly intended to end discrimination in marriage based on gender and sexual orientation, while respecting the religious freedom of religious institutions to determine for whom to perform marriage ceremonies.

"I'm sure it's no surprise that the Seattle City Council favors marriage equality," said Council President Sally J. Clark. "We've long been on record in support, and many of my colleagues and I have actively lobbied for the cause. It's heartening to hear the legislature has the support to turn the measure into law."

"As chair of the committee that oversees Seattle's Office for Civil Rights, I wish to thank the members of the Washington State Senate, House of Representatives, and Gov. Gregoire on fighting for marriage equality in our state," said Councilmember Bruce Harrell. "Families come in many forms and all families in our city and state should enjoy equal rights and opportunities.  We all benefit from an environment that promotes equality."

The Council resolution also recognizes that all people are created equal and should be treated as such by their government and provides a formal declaration of support to the state legislature and Gov. Gregoire.

"I'm thrilled to support this resolution urging State Legislators to take the final step toward marriage equality. It's about time we lived in a state which recognizes everyone's equal rights under the law," said Councilmember Jean Godden.

"It's long past time for all people in same-sex relationships to be allowed to marry. Washington's 'everything but marriage' law has served its purpose yet I'm glad that many agree that it still falls short of what right and fair," stated Councilmember Nick Licata. 

"The elected leadership of Seattle stands united in support of the marriage equality legislation," said Councilmember Tim Burgess. "Washington should no longer make distinctions based on sexual orientation. I encourage my colleagues and friends in the state legislature to pass this bill."

In February 1997, the City of Seattle adopted Resolution 29535 opposing discrimination against same-sex couples in Washington State and supporting legal recognition of civil marriages for same-sex couples. Supporting marriage equality is also in the City of Seattle's 2012 state legislative agenda.

"I am so pleased this day has come," stated Councilmember Sally Bagshaw.

"If two people are ready to commit to spend their lives together, they should have the option to get married," said Councilmember Mike O'Brien. "Marriage equality is the civil rights issue of our day, and I fully believe we must grant gay and lesbian couples the same rights and privileges before the state as straight couples."

"As a licensed officiant, I look forward to the opportunity to celebrate and perform wedding ceremonies as soon as this legislation is approved and I can legally sign the papers," added Councilmember Richard Conlin. "Let's make it happen!"

"The City of Seattle has long prided itself on its commitment to equality and diversity. Marriage equality should be afforded to all consenting people," stated Councilmember Tom Rasmussen. "Equality and fairness is good for people and business, and marriage equality will make Washington state more attractive to those who would move here. I applaud the efforts of Gov. Gregoire and the Legislature to pass these bills in this session.

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

These folks are not what we think of when we talk about “first responders,” but it is exactly what they were. They were on the front lines doing essential work to make sure our citizens were safe.

They have done their part and done it admirably. And I know that they’ll thank           citizens when they do their part, clearing away debris and making sure that drains are functioning so that the aftermath of Snowzilla goes as smoothly as possible.

Citizens should be alert to any possible problems such as clogged drains and possible water-main breaks that may occur over the next few days because of the rapid change in ground temperature. More information is available at SPU’s website.

The partnership, which involves 23 churches and many hundreds of volunteers, serves approximately 150,000 meals a year to the needy and homeless in the core downtown area.

This outdoor feeding program has come under fire in past years and has been moved from place to place. Currently it is located at 6^th and Columbia, under the freeway. At one time, it was located along side the old Public Safety Building at 4^th and Columbia, since torn down. Then it was relocated to City Hall Park.

I recall 2004, when then Mayor Greg Nickels thought that it should be against the law to serve a warm meal at the park. At that time, he issued a release stating that volunteers would be arrested. So I called home and said I hoped they’d bail me out. I walked down to the park, intending to serve a meal, which I had done previously, fully expecting to end up in jail. However, by the time, I started dishing up cooked corn, sandwiched between then Councilmember Peter Steinbrueck and Father Michael Ryan of Saint James Cathedral, the mayor had changed his mind.

Later the outdoor feeding program was moved to the First Presbyterian Church parking lot at 8^th and Columbia and then, eventually, to the under-Freeway location. The Meals Partnership Coalition had hoped to find a place where they could serve both indoor and outdoor meals from a community kitchen and had even proposed a plan that would share expenses with the city.

So it was an unpleasant surprise to find the organization caught off-guard by Human Services Department Director Danette Smith and Deputy Mayor Daryl Smith. The volunteers were told that, by serving outdoor meals, they were “disrespectful” of the needy and that what they were doing was “inhumane.” The Smiths (no relation) want the service to move indoors, possibly at two or three downtown locations. They also have proposed moving operations to the Indian Service Center Building, which Meals Partnership’s Shayne Kramer and Operation Sack Lunch’s Beverly Graham believe is unsuitable and located too far from the core downtown area.

Westneat’s column pointed out the irony of the Mayor’s Office celebrating outdoor eating at trendy food carts for paying customers at the same time wanting to shut down outdoor eating for the homeless. It does seem curious that the Mayor also has been a champion of Nickelsville, an outdoor encampment of homeless that probably also engages in outdoor consumption. Apparently, consistency is not as strong a precept here.

But that aside, I believe in putting my thoughts out there on this issue. I don’t believe there should be any shutdown of the program until and unless there is an adequate alternative. There should be no gap in service. And, while it would be ideal to offer indoor programs, there apparently continues to exist a need for outdoor meals as well. And, while we do hope to end homelessness with the 10-year plan, there are homeless on our streets and the least we can do is to ensure that they are fed, particularly since there are hundreds of volunteers willing to do so.

Councilmembers that I have heard from – Councilmember Sally Bagshaw for one —  have been equally strong on this issue.  There have been requests for briefings from the Human Service Department and from its director. The fact that the weather has been so lousy the last few days has delayed communications. But, remember, there are still hungry people and willing volunteers who are braving the weather for out-door meals and this needs to continue – must continue – until we have better alternatives.

Update: HSD Director Danette Smith announced that she has agreed to work with a taskforce of meal providers over the next six months to develop and implement a proposal made by Operation Sack Lunch.  The proposal calls for a centralized kitchen concept that would have an indoor and outdoor component. HSD has pledged to only relocate the outdoor meal program when they know that an alternative is in place to serve the same number of people who currently are served by the outdoor program.

King County, Seattle, Port promote awareness of human trafficking
Agencies will hold event tomorrow to highlight regional solutions

SEATTLE – In advance of Human Trafficking Awareness Day, recognized nationally on January 11, the King County Council, Port of Seattle Commission, and Seattle City Council passed recent legislation to shine a spotlight on the horrific problem of human trafficking. 

 "In Washington, we can be proud that we were the first state in the union to criminalize human trafficking, and King County successfully prosecuted the state's first human trafficking case." said King County Councilmember Kathy Lambert, who co-sponsored the County proclamation. "The unique partnerships we have been able to create here are making a difference by strengthening tools for law enforcement and the courts to help protect immigrants and teens from being forced into servitude and prostitution, as well as increasing penalties for convicted traffickers."

As many as 17,500 people are trafficked annually into the United States.  Mostly women and children, these individuals endure forced labor, sexual exploitation, debt bondage, and forced marriages – prison terms that have no end date and no hope for release.

"Our borders should always be open to trade and tourism, but they should never be open to human trafficking," said Port of Seattle Commission President Gael Tarleton. 

By working together, the three agencies, along with local and federal law enforcement partners, hope to increase awareness of this terrible issue – and with that awareness, heighten both reporting of activities and conviction of those who benefit from the misery of others.

"Human trafficking is a grave issue that thousands of people face in our State. It requires broad partnership across jurisdictions and I'm proud of the statement we are making together with this proclamation," noted Seattle City Councilmember Mike O'Brien.

"Human trafficking is a modern form of slavery and needs to be eradicated permanently," said King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn. "It's important that we increase public awareness of the warning signs and heal the victims."
Human Trafficking Awareness Day is Wednesday, January 11, and the three agencies will be joined by community and law enforcement leaders to announce new tools for both law enforcement officials and citizens and unveil solutions to prevent this modern-day slavery.  The event will be held at 1:30 p.m. at Seattle City Hall.

Read the King County Council proclamation here.

Read the Port of Seattle proclamation here.

Read the City of Seattle proclamation here.

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

Jean addresses audience at her swearing-in on January 9th, 2012

Today I am excited – more than I ever have been – about the future of Seattle. This is the city that we all love.  The opportunity to continue serving my city belongs in the realm of dreams come true.

I have a vision for this city – a grand one that soon will be freed from a crumbling Viaduct that fenced us from the world’s sweetest deep-water harbor. I see a city that finally will be framed by a wonderful nine-acre parkland, an exciting whirlwind of activity, a skein of green pathways and trails.  A waterfront for all of us, not just for cars, buses and trucks.

It is this amazing remake that I longed for even before my first election night eight years ago, a chance at last to unite the city with its promise of greatness.

For, at last, Seattle is beginning to emerge from the depths of a cruel four-year-long recession. I’m proud to have served as the council’s Budget chair throughout the lean years, uncomfortable with the choices that had to be made, but grateful to my colleagues for their help in keeping the city’s core services strong.

In the next two years, I will be serving the city as chair of my dream committee, one that I plan to call LUC – I think of it as Good LUK. I will be overseeing Library, Utilities and Seattle Center. Being given an opportunity to oversee these Seattle institutions is a dazzling prospect. The Library is truly Seattle’s proudest accomplishment, a handsome central library with 26 community branches and, even with the constraints of a lean budget, able to serve more of its citizens, circulate more books, fill more requests than ever before in history. It’s impossible to imagine an establishment more beloved.

No less a dream assignment is to be able to work with Seattle Public Utilities, one of THE most important of the city’s services. Provision of drinkable water, the working of the all-important drainage and waste systems and development of exciting, innovative approaches to reach our goal of zero waste are what will define Seattle as the progressive city that we all want it to be.

Jean and her family at her swearing-in on January 9th, 2012

Finally, my committee also will have the honor of overseeing the Seattle Center, the 74-acre legacy from Seattle’s 1962 World’s Fair.  No one loves this cultural and recreational asset as much as I always have. As we embark on “The Next 50,” plans  for the park’s future, I will focus on making it what Center Superintendent Robert Nellams has called “Seattle’s living room.”

Indeed, it is the place where all people, all families, all cultures and all visitors are welcome and treated as equals. It houses some of the city’s most prized cultural resources, as well as an arena that can offer entertainment, sports excitement and musical pleasure. It is here that people come to cheer sports championships, to grieve for mutual loss and to welcome new citizens.

The Center is just that – the Center – and will continue to center our world.

So, friends and family, colleagues and advocates, dear employees and constituents, and all of you who have invested in these experienced bones to help realize Seattle’s potential: know I am deeply grateful for your renewing my contract to serve the best place of any place. Know that I will never take a moment off from the job you have let me keep and know that no one will serve you prouder than I will.

Thank you and let the work begin.

Seattle City Council debuts new homepage
New design easier to navigate

SEATTLE – Along with confirming their new 2012-2013 Council President and committee assignments, the Seattle City Council today introduced a new seattle.gov/council/ homepage. The homepage also features the Council's newly-released 2011 annual report.

The new homepage design utilizes components of the new seattle.gov look and feel in an effort to better convey legislative information to Seattleites.  Along with highlighting Council's initiatives and legislation, the homepage features RSS feeds of the calendar and the Council Connections blog, links to issue-specific pages and the Councilmember's 2012 individual and group photos. 

The Council Connections blog is more prominently featured on the homepage and is the one-stop-shop for news and updates from the Council.  This aggregator site includes Councilmember blog posts, Council-issued news releases and information from the City Clerk's office.  Found on the homepage, this feature is also accessible here.

Of note to media outlets, the 2012 individual and group Councilmember photos are available in the Council newsroom. 

For more information on the 2012 committee assignments or to sign up to receive agendas, visit here.

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

Seattle City Council to focus on economic recovery in 2012
Sally J. Clark confirmed as Council President, Councilmembers take oath of office

SEATTLE – Led by newly sworn in president Sally J. Clark, the Seattle City Council reaffirmed their commitment to economic recovery and strengthening regional partnerships at today's swearing in ceremony. Returning Councilmembers Tim Burgess, Jean Godden, Bruce Harrell, and Tom Rasmussen were sworn in today in the traditional Oath of Office ceremony.

Family, friends and colleagues filled the Seattle City Council chambers to celebrate new local government leadership. Each elected official was sworn in by someone of their choice and gave brief remarks.

This year the Council's focus is all about resilience; about taking big and small actions to keep Seattle working. Seattle, like most cities across the United States, labors to provide services and meet public obligations. This will be another year of budget cuts and lay-offs, but there's much that city government can and must do to stoke business and individual success.

As new Council President, Sally J. Clark stated, "We are a Council committed to seeing Seattle through this economic downturn by collaborating with other regional governments, streamlining licenses and permits, and following through on capital projects and infrastructure needed by business and residents."

"I would like to thank the voters of Seattle for their strong support and trust in reelecting me to the City Council," said Councilmember Tom Rasmussen.  "This is a time of extraordinary opportunity for Seattle.  I am excited to be working for the great future that we have before us."

"This year, my colleagues and I will move Seattle forward by reimagining and reshaping our waterfront, building strong relationships with our regional partners , and working to ensure Seattle Public Utilities continues to deliver excellent service at affordable rates," added Councilmember Jean Godden.

"I am grateful and energized to start a new term in office in charge of a new committee," said Councilmember Tim Burgess. "In a time of continued budget difficulties, we will work collaboratively with the Mayor, City employees and the public to raise the performance of City departments, strengthen accountability and increase citizen access to government."

Councilmember Bruce Harrell said, "I am honored that the people of Seattle re-elected me to serve another term on the City Council. I am excited about the coming year, addressing the Department of Justice's report of the Seattle Police Department and the opportunities that chairing the Public Safety, Civil Rights and Technology committee will bring."

"This year, parks and neighborhoods are joining forces in one committee, said Councilmember Sally Bagshaw. "This is a natural fit as parks improve quality of life in our neighborhoods and help to build community.  I look forward to continuing to work with neighbors across the city to make our parks, roads, sidewalks safe and accessible to all."

"Sally Clark will be a great Council President," stated outgoing Council President Richard Conlin. "I am looking forward to the work on planning and land use issues.  I am confident that 2012 will be another successful and productive for this Council."

"I congratulate my colleagues for their reelections," said Councilmember Mike O'Brien. "In my new role as Chair of the Energy and Environment Committee I look forward to continue exploring opportunities to help Seattle meet its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050."

Today's inauguration ceremony served as an opportunity for the public to witness and participate in their government. The ceremony was broadcast live on the Seattle Channel and can be viewed here.

For more information on the 2012 committee assignments or to sign up to receive agendas, visit here.

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

Seattle City Council to hold inaugural ceremony
Council to confirm president, newly-elected Councilmembers and committees on Monday

SEATTLE – The Seattle City Council will hold the Oath of Office ceremony and vote on new council committees, established by Resolution 31350 at the Full Council meeting, Monday, January 9, at 2 p.m. The next Council President will also be confirmed at this time. A reception will be held in the Bertha Knight Landes room after Full Council adjourns.

WHAT:
Oath of Office, confirmation of Council President and 2012 committee assignments
Reception following

WHEN:
Monday, January 9th, 2 p.m.

WHERE:
Seattle City Council Chambers
600 4th Avenue, 2nd Floor
Seattle, WA 98104

WHO:
Seattle City Councilmembers

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

It means that Seattle will be able to finance capital improvements through the selling of general bonds with lower interest rates than might otherwise have been imposed.

This positive outcome – the maintaining of the city’s high credit rating – would be worth trumpeting at any time. But it is especially great news at a time when Seattle is talking about large capital projects such as the rebuilding of the seawall along the waterfront.

One of the reasons why Seattle’s triple-A rating was affirmed likely is because of the city’s sound economic status. The city is not as dependent on federal projects as some other municipalities. That was a concerna few months ago when the federal government faced a possible downgrade due to congressional inaction on the budget.  At that time, it looked as if some local governments and institutions would be adversely affected. Seattle and the University of Washington were two entities that were mentioned in the press as vulnerable to a federal default.

But because of the city’s continued relatively stable economy and because the federal debt crisis has been resolved, the threat was averted.

Bolstering bond agencies view of the city’s financial stability were also several proactive steps that the city successfully undertook to avert downgrading. One of the steps taken was the Seattle City Council’s approval of an adjustment made to interest rates paid on new contributions to the city’s pension fund. Modifying the interest rate was an important step toward maintaining the system’s continued sustainability. In addition, increased contributions on the part of the city and its employees have underscored the strength of the city’s pension system.

When the City Council voted on the city’s 2012 Budget in November, councilmembers took another proactive step. They voted to adopt a new policy that will shore up the Rainy Day Fund, which was used  and somewhat depleted to cover shortfalls in lean times. The city now has in place a policy that will serve to replenish that Rainy Day Fund and keep it stronger in the future. Councilmembers deemed that it was time to take that step to ensure that the city will have funds to keep city services strong even in lean times.

The work to repair the Rainy Day Fund with provisions for automatic annual contributions and added extra replenishment in good times was the right move and one that, apparently, was appreciated by ratings agencies.

Seattle, as a city, and the Puget Sound region as a whole is one of the most dynamic regions in the nation. And now, thanks to confirmation of our high ratings, we will be able to move forward.

In preparation for 2012, the Seattle City Council has drafted likely committee assignments to be established by Resolution at Full Council meeting, January 9, at 2 p.m. The next Council President will also be confirmed at this time. Committee terms are two years.

WHAT:           Confirmation of Council President and 2012 committee assignments

WHEN:          Monday, January 9, 2 p.m.

WHERE:        Seattle City Council Chambers, 600 Fourth Avenue, Second Floor, Seattle, WA 98104

WHO:             Seattle City Councilmembers

Seattle joins global movement to protect marine wildlife
City Council unanimously votes to ban plastic carry out bags

Seattle – Today the Seattle City Council unanimously voted to pass Council Bill 117345, a bill to protect Puget Sound and protect marine wildlife by banning plastic carry-out bags. The bill encourages the use of reusable shopping bags by requiring grocers and retailers to charge a nickel for paper bags.

Washingtonians use more than 2 billion single-use plastic bags each year. Seattle alone uses approximately 292 million plastic bags annually, only 13% of which are recycled, according to Seattle Public Utilities.

"This bill is a great example of a broad and diverse coalition of people and organizations coming together to do the right thing for our environment," said prime sponsor, City Councilmember Mike O'Brien, chair of the Seattle Public Utilities and Neighborhoods Committee. "We have the support of grocers, retailers, restaurants, labor unions, and environmental organizations in Seattle. We also have broad grassroots involvement from residents who have been emailing and calling in support of this issue for months now."

Environmental organizations in support of the plastic bag ban include Environment Washington, People for Puget Sound, Surfrider Foundation, Sierra Club, and Zero Waste Seattle. The bill is also supported by the Northwest Grocery Association, the Washington Restaurant Association, United Food and Commercial Workers Local 21, and some local independent grocers, such as Metropolitan Market, Town & Country Markets, PCC, and Central Co-op.

"We know that recycling alone cannot protect Puget Sound and our ocean waters from these plastic bags," said Councilmember O'Brien. "Of course people are not intentionally littering their bags into Puget Sound, but with so many in circulation, bags are ending up there, causing real damage to habitats and wildlife. Bringing our own reusable bags when we go shopping is a simple step we can all take that will protect our environment and reduce unnecessary waste."

"In the last few years, we have learned much more about how much plastic is in Puget Sound and the impact it has on marine wildlife," said Katrina Rosen, Field Director for Environment Washington. "Banning plastic bags is an important step we must take to protect Puget Sound wildlife and we are happy to see City Council stepping up to be a part of this growing global movement."

Seattle is the fourth city in Washington to ban plastic bags following Edmonds, Bellingham, and, most recently, Mukilteo. Regionally, Seattle joins the Hawaiian islands of Maui and Kauai, more than a dozen municipalities in California—such as San Francisco, San Jose, Malibu, and Los Angeles County—more than 30 coastal towns in Alaska, and neighboring Portland in taking action against plastic bags. Additionally, at least 20 nations have also enacted efforts to reduce or eliminate plastic bag use, including Germany, Ireland, China, Taiwan, India, and Kenya.

The ordinance will go into effect July 1, 2012. Seattle Public Utilities will be responsible for outreach to businesses and public education over the next six months and after the law takes effect. The utilities' solid waste division will also monitor and enforce the ordinance.

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

Seattle City Council passes legislation to improve safety and oversight of limousine industry in Seattle

SEATTLE – Today the Seattle City Council, by a vote of 8-0, passed C.B. 117358 giving the City authority to enforce state laws governing limousines.  Oversight of limousines is the responsibility of state agencies but due to funding issues they have not been able to enforce rules.  As a result, the industry operates unregulated, often times illegally, at the expense of the taxi cab industry and customer safety. This is especially evident at the downtown Colman Ferry Dock where unlicensed limousine drivers illegally pick up incoming ferry passengers. 

This bill gives the City new enforcement responsibilities and adds sections to the Seattle Municipal Code outlining regulations, programming, and fees. The bill also authorizes the City to accept up to $130,000 from the state to carry out this new body of work. 

"For far too long the safety of our citizens and the livelihood of taxicab and law abiding limousine drivers have been compromised due to lack of industry oversight. I am especially grateful for the hard work of the late Senator Scott White, who earlier this year introduced legislation to transfer authority to the City to improve customer safety and bring about accountability of limousine drivers," said Councilmember Jean Godden, Chair of the Finance and Budget Committee.

The City will begin its regulation of the limousine industry in January 2012. 

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

SEATTLE - Mayor Mike McGinn announced today Moody's Investor Service has removed its "negative outlook" on its Aaa/Aa1 rating of the City of Seattle general obligation bonds.

"We are pleased with Moody's decision," McGinn said. "It underscores our belief that the local economy and the City's finances are fundamentally strong, diversified and well managed. Our experience weathering the recent recession demonstrates this resilience."

McGinn noted this is good news for taxpayers because maintaining strong bond ratings means the City can borrow money at lower interest rates for long-term investments in its infrastructure.

McGinn said preserving the City's strong credit rating is a top priority. "While Seattle faces continued economic challenges, I remain committed to making smart policy decisions to maintain our high credit rating," he said. "I appreciate the Council's adoption of our 2012 budget proposal to build up our rainy day fund and I look forward to working with them as we close the anticipated $50 million budget deficit for 2013-2014."

Since 2010, the City has taken a number of proactive steps to improve the City's financial position. The Mayor, working with the Council, developed a budget plan for 2011 that closed a $67 million General Fund budget gap. The City has closed another $18 million budget gap for the 2012 budget. In both cases this was done without raising general taxes. In addition, the City adopted a more robust set of policies that will better position the City to shore up its Rainy Day Fund. And the City adopted a plan that will turn around the once-underfunded City pension system.

In August, Moody's Investor Services had placed the City of Seattle on a list of 161 highly rated local governments receiving a "negative outlook" due to their potential exposure to the weakening credit of the federal government.This action followed Moody's negative outlook on the U.S. government bond rating. A negative outlook means that the bond rating may be downgraded within the next few months. Removing the "the negative outlook" means that the City's rating will not likely be downgraded due to the weakening of the federal government's credit.

"The Puget Sound economy is one of the most dynamic in the nation," said Council Budget Chair Jean Godden. "Home to many large and growing internationally oriented companies, our well-balanced and diversified economy is well-positioned as we move forward."

Since August, Moody's has reviewed each of the highly rated local governments on its list to determine if the "negative outlook" should be maintained. In October, Seattle officials discussed the limited significance of the federal government to the local economy and to City revenues. Moody's has since decided that the City of Seattle's vulnerability to the federal government's credit was insufficient to warrant maintaining the "negative outlook."

- 30 -

Office of the Mayor

Seattle City Council congratulates Boeing and Machinists on reaching agreement
on 737 MAX plans

SEATTLE – The Seattle City Council issued the following statement on the announcement of a tentative agreement between The Boeing Company and the Machinists to produce the 737 MAX in the northwest:

"We applaud the Boeing Company and the Machinists for working together to reach this tentative agreement. If approved, this contract will invigorate our regional economy and support thousands of jobs for the region. This agreement is an important example of what can be accomplished when business and labor work together to reach mutual understanding. It is a big win for Seattle, the greater Puget Sound region and the state of Washington."

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

Seattle City Council adopts 2012-2013 budget
Council balance package of cuts with preserving essential services

SEATTLE – Councilmember Jean Godden who serves as the Budget committee chair released the following statement today on the City's 2012-2013 approved budget:

"Seattle City Councilmembers focused on maintaining critical city services while pursuing cuts to provide the leanest city government possible in the face of another year of federal and state economic woes.

"On behalf of the City Council, I want to share our sincere gratitude to all Seattleites for their important contributions to this budget process, as well as all the hard working city employees whom we continue to ask to do more with less.

"We know we have a long road ahead as we await further cuts from the state legislature and federal government. However, we will remain steadfast to our commitment to the most vulnerable in our City."

2012 City Council Budget Highlights

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

Seattle joins regional and global movement to ban single-use plastic bags
Plastic bags proven to be major threat to health of Puget Sound and ocean marine life

Seattle – Today Seattle City Council introduced Council Bill 117345, intended to help clean up Puget Sound and protect marine wildlife by banning single-use plastic bags. This legislation gives Seattle an opportunity to join Bellingham and Edmonds in Washington, as well as cities up and down the West Coast and more than 20 nations worldwide in efforts to curb the impact of single-use plastic bags on the environment.

Washingtonians use more than 2 billion single-use plastic bags each year. Seattle alone uses approximately 292 million plastic bags annually. A recent report by Environment Washington provides compelling evidence of the damage these bags cause to marine life.

"We all remember the beached grey whale found dead in West Seattle last year with 20 plastic bags in its stomach. The problem plastics pose for the Sound and ocean is pervasive and alarming," said prime sponsor, Councilmember Mike O'Brien. "These bags provide minutes of use for us as consumers, but because they are not biodegradable are with us in the environment for hundreds of years."

"We have learned so much more in the past few years about the harmful impacts of these plastic bags on our waters," said Tom Bancroft, Executive Director of People for Puget Sound. "Studies show birds, sea turtles and other wildlife often mistake the plastic for food. Not only are tiny bits of plastic accumulating in the Sound and ocean, these plastics may be a pathway for toxic chemicals to get into wildlife. We owe it to future generations to curb our use of these bags now, before we do irreparable harm to Puget Sound and the Pacific Ocean."

In addition to a ban on plastic bags, the ordinance will promote reusable bags instead of simply switching to disposable paper bags. The law would require that retailers charge a five-cent pass through cost on each paper bag to consumers who do not bring reusable bags. The nickel serves as a reminder to consumers to bring reusable bags. Retailers would keep the nickel as a means for recovering costs of switching to paper bags.

"I said last year that Seattle needed bold, decisive action and that we needed an outright ban on plastic bags. It's time for Seattle to demonstrate our environmental leadership and join the growing movement against these bags," said Councilmember Tim Burgess.

"Using the Bellingham model is a smart approach that addresses concerns raised by Seattle voters when they voted down the 2008 ordinance. It addresses concerns about taxes by allowing grocers and retailers to keep the fee on paper bags to cover costs, and addresses concerns about impacts on low-income people by exempting those on assistance programs," said Councilmember Nick Licata.

"This initiative is a logical next step in Seattle's commitment to Zero Waste, a successful effort I spearheaded to increase our recycling rate and cap our total tonnage of garbage at 2006 levels," said Council President Richard Conlin.  "Promoting reusable materials is crucial to our Zero Waste goal.  I'm confident that this approach to decreasing the use of disposable bags will be workable for consumers and retailers alike."

The bill introduced by Councilmember O'Brien is co-sponsored by Council President Conlin and Councilmembers Bagshaw, Burgess, Clark, Godden, and Licata. Seattle's bag ban would go live six months from passage of the ordinance. The ordinance is nearly identical to the Bellingham law that was passed in July 2011 and will go into effect in July 2012. For grocers and other retailers, consistency in the legislation across the region is seen as crucial for adapting their business models.

Seattle Public Utilities would be responsible for outreach and education with Seattle businesses to aide in the transition to the new law. The utilities' solid waste division would also manage monitoring and enforcement once the ban goes into effect.

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

Seattle City Councilmembers present 2012 budget balancing package
Final budget vote scheduled for November 21

Seattle - Today the Seattle City Council presented their proposed changes to the 2012 budget with a balanced package of cuts that preserve essential services. The Council focused on maintaining funding for public safety, health services and food programs, and housing for the most vulnerable.

"Operating the leanest government possible while maintaining critical services was our overarching goal. We believe we have reached that goal," stated Councilmember and Budget Committee Chair Jean Godden. "There is no doubt that we will feel the impacts of state budget decisions whatever they may be."

Council utilized community feedback as a key indicator of programs and services to be preserved.  For example, the Council will undo a merger of the Office of Housing and Office of Economic Development proposed by the Mayor, based on input from Community stakeholders. In their review of the Mayor's proposal, the Council was able to identify staffing efficiencies that could be implemented that will result in ongoing savings of more than $400,000 each year while maintaining the two separate offices. 

"We are reinventing government to be as efficient and effective as it can be," said Council President Richard Conlin, Chair of the Regional Development and Sustainability Committee. "However, we cannot sustain this budget if the state cuts human services and public safety programs and leaves cities with the responsibility of picking up the pieces."

Councilmember Mike O'Brien, Chair of the Seattle Public Utilities and Neighborhoods Committee added, "This budget presented us with many challenges and difficult choices, but I believe we reaffirmed the City's commitment to Seattle's neighborhoods. From the Safe Parking Pilot Program in Ballard to keeping community centers open to preserving support for our beloved p-patches, Council stands by our neighborhoods and their priorities." Working with community partners, such as faith-based organizations and local food providers, Council was able to maximize opportunities through joint investments to fund these programs.

Throughout the budget review process this year, Councilmembers heard a steady request for additional funding to address a reported surge in the need for shelter and housing for homeless families with children in Seattle. Providers have reported increasing numbers of families seeking such assistance due to the economy and decreased support from other levels of government.

To meet this demand, Councilmembers agreed to a funding package that expands capacity along the spectrum of services, from shelter or temporary housing to permanent housing for homeless families with children. The intent is to review actual use of the money by the end of the second quarter of 2012 to evaluate whether the demand for family-focused support materialized at the level expected. The additional funding totaled $435,000 and will serve at least 47 families.

"The Council adopted Resolution 31292 in May which stated the intent to better meet the long-term housing and immediate survival needs of those without shelter or housing. In the Council's budget proposal, we increased funds for shelter and housing services for homeless families with children by $435,000. This is a significant step toward the goal that no family be unsheltered by the end of 2012," stated Councilmember Nick Licata, Chair of the Housing, Human Services, Health and Culture Committee. 

To address neighborhood challenges, the Council designated $376,000 to a Precinct Liaison Program within the City Attorney's Office. The precinct liaison attorneys will work closely with police officers and the Seattle Police Department leadership to address a variety of community and neighborhood problems, including nuisance properties, nightlife issues, graffiti abatement, alcohol impact areas, and crime hot spots.

"We focused on how we address public safety challenges in a time of very limited resources," said Councilmember Tim Burgess, Chair of the Public Safety and Education Committee. "We beefed up early interventions to prevent crime by expanding the Nurse Family Partnership program to reach more low-income, first-time mothers.  We joined with City Attorney Pete Holmes to reengineer the precinct liaison program to address chronic crime hot spots. We directed the Police Department to update the Neighborhood Policing Plan to match current officer staffing levels."

"We funded a body-mounted camera pilot project for our police officers to enhance public safety and accountability, created a new office to assist the successful integration of immigrants and refugees into our City and provided additional help in the community for uninsured residents to receive medical and dental care," said Councilmember Bruce Harrell, Chair of the Energy, Technology and Civil Rights Committee.  "These actions help to ensure that our City continues down the path of achieving our social justice goals."

Council is also responding to the growing concern regarding quality of life issues, such as improving health care accessibility for the uninsured, safety along Third Avenue and other pedestrian and transportation improvements.

"The City Council is committed to improving safety of transit riders and pedestrians in downtown Seattle.  Since light rail began operations, the number of pedestrians and transit riders using Third Avenue has significantly increased. Through the Council's Third Avenue Initiative, the City will develop a plan that may include more regular cleaning, improved lighting and development of a pilot ‘hot spot' policing initiative for certain blocks along the Third Avenue Transit Corridor," stated Councilmember Tom Rasmussen Chair of the Transportation Committee. 

Councilmember Sally Bagshaw, Chair of the Parks and Seattle Center Committee stated, "I am very pleased with City's effort to balance this budget. We have made cuts while addressing the needs of our neighborhoods, as well as caring for neighbors in need."

"I'd like to thank Councilmember Godden and my fellow colleagues for crafting a budget that invests in what matters," said Councilmember Sally J. Clark, Chair of the Committee on the Built Environment.  "Budget challenges only get tougher from here, but I'm hopeful we can partner with our friends in Olympia to minimize the impact to Seattle residents."

2012 City Council Budget Highlights

2012 City Council Actions to Rebalance the City Budget

The Council's Budget Committee will meet at 2 p.m. on Monday, November 21 to vote on and adopt the 2012 budget.  Click here to find more information on the City's budget process. 

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

Join the Seattle City Council and share your thoughts on the 2012 budget
Second public hearing to be held tomorrow, 5:30 p.m.

Seattle – As the City Council works to balance the Seattle's 2012 budget, considerable input from residents is needed to develop a budget that best reflects the needs of our City.  The Seattle City Council invites members of the community to participate in the second public hearing tomorrow in City Council Chambers.

What:
Seattle City Council public hearing

When:
Wednesday, October 26,
5:30 p.m. public hearing (5 p.m. Sign-in)

Where:
Seattle City Hall, Council Chambers, Second Floor
600 Fourth Ave, Seattle 98104

If you are unable to attend, please submit your thoughts about the budget using the online comment form. Emails received will be tallied and shared with each Councilmember to keep them updated on issues important to you.

Budget documents are translated into Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, Somali, Spanish, and Tagalog and are available online. If you are planning on attending one of our budget hearings and need interpretation assistance, please call 206-684-8888. 

Visit the Council budget webpage for more information on Seattle's budget. 

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

City of Seattle signs agreement with State on SR 520 project
Memorandum of Understanding between City of Seattle and Washington State Department of Transportation defines responsibilities

Seattle – Today the Seattle City Council and Mayor McGinn completed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) that will help protect the City's interests on the SR 520 bridge replacement project. This MOU, unanimously passed as Council Bill 117303, expresses the intention of the City of Seattle and the State of Washington to work collaboratively.

"I want to thank the Seattle City Council and Mayor McGinn for their work on this agreement for the SR 520 project," Gov. Chris Gregoire said. "The agreement solidifies the meaningful partnership between the City and State to help secure the remaining funds for SR 520 and deliver the project on time and on budget. A safer SR 520 corridor will improve our region by replacing the vulnerable bridge and helping employees, businesses and mobility."

"The MOU creates a formal commitment between the City and the State and ensures that the City will participate in critical west side decisions and that neighborhood traffic management and tree protection will be a priority," stated Council President Richard Conlin. "The City, along with our state and regional partners, has been working hard to improve the design and safety of this critical corridor. This MOU maintains the City's involvement if there are changes in the future."

Also described in the MOU are the activities that the City of Seattle will undertake as part of the project, including participation in design review, connecting the new cross-lake bicycle and pedestrian trail to city facilities, developing triggers and a decision-making process for whether a second Montlake Bridge will be constructed, and developing a neighborhood traffic management plan.

"I have appreciated working with the City Council and WSDOT to develop an MOU that gives us a solid framework for advancing Seattle's interest as the process moves forward," stated Mayor Mike McGinn.

Councilmember and Transportation Committee Chair Tom Rasmussen added, "Securing full funding for the project is essential to realizing the full transportation and mobility benefits of the 520 bridge. This MOU provides clarity on the state's commitment to meeting the City's goals for the project and to protect our neighborhoods during construction."

The concept for an MOU was initially referenced in the September 27, 2010, letter from the Seattle City Council to WSDOT, which signaled a desire to formalize a joint understanding of how the City and WSDOT would proceed with various project components.

WSDOT awarded a design-build contract for the new SR 520 floating bridge in August, and construction is expected to begin on Lake Washington in 2012. SR 520 replacement construction is under way on the Eastside as well as pontoon construction in Grays Harbor.  Earlier this summer, WSDOT received federal approval for the I-5 to Medina project, completing the environmental process for the entire program.

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

Seattle City Council to hold second 2012 budget public hearing on Wednesday, October 26 at 5:30 p.m.

As the City Council works to balance the Seattle's 2012 budget, considerable input from residents is needed to develop a budget that best reflects the needs of our City.  The Seattle City Council invites members of the community to participate in the second public hearing next Wednesday in City Council Chambers.

What:
Seattle City Council public hearing

When:
Wednesday, October 26,
5:30 p.m. public hearing (5 p.m. Sign-in)

Where:
Seattle City Hall, Council Chambers, Second Floor
600 Fourth Ave, Seattle 98104

If you are unable to attend, please submit your thoughts about the budget using the online comment form. Emails received will be tallied and shared with each Councilmember to keep them updated on issues important to you.

Budget documents are translated into Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, Somali, Spanish, and Tagalog and are available online at http://seattle.gov/council/translated_docs.htm.   If you are planning on attending one of our budget hearings and need interpretation assistance, please call 206-684-8888. 

For more information on Seattle’s budget, visit http://www.seattle.gov/council/budget/. 

Seattle City Council to hold first 2012 budget public hearing on Tuesday, October 4 at 5:30 p.m.

Seattle – With the 2012 budget process in full swing, the Seattle City Council invites members of the community to participate in the first public hearing tomorrow night in City Council Chambers.

Seattle City Council public hearing:

Tuesday, October 4
Seattle City Hall, Council Chambers, Second Floor
600 Fourth Ave, Seattle 98104
5:30 p.m. Public Hearing (5 p.m. Sign-in)

As the City Council works to balance the Seattle's 2012 budget, considerable input from residents is needed to develop a budget that best reflects the needs of our City.

If you are unable to attend, please submit your thoughts about the budget using the online comment form. Emails received will be tallied and shared with each Councilmember to keep them updated on issues important to you.

Budget documents are translated into Vietnamese, Chinese, Korean, Somali, Spanish, and Tagalog and are available online.   If you are planning on attending one of our budget hearings and need interpretation assistance, please call 206-684-8888. 

For more information on Seattle's budget, visit http://www.seattle.gov/council/budget/. 

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

Statement from Seattle City Councilmember Jean Godden on Mayor's proposed 2012 budget

Seattle – Councilmember Jean Godden, Chair of the Finance and Budget Committee, today released the following statement on the 2012 budget process:

"Today the Mayor kicked off the 2012 budget process with his presentation to full Council. As in recent years, we must continue to find ways to deliver City services as efficiently as possible. Reinventing government is key to this process, particularly in lean times.

"Council will continue to support public safety, human services and job growth as critical priorities to both our residents and the City's economic future. We are also committed to increasing measured outcomes for all programs instilling more accountability and effectiveness in all areas of City government.

"This year's budget schedule and new improvements to the Council's budget process, database and website will contribute to a more effective process. We look forward to working with the Mayor toward Council goals to ensure we preserve services and create economic opportunities for Seattle and the region."

The Council's budget website is online, complete with the process outline and calendar, glossary of terms and links to supporting documents, as they become available. 

Public input is vital to this process, helping Councilmembers develop a budget that best reflects the needs of the City.  Mark your calendar now to participate in our budget public hearings on October 4 or October 26.  Both meetings will be held in Council Chambers in Seattle City Hall at 5:30 p.m. Feedback can also be submitted online, via our budget comment form. 

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

Seattle City Council is ready to tackle the 2012 budget

Seattle – Councilmember Jean Godden, Chair of the Finance and Budget Committee, today announced this year's budget schedule and new improvements to the Council's budget process, database and website.

"Over the past few years, the City has had to make difficult choices in order to balance the budget. Throughout this process, listening to residents and providing continual transparency and accessibility of the budget process have been top priorities for my colleagues and for me," said Godden. 

The Council's budget website is online, complete with the process outline and calendar, glossary of terms and links to supporting documents, as they become available. 

All budget documents will be available on the updated Clerk's Office budget database, which both the public and the Councilmembers can access online.  In previous years, all budget documents have been printed resulting in high printing costs.  This year the Councilmembers will follow along with department presentations via the internet. Online access increases transparency for the public and reduces costs associated with printing the materials.

Public input is vital to this process, by helping Councilmembers develop a budget that best reflects the needs of the City.  Mark your calendar now to participate in our budget public hearings on October 4 and October 26.  Both meetings will be held in Council Chambers in Seattle City Hall beginning at 5:30 p.m.  Click here for directions and parking information.

Feedback can also be submitted online, via our budget comment form. 

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

Seattle City Council approves paid sick leave legislation

The Seattle City Council today approved Council Bill 117216 with a vote of 8-1 (Council President Conlin voting no), requiring businesses in Seattle to provide paid leave to employees when they or their family members fall ill or victim to domestic violence.

The adopted legislation establishes minimum standards for paid sick and safe time based on company size. Workers in companies with 5 to 249 employees will accrue a minimum of one hour of paid sick and safe time for every 40 hours worked. Workers in companies with 250 or more employees will accrue a minimum of one hour for every 30 hours worked.

"Today Seattle has shown itself as a leader. As a City, we recognize that a productive workforce is a healthy one and that a great city is one that cares for the welfare of all who work within its jurisdiction," said bill sponsor Councilmember Nick Licata, Chair of the Housing, Human Services, Health and Culture Committee. "Our Paid Sick Leave legislation accomplishes that objective."

Employers may satisfy the requirements of the ordinance with a combined leave program that pools vacation and sick leave together. The new regulations will take effect on September 1, 2012, giving businesses a full year to adjust their personnel policies.

"This legislation required much negotiation and has resulted in a fair compromise with rules that are simple and straightforward, for both businesses and workers," stated Councilmember Tom Rasmussen.

The legislation protects start-up companies and micro-businesses through exemptions for companies in their first two years of operation and companies with four or fewer employees.

The bill also requires an independent and objective analysis of the impacts of the policy to be presented to the Council eighteen months after the ordinance takes effect.

"To me, this is no longer a 'sick leave' bill, it has become a 'wellness' bill.  I support this wellness bill and feel positive about how it has evolved," said Councilmember Sally Bagshaw. "We have more work to do, and I want to be part of that process which is why I am voted yes." 

Councilmember statements on the impact of this legislation to the City, click here.

For more information on the history of the paid sick leave legislation in Seattle, visit the Council's information page.

City Council to vote on final paid sick leave legislation
Majority of City Councilmembers agree to new streamlined version

A majority of City Councilmembers announced their support today for an amended version of C.B. 117216, a bill that would provide paid leave to employees in Seattle when they or their family members fall ill or fall victim to domestic violence. An estimated 145,000 to 190,000 employees in Seattle currently do not have access to this benefit.

The new version, coming to a final vote on Monday, September 12, simplifies and clarifies the requirements of the ordinance, making it easier for employers and employees to understand their rights and responsibilities under the proposal. It also calls for a strong independent and objective evaluation of the bill’s impacts on both employees and employers.

Councilmember Nick Licata, the original sponsor and Chair of Housing, Human Services, Health and Culture Committee, said, “This legislation is a model for cities, states, and the nation; it is a practical, strong bill crafted in a collaborative legislative deliberation rather than requiring citizens to go through the initiative process.”

The legislation came to the Council after negotiations between advocates for such a policy and representatives of small business.

“It’s a great day when labor and small business interests can come together to craft a bill that reflects the values of Seattle,” said Councilmember Jean Godden, co-sponsor of the legislation.

“This legislation is consistent with the Council’s desire to protect the most vulnerable in our city; the workers and families lacking access to paid sick and safe leave are often at the bottom of the economic ladder,” said Councilmember Tim Burgess. “The new version accomplishes this goal and does so in a manner that is fair to employees and employers.”

“This legislation required a robust discussion with a lot of people and communities, including small and large business and underrepresented communities,” said Councilmember Bruce Harrell. We want the best for Seattle’s workers and the best for the business community -- we needed a win-win for our city.”

Councilmember Mike O’Brien said, “At a time when working people need to be able to keep their jobs and support their families, the paid sick days law is more important than ever.”

“This bill is about ensuring healthier workplaces by preventing the spread of disease,” said Councilmember Sally J. Clark. “In the end, this benefits us all.”

Seattle City Council seeking audit committee candidates
Two public representative positions open

Seattle – City Councilmember and Budget Committee chair Jean Godden announced today two open positions on the newly formed Audit Committee. This committee was established by Ordinance 123622 to assist the Office of the City Auditor bring about more open, accountable, performance-driven, and results-oriented government.  It is intended to be insulated from political pressures and influences in order to provide an independent opinion on the performance of City departments and programs. 

The composition of the five-member Audit Committee will be as follows:

• Seattle City Council Finance and Budget Committee Chair.
• An executive branch representative.
• Three public members who are not employed by the City of Seattle (two appointed by the Council; one by the Mayor).

Potential duties of Audit Committee include:

• Review and comment on the City Auditor's work program.
• Monitor the City Auditor's audit results and follow-up activity by departments to implement audit recommendations.
• Comment on the City Auditor’s annual report to the Mayor and the City Council.
• Review and provide input to the City Council regarding reappointing the Auditor.

The Council will consider candidates for its two public member positions who have relevant expertise or experience in the following areas:  program evaluation, law, specialized quantitative analysis, government or private sector performance audit experience, or other relevant skills.  Committee members are not compensated for their time.

Interested individuals should submit a letter of interest and resume to Councilmember Jean Godden by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, September 6, 2011.

Applications can be emailed to Jean.Godden@seattle.gov or mailed to the following address:

Councilmember Jean Godden
Seattle City Hall
PO Box 34025
Seattle, WA 98124-4025

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

Seattle City Council to hold public hearing on tourism improvement area
Proposal would establish dedicated fund for tourism marketing

Seattle – The Seattle City Council passed legislation today setting a public hearing for Monday, August 8, regarding the Council's proposal to create a dedicated source of funding for tourism marketing and promotion by imposing a $2 per night surcharge on certain hotel rooms.

Who:
Seattle City Council

What:
Public Hearing

When:
Monday, Aug. 8, 5:30 p.m.

Where:
Seattle City Hall
Council Chambers, 2nd Floor
600 4th Avenue, Seattle

The proposal, sponsored by Councilmembers Tim Burgess and Jean Godden, creates the Seattle Tourism Improvement Area encompassing the greater downtown area, including Lower Queen Anne, South Lake Union, Belltown, Pioneer Square, the Chinatown International District, and portions of Capitol Hill. Hotels with 60 rooms or more in this area will levy the $2 surcharge per occupied room per night. The money will be pooled and used for marketing and promotional activities designed to draw individuals and families to Seattle for vacation. Seattle's Convention and Visitors Bureau will manage the marketing efforts.

Seattle City Council confirms Bernadette Matsuno as Department of Neighborhoods Director

Seattle – Today the City Council unanimously confirmed Bernadette (Bernie) Matsuno as the Department of Neighborhoods Director.

"I am impressed with Bernie's professional background and her two-decade long commitment to the Department of Neighborhoods success,” said Councilmember Mike O'Brien, chair of the Seattle Public Utilities and Neighborhoods Committee. "The Council believes the Department is well-positioned to increase meaningful community participation in city projects, and Bernie's vision for the Department will support just that. Her goals are laudable and the Council believes she has the wherewithal to lead city initiatives and policy improvements and her leadership will be a great benefit to the entire city."

Ms. Matsuno has been in numerous leadership roles with the Department of Neighborhoods since its inception in 1988 (then Office of Neighborhoods), serving as Deputy Director, Interim Director, Director of the Community Building Division, and Senior Project Manager of the Neighborhood Matching Fund Program.

For more information on Seattle's Department of Neighborhoods, visit http://www.seattle.gov/Neighborhoods/.

Seattle Department of Neighborhoods awards more than $1 million
for neighborhood projects
Twelve community organizations receive Neighborhood Matching Funds

Seattle – The Seattle City Council today approved more than $1 million in matching funds to support neighborhood projects across the City. Twelve community organizations will receive awards from Seattle Department of Neighborhoods" Neighborhood Matching Fund Program for projects as diverse as creation of an autistic spectrum disorder-friendly playspace to construction of an outdoor stage for community events. 

The Large Projects Fund annually provides cash awards of up to $100,000 to neighborhood organizations committed to fostering and building a better community. The 2011 awards range from $48,500 to $100,000, and communities have pledged to match the City"s $1.03 million contribution with resources valued at nearly $1.5 million.  For a listing of the 2011 award recipients, visit http://www.seattle.gov/neighborhoods/nmf/largeproject.htm.

"The Neighborhood Matching Fund creates opportunities for the residents of our neighborhoods to turn their creative ideas and their energy into real projects on the ground," said Seattle City Councilmember O"Brien, chair of the Seattle Public Utilities and Neighborhoods Committee. "These modest investments help build community and provide incredible returns for our neighborhoods, which is even more important in these tough economic times."

Recipients of the Neighborhood Matching Fund match their awards through a combination of locally raised money, donated materials and volunteer labor. On average, community volunteers invest $1.52 of donations and sweat equity for every $1 of taxpayer support.

"Neighborhood volunteers make a difference," said Mayor Mike McGinn. "I am proud to live in a city with dedicated residents who work together to improve their communities."

Every application to the Large Projects Funds goes through an evaluation process by the Citywide Review Team (CRT). This group consists of representatives from each of the 13 neighborhood districts and four at-large community members, and includes the District Council Review Teams.  These volunteers commit to reviewing applications, interviewing applicants and making funding recommendations for each applicant.

"I witnessed the pragmatic steps that Seattle Department of Neighborhoods takes in fulfilling its promises," said Hassan Wardere, a CRT member. "Bringing community members in to decide on such large grants is a democratic process that reflects the department's mission. I firmly believe that this fund breaks through the inequality and inequity issues that plague some communities."  

Since the program was created 22 years ago, the Neighborhood Matching Fund has awarded more than $47 million with a community match of more than $68 million.  Projects have involved nearly 85,000 volunteers who have donated over 566,000 work hours. 
Click here to learn more about the Fund.

Seattle City Council votes to add $3 million for city street improvements

Seattle - Today, the Seattle City Council confirmed its commitment to Seattleites by passing Council Bill 117207authorizing the Seattle Department of Transportation to spend $3 million from the sale of the Rubble Yard to fund road repairs.  The funds will provide a 33 percent boost in 2011 street repair funding and prevent the elimination of 21 positions in the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT). 

"As Budget Chair, it was important for me to act quickly and ensure these dollars are put to work, improving our streets and retaining our skilled and valuable employees," said Councilmember Jean Godden, chair of the Finance and Budget Committee.  

"Everywhere I go, people ask me if we can do more to fix the roads and make our streets safer for all users – drivers, bicyclists and bus riders," said Councilmember Tom Rasmussen, Transportation Committee Chair.  "These additional one-time dollars do not provide a long-term solution to our declining transportation revenues, but they will allow us to catch up on potholes, providing a smoother, safer ride while, at the same time, saving us from more expensive repairs in the future." 

"These funds will help keep crucial street repairs on schedule for this year," said Council President Richard Conlin.  "Summer is street repair season and potholes only get bigger, and more dangerous, during the winter." 

In June, the City of Seattle agreed to sell the Rubble Yard located at Sixth Ave N and Harrison St to the Washington State Department of Transportation for $19.8 million. The sale of the yard, previously utilized by SDOT for material staging and temporary debris storage, provides funds that can be used only for transportation purposes. 

While the SDOT director must still recommend how the remaining funds should be allocated, the Mayor and Council agreed to provide $3 million to fund roadway maintenance.  The approval of the funds came as a part of the first quarter supplemental budget ordinance, which made several adjustments to the 2011 adopted budget. 

Seattle Transportation Benefit District Governing Board meetings scheduled to consider CTAC-III recommendation
Potential vehicle license fee to be discussed

Seattle – The Seattle City Council, acting in its capacity as the Seattle Transportation Benefit District (STBD) Governing Board, will convene following the regular City Council meeting on Monday, July 18 (approximately 2:30 p.m. or immediately following the 2 p.m. Full Council meeting). 

At this meeting, the co-chairs of the Citizens Transportation Advisory Committee (CTAC-III) will brief STBD members on their recommendation for a potential ballot measure to fund a package of street maintenance, safety and transit improvements within the City of Seattle.  The CTAC-III proposal would be funded through a voter approved vehicle license fee.   

The Council, acting as the STBD Governing Board, will have until August 16 to act on the recommendation, the deadline for placing measures on the November ballot.  

In order to give the proposal full consideration, STBD meetings have been scheduled on the following dates, each starting at approximately 2:30 p.m. in Council Chambers:
July 18
July 25
August 1
August 8

Each of these meetings will allow time for public testimony and a public hearing on the vehicle licensing fee has been scheduled for August 1, 6 p.m. Additional meetings and public hearings will be scheduled if necessary before the August 16 deadline for submitting a November ballot measure.   

Please visit Seattle Transportation Benefit District web site for more information.

In September 2010, the Seattle City Council created CTAC III through Resolution 31240.  The STBD Board will receive guidance and advice from CTAC III about how to spend the existing $20 Vehicle License Fee (VLF). CTAC III will also provide advice on whether to seek voter approval for as much as an additional $80 VLF and/or other fees that would require voter approval. CTAC III’s recommendation matrix is attached.

Seattle to establish dedicated fund for tourism marketing
Major hotels will levy self-assessments; generate $5-6 million in 2012

Seattle - City Councilmembers Tim Burgess and Jean Godden, Mayor Mike McGinn and King County Executive Dow Constantine, announced a new initiative this morning to raise millions of dollars to promote tourism in Seattle.

When adopted by the City Council, the initiative will create a dedicated source of funding for tourism marketing and promotion by imposing a $2 per night surcharge on certain hotel rooms. The fund is being proposed to fill a void in tourism promotion as both the State and City are eliminating their direct support of tourism marketing efforts. Due to severe budget cuts, Washington recently became the only state to not fund tourism promotion.

“Tourism is a critical component of Seattle’s economy. It’s a business sector that employs approximately 20,000 people,” said Councilmember Tim Burgess. “This initiative will draw more visitors to our city. It will preserve jobs and create new ones for a wide variety of businesses, from hotels and restaurants to retail shops and arts, culture and entertainment. This is a great example of government, business and labor coming together to address a specific need.”

The proposal creates the Seattle Tourism Improvement Area encompassing the greater downtown area, including Lower Queen Anne, South Lake Union, Belltown, Pioneer Square, the Chinatown International District, and portions of Capitol Hill. Hotels with 60 rooms or more in this area will levy the $2 surcharge per occupied room per night. The money will be pooled and used for marketing and promotional activities designed to draw individuals and families to Seattle for vacation.

“I’m so very pleased with the plan to expand tourism. We’re very fortunate to have leaders in the tourism industry who have worked hard to bring business, labor and city leaders together to create a dedicated source of tourism marketing and promotion money,” said Councilmember Jean Godden. “While we do very well attracting conventions it’s fitting that we build on that success using this new revenue to invite new visitors to our city.”

Forty-one of the fifty-three qualifying hotels in the proposed Tourism Improvement Area have submitted petitions to the City Council asking that they be authorized to charge the special per room surcharge. The City will collect the assessments—estimated between $5-6 million in 2012—from the hotels and contract with a program manager to administer the funds.

“Tourism is a very competitive industry and many of our peer west coast cities have already inaugurated tourism improvement districts to supplement their existing marketing budgets and compete more readily in the tourism marketplace,” said Tom Norwalk, President & CEO of Seattle’s Convention and Visitors Bureau. “With what Seattle has to offer, we believe we can draw many more leisure travelers to the region, focusing our marketing efforts on Seattle’s shoulder- and off-seasons. Our convention business is strong and these new funds will allow us to promote leisure travel to the City.”

The effort to create the Tourism Promotion Area began in 2010 and has been a collaborative effort between the City Council, the Mayor’s office, Seattle’s Convention and Visitors Bureau and the King County Executive.

“With state cuts to tourism funding, this is an important proposal to promote our city, and promote local jobs,” said Mayor Mike McGinn. “This is a good example of how the private sector and government can partner on economic development.”

"Our job must be to build prosperity for the region and get people back to work," said King County Executive Dow Constantine. “I’m a strong advocate for projects that will attract new visitors, and the benefits from this measure will extend beyond Seattle to restaurants, shops, and other attractions across King County.”

State law requires a detailed process for establishing such a business improvement area, including a public hearing to be held on August 8 at 5:30 p.m. before the City Council (600 Fourth Avenue, 2nd Floor). The target start date for collecting assessments is November 1, 2011.

SEATTLE - Seattle Mayor McGinn, Seattle City Council President Conlin, and Councilmembers Rasmussen and Godden today jointly announced that the City will commit $3 million from the sale of the Rubble Yard to fund additional roadway work in 2011. The commitment will provide a 33 percent boost in 2011 street repair funding, preventing the elimination of 21 positions in the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) while also providing a small increase for bike improvements.

"This is about funding the basics. Our streets are deteriorating from years of neglect. Addressing this problem is a priority for the public, our business community and my administration." said Mayor Mike McGinn.

By adding nearly $3 million to the original $8.264 million for street work, the Mayor and City Council expect to significantly enhance SDOT's ability to repair streets and roads in 2011. The decision funds more major street surface repairs, allowing 15 to 20 more improvement projects such as concrete panel replacement or resurfaced asphalt segments. It also adds resources to SDOT's pothole repair budget, enabling the department to fix approximately 5,000 more potholes. Over the first six months of 2011 SDOT has filled 19,850 potholes, spending 70 percent of its pothole budget. The $3 million also provides funding for curb and pavement markings, and bicycle spot improvements.

"Taking care of our roads and bridges is essential. Despite the work we are doing, people are rightly not satisfied with their condition, and we need to respond. This is not going to fix every problem, but it's a shot in the arm for our road repair program," stated Council President Richard Conlin. "And we are saving 11 staff who would have lost their jobs. What a great way to use these state funds!"

With this funding SDOT can retain 11 staff members whose positions would have been eliminated in July, primarily cement finishers and maintenance laborers. It will additionally temporarily protect 10 more transportation employees who were at risk of having their positions eliminated due to a decline in utility cut restoration and reimbursable work.

"Everywhere I go, people ask me if we can do more to fix the roads and make our streets safer for all users - drivers, bicyclists and bus riders," said Councilmember Tom Rasmussen, Transportation Committee Chair. "These additional one-time dollars do not provide a long-term solution to our declining transportation revenues, but they will allow us to catch up on potholes, providing a smoother, safer ride and, at the same time, saving us from more expensive repairs in the future."

"I'm delighted we have located resources to start repairing our roads. We've got a great plan and, since my committee is just now reviewing the supplementary budget, we'll be able to act quickly. This will save jobs, fix roads and retain an experienced crew that, otherwise, would have been laid off," said Councilmember Jean Godden.

The City of Seattle has entered into agreement, already authorized by the Seattle City Council, to sell the Rubble Yard located at Sixth Ave N and Harrison St to the Washington State Department of Transportation for $19.8 million. The sale of the yard, previously utilized by SDOT for material staging and temporary debris storage, provides funds that can be used only for transportation purposes.

While the SDOT director must still recommend how the remaining funds should be allocated, the Mayor and Council agreed to provide $3 million to fund roadway maintenance. This spending proposal will now move to the City Council for legislative approval. This approval is likely to come as a part of the first quarter supplemental budget ordinance that will be taken up by Finance and Budget Committee in the next few weeks. This action will authorize SDOT to spend up to $3 million this year.

- 30 -

Office of the Mayor

Councilmember Jean Godden presents the MS Awareness Week proclamation to Patty Shepherd Barnes of the MS Northwest Chapter.

On Monday, the City Council proclaimed March 14-20, 2011 MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Awareness Week, calling on citizens to join the MS Society in helping raise awareness. Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an often disabling disease that attacks the central nervous system with symptoms as mild as numbness in the limbs or as severe as paralysis or loss of vision.

The Northwest region (Washington, Alaska and Montana) has one of the highest incidences of MS with more than 12,000 individuals and over 50,000 family members impacted by the disease. More than 1,250 residents in the City of Seattle live with MS.

Patty Shepherd Barnes of the Northwest Chapter accepted the proclamation, revealing that, for the very first time, there is an experimental oral medication for the disease. Shepherd Barnes urged citizens to observe Awareness week by wearing orange, joining the Facebook campaign and asking friends to dedicate their status or profile picture to the cause.

She invited citizens to join the 2011 Walk MS in Seattle on Apr. 3 at Husky Stadium. The walk will help raise funds and awareness for those 12,000 neighbors living with MS.

Councilmember Jean Godden and Tom Rasmussen learn about the Portland Streetcar and Tram from Art Pearce of the Portland Bureau of Transportation.

Last week, 30 Seattleites, including the mayor and six councilmembers, visited Portland, touring the region’s transit system in a two-day blitz.  The trip, which I undertook as a personal expense (many of the others did as well), was valuable as a learning investment. It also was timely since Seattle is doing a Transit Master Plan study.

What we learned was that Portland has been successful in developing transit ridership and using transit as a tool in land use development. Like many other U. S. cities, Portland grew up around a streetcar system; but that system lost out to the nation’s aggressive highway building of the 1960s. It wasn’t until the early 1970s that the Portland region elected to focus heavily on transit.

The region turned first to light rail, principally because the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1973 made it possible to transfer funds from unneeded highways to other transportation projects. The region invested in the TriMet light rail system that was funded with up to 60 percent federal funds. This investment was augmented by a Regional Transportation Plan (RTP) that makes use of streetcars and buses for local circulation.

Last week’s trip focused on the different transit modes and innovations, among them the traffic interface that uses various methods to accomplish two major goals: providing safe operations for vehicle traffic and minimizing delays. Imagine a three-lane transit street that manages to accommodate five intermodal systems: light rail, streetcar, bus, autos, bicycles and pedestrian traffic. Along the way, the Seattleites were introduced to TriMet Project Planning Director Alan Lehto who is referred to as “the grandfather of the weave,” a system that gives alternate green and red lights to various transit modes.

As a consequence, Lehto jokingly points to the gray hairs in his Lincolnesque beard. He says it’s evidence that it took much effort to accommodate the different modes.  He says he literally managed “to bend” the three lanes of the transit street. For many of the transit modes there are 10 minute headways and electronic notification of when the next transit vehicle will arrive.

Portland’s success in transit is credited to three things: A strong vision in the 1970s, heavy community involvement and redevelopment of the Portland Mall. When problems developed with financing plans, the region resorted to “a tin cup plan,” piecing together financing from regional cities and transit authorities and developing local improvement districts. Public/private financing is another of the secrets of success, as is a tax increment financing system used in Oregon but not available in Washington State.

Time and again, Portland had to breach barriers and fill gaps in financing. However, riding light rail out to the state line, taking streetcars through the Pearl District and riding the streetcar out to the South Waterfront showed that Portland has managed to develop a strong, workable system. It was especially noticeable in the South Waterfront where there is an impressive development of commerce and residential development, framed by a broad and inviting greenway that is being built along the Willamette River.

The Seattle visitors rode the gondola up from the riverfront to the Oregon Health Sciences University, a tram that kept OHSU development within the city’s borders and, at the same time, the tram (unlike other modes) manages to pay for itself.

Key to the Portland system is strong private buy-in as well as public participation. At lunch on Thursday Seattleites were privileged to hear about the experience from Michael Powell, owner of Powell’s Books and head of Portland Streetcar Inc., a citizens group. One of the first questions Powell fielded from the audience was:  “How late are you open tonight?” (Answer: 11 p.m.)

The second question was from another Michael, Seattle Mayor McGinn who wanted to know: “Has Portland declared a war on cars?”

Powell’s quick response: “Certainly not officially.”

The legislators have been unbelievably stressed by twin budget traumas.  In the short term they have to trim hundreds of millions from this year’s budget. And, in the long term, they have to get started crafting a two-year budget that weathers the toughest years that Olympia has faced since the Great Depression.

Gov. Christine Gregoire addressed representatives of the state’s cities Wednesday noon at the annual Association of Washington Cities conference. She spoke about the state budget and the pain of trying to navigate uncharted waters of scarcity. She talked of the estimated six billion dollars the legislators must excise from previous lean budgets to provide for the unprecedented shortfall.  It’s a painful exercise.

Gov. Gregoire pointed out that about 60 percent of the budget – that spent on nondiscretionary programs such as public schools – is already set. There remains only the 40 percent percent discretionary spending that has to take in all expenses on health, social services, higher education and corrections. She said that she’d gotten the clear message from the voters in the last election that citizens are not willing to raise taxes.

Some of the prospects that she’s finding most unappealing or the need to look in two areas: one at pensions and the other at inflation and health care reform. She mentioned the prospect of collapsing 21 state agencies into nine and of charging for water rights and the use of state parks. She also said that she has experienced major pushback on her plans to look at forming regional ferry districts to pay for the state’s ferry system.

Her concern for education led her to discuss some other alternatives, such as looking at the 12^th year of education as a possible place to consolidate, particularly if students can complete that year taking advanced placement classes.  She had a catchy slogan: “Complete to compete.”

She also said that savings could be realized through consolidating the state’s education system, rather than having education delivered in silos with separate governing boards.

Although she acknowledged that the Legislature is looking at such alternatives as sweeping the state’s liquor tax, admittedly something that would adversely impact local governments. In fact, it stands to cost Seattle as much as $700,000 in this year alone, $700,000 that already is part of the city’s 2011 budget. A sum that would have to be replaced by making deep cuts elsewhere in the city’s budget.

The governor, however, did have one line that drew applause from representatives of the state’s 281 cities.

She said – and let’s hope she can keep her word, that she would not approve measures that would affect the cities’ ability to provide services to their citizens.

Joncas took as her tagline: “Game On,” as she tossed breakfast guests a pigskin metaphor and then proceeded to detail some of the successes and shortcomings of the economy in a 2011 snapshot. She pointed out that Seattle is now a vibrant urban center, nine urban neighorhoods, home to 58,000 residents, 3,200 of whom are school children.

She pointed out that 50 percent of the city’s jobs are located in the city’s eight distinct downtown neighborhoods. She touted Seattle’s healthy retail and its diverse arts and sports, singling out the Storm and the Sounders. She said that a quarter of all growth occurs in downtown, which she described (sorry Fremont) as “the Center of the Universe.”

If this cheerleading seemed a trifle overblown, Joncas was realistic in pointing out that Seattle has suffered a recession-era downturn, losing something like 21,000 jobs in recent years.

But she also warned against copying other cities. As she said, “What works elsewhere, in Chicago or New York, won’t necessarily work in Seattle.” She pointed out that, despite the success of “Portlandia,” a trendy new sitcom, Seattle has many reasons to be “glad we’re not Portland.”

Some of the to-be-glad reasons she cited are that Seattle is a mecca for high-tech game development, number one in arts per capita and headquarters to the likes of Amazon.com, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, NewBay Software, Nordstrom, PATH and Russell Investments.

Joncas’ preamble was followed by John Vechey, co-founder of PopCap Games and Dr. Robert Atkinson, founder of Information Technology and Innovation Foundation, who deplored the United States’ recent neglect of research and development, pointing out how far we’ve fallen behind other nations in science investment.

As many pointed out throughout the breakfast, Seattleites are welcome to share their ideas and stay informed at www.DowntownSettle.com. Change is coming and you can be part of it.

The youngsters gathered on a recent Friday afternoon to listen to me read “Bear Snores On,” a fanciful story about a slumbering bear and his animal friends. I had been chosen to read the illustrated story book by Karma Wilson as the first “guest reader” in a series of Friday story hours.

The school, a private school that successfully works with students with learning difficulties, initiated the free story hours as an outreach to neighborhood families.  Invited to the hour are children and their caregivers from families around the neighborhood.

At the story-hour launch, the children sat in a circle around a colorful floor covering, eyes wide and eager to listen. I asked them to help me tell the story by supplying some of the sounds. What kind of a noise does a sleeping bear make? The children snored gleefully.

In Wilson’s story book, the bear sleeps blissfully while his animal friends gather for an impromptu party. More animals arrive while the great shaggy brown bear sleeps blissfully and – of course – snores on.  More snores. And here a bear burp. And there a bear sneeze. The children perform like troopers, supplying all the bear’s snuffles, sneezes and hiccup-like burps.

That first story hour was an immense success – something for the neighborhood children to look forward to on Fridays. Guest readers will include other city leaders, as well as local notables and professionals. Organizers report that one upcoming story hour will feature New York Times best selling children’s book author, Keith Baker.  Professionals like Baker will do the stories more justice, but none could do any better at bear snoring than those youngsters from that inaugural story hour.

Jean meets with seniors at the Mayor’s Office for Senior Citizens coffee hour, one of the many events and activities that the city provides for seniors who have served their communities.

It was coffee and cookies and civics at the Mayor’s Office for Senior Citizens January 19, one of the many events and activities that the city provides for seniors who have served their communities.

Each month the office taps a local official to talk to community elders about city services. This month was my opportunity to have coffee and cookies with some of these experienced citizens and talk about my responsibilities at City Hall.

During my too-short hour, I had the chance to tell them how we balance the city’s budget and how carefully the City Council works to preserve the services that they’ve come to rely upon.  I explained that, in these difficult times, the council has focused on public safety and direct human services as the city’s core responsibilities. But that we also worked hard to keep our neighborhoods strong, how we restored the neighborhood matching fund and tried to hold senior services harmless.

The seniors asked questions about a wide range of city services, including parks and recreation and the pedestrian master plan. We also touched on numerous opportunities for seniors, starting with the “Gold Card,” designed for seniors age 60 and above, and the FLASH card for adults with disabilities. Both cards list phone numbers for information and assistance and entitle holders to certain discounts for events, good and services.

We also touched on the city’s energy and utility assistance programs. These programs are available to low-income seniors for Seattle City Light and Seattle Public Utility customers. There also is a special rate that allows low-income seniors to access basic TV cable.

Among the questions I had from the audience were several devoted to Metro, which – as it happens – is a King County responsibility, not a city service. And, while I wasn’t able to answer specific questions about Metro services, Monica Ghosh, my legislative aide, took down names and phone numbers so that we can help these seniors resolve complaints about Metro. After a vigorous discussion, no one could doubt the seniors depend on good public transportation.

One of their other questions involved the Seattle Public Library system and why some of the branch libraries have shorter hours than others. The Library, although it receives city money, has a Seattle Library Board that governs its day-to-day operations. In these tough times, the Library Board has identified branch that most heavily use service. It has kept open one library in each city region open longer hours. Librarians have voluntarily arranged to shut the system for one unpaid week at the end of August in order to ensure that collections are strong and all 26 branch libraries are open at least 35 hours a week.

The session was a brisk one and over far too soon. Our seniors have a good grasp of what matters most to those who live in the city and they are generous in sharing their concerns and solutions.  One apparently unaddressed concern is about the senior centers which the city helps to fund.  The centers have not been a high priority item. As one senior citizen commented, we’re all growing older and living longer and, now that the first of the Baby Boomers are reaching retirement age, we can and should do a better job.

The coffee and cookies were good and the food for thought was excellent.

The Seattle for Washington campaign will help build relationships with other cities and jurisdictions and has taken councilmembers to districts across the state – from Aberdeen to Spokane and from Canadian border to the mouth of the Columbia.

Five of us, all Seattle City Councilmembers, in the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King, journeyed to Olympia on Monday, MLK Day, to make good on a resolve to partner with other cities and with state legislators. The Seattle five were wearing newly minted green and white buttons that read: "Seattle for Washington."

The campaign to build relationships with other cities and jurisdictions isn't just lip service – it's something that's been ongoing throughout the year and has taken councilmembers to districts across the state – from Aberdeen to Spokane and from Canadian border to the mouth of the Columbia.

But where it all comes together is in Olympia, where our elected representatives are struggling with eroding resources to provide the services that citizens depend upon. The situation is dire. There are many needs, many concerned citizens and little hope that the state can do more than make provision for the most basic and essential services.

One legislator shook her head in frustration and said, "We can't save everything. We have to know what you can't live without." Another legislator told us, "The question we sometimes ask: If we wipe out a program, will someone die?"

The Seattle five were lobbying for three urgent imperatives: saving Disability Lifeline, Community Health Centers and children's health care. These three are the state's basic safety net programs. And, while councilmembers naturally have other programs that desperately need state help, those three seemed the most critical.

Without state assistance in providing these three basics, hospital emergency rooms would be overflowing. We'd all be paying in one way or another to provide the bare essentials and – yes, let's be honest – people would be at risk of dying.

This then was the basic message we were delivering to our legislators, telling them what matters the most in these perilous times.

We were able, thanks to good staff work by the city's intergovernmental staff, to schedule 23 meetings for Monday – most of them with our Seattle delegation. But, because we're "Seattle for Washington," we saw Republicans and Democrats from other parts of the state; we saw important state officials like new Department of Revenue director Suzan DelBene and even had time with House Speaker Frank Chopp.

One of our mutual concerns, of course, is for transit. We're hoping that legislators will respond to the need for new funding sources for Metro which has been badly impacted by the economic situation and will be even more deeply affected in the future. Presently it is on track for a 16 percent reduction in service, much of which (60 percent approximately) will be felt by riders in Seattle.

The MLK Day visit to Olympia was a good one for getting to learn one another's challenges. But it won't be the last time Seattle councilmembers will be traveling to Olympia to continue our conversations with legislators and to continue to be "Seattle for Washington."

It’s definitely not a task for the faint of heart as they will have to carve nearly $5 billion from the previous state budget. And that budget was already a lean one, having been cut by $5.2 billion in 2009 and 2010.

As budget chair of the Seattle City Council and as a board member of the Association of Washington Cities, I have been hearing a lot from city and county officials from across the state.  Legislative agendas, our legislative wish lists for the year, are popping up like winter crocuses.

Surprisingly perhaps there is significant overlap in priorities among Seattle, King County and hundreds of other cities across the State.  At an Association of Washington Cities meeting in December, representatives of the state’s 281 cities opted to push for cities’ fiscal flexibility, making it easier for local jurisdictions to allocate scarce resources to essential services. They also voted to ask legislators to protect existing revenue sources – liquor taxes for example – for local municipalities as a top action item.

The cities are being realistic, realizing that a Legislature running on empty probably won’t be able to directly help with cities problems. As an alternative, the cities are hoping that the Legislature can help by giving cities additional authority to raise revenues.

The counties, too, are looking to the Legislature for fixes.  King County Councilman Larry Phillips recently spoke at a Town Hall meeting about King County’s 2011 legislative agenda, passed that same day. Chief among the King County Council concerns are options for transit funding. King County Metro reliance on sales tax revenues has forced the agency to make significant reductions in the past two years and long-term funding remains weak. Despite cost reductions, the county is looking at a 17 percent cutback in Metro service without a better long-term funding mechanism. About 60 percent of those reductions would be for service inside Seattle.

Both King County and Seattle will be lobbying for critical state support for health, housing and human services and for tax suppression, a measure that would allow the county to continue to collect for flood control needs.  Seattle is also focused on educational reform and such critical areas as criminal justice issues, long-term solutions to transit funding, health and human service funding and the Housing Trust Fund.

Citizens are also weighing in with their own priorities.  On the first Monday of the New Year, the 46^th District Legislators – Sen. Scott White and Reps Phyllis Kenney and David Frockt – met with constituents to take questions and comments on how to balance the budget. The three had a brave attitude, talking about preserving what we’ve got, maintaining our investments and working together. These are hardworking and serious lawmakers and they have no illusions. They were understandably open to the suggestions that they received that night.

They heard from citizens who want legislators to look at tax loopholes and, if not working to close them, at least finding a way of monitoring exemptions and assessing their value. On the other hand, there were others at the meeting who talked about the value of attracting jobs and businesses – especially small businesses – to the area. In other words: tax exemptions.

It’s not surprising to learn that one person’s “loophole” is another person’s “incentive.”  How the legislators will deal with these suggestions is open to guesswork. But that night, the 46^th District legislative team pointed out that many of the loopholes are small, that most help preserve jobs and that some loopholes touch on such popular areas as conservation and the environment.

Something else the legislators heard was a cry for tax reform. One speaker said, “This should be the perfect time to come up with a less regressive system.”  In the best of all possible worlds, that might be true; however, it seems difficult to align that statement with the results of the recent election that turned down a high earners’ income tax along with approval of the latest Eyman initiative, 1053, which requires a two-third vote of the Legislature to pass any added taxes.

What’s more probable, according to some legislators I have spoken with, is that the Legislature may consider placing tax measures on the fall ballot for the public to consider. One idea would be to link the ballot measure – perhaps a vehicle tax – to the preservation of certain state services, like higher education and/or ferry travel. Otherwise these areas seem assured of deep cuts.

Odds are legislators won’t be lonesome in Olympia. They’re going to be closely watched and frequently lobbied by the public, as well as by cities and counties. The state’s other governments also are hurting and they’re rightly concerned that they will feel even more pain since the state won’t be able to partner with them as before.

In tough times, the wants are focused on the highest priorities – just as it should be.  And, if you’re listening, you’ll often hear pleas that at the very least, the State should do no harm.

The three legislators – Sen. Scott White and Reps Phyllis Gutierrez Kenney and David Frockt – are poised to take on an awesome responsibility. In the next few months, they must draw up the 2011-13 state budget, somehow providing essential state services at a time when revenues are more drastically impacted than at any time since the Great Depression of the 1930s.

It is, without a doubt, the worst of times: so many needs and so little revenue.  But it also is the best of times to share the heavy fiscal burden. And, indeed, about 50 of the 46^th District’s constituents showed up, eager to help, despite icy driving conditions and a last minute change of venue.

Monday’s event had been billed as “an opportunity for reform that can make government more responsive and efficient.”

The legislators started out with brief statements, shuddering over mention of a $5 billion shortfall prediction that means that the state won’t be able to continue business as usual. White talked about the need to streamline and “get more for the buck.” Kenney pointed out “the need to work together,” and Frockt said, “We must preserve what we have and maintain our workforce and our investment.”

That said, the legislators sat back and listened to questions and comments from the audience. One of the first to speak was King County Councilman Larry Phillips who brought along copies of the King County 2011 Legislative Agenda, passed that same day. The two-page agenda stresses a single objective: seeking the flexibility, tools and authority to help the county support its duty to the most critical needs of its communities.” Phillips cited the need to protect health, housing and human services and pointed out that, without other funding options than much reduced sales tax receipts, King County will need to cut Metro bus service by 17 percent.

Phillips’ comments were followed by several dozen comments from the crowd. One of the first to speak, a gentleman, insisted that the legislators “give us what we asked for – closing tax loopholes.”

The legislators responded, pointing out that, while there are several hundred so-called “loopholes,” most are small and tend to preserve jobs. Cited were tax exemptions that promote solar energy and conservation. The exemptions all have large constituencies and, in some cases, were designed to keep corporations from moving to other states or countries.

There was considerable debate about how loopholes could be closed – for instance would the latest Tim Eyman  initiative, 1053, require a 2/3rds vote to repeal or amend any tax loophole? Although the question was not answered, it appears that, since it would essentially result in a tax increase, it would require that difficult to obtain approval of the legislature.

Meanwhile, there were other comments from the audience, including a number of constituents who spoke on behalf of specific programs, such as early childhood education, higher education, completion of improvements to I-90, child health care, reforming oil and gas production export credits, environmental initiatives, the housing trust fund, and tax reform.

One speaker felt the legislators remiss in providing rundowns of possible cuts from the state budget, rather than a listing of what the state budget would continue to provide. Finally, to round out the pros and cons, a speaker spoke in favor of jobs and suggested more tax incentives, particularly for small businesses.  This, curiously enough, seems to contradict those who are concerned with “loopholes.”

In the final round, I added my own two cents, offering my thanks to the legislators for coming to the Town Hall to listen to constituent suggestions.  As budget chair for the Seattle City Council, I naturally added my support for Councilmember Phillips plea on behalf of transit funding options. If the county has to cut 17 percent of its Metro service, it will mean that Seattle routes will be affected far more than other communities. Sixty percent of the cutback would be to Seattle’s bus hours.

Seattle’s legislative agenda, passed some weeks ago, asks that, in addition to funding options for Metro, the legislature protect such critical areas as the Housing Trust Fund and the state’s disability lifeline. The City additionally will be working with the Association of Washington Cities to develop local options for fiscal flexibility and to support efforts to reform education on a statewide basis.

In his final statement, Councilmember Phillips said that the Legislature needs a better philosophy of budgeting and, perhaps at long last, a reform of initiatives that, perhaps illegally, usurp and supplant the Legislature’s constitutional authority to manage the state budget.

The legislators will not have an easy job in Olympia. But their work is bound to have the attention of an interested public.

Pacific Northwest artist William Cumming (1917-2010), 1967 - Courtesy Seattle Magazine

Artist William (Bill) Cumming – a survivor of TB and other ails – faced death many times in his 93 years, but finally surrendered to heart failure on November 22.  He took with him memories of his contemporaries, the Northwest School of artists. He was last of an iconic group that included Morris Graves, Mark Tobey, Kenneth Callahan and Guy Anderson.

Cumming didn’t go quietly into that good night. He was perhaps more vigorous in his final years than he was in his teens when he joined the Northwest School during a stint with the National Youth Administration, one of the federal art projects of Depression years.

Born in Montana and raised in Portland and Tukwila, Cumming favored the Northwest for its climate and its tolerance for individualism. Unable to pay for a formal education, he was mostly self-taught. He crammed at the Seattle Public Library and adopted techniques from his compatriots. As he wrote in his autobiography, “Sketchbook: A memoir of the 30s and the Northwest School,” “Seattle was my Paris.”

I heard him reminisce about his career a few years ago when he spoke after being honored by the Museum of History and Industry. He accepted his award, but then sent the distinguished guests at the Rainier Club into nervous laughter with his earthy and profane memories.  Seldom has the Rainier Club echoed with that many variations on the “f” word.

At the time, Cumming was still a popular teacher at the Art Institute of Seattle, a successor to Burnley Art School where, coincidentally, my late husband Bob Godden once trained in commercial art and where, like Cumming, he learned to sketch with a drawing pad and pencil stub in his pocket at the Pike Place Market.

Cummings said, “Every human being is born containing an artist, and this being invents art for itself around the age of three.” He believed his job as a teacher was to empower students to get back into contact with the artist they left before they were seated in a schoolroom and told,“Sit there and don’t chew gum.”

Cumming had no use for those who separated “fine” art and commercial art.  He famously said, ”I’m in it for the money. It’s the only thing I’m good at, so I keep doing it.” He did well indeed, especially in his later years. His dealer, John Braseth of the Woodside/Braseth Galleries said that everything Cumming painted sold. A panel, say 3 by 2 feet, might fetch $25,000.

Cumming’s works are famous for their use of color. He used an egg-wash tempura that masked his subjects but allowed pure color to shine out vividly, what Author Tom Robbins, a chronicler of Cumming, once referred to as “the Technicolor effect.”

In a forward describing Cumming’s one-man show at the Woodside/Braseth Gallery in 2007, Robins wrote, “We should feel privileged that he has traveled among us and remained so long.”

Cummings paintings depict figures with their backs to the artist, faceless, mysterious, and always seemingly in motion. He told art reviewer Regina Hackett, “The people in my paintings aren’t really from the present day. They’re from the 30s, the ordinary people of that time. They had a lot of fight in them.”

At the 2007 exhibit, a celebration of Cumming’s 90^th year, I was privileged to sit down with the artist and some of his admirers and acolytes. He spoke affectionately of the companions that he had outlived – artists and writers such as Betty MacDonald (“The Egg and I”) and Margaret Callahan, a journalist married to painter Kenneth Callahan.

He commented candidly on his active intimate life, noting the differences, saying that, while some of the Northwest painters “chased boys,” he “chased girls.” He said, “I had seven wives and numerous of other peoples.”

At the conclusion of his reminisces that evening, I had the nerve to ask the artist to sign my invitation. He wrote, simply, “Arise” and added the signature: “Bill.”

In his book, Cumming said that, when he died, he hoped no one should speak of him. In fact, he added that he would include such a codicil in his will. Whether he did or not, it seems unlikely that his wishes will be honored. He has left too many compelling paintings, too many dedicated students and too colorful a long and fascinating life.