Council President Sally J. Clark
Councilmember Nick Licata
Councilmember Mike O'Brien

Councilmembers to host discussion on Targeted Hiring for city-funded capital projects

SEATTLE - Join Councilmembers and a panel of workforce development experts at a brownbag discussion regarding targeted hiring programs for city-funded capital projects. Several American cities have helped residents enter the construction field by requiring contractors on city-funded projects to hire a predetermined percentage of economically and otherwise disadvantaged residents through targeted hiring programs. The panel will explore the scope of current hiring and workforce training methods used by other jurisdictions around the country and locally.

WHAT: Targeted Hiring brownbag discussion

WHEN: Wednesday, May 22, 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

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

WHO: Seattle City Councilmembers
Rhonda Simmons, Director of Workforce Development, City of San Francisco
Kathleen Mulligan Hansel, Deputy Director, Partnership for Working Families
Leslie Jones, Director of Diversity, Sound Transit
Angel Lopez, former Project Manager,Rainier Valley Community Development Fund

[View in Council Newsroom]

Councilmember Sally Bagshaw           

Citizens' Advisory Committee created to help shape possible 2014 Parks Levy

SEATTLE - Seattle City Council created the Parks and Recreation Legacy Citizens' Advisory Committee today, which will help develop a potential 2014 ballot measure for Seattle's parks.  The citizens' committee will evaluate options for a potential package of parks and recreation projects, ongoing maintenance and operations, and programs and to identify strategic funding options for the levy.

"Our previous parks levies have leveraged enormous private and public funds to help our parks," said Councilmember Sally Bagshaw, Chair of the Council's Parks and Neighborhoods Committee. "This is an investment, and I'm excited to work with the citizens committee to help shape the future of our parks system".

The current Parks and Green Spaces Levy, approved by 59% of the voters in 2008 will expire next year.  The committee will issue a final advisory report to the Mayor and City Council by March 2014.

"I'd like to thank everyone involved in this work, especially the volunteer advisory committee," said Councilmember Bagshaw.  "Let's roll up our sleeves and get to work."

The Department of Parks and Recreation has responded to reductions in its general fund budget support by finding greater operating efficiencies, embracing new management systems, reducing services and deferring routine and major maintenance.  The Seattle Parks Asset Management Plan identified a backlog of nearly 300 projects with an estimated total cost of $267 million for major maintenance, including building renovations, ballfield and lighting replacements, forest and landscape restoration, roof replacements, and improvements of play areas and tennis courts.

[View in Council Newsroom]

Councilmember Mike O'Brien

City Council improves access to
low-income electricity rate assistance
Tenants in qualified low-income housing can now be automatically enrolled in
City Light's Utility Discount Program

SEATTLE - Seattle City Council adopted electricity rate assistance legislation today to simplify access for low-income City Light customers. Seattle City Light will partner with low-income housing providers to get tenants into the program more quickly and with less hassle.

"The single best way for any City Light customers to manage their bills is to conserve energy. But we know that some customers are still struggling to make ends meet, and this legislation makes rate assistance more accessible for people who really need it," said Councilmember Mike O'Brien, sponsor of the legislation. "Many customers in low-income housing are eligible for utility rate assistance by the fact that they qualify for the type of housing they are in. This fix simplifies the process for the customer and the utility and will help get more people enrolled."

Seattle City Light's Utility Discount Program reduces electricity rates by approximately 60% for eligible low-income customers. The legislation approved by Council allows the utility to use information from certain affordable housing providers to enroll eligible customers, rather than requiring those tenants to proactively apply for the discount. Simplifying the application process is expected to help enroll customers who were previously unaware of this benefit.

"With the City Council's action today, City Light will streamline the application process for customers who are most in need, allowing them to apply for the rate discount program at the same time as they apply for affordable housing," City Light General Manager Jorge Carrasco said. "This is just one part of the major effort underway as part of our Strategic Plan to assist customers who are having difficulty with their bills.  In addition to increasing enrollment in the rate discount program, we are also helping them better manage their energy use through home energy visits and other conservation measures."

Non-profit affordable housing groups must meet federal and / or state guidelines for low-income operations, each agency must enter into a signed agreement with Seattle City Light, and the program will undergo periodic audits.

City Light customers interested in applying for the Utility Discount Program can also do so here: www.seattle.gov/humanservices/benefits/udp.htm

[View in Council Newsroom]

Councilmember Tim Burgess

Councilmember Tim Burgess responds to NBA Board of Governors Decision

SEATTLE - City Councilmember Tim Burgess issued the following statement today after the NBA Board of Governors voted to keep the Kings in Sacramento:

"The NBA's decision is very disappointing to me and the thousands of Sonics fans in our city. I remain hopeful that Seattle can once again be home to NBA basketball in the coming years. Chris Hansen and his partners have displayed amazing commitment in their efforts to secure a team for Seattle's fans. The City's role has always been to prepare for a team should one be available. We will be prepared."

[View in Council Newsroom]

Councilmember Richard Conlin
Councilmember Nick Licata

City to develop outreach strategies for Affordable Care Act

Seattle - Seattle City Council adopted a resolution today enlisting City departments to develop outreach strategies to educate and inform the public about new healthcare coverage programs made available through the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) Departments will coordinate with the efforts of community partners to enroll all newly eligible residents in the new healthcare coverage options.

"The City of Seattle has an extraordinary opportunity to increase the health of our residents by working diligently on enrolling folks in the health care insurance exchange,"said Councilmember Richard Conlin, sponsor of the resolution. "This is one of the most significant advances in health care since the implementation of Medicare in 1965 and it is imperative that we take a leadership role in this."

Seattle's outreach plan will include person-to-person support for individuals, particularly communities who need more intensive help with the application processes and accessing health care services. The Affordable Health Care Act requires that most members of the public enroll for healthcare coverage by January 2014. An estimated 30,000 Seattle residents will become eligible for subsidized health care coverage through Washington's Health Benefit Exchange and Council has made it a priority to enroll them all.

Councilmember Nick Licata said, "The Council action to expedite healthcare coverage is particularly timely considering this week's report that each year in the US, 11,300 newborns die within 24 hours of their birth, 50% more than all other industrialized countries combined."

"Nearly 60,000 Seattle residents are currently without health insurance,"said Mayor Mike McGinn. "I am enlisting City departments to inform and enroll people into expanded Medicaid and subsidized insurance that will soon be available through the Affordable Care Act. This is an unprecedented opportunity that will help our residents receive the care they need and lower health care costs by decreasing reliance on high-cost medical services including emergency room visits."

"We have a landmark opportunity to increase access to health care in our community,"said Dr. David Fleming, Director and Health Officer for Public Health - Seattle & King County. "By connecting residents to coverage, we will ultimately improve the health of our community."

[View in Council Newsroom]

Council President Sally J. Clark
Councilmember Richard Conlin
Councilmember Mike O'Brien

Councilmembers to host discussion on the Growing Transit Communities Strategy

SEATTLE - Join Councilmembers and Puget Sound Regional Council staff at a brownbag discussion to identify key action strategies to make transit station-areas great places to live, work and play.

WHAT: Growing Transit Communities Strategy brownbag discussion

WHEN: Monday, May 13, 12 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.

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

WHO: Seattle City Councilmembers, Puget Sound Regional Council Staff

Puget Sound Regional Council (PSRC) developed a draft "Growing Transit Communities Strategy" to present consensus approaches for developing thriving neighborhoods around high-capacity transit areas, and to provide tools and resources to implement adopted regional and local plans. PSRC will present the draft plan and solicit feedback.

For additional information, visit http://www.psrc.org/growth/growing-transit-communities/growing-communities-strategy.

[View in Council Newsroom]

Councilmember Bruce A. Harrell
Councilmember Tom Rasmussen

Councilmembers Harrell and Rasmussen call community meeting on
Street name change to honor Rev. Dr. Samuel B. McKinney

SEATTLE - Councilmembers Bruce Harrell and Tom Rasmussen announced the first of two public meetings to hear public feedback on plans to name sections of 19th Avenue after Rev. Dr. Samuel McKinney.

Councilmember Bruce Harrell, chair of the Council's Public Safety, Civil Rights and Technology Committee stated, "I am very pleased to listen to members of the community who began the dialogue about honoring Rev. Dr. McKinney. For over 40 years, he has been a civil rights leader, as well as a minister who has positively influenced all of Seattle.  Rev. McKinney has been the conscience of our city and has made a lasting mark on race and social justice issues.  Rev. McKinney and his late wife, Louise, have made a lasting impact on 19th Avenue in Seattle and beyond."

Councilmember Tom Rasmussen, chair of the Council's Transportation Committee, stated, "Seattle should honor Rev. Dr. Samuel B. McKinney, and I support Councilmember Bruce Harrell's proposal for the honorary designation of ‘Rev. Dr. Samuel B. McKinney Avenue' on 19th Avenue between E. Union and E. Republican Streets."  

Rasmussen continued, "Rev. Dr. McKinney has dedicated his life to his church and community. He is a man of many achievements, serving as one of the original members of the Seattle Human Rights Commission, lecturing and teaching at colleges around the nation and opening a church-run Credit Union which strived to assist community members who were unable to open bank accounts and conduct financial transactions in traditional banks. I hope to see his legacy live on through the years."

The first of two community meetings is scheduled for today at 3:00 p.m..

WHAT: Community Meeting on Honorary Street Name Change of 19th Avenue
WHEN: TODAY -- Thursday, May 9, 2013, at 3:00 p.m.
WHERE: Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 1634 19th Ave. Seattle, WA 98122
WHO:  Councilmember Bruce A. Harrell
             Councilmember Tom Rasmussen

• Link to Rev. Dr. Samuel McKinney's biography: http://www.historylink.org/index.cfm?DisplayPage=output.cfm&File_Id=152
• Email your support for renaming portions of 19th Avenue (East Union to East Republican Streets) to bruce.harrell@seattle.gov or tom.rasmussen@seattle.gov

[View in Council Newsroom]

Councilmember Bruce Harrell

Councilmember Harrell seeks applications for the Seattle Women's Commission

SEATTLE - Councilmember Bruce Harrell announced today that the City is seeking candidates for three vacant positions on the Seattle Women's Commission.

The Commission is a 20-member body that works together to research, analyze and make recommendations to the Mayor, City Council and City departments on issues facing women in Seattle. The Commission meets monthly and more frequently as committees to address economic opportunity for women, social justice, women's health, affordable and high-quality child-care, women's roles as care-givers, violence against women and challenges immigrant women face in our community.

Councilmember Harrell strongly encourages women with a background in policy work and research regarding gender pay gap inequality to apply. According to an analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data by the National Partnership for Women and Families, the most recent data shows that out of the top 50 U.S. metropolitan areas, Seattle has the largest wage gap for women. Women in the Seattle area are paid an average of 73 cents for every dollar paid to men in the area, amounting to a yearly gap of $16,346 between men and women who work full time. As a group, this results in a loss of $7,894,987,232 for women in the Seattle area each year, with national statistics showing even larger wage pay gaps for women of color.

"Closing and eradicating the wage gap between women and men in the Seattle metropolitan area is of utmost concern, and I am glad it is getting the attention it deserves. Having Commissioners with a background in policy work relating to gender pay gap inequality that are passionate about resolving this issue will help to build greater gender equity in Seattle," said Councilmember Bruce Harrell, chair of the Public Safety, Civil Rights and Technology committee.

Appointment to the Commission is subject to confirmation by the City Council. Commissioners serve two-year terms, although may be appointed to fill the remainder of an existing term.

Interested candidates should deliver a resume and cover letter by May 31 to Councilmember Bruce Harrell by email (bruce.harrell@seattle.gov), by fax (206-684-8587; provide cover memo with Attn: Bruce Harrell) or by mail to:

Councilmember Bruce Harrell
Seattle City Council
P.O. Box 34025
Seattle, WA 98124-4025

[View in Council Newsroom]

Councilmember Sally Bagshaw

Meetings set to discuss future of Seattle's parks
Councilmember Sally Bagshaw encourages public participation

SEATTLE - Seattle Parks and Recreation announced public meetings to help plan the future of Seattle's parks, community centers and other facilities. Feedback from these discussions could potentially shape a ballot measure presented to Seattle voters in 2014. Councilmember Sally Bagshaw encourages Seattleites who use parks facilities to comment at one of the six public conversations hosted by Seattle Parks and Recreation:

• Tuesday, May 7 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.: General Meeting - Seattle Parks and Recreation Administration Building (100 Dexter Ave. N)
• Wednesday, May 8 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.: Sports, Recreation and Aquatics -- Green Lake Community Center (7201 E Green Lake Dr. N)
• Monday, May 13 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Seniors, Teens including LBGT, Community Centers and Associated Recreation Council (ARC) - Northgate Community Center  (10510 5th Ave. NE)
• Thursday, May 16 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.: Environmental Programs, Open Space and Maintenance -- Jefferson Community Center (3801 Beacon Ave. S)
• Tuesday, May 21 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.: General Meeting - Dakota Place Park Building (4304 SW Dakota St.)
• Wednesday, May 22 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.: Immigrant and Refugee Communities -- South Shore K-8 School (4800 S Henderson St.)

While some of the meetings focus on certain Parks functions, comments on any Parks activity or function are welcome at all of the meetings.
The draft plan is available online at http://www.seattle.gov/parks/legacy/.

People who cannot make it to a meeting and who want to comment on the draft plan can send an email to parkslegacy@seattle.gov.
For interpretation services or special accommodations at the meetings, please email parkslegacy@seattle.gov or call Susanne Rockwell at 206-733-9702.

[View in Council Newsroom]

Councilmember Bruce A. Harrell
Council President Sally J. Clark

Seattle Police Monitor Merrick Bobb presents first semi-annual report

Seattle - Councilmember Bruce Harrell, chair of the Council's Public Safety, Civil Rights and Technology Committee, will host Merrick Bobb and members of the Seattle Police Monitoring team at committee on Tuesday afternoon. Bobb is the court-appointed independent monitor for the Department of Justice (DOJ) Settlement Agreement and will present his first semi-annual report to the City Council.

The report was filed with the U.S. District Court on April 26, 2013.

• Link to Monitor's First Semiannual Report
• Link to Seattle Police Department's Compliance Coordinator website

WHAT: Public Safety, Civil Rights, and Technology Committee

WHEN: Tuesday, May 7, 2013, at 3:00 p.m.

WHERE: Council Chambers, 2nd floor, Seattle City Hall, 600 Fourth Avenue, Seattle 98104

WHO: Councilmember Bruce A. Harrell, Council President Sally J. Clark, Councilmember Mike O'Brien, Councilmember Nick Licata, Councilmember Sally Bagshaw, Councilmember Jean Godden, Councilmember Tom Rasmussen

[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 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]

Councilmember Nick Licata

Councilmember Licata's statement on the passage of South Lake Union rezone

SEATTLE - Seattle City Council passed a package of land use changes that increases the development capacity of the South Lake Union (SLU) neighborhood to accommodate projected future job growth and housing demands.Councilmember Nick Licata issued the following statement following the 9-0 vote:

With today's vote, the Council significantly increased affordable housing, but not nearly enough to meet South Lake Union's future need. Estimates are that these SLU upzones may result in over $12 billion worth of development over the next 25 years. Without affordable housing for people working in the city, traffic congestion will increasingly clog our streets, hurting the economy and our environment.

Whether the Council enacts upzones in SLU or any other neighborhood, upzoning adds significant value to private property. Seattle is among the most active real estate markets in the country, and we have a great opportunity before us to get this right. Just saying we built more housing isn't enough of a solution.

We all suffer if we push more people out of the city. For these reasons, I will seek city-wide incentive zoning, requiring housing be built for our entire workforce, not just those earning the highest wages.

[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]

 Councilmember Tim Burgess

Council Committee votes to fund new public health gun safety package
Seattle will be first city to fund gun safety research long blocked by gun lobby

Seattle - City Councilmembers demonstrated their leadership on gun safety today when the Government Performance and Finance Committee voted to fund a new public health gun safety package.

Partnering with the University of Washington’s Harborview Medical Center and public health agencies, the $370,500 proposal will spur long-stalled research on gun violence and enhance the City and County’s response to mental health crises resulting from tragedies.

"While our leaders in Olympia and Washington, D.C. failed to enact gun safety legislation this year, Seattle is demonstrating its leadership by taking positive action today," said Councilmember Tim Burgess. "The people of Seattle overwhelmingly support doing everything we can to increase gun safety. This funding will jump-start research blocked by the National Rifle Association and build the same emergency response system used by the Red Cross."

According to previous news reports, the City of Seattle would be the first in the nation to provide direct funding for basic research into the causes and effects of gun violence.

"This research on gun violence will show us what impact it has on public health, and hopefully identify strategies for reducing injuries and deaths," said Councilmember Nick Licata.

"Gun violence is THE public health issue of our time," said Councilmember Sally Bagshaw. "With appropriate research and commitment, we can reduce both murders and suicides in our community. We must."

"This is the way to guide us to safe, responsible gun ownership," said Councilmember Jean Godden. "It’s a step toward a sane, caring policy."

The public health gun safety package includes two additions to the Mayor’s 1st Quarter Supplemental budget detailed below.

Public Health Gun Safety Research ($153,000)

The proposed study will evaluate the interrelationships between substance abuse, mental health diagnoses, gun ownership, injury admissions and deaths.

"Sustained commitment to reducing the public health impact of gun violence is critically important to our city," said Dr. Beth Ebel, Director, Harborview Injury Prevention & Research Center, UW. "In my work as a pediatric trauma physician at Harborview Medical Center/UW, I regularly care for children and teens who were victims of gun violence. Nearly all of these devastating injuries are preventable. So this is a time to take action, work together, and find evidence-based approaches to reduce gun violence."

The results will provide researchers and medical professionals with the information they need to improve outreach and counseling to prevent injuries from firearms, particularly among vulnerable populations.

Enhanced Mental Health Emergency Management and Response ($217,500)

The initiative includes a state-of-the-art emergency management, response and triage system for mental health crises that has been used by public health teams in the aftermath of the Sandy Hook Elementary shootings, by the American Red Cross for natural disasters (the Joplin and Alabama tornadoes in 2011), by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services during Superstorm Sandy and by Los Angeles County. The funding will enable Seattle-King County Public Health to administer the purchase and installation of this emergency management and response program.

The Committee will vote on the entire first quarter supplemental budget legislation as early as May 15. A vote by the Full Council would then take place the Monday following the committee vote.

[View in Council Newsroom]

Councilmember Tom Rasmussen
Council President Sally J. Clark
Councilmember Nick Licata
Councilmember Richard Conlin

City Council to host second meeting on micro-housing developments
Public invited to share feedback with Councilmembers

SEATTLE - City Councilmember Tom Rasmussen today confirmed that a second public meeting on micro-housing developments will be held. The meeting will be on May 6 at 6:00 p.m. at Seattle First Baptist Church on First Hill.

The first meeting was held in April in response to questions and concerns raised by residents of several Seattle neighborhoods where micro-housing units are being constructed.

The purpose of the second meeting is to hear from neighborhood representatives who will give their views and recommendations on the micro-housing projects. Representatives of the developers who build micro-housing projects will be present to describe the projects and the market for this housing alternative and their response to concerns they are hearing from the community.

In addition to Councilmember Rasmussen co-sponsors of the meeting include Councilmembers Nick Licata, Sally J. Clark and Richard Conlin.

Councilmember Tom Rasmussen stated: "A portion of the meeting will include an opportunity for the public to provide comments on what they have heard during the meeting and to provide recommendations on what, if any, regulations should be enacted for this unique type of housing."

WHAT: Micro-housing development discussion

WHEN: Monday, May 6, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

WHERE: Seattle First Baptist Church
Fellowship Hall (downstairs), 1111 Harvard Ave. (on First Hill)

WHO: Seattle City Councilmembers and Council staff
Representatives from communities and neighborhoods
Representatives of micro-housing developers

"I want to see more affordable housing built in Seattle along with our residential neighborhoods accommodating housing options that contribute to their character," stated Councilmember Nick Licata, chair of the Council's Housing, Human Services, Health and Culture Committee. "I think both objectives can be accomplished and I look forward to this forum providing an opportunity to hear suggestions on how to fulfill both."

"I've visited some of these micro-units," said Council President Sally J. Clark. "They provide decent, often attractive housing for a range of people who don't need or want a lot of space. They're also appearing in greater numbers and more rapidly than some in the surrounding neighborhood want. This forum can provide a good airing of people's support, concerns and ideas for appropriate regulation."

"Micro-housing can be an affordable option for people wanting to live close to work or urban amenities," said Councilmember Richard Conlin, chair of the Council's Planning, Land Use and Sustainability Committee. "They're good for the environment and they can be good for neighborhoods too if we can find ways to preserve their affordability while ensuring that these developments reflect both the letter and the spirit of our land use laws. I look forward to working with stakeholders and the Executive to craft legislation to accomplish these goals."

Background

In recent years, micro-housing has emerged as an increasingly common residential building product in Seattle. Since 2006, DPD has received permit applications for 44 projects. Those completed projects have a total capacity of about 2,000 people. In 2012, DPD received applications for approximately 15 micro-housing projects.

Micro-housing projects are generally comprised of apartment or townhome-style dwelling units, each of which contains several (often seven or eight) smaller living quarters clustered around a shared kitchen and laundry area. Each of the smaller living spaces within the dwelling unit is leased to an individual tenant. These spaces are typically 150 to 200 square feet in size and equipped with a kitchenette (refrigerator, microwave, sink) and private bathroom. Rent levels vary by location but are often in the range of $600 to $700 per month.

Developers have found Seattle offers a strong market for micro-housing, with completed projects leasing up quickly. Tenants often include students, service industry workers, and individuals who divide their time between Seattle and a residence in another location. Geographically, 52 percent of the projects are located on Capitol Hill and 30 percent in the University District, with the remainder spread throughout the city.

Because micro-housing is not well-defined in City codes it also may not be adequately regulated. Some of the issues and concerns the public has raised about Seattle's growing stock of micro-housing include:

• Within micro-housing projects, DPD currently counts the several small living quarters that surround a common kitchen and laundry area as a single dwelling unit (e.g., one apartment with eight bedrooms and eight bathrooms). As a result, most micro-housing projects do not meet the threshold for design review. Normally the design review process also provides opportunities for neighbors to comment and offer input on proposed projects.
• DPD's current practice of counting multiple living quarters within a micro-housing project as a single dwelling unit also complicates efforts to measure progress toward adopted growth targets in neighborhoods where micro-housing is located. It also can affect whether a proposed micro-housing project is subject to environmental review under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA).
• Micro-housing may not be an appropriate building type for all multifamily residential zones.
• Micro-housing projects are generally designed to house 30 to 60 individuals; however, on-site parking is rarely provided.
• The high cost of this housing on a price per square foot basis.

[View in Council Newsroom]

Councilmember Bruce A. Harrell

Public Safety Committee immediately begins process on
Pierce Murphy's OPA Nomination

Seattle - Councilmember Bruce Harrell, chair of the Council's Public Safety, Civil Rights and Technology Committee, will introduce the Council's appointment process for Pierce Murphy, the new Office of Professional Accountability (OPA) Director nominee. The Mayor announced the nomination on Friday, April 26. The legislation was delivered to the City Clerk this afternoon, Tuesday, April 30.

"Council will work with urgency to examine the OPA appointment, "said Councilmember Bruce Harrell. "With responsibility to investigate complaints about police misconduct, the OPA Director is one of the most critical positions in the City. The new director must have credibility with all groups, including diverse communities and must also communicate clearly and effectively with police accountability advocates and police officers."

Harrell said, "The Committee has made it clear that confirmation of the Mayor's nomination will not be taken lightly, the process will be thorough, and achievements, as well as deficiencies, will be analyzed."

Significant outreach to community members, civil rights organizations, the Human Rights commission, Community Police Commission, law organizations and police organizations will be conducted to assist in the process of deciding whether Council will confirm Murphy's nomination. The official public hearing on Murphy's appointment will be scheduled at an upcoming Public Safety, Civil Rights, and Technology committee meeting.

• Link to Pierce Murphy's Biography

WHAT: Public Safety, Civil Rights, and Technology Committee

WHEN: Wednesday, May 1, 2013, at 2:00 p.m.

WHERE: Council Chambers, 2nd floor
Seattle City Hall, 600 Fourth Avenue, Seattle 98104

WHO: Councilmember Bruce A. Harrell
Councilmember Nick Licata
Councilmember Mike O'Brien

[View in Council Newsroom]

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]

Councilmember Nick Licata

Randy Engstrom Confirmed as Director of City's Arts Office
Brings Wealth of Community Organizing Skills to the Position

Seattle - Seattle City Council confirmed Randy Engstrom as permanent director of Seattle's Office of Arts and Culture (Office of Arts) this afternoon. Engstrom had been serving as Interim Director since October 2012.

"It is a great honor to be confirmed as the Director of the Seattle Office of Arts and Culture," Engstrom said. "Seattle is one of the most vibrant cities in the world - creativity is a natural resource here. I look forward to working with our partners to ensure art and culture continue to thrive in Seattle."

Engstrom brings a strong background in community organizing for arts and culture. He was the Founding Director of Youngstown Cultural Arts Center, which converted a vacant school building into a community center offering affordable access to the arts, technology and cultural resources; Co-Chaired the Cultural Overlay District Advisory Committee (CODAC), which provided recommendations on enhancing cultural development in Seattle; and served as Chair of the Seattle Arts Commission, the volunteer advisory body for the Office of Arts.

"Every once in a while, a generational shift in leadership comes along that jumps the needle forward on the cultural dial" said Councilmember Nick Licata." I believe Randy is that leader."

Engstrom's goals for the Office of Arts include facilitating increased access to affordable space for arts and culture in Seattle; partnering with agencies, funders and cultural organizations to develop a regional cultural plan; and advocating for more arts and culture to be integrated into civic development, neighborhood activation and economic development.

The Office of Arts has an approximate $7m annual budget and is involved in a number of ongoing initiatives, such as the Central Waterfront Redevelopment Project; supports local arts and cultural organizations through its Cultural Partnerships program; collaborates with the school district on implementing a K-12 arts education plan; and is responsible for implementing a transition plan for Langston Hughes Performing Arts Institute to achieve long-term sustainability.

Mr. Engstrom currently serves as board President of the Washington Bus Education Fund. City Arts Magazine once named him "The Advocate." He was named an Americans for the Arts Emerging Leader and was named one of Puget Sound Business Journal's "40 under 40" - people under the age of 40 working to drive the economy through dynamic leadership. He holds a Masters in Public Administration from the University of Washington Evans School and a BA in Public Administration from Evergreen State College.

Engstrom's salary will be $105,000.

[View in Council Newsroom]

Councilmember Richard Conlin

City Council Adopts Food Action Plan
Plan aims to increase access to healthy food, support local food production and strengthen local economy

SEATTLE - Seattle City Council today adopted the Food Action Plan, sending a clear signal that a healthy food system is a priority for the City. Highlights of the Action Plan include:

• Expanding the Farm to Childcare program, which brings healthy food from local farmers into childcare sites, trains child care providers on nutrition and cooking and brings kids to local farms.
• Expanding the Fresh Bucks program, which increases the affordability of healthy food for low-income Seattle residents.
• Growing the successful P-Patch community gardening program, which will expand to 90 gardens throughout Seattle by the end of 2013.
• Leasing underutilized City-owned land to urban farmers, who want to expand food production in Seattle.

"The Seattle Food Action Plan lays the groundwork for a just food system in Seattle," said Councilmember Richard Conlin. "Consumers, retailers, distributors and growers all benefit. The actions in the Plan will help get healthier, local food onto the tables and into the lunchboxes of families and children."

"Improving access to healthy food that comes from local growers is essential for healthy people and a healthy economy," said Mayor McGinn. "This Action Plan provides a strong path forward for that work."

Seattle's Office of Sustainability and Environment (OSE) developed the Food Action Plan in 2012, building on the work of the Local Food Action Initiative, passed by the City Council in 2008. In developing the plan, OSE engaged grassroots groups, food system leaders and business and community members from across the city. The recommendations in this plan will improve public health, strengthen the economy and enhance our environment.

"Food touches each of us in important ways," said Jill Simmons, Director of the Office of Sustainability and Environment. "Building a sustainable food system - one where people have access to affordable and healthy food that is sustainably produced - is critical to advancing Seattle's climate protection, social justice and economic development goals."

The Food Action Plan identifies a suite of strategies and actions to achieve the following:

• Increase Access to Healthy Food: All Seattle residents have enough to eat and access to affordable, local, healthy, sustainable and culturally-appropriate food.
• Grow Local: It is easy to grow food in Seattle and in our region, for personal use or for business purposes.
• Strengthen the Local Economy: Businesses that produce, process, distribute, and sell local and healthy food grow and thrive in Seattle.
• Prevent Food Waste: Food-related waste is prevented, reused, or recycled.

For more information on the City's food systems work, visit: www.seattle.gov/environment/food.

[View in Council Newsroom]

Metro Executives to brief City Council on potential bus cuts

Metro Head to present routes at risk in Seattle, King County

SEATTLE - King County Metro will brief Seattle City Council Monday morning on 65 bus routes at risk for elimination and 86 routes in jeopardy if additional funding is not secured in the state legislature this session.

The full Council is scheduled to hear from Metro General Manager Kevin Desmond and Service Development Manager Victor Obeso about the consequences of service reductions. The remainder of the briefing will be dedicated to questions from Councilmembers. Comment is not open to the public during briefings of the full Council.

WHO:
Seattle City Councilmembers briefed by staff from King County Metro

WHAT:
Discussion of routes at risk for elimination or service reduction in Seattle, King County

WHEN:
Monday, April 29 - Metro Presentation scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m.

WHERE:
Seattle City Council Chambers - Second Floor - 600 Fourth Avenue (Seattle)

[View in Council Newsroom]

Councilmember Tom Rasmussen

Councilmember Rasmussen responds to briefing from Metro managers on potential bus cuts
Transportation Chair responds to presentation on routes at risk

SEATTLE -- Councilmember Tom Rasmussen, Chair of the Council's Transportation Committee, issued the following statement in response to a briefing by King County Metro this morning about routes at risk for elimination or in jeopardy of service reductions:

"As Transportation Chair of the Seattle City Council, I am working to ensure that people who live and work in Seattle have a reliable, high quality transit system. Seattle and the region depend upon the legislature taking action to provide our state's largest metropolitan area with the means to preserve bus service."

"Metro has been able to avoid cuts by saving or generating revenue, by operating more efficiently, cutting staff, increasing fares and spending reserve funds. To avoid significant cuts in service, King County enacted a temporary $20 fee on vehicle licenses for two years, which expires June 2014."

"Once the fee expires, Metro will no longer have these funds to spend on service operations. Without a new source of revenue, Metro will be forced to cut service by 17%. These cuts will eliminate many commuter express routes and some neighborhoods will lose all service."

"Seattle riders already experience over-crowded buses. I call upon our state legislature to give King County Metro the funding authority it needs to meet our growing region's needs."

[View in Council Newsroom]

Councilmember Tim Burgess

Councilmember Tim Burgess responds to Metro briefing on pending service cuts

Seattle - City Councilmember Tim Burgess issued the following statement today after the Council received a briefing from King County Metro officials about potential service cuts:

"Transportation is the backbone of a robust economy and public transit is essential to that vitality."

"Seattle is the largest job center in the state. An estimated two-thirds of the City's 200,000 daily commuters don't drive; they rely on a quality transit network. The legislature's failure thus far to fund Metro service is a direct blow to these commuters and will mean decreased service and increased gridlock for many of us who live and work in and around Seattle. The legislature's inaction could also have a cascading effect through the system as bus routes are eliminated and riders compete for space on other already-crowded routes."

"Metro has avoided cuts so far by reducing staff, increasing fares, spending reserve funds, and imposing a temporary $20 charge on vehicle licenses. When the charge expires next year, Metro will have no other choice but to decrease service unless the state provides the necessary support."

[View in Council Newsroom]

Councilmember Mike O'Brien

Councilmember O'Brien's statement on opting out of yellow pages
Consumers should opt-out at www.yellowpagesoptout.com by May 6th
to meet upcoming delivery deadline

Seattle -- The City of Seattle and yellow pages publishers recently reached an agreement to provide residents and businesses easy control of the delivery of yellow pages directories to their homes through www.yellowpagesoptout.com. Seattle Councilmember Mike O'Brien issued the following statement in response:

I encourage Seattleites who are still receiving yellow pages directories to go to www.yellowpagesoptout.com. May 6 is the deadline for opting out of Dex yellow pages directories, if they have not done so already. There they can set their preferences so they only receive the directories they want, or they can opt out of all directories at once.

I thank the industry for agreeing to honor all existing opt outs and for taking significant steps to develop this nationwide opt-out system, which has participation from all major publishers, a new user-friendly interface and a complaint system where concerned residents can get quick, reliable feedback.

"Residents who already opted out of yellow pages directories will not need to opt out again, maintaining the savings of over 1,000 tons of paper that we accomplished through our previous system."

[View in Council Newsroom]

Councilmember Sally Bagshaw

Councilmember Bagshaw visits Olympia to advocate for transportation options

OLYMPIA - Seattle City Councilmember Sally Bagshaw today will meet with key state legislators to advocate for local transportation funding options. Bagshaw will travel to Olympia as part of the "Keep King County Moving" Coalition, highlighting the need to preserve King County Metro transit service and critical roadway maintenance.

Metro faces a $75 million annual shortage if the state Legislature fails to approve transit funding tools, a shortfall that would result in the reduction of up to 17 percent of Metro's bus service.  According to King County Metro, 65 transit routes are at risk of being cancelled, with another 86 routes at risk for service reductions. "Keep King County Moving" has coordinated business, government and community advocates to speak with one voice in Olympia about the threat transit cuts pose to business, growth management and quality of life.

"I'm looking forward to sitting down with our friends in Olympia to find some real solutions for our transit system," said Councilmember Sally Bagshaw.  "I'd also like to extend my gratitude to the legislature for passing the Safe Streets bill (House Bill 1045 and Senate Bill 5066), which will allow for lower speed limits on Seattle's neighborhood greenways."

Seattle City Councilmembers frequently meet with legislators as part of the "Seattle for Washington" program, which is intended to strengthen relationships with key policy makers and better understand issues important to communities around the state.  For more on Metro's funding shortfall and what it could mean for the future of transit riders and our economy, please visit Metro's website.

[View in Council Newsroom]

Councilmember Richard Conlin

City Opposes Genetically Engineered Salmon

Seattle -- Seattle City Council adopted a resolution today opposing the commercial production of genetically engineered (GE) salmon.  A proposal is currently before the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that would allow GE salmon commercial production. The Mayor concurred with the resolution.

The City's action supports a bipartisan coalition, supported by Senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell, which is seeking to ban the genetically engineered fish or require it to be labeled as transgenic. More than 400,000 fishermen, environmentalists, food safety advocates and others have written to the FDA with concerns about the FDA's preliminary finding that this project should be allowed to proceed.

"This is a threat to the livelihood of Northwest and Alaska fishermen," said Councilmember Richard Conlin, sponsor of the resolution. "I'm also deeply concerned about potential health concerns related to consuming genetically engineered salmon.  That's why we felt the need to act."

AquaBounty Technologies Inc., is seeking permission from the FDA to alter Atlantic salmon with genes taken from the Pacific Chinook salmon and the eel-like Ocean Pout. Adding these growth genes from other species causes fish to produce growth hormones continuously, allowing them to grow larger and faster than natural salmon.

The Swinomish Indian Tribal Community is also alarmed about this proposal. Chairman Brian Cladoosby, said, "Genetically engineered salmon pose a grave threat to the environment and to the health of the general population. We strongly believe that it would be an error for the FDA to accept the unsupported "guarantee" that all genetically engineered fish can be contained and not adversely impact people, the wild salmon species and the environment. "

"Salmon are an important part of Seattle's environment, our heritage, and our economy," said Mayor Mike McGinn. "I stand with fishermen, environmentalists and food safety advocates to protect salmon and the public from genetic modification."

[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 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 Mike O'Brien
Council President Sally Clark
Councilmember Richard Conlin

City Council Introduces Climate Action Plan on Earth Day
Plan provides pathway to carbon neutrality by 2050

Seattle -- Seattle City Council introduced Seattle's Climate Action Plan today, outlining the City's path to meeting its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050. The Plan focuses on three sectors where the City of Seattle can have the greatest influence in reducing carbon emissions: transportation and land use, building energy and solid waste. The Plan also includes a section on how the City should prepare for the impacts of climate disruption we currently experience, as well a section on actions individuals can take to reduce emissions through purchasing decisions.

"Taking climate action is not about austerity. It is about creating great places to live, work and play today and for future generations," said Councilmember Mike O'Brien, Chair of the Energy and Environment Committee. "This Climate Action Plan provides a vision for a city that is vibrant, economically prosperous and socially just." 

"The strong actions in this plan are evidence of the high value that the Seattle community places on sustainability," said Jill Simmons, Director of the Office of Sustainability and Environment. "Throughout the planning process, we heard from individuals and organizations who encouraged us to be bold and think long-term."

Seattle's Office of Sustainability and Environment has been developing the Climate Action Plan since 2011, engaging grassroots sustainability groups, environmental leaders and business and community members from across the city. The City also formed Technical Advisory Groups in each sector addressed in the Plan and convened a Green Ribbon Commission to recommend specific climate actions.

"With its natural beauty, strong economy and commitment to equity, Seattle is an amazing place to live. The Climate Action Plan lays out clear path to ensuring Seattle remains a great place to live and raise a family, while also doing its part to combat climate change," said Doris Koo, Co-Chair of the Seattle Green Ribbon Commission. 
"Even before the first Earth Day in 1970, Seattleites have taken pride in our city's commitment to protecting the environment through innovative thinking, hard work and zeal," said Seattle City Council President Sally J. Clark. "I'm proud we can introduce our Climate Action Plan on Earth Day, 2013, as yet another milestone in our city's dedication to making a difference for the planet."

The Climate Action Plan includes specific short- and long-term actions the City needs to meet its ambitious goal of carbon neutrality by 2050. For example, the transportation sector accounts for 40% of Seattle's greenhouse gas emissions, but the biggest challenge Seattle faces to reducing emissions in this sector is funding. The plan calls for new funding sources like extending the Bridging the Gap levy and securing local authority for a motor vehicle excise tax (MVET) to help improve bus service and reliability, invest in improvements that make it easier and safer to walk or bike and take steps to build out the region's light rail system. The plan also calls for supporting the adoption of low carbon vehicles and fuels.

In the building energy section, the Plan calls for accelerating Seattle's work to make energy use more visible to consumers by switching to smart meters, providing better energy performance information to building owners and users and generally helping people better understand and manage their energy consumption. Additionally, the Plan calls for getting the right mix of policies and incentives to spur retrofitting in Seattle's housing stock and commercial buildings.

"We have already seen the impact of a changing climate. We must act now to slow down the rate of climate change, and to respond to the issues as our climate is affected," said Councilmember Richard Conlin. "Together we can rise to this great moral challenge, take practical steps in the right direction, inspire others to emulate our example and build a positive future for Seattle."

"Seattle residents and businesses are leaders in the fight against climate change," said Mayor Mike McGinn. "I appreciate the hard work done by our citizen committee to craft recommendations for our updated plan and look forward to the Council's process for adopting the strongest possible Climate Action Plan. I thank Councilmembers O'Brien and Conlin for their leadership in this effort."

The Climate Action Plan will be discussed in two Energy and Environment Committee meetings--Tuesday, April 23 and Tuesday, May 14--and will also be the topic of a public town hall on Tuesday, May 7 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at University Heights Center.

The Climate Action Plan can be viewed online at: http://www.seattle.gov/environment/climate_plan.htm

[View in Council Newsroom]

Councilmember Richard Conlin

Councilmember Conlin Encourages Participation at Happiness Open House

Seattle -- Seattle City Councilmember Richard Conlin will sponsor a Happiness Open House on Monday, April 22.  The open house will be hosted by The Happiness Initiative and Make it Happy, two social initiatives devoted to spreading happiness as a means to improve the world.  The groups will share their findings on Seattle's collective happiness in an interactive art installation, which will ultimately result in a report containing specific policy recommendations for creating sustainable happiness.

Councilmember Conlin's blog post on Seattle's first Happiness Report Card is viewable here.
                        
WHAT:
Happiness Open House

WHEN:
5 - 7 p.m., Monday, April 22

WHERE:
Seattle City Hall
Bertha Knight Landes Room, First Floor
600 Fourth Ave, Seattle 98104

WHO:
Seattle City Councilmember Richard Conlin, Make It Happy, The Happiness Initiative

[View in Council Newsroom]

Councilmember Mike O'Brien

Councilmember O'Brien to Testify for Transportation Options in Olympia

Seattle City Councilmember Mike O'Brien will testify today before the House Transportation Committee to advocate for local transportation funding options. The state legislature is currently considering a transportation package that could affect King County Metro's budget.

"This is my second Metro Transit-related Olympia visit this session, and it probably won't be my last," said Councilmember Mike O'Brien.  "People throughout Seattle rely on public transit, and I'll do whatever I can to ensure our bus service is maintained."

Metro faces a $75 million annual shortage if the state Legislature fails to approve transit funding tools, a shortfall that would result in the reduction of up to 17 percent of Metro's bus service.  According to King County Metro, 65 transit routes are at risk of being cancelled, with another 86 routes at risk for service reductions.  The 1:30 p.m. hearing is available to view streaming live on tvw.org.

Seattle City Councilmembers frequently meet with legislators as part of the "Seattle for Washington" program, which is intended to strengthen relationships with key policy makers and better understand issues important to communities around the state.  For more on Metro's funding shortfall and what it could mean for the future of transit riders and our economy, please visit Metro's website.

[View in Council Newsroom]

Councilmember Tim Burgess
Council President Sally J. Clark
Councilmember Nick Licata
Councilmember Mike O'Brien
Councilmember Tom Rasmussen

Councilmembers to consider Publicly Financed Campaigns for Seattle
Possible ballot measure coming to voters in November

Seattle -- Seattle City Councilmembers announced today a timeline to consider a proposal to publicly finance elections for local campaigns in the city of Seattle. The plan outlines a series of five meetings in April, May and June, leading to a decision about whether to ask voters to approve such a program in November 2013.

At the request of four councilmembers, the Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission recently submitted a recommendation for the Council to consider a public campaign finance program. The Council will review the details of the Commission's proposed program structure starting Monday, April 29.

"It's the right time to explore new ways to engage Seattle in the electoral process," said Councilmember Tim Burgess, chair of the Special Committee on Public Campaign Finance. "Seattle has long been at the forefront in upholding fair elections, but we should learn from other cities about what can be achieved through a public campaign finance system."

Public campaign financing, sometimes called "voter-owned" elections, allows a candidate to qualify for public funds to run an electoral campaign if he or she is able to demonstrate a broad base of community support. Candidate participation would be optional, and participants would agree to set standards that could include limits on private fundraising, a limit on using personal funds or limits on third-party funding assistance. Similar programs currently operate in many cities, including San Francisco, Los Angeles and New York.

"I'm looking forward to creating a program that helps a diverse cross-section of Seattle residents to run for local office," said Council President Sally J. Clark.  "Plenty of smart, qualified people would love to run, but the price tag has run so high in recent cycles that otherwise great leaders sit out. Money shouldn't determine who runs and serves."

"Voter-owned elections get more people involved and keep campaigns focused on people, issues and ideas, something I think that strengthens our democracy and that we all value," said Councilmember Mike O'Brien. "Seattle was the first municipality to put a system in place in 1979, and I think it is time to ask the voters to reinstate it."

"The influence of money on elections has grown nationally and locally; with publicly financed campaigns, we can at least minimize its influence on local elections, said Councilmember Nick Licata. "The voters should have an opportunity to decide if Seattle joins other cities with public financing."

[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]

Councilmember Tom Rasmussen
Council President Sally J. Clark
Councilmember Nick Licata
Councilmember Richard Conlin

City Council to discuss micro-housing developments Thursday 
Public invited to share feedback with Councilmembers and City staff

SEATTLE -- Seattle City Councilmembers Tom Rasmussen, Nick Licata, Sally J. Clark and Richard Conlin today reminded Seattleites about a public meeting on micro-housing developments on April 18, in response to questions and concerns raised in several Seattle neighborhoods.

"Several Councilmembers and I are sponsoring a two hour meeting to review what is occurring due to the strong interest and concern we are hearing in the neighborhoods," Councilmember Tom Rasmussen stated. "A portion of the meeting will include an opportunity for the public to provide comments and recommendations on what, if any, regulations should be enacted for this unique type of housing."

In addition to a public comment opportunity, representatives from the Department of Planning and Development (DPD), the Office of Housing (OH) and City Council staff will discuss Seattle's recent experience with micro-housing. 

WHAT:             Micro-housing development discussion

WHEN:            Thursday, April 18, 11:30 a.m. -- 1:30 p.m.
                        Members of the public are welcome to bring their lunch

WHERE:           Council Chambers, second floor
                        Seattle City Council, 600 Fourth Ave

WHO:              Seattle City Councilmembers and Council staff
                        Representatives from Seattle's Dept. of Planning and Development
                        Representatives from Seattle's Office of Housing

"I want to see more affordable housing built in Seattle along with our residential neighborhoods accommodating housing options that contribute to their character," stated Councilmember Nick Licata, chair of the Council's Housing, Human Services, Health and Culture Committee. "I think both objectives can be accomplished and I look forward to this forum providing an opportunity to hear suggestions on how to fulfill both."

"I've visited some of these micro-units," said Council President Sally J. Clark. "They provide decent, often attractive housing for a range of people who don't need or want a lot of space. They're also appearing in greater numbers and more rapidly than some in the surrounding neighborhood want. This forum can provide a good airing of people's support, concerns and ideas for appropriate regulation."

"Microhousing can be an affordable option that works well with neighborhoods," said Councilmember Richard Conlin, chair of the Council's Planning, Land Use and Sustainability Committee. "However, it does not fit neatly into Seattle's land use code, and we are looking for input on code improvements that will preserve the affordability while ensuring that these developments reflect both the letter and the spirit of our land use laws."

Background

In recent years, micro-housing has emerged as an increasingly common residential building product in Seattle. Since 2006, DPD has received permit applications for 48 projects. Once all those projects are complete, it is estimated they will yield residential capacity for more than 2,300 people. In 2012, DPD received applications for approximately 15 micro-housing projects.

Micro-housing projects are generally comprised of apartment or townhome-style dwelling units, each of which contains several (often seven or eight) smaller living quarters clustered around a shared kitchen and laundry area. Each of the smaller living spaces within the dwelling unit is leased to an individual tenant. These spaces are typically 150 to 200 square feet in size and equipped with a kitchenette (refrigerator, microwave, sink) and private bathroom. Rent levels vary by location but are often in the range of $600 to $700 per month.

Developers have found Seattle offers a strong market for micro-housing, with completed projects leasing up quickly. Tenants often include students, service industry workers, and individuals who divide their time between Seattle and a residence in another location.  Geographically, about 40 percent of the projects are located on Capitol Hill and 25 percent in the University District, with the remainder spread throughout the city.

Because micro-housing is not well-defined in City codes it also may not be adequately regulated. Some of the issues and concerns the public has raised about Seattle's growing stock of micro-housing include:

• Within micro-housing projects, DPD currently counts the several small living quarters that surround a common kitchen and laundry area as a single dwelling unit (e.g., one apartment with eight bedrooms and eight bathrooms). As a result, most micro-housing projects do not meet the threshold for design review. Normally the design review process also provides opportunities for neighbors to comment and offer input on proposed projects.
• DPD's current practice of counting multiple living quarters within a micro-housing project as a single dwelling unit also complicates efforts to measure progress toward adopted growth targets in neighborhoods where micro-housing is located. It also can affect whether a proposed micro-housing project is subject to environmental review under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA).
• Micro-housing may not be an appropriate building type for all multifamily residential zones. 
• Micro-housing projects are generally designed to house 25 to 100 individuals; however, on-site parking is rarely provided. 
• The high cost of this housing on a price per square foot basis. 

[View in Council Newsroom]

Councilmember Bruce A. Harrell         

Councilmember Harrell seeks applications for
the Seattle Commission for People with Disabilities

Seattle -- Councilmember Bruce Harrell announced today the City is seeking candidates for three vacant positions on the Seattle Commission for People with Disabilities.

The Commission is a 16-member body that advises the Mayor, City Council and City departments on issues that affect people with disabilities. The Commission works to increase understanding within the disability community as well as between the disability community and the nondisabled community. The Commission monitors and provides expertise on issues that affect people with disabilities in Transportation, Housing, Employment and Public Accommodations.

Councilmember Harrell strongly encourages veterans with disabilities to apply. The most recent data shows that veterans make up 9.4% of the population for people with disabilities in the United States. As of May 2012, 45% of the 1.6 million veterans returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were seeking compensation for service-related injuries with these numbers currently on the rise. This is more than double the estimate of 21% who filed claims after the Gulf War in the early 1990s.

"The representation of our veterans with disabilities on the Commission is absolutely essential to greater communication between the City and the communities we serve. Their representation will work to facilitate a greater understanding of the issues that affect veterans with disabilities and create a more inclusive Seattle while creating policy decisions," said Councilmember Bruce Harrell, chair of the Public Safety, Civil Rights, and Technology committee.

Interested candidates should deliver a resume and cover letter by April 30th to Councilmember Bruce Harrell by email (bruce.harrell@seattle.gov), by fax (206-684-8587; provide cover memo with Attn: Bruce Harrell) or by mail to:

Councilmember Bruce Harrell
Seattle City Council
P.O. Box 34025
Seattle, WA 98124-4025

Appointment to the Commission is subject to confirmation by the City Council. Commissioners serve two-year terms, although may be appointed to fill the remainder of an existing term.

[View in Council Newsroom]

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]

Councilmember Tim Burgess

Councilmember Tim Burgess responds to the retirement of Chief Diaz

Seattle -- City Councilmember Tim Burgess issued the following statement today in response to today's announcement that Chief Diaz will retire:

"I thank Chief Diaz for his 33 years of dedicated service to the people of Seattle. The life of a police officer is rarely an easy one and John has served this city faithfully.

"This is a critical time for our police department. New leadership is necessary for implementing the reforms that will lead us to where we should be focused: more effective and evidence-based policing, preventing crime rather than just responding to it after it has occurred and improved police-community relations.

"Chief Diaz's retirement gives us an opportunity to move forward with new leadership. The chief of police is one of the most important positions in city government."

[View in Council Newsroom]

Councilmember Bruce Harrell responds to the retirement of Chief Diaz

SEATTLE -- City Councilmember Bruce Harrell, Chair of the Council’s Public Safety, Civil Rights and Technology Committee, issued the following statement today in response to today’s announcement that Chief Diaz will retire:
"I thank John for his years of dedicated service. John was a hard-working officer, protecting and serving the people of Seattle for three decades.  He served with honor and distinction, and I wish him the best in retirement.

"I urge the Mayor to immediately begin the process of identifying the next police chief through a national search and to allow for a thorough public review and Council consideration.  I would like to see decisiveness and a sense of urgency to establish a clear chain of command to establish effective public safety.  It is critical we have a leader that will communicate effectively with the public.  The public should not tolerate randomness, arbitrariness or the dragging of feet.  The public expects openness, transparency and collaboration in this hiring process that will serve as a basis to provide public confidence in its leadership.

"I look forward to working with Interim Chief Jim Pugel to implement body cameras on our police officers to enhance police accountability and public safety, execute a strong proactive policing plan by setting public safety enforcement and performance objectives and advancing the long-lasting positive changes in the police department as part of the Department of Justice Settlement Agreement."

[View in Council Newsroom]

Council President Sally J. Clark
Councilmember Bruce Harrell 

Statement on Bellevue Police Department action in Columbia City
from Councilmembers Sally J. Clark and Bruce Harrell

Seattle -- Seattle City Councilmembers Sally J. Clark and Bruce Harrell issued the following statement on the Bellevue Police Department’s attempted warrant service and shooting in Columbia City:

“Two weeks ago the Bellevue Police Department attempted to serve a warrant in Columbia City. That action went terribly wrong to our minds. The result was the arguably unnecessary loss of life of the suspect, destruction of private property and the blooming of deep anger and suspicion from the neighborhood about police operations and law enforcement’s regard for the community.

We appreciate Bellevue Police Department Chief Linda Pillo’s request that the Seattle Police Department handle the officer-involved shooting investigation. A complete account must explain why the Bellevue PD choose to carry out the warrant service in the way they did and what steps were taken to ensure service of the warrant would result in the lowest risk of violence for both the suspect and the surrounding families.

[View in Council Newsroom]

Council President Sally J. Clark

Seattle City Council Welcomes New Communications Director

SEATTLE -- Council President Sally J. Clark announced today the hiring of Dana Robinson Slote as Communications Director for the City's Legislative Department.  Robinson Slote most recently served as Director of Communication for the Washington State Senate Democratic Caucus where she crafted and executed communication plans for a diverse set of elected officials.

"Dana has a solid understanding of issues facing Seattle, significant experience supporting a legislative body and is committed to connecting government with the public," said Council President Sally J. Clark.  "I'm excited for Dana to join the team."

Robinson Slote brings a dozen years of communication expertise from both public and private sectors. From 2005-11, she worked in communications at the University of Washington.  In earlier roles, she served as a press secretary working on a number of issue and candidate campaigns, including levies for Seattle Public Schools, the Seattle Housing Levy, Seattle Public Utilities and the City of Seattle's Office of Policy Management.

Robinson Slote is a lifelong Seattle-area resident.  She is a two-time Ironman competitor (Canada '09, '10), holds a B.A. in Communications from Western Washington University and an M.A. in Communications from Gonzaga.

[View in Council Newsroom]

Council President Sally J. Clark
Councilmember Mike O'Brien

Councilmembers Clark, O'Brien Advocate for Transportation Options in Olympia

Seattle City Councilmembers Sally J. Clark and Mike O'Brien today will meet with key state legislators to advocate for local transportation funding options. Both will travel to Olympia as part of the "Keep King County Moving Coalition," highlighting the need to preserve King County Metro transit service and critical roadway maintenance.

Metro faces a $75 million annual shortage if the state Legislature fails to approve transit funding tools, a shortfall that would result in the reduction of up to 17 percent of Metro's bus service.  According to King County Metro, 65 transit routes are at risk of being cancelled, with another 86 routes at risk for service reductions. "Keep King County Moving" has coordinated business, government and community advocates to speak with one voice about the threat transit cuts pose to business, growth management and quality of life.

"It's do-or-die time," said Council President Sally J. Clark.  "Without funding options, we can expect commutes to suffer and business to be impacted."

"Metro cuts will disproportionally affect low-income communities," said Councilmember Mike O'Brien.  "I have faith that our friends in Olympia will recognize that giving local jurisdictions tools to provide service is the right thing to do.

Seattle City Councilmembers frequently meet with legislators as part of the "Seattle for Washington" program, which is intended to strengthen relationships with key policy makers and better understand issues important to communities around the state.  For more on Metro's funding shortfall and what it could mean for the future of transit riders and our economy, please visit Metro's website.

[View in Council Newsroom]

Council President Sally J. Clark
Councilmember Nick Licata
Councilmember Mike O'Brien

The opportunity is yours: Ask City Councilmembers your questions
Councilmembers Clark, Licata and O'Brien to appear on
April's City Inside/Out: Council Edition

SEATTLE -- Do you have questions for members of the City Council? What is the Council's plan for marijuana dispensaries in Seattle? What is the future of police surveillance drones? Can public financing of political campaigns work successfully? Join the conversation by submitting your questions now.  

The April 9 episode of Seattle Channel's City Inside/Out: Council Edition will feature Councilmembers Sally J. Clark, Nick Licata and Mike O'Brien answering your questions with host Brian Callanan.

Submit your questions for the Councilmembers by 10 a.m. on Friday, April 5.

• 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,
April 9 to hear the Councilmembers respond.

[View in Council Newsroom]

Council President Sally J. Clark          

Seattle City Council statement on the passing of former Councilmember Cheryl Chow

Seattle -- The Seattle City Council issued the following statement on the passing of former Councilmember Cheryl Chow:

"As a teacher, principal, coach, City Councilmember and School Board member the Honorable Cheryl Chow worked tirelessly to improve the lives of children and families in Seattle.  As a Seattle City Councilmember from 1990-1997 Cheryl pushed hard for and won policies, programs and budgets that made Seattle a better place for the children she regarded as Seattle's future. She leaves a lasting legacy when it comes to youth enrichment programs, the city's rich network of community centers, and guided the transformation of the Coliseum into Key Arena. Cheryl served with intelligence, compassion and sharp wit. 

While colleagues (and sports opponents) knew her as a strong-willed competitor, Cheryl brought strong-willed competition to a whole new level in her fight against cancer. In her final role as a public advocate Cheryl's coming out made her a hero to many who never knew her work as a councilmember.  Cheryl's work as an advocate and her positive, competitive presence will be missed."

The Seattle City Council honored Cheryl Chow with a proclamation on September 17, 2012, declaring "Cheryl Chow Day" in Seattle.  The full text of the proclamation can be viewed here.

A Seattle Channel tribute to Cheryl Chow can be viewed here.

[View in Council Newsroom]

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

Seven remaining Councilmembers announce candidacy for Mayor
Will run as collective

Seattle -- The seven Councilmembers who are not already in the race for Mayor today announced that they will pioneer a new model for Seattle governance by running for Mayor as a collective. The seven will appear on the ballot as a single name, "O'Bagcloddenconrasita," reflecting their collegial approach to the position.

"Experience teaches us that seven heads are better than one," said the group speaking in unison. "Seven of nine is an excellent model for decision-making," they commented, making the obligatory geeky Star Trek allusion.

"This way the people of Seattle will know that there will always be a Mayor on the job," O'Bagcloddenconrasita added. "By taking shifts, we can cover the Mayor's office 24-7. And the Mayor can lobby in Olympia, cut a ribbon in West Seattle, and hold a town meeting in Ballard, all at the same time."

Commenting on the legality of the proposed candidacy, City Attorney Pete Holmes was sanguine about the outcome of any possible court challenge. "Nothing in the City Charter prevents innovative approaches to governance," Holmes added. "Furthermore, this will make it much easier to get a Mayoral signature on City documents."

The group noted that the departure of seven Councilmembers simultaneously would make it difficult to do business and fill the seven vacancies on the Council, since there would not be a quorum remaining. However, the group agreed that this could easily be resolved by the use of serial resignations spaced one week apart between the election and taking office on January 1. That way, each week eight Councilmembers could conduct business and appoint someone to the vacant seat. By the end of December, seven new Councilmembers would be seated and join Mayor O'Bagcloddenconrasita in governing the City.

[View in Council Newsroom]

Councilmember Richard Conlin

Sustainable Path Foundation Names Councilmember
Richard Conlin as "Sustainability Trailblazer"

Seattle -- Councilmember Richard Conlin has been honored as a "Sustainability Trailblazer" by the Seattle-based Sustainable Path Foundation. The Foundation recognized Councilmember Conlin's commitment to sustainability through his accomplishments, including his creation of the Zero Waste Strategy, the Local Food Initiative and his shepherding of 37 neighborhood plans through the Seattle City Council.

"I am honored to receive this award from Sustainable Path Foundation," Councilmember Conlin said. "Sustainability has been my passion since co-founding Sustainable Seattle more than 20 years ago, and it continues to be the guiding principle for my work on the Council."

The Mission Statement of the Sustainable Path Foundation is to promote sustainability and health in our region through collaborative approaches informed by scientific understanding and systems thinking. The Sustainable Path Foundation envisions a sustainable future based on scientific understanding and respect for the interconnected nature of our world.

Gretchen Garth, Paul Brainerd, Chris Jordan, Cathy Tuttle and Kathleen O'Brien were also named "Sustainability Trailblazers."  More information about each of the six honored recipients, including a full description of Councilmember Conlin's credentials, is available at the Seattle Path Foundation's website.

"Richard Conlin, Seattle City Council member, is our sixth Trailblazer," read the Foundation's announcement.  "Richard is being recognized for blazing a trail of sustainability through ensuring that the city values and practices environmental stewardship, economic opportunity, social justice, and community in its every day operations.  Thank you Richard Conlin!"

[View in Council Newsroom]

Mayor Mike McGinn
Council President Sally J. Clark                               

Mayor, Council create Economic Development Commission
Members will propose strategies for an innovative, sustainable and equitable economy

SEATTLE - Today Mayor Mike McGinn and Council President Sally J. Clark officially announced the formation of the Economic Development Commission (the Commission) to examine Seattle's ability to compete in the global economy of the 21st century.

"Since I launched the Seattle Jobs Plan in 2010, we've been hearing from the people of Seattle who are building our recovery that they need responsive city government, a supportive regulatory environment, investments in infrastructure, and skilled workers," said Mayor Mike McGinn. "I'm looking forward to working with the Commission and the insights and ideas that they will bring to continue to build an innovative economy that is sustainable, that enhances our quality of life, and that helps more people share in our prosperity."

Members of the Commission represent a cross section of business, industry and higher education to advise the Mayor and City Council on the development of plans, policies, regulations, and strategies that have substantial impact on creating and maintaining an innovative economy that is resilient, sustainable, and equitable.

"We live in an amazing place with a startling number of innovators and great talent, and we can't take any of it for granted," said Sally J. Clark, Council President and chair of the Council's Committee on Economic Resiliency and Regional Relations. "This Commission will help us focus the City's role in supporting innovation and talent for shared prosperity."

The Commission is comprised of 15 members, and all commissioners serve a one-year term. The Commission is formally created through Council Ordinance 123786.

"Community leaders initiated the idea to create an economic development commission in 2011 during a series of Council-led forums," said Councilmember Richard Conlin. "The

Commission will greatly assist the City in recommending policy priorities and actions that implement the City's key principles for economic development; quality of life, hospitable and responsive business climate, resilient and sustainable local economy, collaboration and civic leadership, educated workforce, and adaptive strategies."

The ultimate goal of the Commission is to help the City of Seattle develop and advance a vision for Seattle's economic development that nurtures a policy and regulatory environment that encourages innovation and supports business formation and growth, retention, and expansion.

"The University of Washington is deeply interested in training our students to meet and to take advantage of the challenges and opportunities of the future. At the same time, we are fully committed to moving the incredible research done at the University into the market and into our communities where it can improve lives," said Michael Young, president, University of Washington. "For the University to maintain its capacity as an engine for economic stimulation and growth, we need the right environment and partners. The City of Seattle's Economic Development Commission can support just such an ecosystem, and we are very excited to participate."

The Commission will examine existing economic development strategies developed by the city and regional partners, seek additional information if necessary, and examine Seattle's ability to compete in the global economy of the 21st century in terms of innovation, human capital, regulatory process improvement and measuring success.
"As an entrepreneur and investor in early-stage companies, I know that innovation takes place over long cycles," said Chris DeVore, partner, Founders' Co-op and TechStars Seattle. "I'm interested in making sure this Commission is thinking about how Seattle can attract the right talent and create the right ecosystem so that the next generation of new, innovative companies will be founded here rather than somewhere else in the world."

The initial charge of the Commission will be to produce and present a report to the Executive and the Council outlining findings and measures that could be implemented to support business innovation and prepare our workforce to meet the needs of our economy. The Commission will be staffed by the City's Office of Economic Development.

"As a small business owner of a 17-person construction management and project controls company, our business priority is to hire locally and provide training for this industry," Tanya Jimale, president and CEO of JTS. "I want to bring my insights and employer experience together with the Commission to bring in more job opportunities and transition people in the community into good, solid jobs with livable wages."

The initial 15 Economic Development Commission members are:

• Maud Daudon, President & CEO, Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce
• Chris DeVore, Partner, Founders' Co-op and TechStars Seattle
• David Freiboth, Executive Secretary Treasurer, King County Central Labor Council  and Vice President, Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO
• Christine Hanna, Co-Founder/Co-Director, Seattle Good Business Network
• Tanya Jimale, President and CEO, JTS
• Rob Mohn, President, RAM Columbia, LLC
• Alan Nay, Founder, World Famous
• Sarah Patterson, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Virginia Mason Medical Center
• Michael Rawding, Principal, Deerhorn Advisors
• Chris Rivera, President, Washington Biotechnology and Biomedical Association
• Brad Tong, Principal, Shiels, Obletz, Johnsen, Inc
• Dr. Jill Wakefield, Chancellor, Seattle Community Colleges
• Ken Willman, Chief Legal Officer, Russell Investments
• Tay Yoshitani, CEO, Port of Seattle
• Michael Young, President, University of Washington

Access the Economic Development Commission members' biographies and more information about the Commission here.
# # #

Seattle Jobs Plan
Mayor Mike McGinn's vision for next generation economic development that creates a sustainable economy with shared prosperity in Seattle was launched in August 2010. It consists of new and existing policies, programs and investments designed to help create quality jobs, protect the environment, and ensure that taxpayers get true value from the city of Seattle's public investments. For more information, visit www.seattle.gov/mayor/jobsplan

Seattle City Council
In 2009 the Council passed Resolution 31135 outlining the strategies and actions to help promote economic recovery.  In 2011, the Council passed Resolution 31282 adopting guiding principles, actions and strategies for strengthening and growing Seattle's economy.  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's Office of Economic Development (OED)

[View in Council Newsroom]

Councilmember Bruce A Harrell

Seattle City Councilmember Bruce Harrell's statement
on ruling by U.S. District Judge Robart

SEATTLE - The Monitoring Plan for the first year was submitted by the federal monitor, Merrick Bobb, on March 5 and the Department of Justice filed its "Notice of Approval of the Monitoring Plan for the First Year" with the U.S. District Court on March 6. This afternoon, U.S. District Judge James Robart approved the Monitoring Plan.

Today, Councilmember Bruce Harrell, Chair of the Council’s Public Safety, Civil Rights and Technology Committee, released the following statement regarding the ruling by U.S. District Judge James Robart on the Monitoring Plan:

"This marks another significant step in moving forward together to implement the necessary long-lasting positive changes in the Police Department.  As we have witnessed in the last few weeks, the Settlement Agreement process is complex.  In speaking with the dedicated and hard-working police officers at the Seattle Police Department, I have no doubt we are moving in a positive direction to improve public trust and providing the highest level of service in a constitutional manner.  The Monitoring Plan is a roadmap that sets clear metrics on achieving this outcome.  As we move forward, we will hit speed bumps and at those times, we must all remind ourselves to put the City first in order to improve public trust and avoid any delays in implementation of the plan.  The key will be openness, transparency, and collaboration."

On Wednesday, March 13, at 5:30 pm, the Public Safety Committee will take action on the appointments to the Community Police Commission.  The Community Police Commission will be presented to the public and the meeting will start with a public hearing.  The Community Police Commission is a critical element of the Settlement Agreement to impartially review and make recommendations on policies related to use of force and biased policing.

[View in Council Newsroom]

Councilmember Bruce Harrell

Seattle City Councilmember Harrell seeks Commissioner applications
for the Seattle Immigrant and Refugee Commission

SEATTLE - Seattle City Councilmember Bruce Harrell today announced commissioner openings for the Seattle Immigrant and Refugee Commission (IRC).

Reflecting the diversity of Seattle's immigrant and refugee communities, the board will have 15 members (eight appointed by the Mayor and seven appointed by the City Council). Board members will be appointed to one or two-year terms, with the option of reappointment for another term.

With the unprecedented growth in the foreign-born population since the 1980s, Seattle has become an increasingly multi-cultural city, rich with diversity. In keeping with the Race and Social Justice Initiative, Mayor Mike McGinn and the Seattle City Council want to ensure that city government provides high-quality customer service to all, including immigrants and refugees living and working in Seattle. To this end, Seattle's Immigrant and Refugee Commission was created in 2008 and re-established in 2012.

The duties of the Seattle Immigrant and Refugee Commission include:

• Advising the Mayor, City Council, and City departments and offices on ways to enhance and improve access to city services and resources for immigrants and refugees, as well as strengthening opportunities for immigrants and refugees to participate in civic life.
• Advising the City on successful implementation of the Immigrant and Refugee Action Plan and on future updates to the plan.
• Advising all city departments and offices in matters affecting immigrants and refugees, as appropriate.
• Encouraging understanding between and among the various immigrant and refugee communities and the larger Seattle community.
• Advocating on behalf of immigrant and refugees in the larger Seattle community.
• Assisting in the direction of the recently created Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs.

Applications for Council vacancies will be accepted through March 25, 2013. To apply, send a resume and a cover letter or short bio to linda.diibon@seattle.gov.

The formation of the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (OIRA) and its IRC Commission recognizes that 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 affect immigrant and refugee communities, resulted in the creation of the OIRA and the IRC Commission. The Seattle Immigrant and Refugee Commission will help strengthen the relationship between government and immigrant and refugee communities.

To read more about the Seattle Immigrant and Refugee Commission and the City Ordinance that re-established the Commission, please click here and click here.

[View in Council Newsroom]

Councilmember Bruce A. Harrell
Councilmember Nick Licata

Seattle City Council passes legislation to protect public's privacy from surveillance equipment

Seattle -- The Seattle City Council today unanimously passed legislation to require City departments to obtain Council approval prior to acquiring certain surveillance equipment. Council Bill 117730 additionally requires Council review and approval of department protocols for operating the surveillance equipment and managing the data collected by it.

Through an open and transparent discussion, the Public Safety, Civil Rights, and Technology committee listened to the public's concerns regarding the use of surveillance equipment and acted to ensure strong legislative protocols are in place to protect the public's privacy and civil liberties.

Council Bill 117730 creates a decision framework for City departments to acquire surveillance equipment.  Before acquiring any surveillance equipment, City departments must obtain approval from the City Council.  The department must also propose operational protocols that address how the equipment will be used and protocols that address logistics around data retention, storage, and access.  If the Council approves a department's request to obtain the surveillance equipment, the department cannot use the equipment until Council adopts operational protocols by ordinance.

"With this inclusive legislation, the Council is proactively setting up a framework to ensure the public is involved regarding the use of surveillance equipment," said Councilmember Bruce Harrell, chair of the Public Safety, Civil Rights, and Technology committee.  "The City establishes public trust by earning it through openness and transparency in its decision making."

"For me, the question is should a free society allow personal activities that occur in public to come under 24/7 surveillance? I think that this legislation strikes a balance that provides for safety without compromising the principles of our democracy," said Councilmember Nick Licata.

Departments that currently have surveillance equipment in place must propose operational and data management protocols for Council review and approval no later than 30 days after the effective date of Council Bill 117730.
The information required for the operational and data management protocols include:

1. A clear statement describing the purpose and use of the proposed surveillance equipment.
2. The type of surveillance equipment to be acquired and used.
3. The intended specific location of such surveillance equipment if affixed to a building or other structure.
4. How and when a department proposes to use the surveillance equipment, such as whether the equipment will be operated continuously or used only under specific circumstances.
5. How the department's use of the equipment will be regulated to protect privacy and limit the risk of potential abuse.
6. A description of how and when data will be collected and retained and who will have access to any data captured by the surveillance equipment.
7. The extent to which activity will be monitored in real time as data is being captured and the extent to which monitoring of historically recorded information will occur.
8. A description of the nature and extent of public outreach conducted in each community in which the department intends to use the surveillance equipment.
9. The time period for which any data collected by surveillance equipment will be retained.
10. The methods for storing recorded information, including how the data is to be labeled or indexed.  Such methods must allow for the department personnel and the City Auditor's Office to readily search and locate specific data that is collected and determine with certainty that data was properly deleted, consistent with applicable law.
11. How the data may be accessed, including who will be responsible for authorizing access, who will be allowed to request access, and acceptable reasons for requesting access.
12. A viewer's log or other comparable method to track viewings of any data captured or collected by the surveillance equipment, including the date, time, the individuals involved, and the reason(s) for viewing the records.
13. A description of the individuals who have authority to obtain copies of the records and how the existence and location of copies will be tracked.

[View in Council Newsroom]

Councilmember Tim Burgess

Councilmember Burgess requests audit of City's transportation funding program
Review should focus on unnecessary debt service payments and huge cash balances

Seattle -- Seattle City Councilmember Tim Burgess, chair of the City Council's Budget Committee, asked the City Auditor today to conduct an audit of the Seattle Department of Transportation's capital investment program and its management of cash balances.

Burgess asked for the auditor's intervention after learning that SDOT incurred millions of dollars of unused debt in recent years. In 2011, $112 million remained in its cash balance from bond sale proceeds. Last year, the total was $64 million.

"We are $1.8 billion behind on basic street and bridge maintenance projects. It's very troubling that we have been sitting on so much cash," said Councilmember Burgess. "We sold the bonds. We have the money. We should spend these funds to improve mobility and repair our bridges, streets and sidewalks today. Instead, SDOT is wasting taxpayer dollars on unnecessary interest payments. Until we can determine why this is happening and adopt corrective measures, I will not vote to incur any additional debt for SDOT-managed projects."

The Council's Government Performance and Finance Committee will review legislation proposed by the Mayor tomorrow morning that includes incurring additional debt for SDOT. Burgess will move to amend the legislation in committee to stop the sale of any additional bonds for this department.

The City regularly issues bonds to finance large capital programs. Regardless of when the proceeds from the bonds are actually spent, the public has to pay the debt service. If capital projects are not started in a timely manner, or funds are not needed in accordance with project plans, these payments are spent unnecessarily. Millions of taxpayer dollars have been spent in this way in recent years.

The audit will explore processes and controls within SDOT that will reduce the likelihood of large, ongoing bond proceed balances and recommend what changes should be introduced to avoid such occurrences in the future.

"This is fundamentally a question whether we have sound financial management by this Administration and SDOT to deliver basic maintenance projects at levels funded by the City Council," added Burgess. "This practice must stop and we have to find where the problem is to avoid flushing millions of taxpayer dollars down the drain."

Last year, the Council passed Resolution 31393 asking for a performance and management review of SDOT; this financial audit will supplement the findings of that review, which is underway.

[View in Council Newsroom]

Councilmember Tom Rasmussen
Council President Sally J. Clark
Councilmember Nick Licata
Councilmember Richard Conlin

City Council to discuss micro-housing developments 
Public invited to share feedback with Councilmembers and City staff

SEATTLE -- Seattle City Councilmembers Tom Rasmussen, Nick Licata, Sally J. Clark and Richard Conlin today announced a public meeting on micro-housing developments on April 18, in response to questions and concerns raised in several Seattle neighborhoods.

"Several Councilmembers and I are sponsoring a two hour meeting to review what is occurring due to the strong interest and concern we are hearing in the neighborhoods," Councilmember Tom Rasmussen stated. "A portion of the meeting will include an opportunity for the public to provide comments and recommendations on what, if any, regulations should be enacted for this unique type of housing."   

In addition to a public comment opportunity, representatives from the Department of Planning and Development (DPD), the Office of Housing (OH) and City Council staff will discuss Seattle's recent experience with micro-housing. 

WHAT:           Micro-housing development discussion

WHEN:           Thursday, April 18, 11:30 a.m. -- 1:30 p.m.

WHERE:         Council Chambers, second floor
                        Seattle City Council, 600 Fourth Ave

WHO:              Seattle City Councilmembers and Council staff
                        Representatives from Seattle's Dept. of Planning and Development
                        Representatives from Seattle's Office of Housing

"I want to see more affordable housing built in Seattle along with our residential neighborhoods accommodating housing options that contribute to their character," stated Councilmember Nick Licata, chair of the Council's Housing, Human Services, Health and Culture Committee. "I think both objectives can be accomplished and I look forward to this forum providing an opportunity to hear suggestions on how to fulfill both."

"I've visited some of these micro-units," said Council President Sally J. Clark. "They provide decent, often attractive housing for a range of people who don't need or want a lot of space. They're also appearing in greater numbers and more rapidly than some in the surrounding neighborhood want. This forum can provide a good airing of people's support, concerns and ideas for appropriate regulation."

"Microhousing can be an affordable option that works well with neighborhoods," said Councilmember Richard Conlin, chair of the Council's Planning, Land Use and Sustainability Committee. "However, it does not fit neatly into Seattle's land use code, and we are looking for input on code improvements that will preserve the affordability while ensuring that these developments reflect both the letter and the spirit of our land use laws."

Background

In recent years, micro-housing has emerged as an increasingly common residential building product in Seattle. Since 2006, DPD has received permit applications for 44 projects. Those completed projects have a total capacity of about 2,000 people. In 2012, DPD received applications for approximately 15 micro-housing projects.

Micro-housing projects are generally comprised of apartment or townhome-style dwelling units, each of which contains several (often seven or eight) smaller living quarters clustered around a shared kitchen and laundry area. Each of the smaller living spaces within the dwelling unit is leased to an individual tenant. These spaces are typically 150 to 200 square feet in size and equipped with a kitchenette (refrigerator, microwave, sink) and private bathroom. Rent levels vary by location but are often in the range of $600 to $700 per month. 

Developers have found Seattle offers a strong market for micro-housing, with completed projects leasing up quickly. Tenants often include students, service industry workers, and individuals who divide their time between Seattle and a residence in another location.  Geographically, 52 percent of the projects are located on Capitol Hill and 30 percent in the University District, with the remainder spread throughout the city.

Because micro-housing is not well-defined in City codes it also may not be adequately regulated. Some of the issues and concerns the public has raised about Seattle's growing stock of micro-housing include:

• Within micro-housing projects, DPD currently counts the several small living quarters that surround a common kitchen and laundry area as a single dwelling unit (e.g., one apartment with eight bedrooms and eight bathrooms). As a result, most micro-housing projects do not meet the threshold for design review. Normally the design review process also provides opportunities for neighbors to comment and offer input on proposed projects.
• DPD's current practice of counting multiple living quarters within a micro-housing project as a single dwelling unit also complicates efforts to measure progress toward adopted growth targets in neighborhoods where micro-housing is located. It also can affect whether a proposed micro-housing project is subject to environmental review under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA).
• Micro-housing may not be an appropriate building type for all multifamily residential zones. 
• Micro-housing projects are generally designed to house 30 to 60 individuals; however, on-site parking is rarely provided. 
• The high cost of this housing on a price per square foot basis. 

[View in Council Newsroom]

Council President Sally J. Clark
Councilmember Bruce A. Harrell

Seattle City Council to hear from Department of Justice Monitor Merrick Bobb

Seattle - Seattle City Council will host Merrick Bobb and members of the Monitoring team at Council Briefing on Monday, March 11. Bobb is the court-appointed independent monitor for the Department of Justice (DOJ) Settlement Agreement and will provide an update and briefing on the Monitoring Plan.

"The Council looks forward to hearing Merrick Bobb's thoughts and plans to help our Police Department implement the changes required under the Settlement Agreement. We are encouraged that a Monitoring Plan will soon be approved by the Court and look forward to a focused approach on specific outcomes," said Councilmember Bruce Harrell, chair of the Public Safety committee.

The Monitoring Plan for the first year was submitted on March 5 and the Department of Justice filed its "Notice of Approval of the Monitoring Plan for the First Year" with the U.S. District Court on March 6. This is a critical checkpoint in Seattle's DOJ Settlement Agreement. The proposed Monitoring Plan establishes expectations and guidance for the City and DOJ on how the Monitor will assess compliance with the Settlement Agreement.

Monitoring Plan as submitted to U.S. Federal District Judge Hon. James Robart on March 5.

WHAT:           Council Briefing

WHEN:           Monday, March 11, 2013, at 9 a.m.

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

WHO:              Council President Sally J. Clark
                        Councilmember Bruce A. Harrell
                        Councilmember Sally Bagshaw                    
                        Councilmember Tim Burgess
                        Councilmember Richard Conlin                    
                        Councilmember Jean Godden
                        Councilmember Nick Licata
                        Councilmember Mike O'Brien
                        Councilmember Tom Rasmussen
                        Merrick Bobb (Department of Justice Monitoring Team)
                        Chris Moulton (Department of Justice Monitoring Team)
                        Nick Armstrong (Department of Justice Monitoring Team)
                        Peter Ehrlichman (Department of Justice Monitoring Team)
                        Ronald Ward (Department of Justice Monitoring Team)

[View in Council Newsroom]

Council President Sally J. Clark

Seattle City Council statement on the passing of former Councilmember Richard McIver

Seattle City Council statement on today's shooting

Seattle's Community Police Commission appointees are presented to the public

City Council to examine health care disparities in King County  Local health officials to join Council brownbag forum

City Council Committee to consider legislation to protect public's privacy from surveillance equipment

Congratulations to newly-appointed Port Commissioner Courtney Gregoire

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]

Seattle City Council adopts healthy vending machine legislation

Councilmember Tim Burgess

Statement by Councilmember Tim Burgess regarding allegations of wage theft on City-financed projects

Seattle City Councilmember Tim Burgess, sponsor of Seattle's 2011 wage theft law, issued the following statement regarding the allegations of wage theft on Seattle Housing Levy-financed projects:

"Theft of wages is as malicious a crime as any other theft. It takes money directly from the pockets of workers and their families. The allegations of wage theft on City-financed projects must be taken seriously and investigated thoroughly by the police department and other relevant law enforcement agencies."

[View in Council Newsroom]

Council shouldn't wait to strengthen affordable housing requirements

Submit your questions now to Seattle's policy leaders Councilmembers Conlin, Harrell and Rasmussen to appear on March's City Inside/Out: Council Edition

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

Councilmember Tim Burgess

Statement by Councilmember Tim Burgess regarding today's arena ruling

Seattle City Councilmember Tim Burgess issued the following statement in response to today's King County Superior Court ruling about the environmental review process for a new sports and entertainment arena:

"I applaud the court's ruling today that allows the City and County to continue forward in our environmental review process as contemplated by the MOU. The City Council emphasized the importance of a robust environmental review in its deliberations last fall in order to acquire complete information about the impact of a new arena at various locations. On Monday morning the Council will receive a briefing on the various planning efforts underway related to the proposal to bring NBA basketball back to Seattle."

[View in Council Newsroom]

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]

Councilmember Bruce A. Harrell

Public Safety, Civil Rights and Technology Committee to examine and regulate Port Security Cameras

Councilmember Bruce Harrell, chair of the Council's Public Safety, Civil Rights and Technology Committee, will have the Seattle Police Department at the committee table this Wednesday to discuss the port security cameras along Seattle's shoreline. The security cameras are part of a wireless Mesh Network, a network composed of wireless access points and fiber optic cables around the city to provide first responders like SPD, Fire, and the Coast guard access to a dedicated wireless network during emergency responses.

The equipment included in the funding package from the Port Security Grant Program is vital in advancing our goal to make Seattle the most prepared city in America. City departments, along with regional and federal partners determined prevention and protection was not adequately represented in the region. Such prevention, protection and response capabilities is particularly important for public safety to the Port of Seattle, the sixth busiest in the US, Harbor Island, Washington State Ferry terminals, and cruise ship terminals.

At the committee hearing in May of 2012, the committee determined that SPD had made a strong business case for the use of these public safety cameras as part of the municipal mesh network for use only on waterways, port facilities and facing the Puget Sound. Installation of surveillance cameras installed in recreational/residential zones for general surveillance was and will not be supported by the committee.

Before the cameras can go online, the committee will have legislation in place to restrict and regulate its use to protect the public's privacy and civil liberties.

WHAT: Public Safety, Civil Rights and Technology Committee

WHEN: Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2013, at 2 p.m.

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

WHO: Councilmember Bruce A. Harrell
Councilmember Nick Licata
Councilmember Mike O'Brien

[View in Council Newsroom]

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]

Councilmember Bruce A. Harrell

Councilmember Bruce Harrell to consider Charter amendment to require Council Reconfirmation of the Police Chief

Councilmember Bruce Harrell, chair of the Council's Public Safety, Civil Rights and Technology Committee, will facilitate a discussion this Wednesday to require Council reconfirmation of the Police Chief. The Police Chief is only subject to initial appointment by the Mayor and confirmation by the Council, but not subject to periodic reconfirmation. Currently 13 department heads are subject to reconfirmation but the Police Chief is exempted.

In 2006, the Council passed legislation and the voters approved eight additional department heads for reconfirmation, but the Police Chief was not included. In 2008, Councilmember Harrell conducted an extensive and thorough examination of Superintendent Jorge Carrasco, coordinating several large gathering sessions with employee groups, business customers and residential customers. The open and transparent process resulted in an evaluation process with established criteria that confirmed the Superintendent's position. By requiring the Council to reconfirm the Police Chief, it affords the Council and the public an opportunity through a transparent process to review the Chief's leadership, accomplishments, vision and decision-making approaches.

Voters would need to approve a Charter amendment to require the Council reconfirmation of the Police Chief.

WHAT: Public Safety, Civil Rights and Technology Committee

WHEN:

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

The opportunity is yours: Ask City Councilmembers your questions
Councilmembers Bagshaw, O’Brien and Rasmussen to appear on December's City Inside/Out: Council Edition

SEATTLE – Do you have questions for members of the City Council? How did the 2013-2014 budget process go? What 2012 committee and Council accomplishments are Councilmembers most proud of? Looking forward, what priorities and goals does the Council have for 2013? Join the conversation by submitting your questions now.  

The Dec. 4 episode of Seattle Channel’s City Inside/Out: Council Edition will feature Councilmembers Sally Bagshaw, Mike O’Brien and Tom Rasmussen answering your questions with host Brian Callanan.

Submit your questions for the Councilmembers by 10 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 30.

• 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, Dec. 4 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.

Councilmember Licata selected to advance progressive vision for America's cities and towns
New coalition of municipal leaders is founded to create a more fair and just society

SEATTLE – Seattle City Councilmember Nick Licata was selected as the Chair of a new organization, Local Progress: a national municipal policy network, formed over the weekend in Washington D.C. Local Progress will be dedicated to advancing innovative legislative strategies in America's cities and towns.

Councilmember Licata was joined by 41 other officials from 32 towns and large cities, including three other Washington State municipal officials: Greg Taylor from Renton, Ryan Mello from Tacoma and De'Sean Quinn from Tukwila.

"Local Progress will allow, for the first time, a real network to exist between municipal officials who wish to adopt legislation passed in other communities that have addressed the needs of average working people, like establishing paid sick leave legislation," said Councilmember Licata, in response to being selected to head Local Progress.

The elected officials discussed ways in which cities can make government services more accessible for immigrants, create green jobs and vibrant livable neighborhoods, empower community residents to participate in city budgeting decisions, and support parents by strengthening schools and making work rules more flexible.

Mary Kay Henry, President of the Service Employees International Union, kicked off the weekend meeting Friday night saying that SEIU is committed to improving the lives of working families.

Jay Williams, the former Mayor of Youngstown, Ohio  and now White House Deputy Director of Intergovernmental Relations spoke to the group on Saturday and emphasized how President Obama's next term will be addressing many of the issues that municipalities are concerned with.

Participants began the gathering by discussing ways to rejuvenate the economy through the creation of good, middle class jobs. "We kicked it off with lively presentations about how cities can foster smart economic growth," said Wilson Goode Jr., the Philadelphia City Councilman who led the conversation.  "Everyone agreed that we have to build an economy where workers are paid a living wage with adequate benefits."

The legislators spoke optimistically about their vision for the coming decades. "A broad coalition of voters sent a powerful message on election day," said Faith Winter, Mayor Pro Tem of Westminster, CO.

The attendees said they planned to continue sharing best practices online and in person over the coming months and years. "We're building a movement for a more fair and just society," said Licata, "And we're off to an amazing start."

The Founding Board of Local Progress includes:
Nick Licata, Seattle (WA) City Council - CHAIR
Wilson Goode Jr., Philadelphia (PA) City Council
Brad Lander, New York (NY) City Council
Chuck Lesnick, Yonkers (NY) City Council
Joe Moore, Chicago (IL) City Council
Julia Ross, St. Louis Park (MN) City Council
Faith Winter, Westminster (CO) City Council

The board also includes two core partner non-profit advocacy organizations: the Public Leadership Institute and the Center for Popular Democracy.

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 Burgess' statement on adopted city budget
Council re-focuses budget on urgent, immediate needs

Seattle – City Councilmember Tim Burgess, chair of the Council's Budget Committee, issued the following statement today after the Council voted unanimously to adopt the 2013-2014 City budget:

"The Councilmembers collaborated to craft a final budget that more directly addresses the urgent needs faced by the people of Seattle. Through the Council's actions, the community will see more police on the street and will enjoy a faster and more reliable bus transportation system. The Council is also increasing vital services for our most vulnerable neighbors, including full funding of Nurse Family Partnership which empowers first-time moms and their babies living in poverty.

"I'm grateful for the dedicated and thoughtful work of my colleagues and for the energy and engagement of the public throughout this process. Working together, we have created a budget for next year that reflects the values and priorities of Seattle residents."

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

• Summary of major Council changes
• What community leaders say about the Council'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.

Seattle City Council debuts Seattle for Washington webpage

Seattle - The Seattle City Council today launched a webpage dedicated to its statewide engagement effort, Seattle for Washington, aimed at strengthening relationships with key policy makers, legislators and local elected officials from throughout the state.

"It is our hope that by strengthening our relationships and connections with our counterparts in other cities and better understanding the challenges they face, we will improve our ability to work together on common issues," said Council President Sally J. Clark.

The idea of Seattle for Washington and the key principles of the program were developed in 2010 and outreach efforts have continued since then. This year the program focused on meeting with mayors, councilmembers and state representatives from cities around Seattle. During the 2013 state legislative session Councilmembers will make several trips to Olympia to collaborate with colleagues from around the state and speak with legislators.

View the complete list of representatives visited on the Seattle for Washington website.

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.

Councilmembers to revisit Communities United Rainier Beach decision

Seattle – Four members of the City Council said this afternoon they would revisit their decision to defund the Communities United Rainier Beach (CURB) crime prevention program when final budget legislation comes before the Council on November 19.

"At today's meeting of the City Council's Budget Committee, I heard poignant personal testimony expressing concerns about a proposed funding cut to the Communities United Rainier Beach (CURB) program," said Councilmember Tim Burgess, chair of the Committee. "This budget action arose late in the Council's budget process, which meant that the public had little time to provide feedback to Council members. As Committee Chair, I am responsible for managing the process and acknowledge that this proposed action did not go through our normal schedule of review. I will ask my colleagues to postpone action on the CURB program so that the City's Human Services Department can report in the first quarter of next year on CURB's performance to the Council's Committee on Housing, Human Services, Health and Culture."

Councilmember Nick Licata added, "In 2005, I worked with the Council to design a new program to link law enforcement and human services for those involved in street level illegal activity. The goal was to improve the lives of young people as well as improve the public safety in Rainier Valley. In 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009 I led the Council in restoring funding when then Mayor Nickels proposed cutting it as well as providing funding for an evaluation of this program. I'm glad that we are restoring CURB funding with the agreement from HSD to evaluate the program outcomes upon both the lives of program participants and upon the public safety of the Rainier Valley community."

"The Council added more than $2.5 million to hire new police officers and funding to focus on proactive policing emphasis patrols," said Councilmember Bruce Harrell, Chair of the Public Safety, Civil Rights and Technology Committee. "A key component of an effective proactive policing ecosystem are programs like the CURB program. The program's core mission is to divert young people in the Rainier Valley away from the criminal justice system. Seattle has made a unique investment with CURB. After listening to today's testimony about the lives that have been positively impacted, I support the Council's decision to restore funding to CURB. It is critical, however, for Council to examine all crime prevention programs and their effectiveness in preventing crime, poverty and inequity in Seattle."

"I believe programs aimed at preventing people from entering or re-entering the criminal justice system are important to public safety and economic stability for many families in our city, so I am grateful to my Council colleagues for slowing down this decision and giving CURB a chance to fully participate in the budget review process," said Councilmember Mike O'Brien. "Today, we are buying a little time to better understand if CURB is helping to meet our goals and see if there are other diversion and crime prevention programs around the country that should be brought to Seattle."

More information about the Council's budget actions 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.

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 to make final decisions on budget package
Councilmembers available for interviews following voting

Seattle – The Seattle City Council’s Budget Committee will take final votes on the 2013-2014 biennial budget package at tomorrow’s 9:30 a.m. committee meeting.

WHAT:           Final 2013-2014 biennial budget package votes
WHEN:          Friday, Nov. 9, 9:30 a.m.

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

Councilmembers will hold an informal media availability following the conclusion of the committee meeting in chambers.

For more information on the Council’s budget process, visit http://www.seattle.gov/council/budget/.

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.

Seattle City Council releases budget survey results
More than 1,000 residents responded, emphasized public safety, public schools
and transportation priorities

Seattle – The City Council today released the results of its survey of residents about the 2013-2014 City budget. Respondents gave public safety, public schools and transportation the highest rank when asked to order the "most important" local government services and the priorities "local government should focus on." View a complete summary of the survey results.

More than 1,000 Seattle residents completed the non-scientific survey, which was available online and promoted via blogs, newsletters and handouts at community events around the city. The Council also received hundreds of e-mails and phone calls about the budget and heard hours of testimony at public hearings.

"The survey shows that people want to be safe, they want good schools and they want to be able to get around town in a variety of ways," said Councilmember Tim Burgess, chair of the Council’s Budget Committee.

When asked to write what they liked most about their neighborhood, survey participants repeatedly emphasized the ability to walk to different amenities and places of activity in their neighborhood. Most respondents felt a strong or strengthening sense of community in their neighborhood.

Slightly more than half of survey participants believed the City was "responsive" (26.6 percent) or "becoming more responsive" (25.8 percent) to the needs of Seattle’s most vulnerable residents.

The survey also posed questions about safety, street maintenance and satisfaction levels with basic city services.

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 honors Congressman Norm Dicks

Seattle – The Seattle City Council will honor Congressman Norm Dicks for his four and a half decades of service to Washington State during the Full Council meeting on Nov. 5. Congressman Dicks will attend the Council meeting to receive the proclamation.

WHAT:
Proclamation presentation and brief remarks

WHEN:
Monday, Nov. 5, 2 p.m.

WHERE:
Seattle City Hall, Council Chambers
600 Fourth Ave, second floor
Seattle, WA

Please join us in celebrating “Norm Dicks Week” in Seattle, Nov. 4-11, 2012. The proclamation will be available following the presentation on Monday.

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.

You have questions, we have answers
Councilmembers Bagshaw, Burgess and O'Brien to appear on November's City Inside/Out: Council Edition

SEATTLE – Do you have questions for the City Council? What changes has the Council made to the mayor's proposed budget? How does the Council determine its budget priorities? Why was the Yellow Pages ban deemed unconstitutional and what does that mean for Seattleites? Hear election night predictions and join the conversation by submitting your questions now.  

The Nov. 6 episode of Seattle Channel's City Inside/Out: Council Edition will feature Councilmembers Sally Bagshaw, Tim Burgess and Mike O'Brien answering your questions with host Brian Callanan.

Submit your questions for the Councilmembers by 10 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 5.

• 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,
Nov. 6 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.

Councilmember Bruce Harrell’s statement on DOJ monitor appointment

Today, U.S. District Judge James Robart issued a court order approving Merrick Bobb as the monitor, signifying a critical checkpoint in the DOJ settlement agreement. 

“This marks a significant step toward ensuring strong compliance with the settlement agreement reached with the Department of Justice,” said Councilmember Bruce Harrell, Chair of the Council’s Public Safety, Technology and Civil Rights Committee. “I am confident Mr. Bobb will build strong relations with the Seattle community and our police department, negating any concern that he will be less than objective in his approach.” 

On Monday, October 22, the Seattle City Council passed Resolution 31414, providing guidance to City Attorney Pete Holmes in filing the City’s recommendation of the Seattle Police Department Monitor. The City Council recommended Merrick Bobb, the nation’s leading expert in police accountability and police reforms, as the preferred monitor.  Furthermore, the City Council passed Council Bill 117608 on October 22, establishing the Community Police Commission by ordinance. The 15-member community commission will review and make recommendations on use of force and biased policing policies.

Seattle will now move forward to advance the necessary reform policies. At the heart of this, the people of Seattle must see strong, unison leadership from elected officials by setting our differences aside to rebuild community trust and prioritizing long-lasting positive changes in the police department.

Seattle City Council seeks candidates for civil service commission

Councilmember Tim Burgess announced today that the City Council is seeking candidates for a three-year term on the Civil Service Commission starting Jan. 1, 2013.

The Commission serves as a quasi-judicial body to provide fair and impartial hearings of alleged violations of the City's personnel system. Employees may file appeals with the Commission regarding all final disciplinary actions and alleged violations of the Personnel Ordinance and its related rules and policies. The Commission also provides timely review of appeals regarding personnel actions and decisions.

The Commission may issue orders to remedy violations and may present recommendations to the Mayor and City Council regarding the administration of the personnel system. In addition, the Commission investigates allegations of political patronage to ensure the City's hiring practices are established and carried out in accordance with the merit principles set forth in the City Charter.

The Civil Service Commission is comprised of three members, one appointed by the Mayor, one appointed by the Council and one elected by City employees. An Executive Director jointly supports the Commission alongside the Public Safety Civil Service Commission and manages their operations.  

The Civil Service Commission normally meets on the third Wednesday of each month, beginning at 9:30 a.m. and typically lasting between one and two hours. Commissioners receive a $5,200 annual stipend as compensation for their work.

Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to fairness and integrity; an understanding of employment law and human resources is also desirable.

Interested candidates should deliver a résumé and cover letter by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 13 to Councilmember Tim Burgess by e-mail (tim.burgess@seattle.gov), by fax (206-684-8587; provide cover memo with Attn: Tim Burgess) or by mail to:

Councilmember Tim Burgess
Chair, Government Performance and Finance Committee
Seattle City Council
P. O. Box 34025
Seattle, WA 98124-4025

For additional information, please call Councilmember Tim Burgess’ office at 206-684-8806 or visit the Commission’s Web site: http://www.seattle.gov/csc/default.htm.

Seattle City Council requests City Attorney present SPD monitor candidate to court

Seattle – The Seattle City Council passed Resolution 31414 this afternoon, continuing the City's progress in meeting the terms of the consent decree agreed to in August with the United States Department of Justice. The resolution (adopted 8-1) provides guidance to City Attorney Pete Holmes in filing the City's recommendation for a consent decree monitor, a condition required to be met by Fri., Oct. 26.

The resolution identifies police monitoring expert Merrick Bobb, a veteran of police reform efforts in King County, Los Angeles, Oakland, Milwaukee, Albuquerque and elsewhere, as the City of Seattle's preferred monitor. Bobb founded the Police Assessment Resource Center and led the development of National Guidelines for Police Monitors.

Bobb was one of 23 applicants for the monitor position in Seattle. A staff team forwarded five names for interviews. The Mayor, City Attorney, police chief and command staff, city policy and budget staff and a sub-group of City Councilmembers interviewed four candidates after the fifth removed himself from consideration.

"Mr. Bobb is a leading expert in this field and is the most qualified to be the Monitor," said Councilmember Bruce Harrell, chair of the City Council's Public Safety Committee. "I am confident Mr. Bobb will build an unprecedented and long-lasting relationship between the community and the police department."

"I believe Merrick Bobb will prove to be a strong and balanced monitor," Council President Sally J. Clark said. "Our officers and our community deserve an expert monitor who will be present, who will listen and who will help Seattle make the gains in effectiveness and accountability I know we all want."

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 ordinance to create Community Police Commission 
Legislation builds in assurance the Community will have meaningful input in DOJ Agreement

Seattle – Through Council's independent authority to establish the Department of Justice (DOJ) agreement's Community Police Commission (CPC) by ordinance, the Seattle City Council voted today (9-0) to formally create the Commission (Council Bill 117608).

The Community Police Commission is established to leverage the ideas, talent, experience, and expertise of the community. The Commission's primary focus will be to review and make recommendations on policies related to use of force and biased policing.

The Public Safety, Civil Rights, and Technology committee worked directly with community members to write an ordinance that would create an empowered commission community members have long wanted. This inclusive legislation is critical in demonstrating the City's commitment to providing effective and constitutional policing for all of Seattle's residents.

The legislation, in conjunction with Executive Order 02-2012, will implement the provision for creating a Community Police Commission as part of the settlement agreement and memorandum of understanding between the United States Department of Justice and the City of Seattle approved in Federal Court on August 30, 2012.

"This is a time when building trust between the Police Department, the Office of Professional Accountability and the public is a priority and we must demonstrate this by our action; not simply our talk," said Councilmember Bruce Harrell, Public Safety Committee Chair. "This ordinance demonstrates that the Council takes seriously its obligations to listen to the public faithfully and effectuate positive police reform."

"The establishment of the Community Police Commission is an important first step in reforming the practices and perception of our police department. I believe the CPC is an opportunity to gain the full faith and trust of the people of Seattle for the reforms we need to bring about and I look forward to supporting the work of the CPC in any way I can," said Councilmember Mike O'Brien.

"The Community Police Commission will provide our citizens with a seat at the table in reforming our police department. I expect it will represent our city's ethnic diversity, and involve those who have direct interactions with our police, as well as professionals practicing in the justice system," said Councilmember Nick Licata.

The Community Police Commission will consist of 15 members. All 15 members will be appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council. There will be one member from the Seattle Police Officers Guild and one member from the Seattle Police Management Association. The remaining 13 members will be selected from applicants who reside or work in Seattle and will include residents from each of the five geographic police precincts. It is the City's goal to select 13 members representative of Seattle's diverse population by selecting equally qualified members from all communities including minority, ethnic, and faith communities, student and youth organizations, and any other community organizations reflecting the overall population demographic of Seattle residents.
To review the applicant selection criteria and to apply online, please visit: http://www.seattle.gov/policecommission

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.

Share your budget priorities with the Seattle City Council
Final budget public hearing to take place Thursday, October 25

Seattle – The Seattle City Council invites members of the community to participate in its final public hearing on the 2013-2014 City budget.

Working together with Seattle residents, the Council wants next year's budget and Capital Improvement Plan to reflect the priorities and values of our City.

WHAT:
Seattle City Council public hearing

WHEN:
Thursday, Oct 25
5 p.m. sign in, 5:30 p.m. public hearing

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

WHO:
Members of the Seattle City Council

If individuals cannot attend the Oct. 25 public hearing, there are other opportunities to share your priorities with the Council: 

• Until Oct. 31, through our online survey
• By e-mail: council@seattle.gov
• Over the phone: 206-684-8888

Budget educational material has been translated into Chinese (traditional characters), Korean, Somali, Spanish, Tagalog and Vietnamese and is available at http://www.seattle.gov/html/citizen/language.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 the Council's budget process, 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.

Joint statement by City Councilmembers Sally J. Clark, Bruce Harrell, Tim Burgess and Nick Licata with City Attorney Pete Holmes on selection process of the Seattle Police Department Monitor

City Attorney Pete Holmes, City Council President Sally J. Clark, and Councilmembers Bruce Harrell, Nick Licata and Tim Burgess issued the following statement on the selection process of the Seattle Police Department Monitor:

“Earlier today, Mayor McGinn chose to publicly question the qualifications and integrity of one of the candidates to be appointed the monitor of the Seattle Police Department. The Mayor’s statements undermine the candidate selection process and are factually wrong.

“It has been 10 months since the Department of Justice issued its report calling for reform of our Police Department. We have been patient throughout this process, hoping that the necessary reforms could begin quickly. Unfortunately, the Mayor’s statements today reveal a continuation of the obstruction and stall tactics we have seen from the beginning. We can no longer remain silent.

“Merrick Bobb is one of our country’s preeminent police reform experts. His reputation is unblemished. His experience with police practices, accountability and rebuilding public trust and confidence in the police is extensive and highly appropriate for Seattle.

“All five of us interviewed the finalists for the monitor position. All five of us—independently and contrary to the Mayor’s conclusion—ranked Mr. Bobb as our first choice for this very important position. We intend to advance our recommendation favoring Mr. Bobb’s appointment.

“While the opinions of our Chief of Police and his top commanders deserve our attention and consideration, we do not agree that the leadership of the Police Department should have veto authority over this selection. The monitor’s selection is central to the success of the overall effort to improve SPD’s use of force policies and reduce biased policing. Above all, the people of Seattle must be confident that the selection of the monitor is objective, free from inappropriate interference, and focused on the long-term reform of policing in Seattle.

“Unfortunately, the Mayor’s statements today contribute confusion, doubt and mistrust, especially among our rank and file police officers who we believe are fully ready to embrace high-quality and professional improvements of the Police Department.

“We are at a crucial time in this process that began 10 months ago. What is required is strong, decisive leadership focused at advancing the reforms we believe are necessary.”
           

Councilmember Mike O'Brien

Councilmember O’Brien responds to yellow pages opt-out ruling

Earlier today a Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals panel of three justices ruled that Seattle’s yellow pages opt-out system violates the free speech of yellow pages publishers. Read the ruling here. Seattle City Councilmember Mike O’Brien, sponsor of Seattle’s opt-out ordinance, disagrees with the ruling.

“I am disappointed in the panel’s ruling. I have deep appreciation for our First Amendment protections and believe that freedom of speech is one of the most important rights we enjoy in the U.S.,” said Councilmember O’Brien. “The people of Seattle also should have the right to say ‘no’ and right to privacy when unwanted yellow pages land on their doorstep.”

Seattle’s opt-out system has been in place for more than a year now with overwhelming response. So far more than 25 percent of households and businesses have opted out of more than 435,000 phone books, saving over 400 tons of paper.

The yellow pages publishers challenged the law in Federal Court. The industry lost its initial challenge in a U.S. District Court in Seattle. The District ruling said that Seattle’s opt out system does not impede the free speech of yellow pages publishers or violate interstate commerce protections.

“Today’s ruling continues a troubling trend that, in effect, promotes the interests and profits of corporations over the choices and rights of our people. Common sense tells us that phonebooks are not speech and that protecting free speech means respecting people’s right to say they no longer want a phonebook delivered,” said Councilmember O’Brien.

In 2010 and 2011, the City Council passed Ordinances 123427 and123532, creating an opt-out system to help residents stop receiving unwanted phone books. The Stop Yellow Pages site launched in May 2011.

Councilmembers Clark and Licata statement in support of public financing of campaigns in Seattle

Seattle – Seattle City Council President Sally J. Clark and Councilmember Nick Licata issued the following statement in support of public financing of campaigns in Seattle:

"As we tackle the issue of making our local government more responsive to our citizens and making the opportunity to serve in elective office truly accessible, a number of strategies have been proposed and considered. The burden of fundraising should not be the deciding factor for people considering elective office in Seattle. The surest and most direct way to address this hurdle is through public financing of campaigns.

"Seattle had partial public financing of campaigns in effect from 1979-91. A state-level initiative prohibited such public financing in 1992. Sixteen years later the State legislature revisited this issue and passed a 2008 law allowing publicly financed campaigns at the local level if approved by a public vote.

"We were two of the co-sponsors of Council Resolution 31337 which said, ‘The Council will analyze how city election campaigns are currently financed and explore alternatives.' We believe that with the economy improving and the cost of campaign escalating, it is time for the Council to consider putting such a proposal before the voters. A public financing task force met in 2009 and 2010 to vet this idea. Much work has already been done and a proposal could be put before voters as early as 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.

Council takes steps to strengthen trust and participation in local democracy
New campaign finance laws ban rollovers and implement fundraising window

Seattle – Today the Seattle City Council moved to strengthen Seattle's local democracy and increase civic trust and participation by reforming Seattle's campaign finance laws. Council Bill 117548 (approved with a 7-2 vote) imposes two new rules for candidates running for local office by prohibiting candidates from rolling over surplus campaign funds from one campaign to the next, and by creating a fundraising window for all candidates seeking local office.

"These changes are about demonstrating to the people of Seattle that City elected leaders are focused on representing them, not working for re-election," said Councilmember Mike O'Brien, primary sponsor of the bill. "I hope our actions today help ensure that every person in this city feels like their voice can be heard, no matter how much money they have."

"The public's frustration with the influence of money in politics grows with every election, especially at the federal level. Cities can lead the way toward a healthier and more accountable political system," said Councilmember Tim Burgess, co-sponsor and Chair of the Government Performance and Finance Committee that initially heard the legislation. "This legislation moves strongly in that direction and reinforces Seattle's support for fair and transparent local elections."

"This legislation emphasizes that our city government represents people not dollars; it will encourage more people to get out and vote, because the value of each vote will not be diminished by money driven campaigns," said Councilmember Nick Licata, co-sponsor of the bill.

The fundraising window creates a specific period of time that candidates seeking local office can solicit or accept campaign contributions. The new fundraising window would run from January 1 of the year before an election to April 30 of the year following the election (candidates currently have several months after an election to retire debt and close up their books). The window will limit the actual or perceived influence of campaign contributions on elected officials by reducing the amount of time that elected officials are fundraising and making policy at the same time.

The State of Washington, along with 16 other states, currently prohibits State elected officials from fundraising during the legislative session. Cities around the country such as Houston, San Diego, Sacramento, San Jose and Los Angeles also have similar fundraising windows in place for local races.

The second provision prohibits the rollover of surplus funds for future races. The law requires candidates to dispose of all surplus funds at the end of the fundraising window (April 30 of the year following their election) by returning contributions to donors or donating the funds to the City or a non-profit. This provision ensures that donor intent behind contributions is being honored (i.e., "this candidate, this race, these issues") and reduces the perception of corruption by minimizing fundraising in uncompetitive races.

Council Bill 117548 responds to Resolution 31337, passed in November of 2011 during the height of the Occupy Seattle movement. Section 2.6 called on the City to analyze how city election campaigns are currently financed and explore alternatives. The proposal was drafted after reviewing campaign finance data collected by the Seattle Ethics & Elections Commission for all candidates in local races over the past 12 years.

The proposal has been endorsed by the Seattle Ethics & Elections Commission and numerous organizations, including League of Women Voters, Washington Public Campaigns, One America, Statewide Poverty Action Network, as well as labor, environmental and other member-based organizations.

Seattle has long been a national leader in promoting clean, ethical, transparent local elections. Seattle first established the Board of Ethics and Fair Campaign Practices in 1971 and was the first municipality in the nation to adopt public financing of campaigns back in 1979. In 1991 Seattle established the current Ethics and Elections Commission and, more recently, the City Council chartered the Commission on Public Financing in 2008 to explore viable models for bringing back publicly supported campaigns.

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.

Councilmembers Burgess and McDermott to discuss arena votes

Seattle – King County Councilmember Joe McDermott and Seattle City Councilmember Tim Burgess, chairs of the two Council’s finance and budget committees, will be available to speak with members of the media following the City Council’s vote on the arena project.

WHAT:
Media availability about final arena vote

WHEN:
After the Seattle City Council meeting ends (est. 2:30 p.m.)

WHERE:
Seattle City Hall
Sam Smith conference room, second floor (off Council reception)
600 Fourth Ave, Seattle 98104

WHO:
Seattle City Councilmember Tim Burgess
King County Councilmember Joe McDermott

This media availability will be live-streamed on the Seattle Channel at www.seattle.gov/councillive.

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.

Public Safety Committee to vote on DOJ agreement's Community Police Commission

Seattle – Councilmember Bruce Harrell, chair of the City Council's Public Safety, Civil Rights and Technology Committee, will introduce and discuss legislation to establish the Community Police Commission by City ordinance this Thursday. The Department of Justice (DOJ) Settlement Agreement and Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) called for the creation of the Community Police Commission, a community board charged with reviewing and providing recommendations on areas of police reform. The Community Police Commission created by this Ordinance is intended to create an empowered commission that community members have long wanted.

The Public Safety, Civil Rights, and Technology committee worked directly with community members to write this ordinance. This inclusive legislation is critical in demonstrating the City's commitment to providing effective and constitutional policing for all of Seattle's residents.

"This is a time when the building of trust between the Police Department, the Office of Professional Accountability and the public is a priority and we must demonstrate this by our action; not simply our talk," said Councilmember Bruce Harrell. "This ordinance demonstrates that the Council takes seriously its obligations to serve the public faithfully and effectuate positive change."

1. Link to Community Police Commission Legislation (C.B. 117608)
2. Link to Department of Justice Settlement Agreement
3. Link to Memorandum of Understanding

WHAT:
Special Public Safety, Civil Rights, and Technology Committee

WHEN:
Thursday, Oct. 11, 2012, at 10:30 a.m.

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

WHO:
Councilmember Bruce A. Harrell
Councilmember Nick Licata
Councilmember Mike O'Brien

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.

Today Mayor Mike McGinn issued an Executive Order, drafted in consultation with the City Council, creating a Community Police Commission. The Commission is a partnership between the Police Department, its officers, community members, and public officials. Its role is to support the development of reforms, the establishment of police priorities, and mechanisms to promote community confidence in the Seattle Police Department. The Commission is part of the Settlement Agreement and the Memorandum of Understanding with the Department of Justice.

"The Community Police Commission is an important part of building a strong partnership between the people of Seattle and our officers," said McGinn. "I encourage anyone interested in that work to apply to serve on this Commission."

"The Community Police Commission is intended to create an empowered commission that community members have long wanted," said Councilmember Bruce Harrell. "The Public Safety Committee worked directly with community members to write an ordinance, which will be introduced this week that demonstrates the City’s commitment to providing effective and constitutional policing for all of Seattle’s residents."

The Community Police Commission will include members from each precinct of the City, police officer unions, faith communities, minority, ethnic, and other community organizations, and student or youth organizations. McGinn will submit nominees to the City Council for their confirmation no later than 90 days from the issuance of the Executive Order. More information about the Commission and an application can be found at http://www.seattle.gov/policecommission.

All Mayor's Office press conferences, town halls and general public meetings are archived by Seattle Channel. Many town halls and press conferences are also broadcast live to the web. Sign up for The Reader, our office newsletter, at our website. And learn more about your neighbors and the mayor’s activities on our blog.

###

Office of the Mayor

Councilmember Bruce Harrell's statement on OPA Director's decision to not seek a third term

SEATTLE – Councilmember Bruce Harrell, Chair of the Council's Public Safety, Civil Rights and Technology Committee, released the following statement regarding today's decision by the Office of Professional Accountability (OPA) Director Kathryn Olson to not seek a third term:

"I thank Kathryn for her five years of dedicated service and the positive strides she helped make in police accountability and transparency.

"The Public Safety Committee was in the middle of the confirmation process and conducting significant outreach with community members, civil rights organizations, law organizations and the police department to assist in the process of deciding whether or not to confirm the OPA Director. I did anticipate a thorough and intense process given the scrutiny that the police department has gone through. Irrespective of her decision, this is a time when the building of trust between the Police Department, the Office of Professional Accountability and the public is a priority.

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 hear from Superintendent Banda

Seattle – The Seattle City Council will welcome first-year Seattle Public Schools Superintendent José Banda at the Council’s Monday morning briefing session. With the school year now underway, Mr. Banda will present the challenges and opportunities facing the District this year and discuss areas of ongoing collaboration between the City and the District.

WHAT:
Presentation by Superintendent Banda

WHEN:
Monday, October 8, 10:15 a.m.

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

WHO:
Superintendent José Banda
Members of the Seattle City Council

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.

Office of the City Clerk receives recognition from the Community Employment Alliance

Seattle – The Community Employment Alliance recognized the Seattle City Clerk's office last week as one of the 11 Washington businesses to receive this year's "Outstanding Employer Award."

"The Office of the City Clerk has really stepped up to become a model for best practices in recruiting, hiring, and retaining people with disabilities," said Council President Sally J. Clark. "Thank you to Community Employment Alliance for the recognition." 

The "Outstanding Employer Award" honors Washington businesses, government agencies and non-profit corporations that have made exceptional efforts to employ people with disabilities; and who by their recruitment, hiring, retention and promotion policies are role models in their community.

"We are privileged to serve as a partner with the Community Employment Alliance.  Our supported employee gains knowledge and skills and our organization benefits from their valuable contributions," said City Clerk Monica Martinez Simmons.

The Office of the City Clerk serves as administrative head of the Legislative Department by providing access to the City of Seattle's legislative process, local laws, policies, and regulations, ensuring the integrity and preservation of the public record. The Clerk's role, as impartial custodian of the City's official records, ensures process education and access to information about the City's actions and policies.

For more information on the Office of the City Clerk, visit our website .

For more information on the Community Employment Alliance and the "Outstanding Employer Award," click 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 public hearing on proposed 2013-2014 budget
Join us to share your priorities for the City

Seattle – The Seattle City Council invites members of the community to participate in a public hearing tomorrow night in City Council Chambers. Working together with Seattle residents, the Council wants next year’s budget and Capital Improvement Plan to reflect the priorities and values of our City.

WHAT:
Seattle City Council public hearing

WHEN:
Tomorrow, Thursday, October 4
5 p.m. sign in, 5:30 p.m. public hearing

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

WHO:
Members of the Seattle City Council

New this year, the Council is seeking budget and priority input through an online survey, available through October.

If you are planning on attending one of our budget hearings and need interpretation assistance, please call 206-684-8888.

The second public hearing on the 2013-2014 budget will be held in Chambers on October 25. For more information on the Council’s budget process, visit our website. 

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 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.

Join the Seattle City Council's "Sallys" for coffee and conversation

Seattle – Seattle City Councilmembers Sally J. Clark and Sally Bagshaw will be in the Bitter Lake neighborhood in October to speak with members of the community. 

The October "Coffee with Sallys" conversation hour will be held in the Family Room at the Bitter Lake Community Center on Saturday, October 13, from 9 – 10:30 a.m. The coffee chat is open to everyone and the Councilmembers will listen and speak with Seattleites about local issues in an informal setting. 

"I'd love to talk with you about Northwest Seattle neighborhood happenings," said Council President Sally J. Clark. "Please consider starting your day with us."

"We're in the midst of budget. This is a great time to come chat with us and let us know what your priorities are! We hope you will join us," said Councilmember Sally Bagshaw.
Join the Councilmembers:

Saturday, October 13, 9 – 10:30 a.m.
Bitter Lake Community Center, Family Center Room
13035 Linden Ave. N, Seattle, WA 98133

Coffee and pastries will be provided by the Councilmembers and all questions and topics are on the table. 

For more information, or to RSVP (recommended, but not required), please visit our web page.

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, Harrell and Rasmussen to appear on
October's City Inside/Out: Council Edition

SEATTLE – Do you have a question for the City Council? Will the Council's recent vote to cap towing rates face a legal challenge? What is the City doing to lessen the impacts of the Free Ride Zone elimination? What do the tolling study results mean for the future of the SR 99 tunnel? Is the arena really a done deal? Join the conversation, submit your questions now.  

The Oct. 9 episode of Seattle Channel's City Inside/Out: Council Edition will feature Councilmembers Sally J. Clark, Bruce Harrell and Tom Rasmussen answering your questions with host Brian Callanan.

Submit your questions for the Councilmembers by noon on Friday, Oct. 5.

• 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,
Oct. 9 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 Council to vote on rental housing inspection legislation

Seattle – On Monday, October 1, the Seattle City Council will cast the final vote on Council Bill 117569, rental housing registration and inspection legislation, a program that has been discussed since early 2010.

WHAT:
Final vote on rental housing inspection legislation

WHEN:
Monday, October 1, 2 p.m.

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

WHO:
Members of the Seattle City Council

For a summary of elements of the program, visit http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/Compliance/RentalHousing/Overview/default.asp.

Councilmember Licata said about Monday’s vote, “I’m glad that the Council has agreed to knit together an approach of making safe the housing that we know now is not safe and inspecting – over the next 10 years – the rest of the city’s rental housing. In this we can significantly improve the condition of unsafe rental housing.”

Legislation background

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.

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 proposed 2013-2014 budget
Join us to share your priorities for the City

Seattle – The Seattle City Council invites members of the community to participate in the a public hearing next Thursday in City Council Chambers. Working together with Seattle residents, the Council wants next year's budget and Capital Improvement Plan to reflect the priorities and values of our City.

WHAT:
Seattle City Council public hearing

WHEN:
Thursday, October 4
5:30 p.m. public hearing (5 p.m. sign-in)

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

WHO:
Members of the Seattle City Council

New this year, the Council is seeking budget and priority input through an online survey, available through October.

If you are planning on attending one of our budget hearings and need interpretation assistance, please call 206-684-8888. 

The second public hearing on the 2013-2014 budget will be held in Chambers on October 25. For more information on the Council's budget process, visit the Council budget web page. 

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 recommends against second Montlake Bridge for SR 520 project

 The Seattle City Council today adopted Resolution 31411 (8-0), providing an official recommendation against construction of a second Montlake Bridge in the foreseeable future to the Washington State Department of Transportation and the State Legislature.

“It is unlikely that a second Montlake Bridge would deliver benefits that justify its cost and impact to the neighborhood,” stated Councilmember Conlin, Chair of the SR 520 Committee. “It is likely that corridor improvements for bicyclists, pedestrians and transit customers could be delivered in other ways at a lower cost earlier in the project timeline.”

Today’s recommendation was based on conclusions drawn after reviewing the findings of a report by a joint City, King County Metro, and WSDOT technical workgroup that set thresholds for levels of performance in pedestrian and bike mobility, transit speed and reliability and SR 520 mainline operations. The identified triggers were developed to provide data that could be used to analyze the need to build a second bridge.

“It appears that a second Montlake Bridge would have little impact in addressing adverse transit operating conditions in the corridor and if built would have minimal impact to the SR 520 mainline,” states Councilmember Conlin.

The resolution also recommends identifying and implementing transit projects that may improve conditions and developing alternatives that can address capacity limitations and safety for pedestrians and bicyclists. The resolution also stresses the need for continued monitoring.

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.

Council Committee advances towing cap legislation

SEATTLE – The City Council’s Government Performance and Finance Committee today voted 3-0 to cap fees for impound tows off private property.

The legislation, sponsored by Councilmember Licata, and originally sent to the Council by Mayor McGinn, would place a limit of $183 per hour for the first hour of an impound tow off private property, and $130 for any additional time. It also limits storage rates to $15.50 for up to 12 hours.

Councilmember Licata said, “This legislation protects consumers by setting a fair maximum rate for impounds off private property. It is reasonable to charge for illegal parking on private property, however, people shouldn’t have to pay exorbitant fees to recover their vehicle. The Mayor and Council collaborated in crafting and passing this legislation.”

“I want to thank Councilmember Nick Licata and the entire City Council for working to protect Seattle residents and visitors from predatory business practices,” said Mayor McGinn. “We look forward to the implementation and enforcement of these new rules in January 2013.”

“Setting this cap represents basic consumer protection,” said Councilmember Clark. “We should all be so lucky as to never be towed, but, if we do get towed, it should be a fair rate that represents fair compensation for the tow truck operator and not punitive or predatory.”

Currently, there are no legal limits on what towing companies can charge for tows off private property. Impounds off City streets are negotiated with the Seattle Police Department.

Implementation is planned for January, 2013. A Full Council vote is anticipated for Monday, September 24.

State Representative Pollet, who sponsored legislation passed by the state House of Representatives to set maximum rates, said “This is a major step forward for protecting Seattle residents. It’s encouraging that the towing industry recognizes that there are some companies whose charges were abusive, and I look forward to working with the industry and Seattle to expand this protection statewide.”

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.

On-line budget survey seeks Seattle's input on priorities

SEATTLE – The Seattle City Council Budget Committee today launched an on-line survey asking residents for their priorities and opinions on city services as next week it begins its review of the 2013-2014 City budget. The survey is available here.

"Before the Council takes any action on the budget, we must make sure we listen to the people of Seattle and understand their priorities," said Councilmember Tim Burgess, Chair of the Budget Committee. "Then we must ensure that City government is effectively investing taxpayer dollars on the services that matter most to the public."

The budget survey's 19 questions include:

• What priorities do you believe local government should focus on?
• How safe do you feel in your neighborhood?
• How satisfied are you with the city government services you receive?
• Do you believe city government is responsive to the needs of Seattle's most vulnerable?

The Mayor will present his budget proposal to the City Council on September 24 at 2 p.m. The Council must then move quickly to scrutinize the proposal, craft amendments and reach a final balanced budget by the middle of November.

To keep informed about these important budget deliberations, please visit the City Council budget Web site. To share your priorities for Seattle, take the survey today or contact all city councilmembers at council@seattle.gov.

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.

Public Safety Committee: Job Assistance Legislation and
Office of Professional Accountability Director

Seattle – At tomorrow's Public Safety, Civil Rights and Technology Committee meeting,Councilmember Bruce Harrell will discuss legislation to increase public safety and job assistance through the reduction of criminal recidivism and why it is critical to improve the re-entry experience for those who have committed crimes and are rehabilitated.

• Link to Job Assistance Legislation

The second agenda item will introduce the appointment process for Kathryn Olson, Director of the Office of Professional Accountability. The committee has made it clear that reconfirmation of the director will not be taken lightly, the process will be thorough, and achievements as well as deficiencies will be analyzed. Significant outreach to community members, civil rights organizations, law organizations and police organizations will be conducted in order to assist in the process of deciding whether or not to confirm. This committee discussion will focus on the community process and timeline. The official public hearing on Olson's appointment will be scheduled at an upcoming Public Safety, Civil Rights, and Technology committee meeting.

• Link to Kathryn Olson's Reconfirmation Packet

WHAT:
Public Safety, Civil Rights, and Technology Committee

WHEN:
Wednesday, September 19, 2012, at 2 p.m.

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

WHO:
Councilmember Bruce A. Harrell
Councilmember Nick Licata
Councilmember Mike O'Brien

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.

Council to recognize public service of Governor Chris Gregoire

Seattle – The Seattle City Council will present a proclamation to Governor Chris Gregoire recognizing her twenty years in office, including eight years as Governor, on Monday at approximately 3:15 p.m.  

WHAT:
Proclamation honoring Governor Chris Gregoire

WHEN:
Monday, Sept. 17, 2012, approximately 3:15 p.m.

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

Meeting materials can be found through the City Council calendar.

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 Nick Licata and Sally Bagshaw respond
to Mayor's Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center operations proposal

Seattle – As part of the Mayor's upcoming 2013-14 budget proposal, Mayor McGinn recently announced his proposal to transfer the operations and programming of the Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center (LHPAC) to the City's Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs (OACA) from the Department of Parks & Recreation (DPR).

In response to this proposed transfer, Councilmember Nick Licata, Chair of the Housing, Human Services, Health and Culture Committee, offered the following statement, "While I support empowering the LHPAC to reach its potential for serving Seattle's increasingly diverse arts audiences, I need to know how nearby residents, civic leaders, arts professionals and Seattle Arts Commissioners view such a transfer."

Councilmember Bagshaw, Chair of the Parks and Neighborhoods Committee added, "Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center has been a fixture in the Central District and a gathering place for community and the arts for decades. While this transfer is intriguing and might look good on paper, I want to make sure that it feels good to the people who use it".

Licata and Bagshaw plan on meeting soon with interested community representatives to explore the Mayor's proposal for LHPAC. Questions heard from the community include whether there are clear goals and expectations for LHPAC's future: Is it possible for LHPAC to evolve into a stand-alone non-profit or even for-profit venue? If so, should a steering committee of arts professionals and Central Area community members be assembled to guide the process? What are reasonable expectations for how long such a transition will take? How will staffing need to change? 

In addition to Central Area community members, the Councilmembers plan to invite OACA and DPR management as well as the Seattle Arts Commission chair and its members to participate in the meeting.

LHPAC is unique in being Seattle's only City-managed performing arts facility. Other City-owned performing arts facilities, such as the Bathhouse Theatre and Spectrum Dance Theatre, are leased by the City to third parties best qualified to manage arts programming. OACA does not currently operate arts facilities. It does provide funding to Seattle's most notable arts organizations via a peer panel selection process. LHPAC and its seven staff cost the City approximately $740,000 annually, while generating approximately $71,000 a year in revenue.

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.

Council to honor the accomplishments of former Councilmember Cheryl Chow

Seattle – Former Seattle City Councilmember Cheryl Chow will receive special recognition for her public service in Seattle on Monday at 2 p.m.

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.

WHAT:
Proclamation and presentation honoring Cheryl Chow
WHEN:
Monday, Sept. 17, 2012, 2 p.m.

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

Meeting materials can be found through the City Council calendar.

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 approves revised arena agreement
Action moves legislation to Full Council for consideration on Sept. 24

Seattle – The City Council's Government Performance and Finance Committee voted 7-0 (with one abstention) this afternoon to approve a revised version of legislation containing the proposed agreement to build a new sports and entertainment arena. The legislation will be considered by the Full Council on Monday, Sept. 24.

“Today's vote moves us one step closer to a good deal for all the people of Seattle, not just sports fans,” said Councilmember Tim Burgess, Chair of the Government Performance and Finance Committee. “The new deal protects family-wage jobs and provides strong financial protections for taxpayers and city and county government. It also gives us an opportunity to begin an in-depth planning process about the future of the Seattle Center.”

The following documents contain more information on the revised agreement:

• Revisions to the Memorandum of Understanding
• 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.

City Councilmembers announce new arena deal
Revisions protect public's investment, preserve family-wage jobs

Seattle – Seattle City Councilmembers Sally J. Clark, Tim Burgess and Mike O'Brien announced today that they have reached an agreement with Chris Hansen's ArenaCo for a new sports and entertainment arena they will recommend to their colleagues for approval by the full Council.

The modified memorandum of understanding (MOU) protects family-wage jobs in Seattle's industrial, manufacturing and maritime sectors by funding freight mobility and other transportation improvements. The MOU also strengthens the legal and financial protections afforded to the City and County, including a personal financial guaranty from Hansen.

"The new and improved agreement with Mr. Hansen makes this a sound step for Seattle," said Council President Sally J. Clark. "We set out to make sure the general fund is protected, freight mobility is helped and that we have help in charting the future of Key. We achieved these goals."

The new agreement creates a $40 million SODO Transportation Infrastructure Fund to address longstanding transportation problems in the area. The Fund will initially be a collaboration between the City and County, but additional funding will be sought from other public and private partners, including the Port of Seattle and state and federal governments. Councilmembers also announced that the City will begin an area-wide planning process to strengthen land use protections for industrial lands, including the creation of a Port Overlay District.

The MOU clarifies the environmental review process by requiring an examination of alternative sites, including the Seattle Center, and stating that final City Council adoption of transaction documents will only come after the EIS process is fully completed.

"We strongly believed that public money should be used for broader public purposes. The negotiated changes allow us to address long-standing transportation problems, preserve good jobs and protect Seattle's taxpayers," said Councilmember Tim Burgess, Chair of the Council's committee that analyzed the agreement. "The new agreement demonstrates how healthy skepticism paired with collaboration and good governance can lead to wonderful opportunities for the public."

In addition to transportation improvements, the new agreement creates a $7 million Key Arena Fund, a portion of which will be used to fund a study of options for the future of Key Arena and the Seattle Center.

The agreement includes significant new financial protections for the City and County, including a personal guaranty by Hansen for the City and County's annual debt payments. It also requires ArenaCo to double the security reserve if its revenue fails to meet expectations.

"This agreement marks an exciting day in Seattle as we take a big step towards bringing back the Sonics. This is a great deal for the City and County, basketball fans and non fans alike," said Councilmember Mike O'Brien. "This deal is not just about an arena or the Sonics, it now includes new funding for transportation improvements in SODO, a new path towards protecting our industrial lands, and new money for Key Arena. I commend Mr. Hansen for his good faith negotiations throughout these past few months."

The revised language gives the City and County the authority to conduct an independent, third party assessment of the financial assumptions underlying the planned construction and operations of the arena and the overall risks associated with both prior to the approval of the final Transaction Documents. The City and County will have access to the same information about ArenaCo and its business structure as the entity's private lenders. At the end of the arena use agreement, the City and County can require ArenaCo to purchase the land and facility for $200 million.

The Mayor submitted legislation with agreements between the City, King County and 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 Council's Government Performance and Finance Committee will consider the revised legislation at a special meeting on Thursday, Sept. 13 at 2 p.m. in Council Chambers (600 Fourth Ave, Second Floor). After a vote in committee, the legislation will be voted on by the Full Council on Monday, September 17 or Monday, September 24.

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.

Seattle City Councilmembers to make an announcement on arena negotiations

Seattle – Seattle City Councilmembers will make an announcement on the proposed arena this morning:

WHAT:
Arena announcement

WHO:
Council President Sally J. Clark
Councilmember Tim Burgess
Councilmember Mike O’Brien

WHEN:
Today, Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2012, 9:30 a.m.

WHERE:
Outside of Council Chambers, Seattle City Hall
600 Fourth Avenue, second floor, at the top of the stairs

This press announcement will be live-streamed on the Seattle Channel website at http://www.seattlechannel.org/eventLive/.

For more information on the documents the Council has reviewed on the proposed arena, visit http://www.seattle.gov/council/issues/arena.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.

Interim measures approved for small lot development
City to evaluate small lot exceptions for single family homes

SEATTLE – The Seattle City Council today approved legislation that puts interim controls in place on small lot development in Seattle.

While the City has generally been supportive of urban infill development, some single family development approved under current lot size exceptions, has resulted in structures that are out of character with surrounding conditions and inconsistent with the policy intent for infill development. Interim measures were adopted today to allow adequate time for analysis and discussion of permanent standards.

"This legislation is not about density – the modest number of homes that can be built under this loophole are not a significant addition to the housing stock. And it is certainly not about affordable housing," said Councilmember Richard Conlin, Chair of the Planning, Land Use, and Sustainability Committee. "Rather, it's about replacing a random pattern with no rhyme or reason, dependent on a developer happening to find archaic lot lines that were not intended to define a buildable lot, with planning in a systematic and thoughtful way."

Interim measures were adopted so that development is more proportionate to the lot size. The proposed interim measures would:

• Limit application of the lot size exception to lots with an area of at least 50 percent of the minimum requirement for the zone; prohibit development on lots that are less than 50 percent.
• Disallow reliance on historic tax records as a basis for qualifying for the lot area exception.

Limit the height of development on lots less than 3,750 square feet to 22'.

The City Council adopted the following schedule as part of the legislation, calling for the City to adopt permanent regulations within a year:

Background
Lot size exceptions for historic lots were meant to preserve the investments of property owners who had acquired lots prior to the adoption of minimum lot size standards in the 1950's. These exceptions have allowed development on some very small sites. This has resulted in complaints that houses on such lots do not fit in with their surroundings, and that in some cases the exceptions allow development of lots that were never intended for separate development.

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 leaders propose new cannabis regulations

Seattle – Today an intergovernmental team consisting of City staff and representatives from the Mayor's office, City Councilmembers and the City Attorney set in motion the process to begin deliberations on proposed legislation to establish zoning regulations for growing, processing, and dispensing of cannabis in Seattle. The intent is to help protect city businesses and neighborhoods. 

"Medical marijuana providers operate in a grey area between city, state and federal law," said Mayor McGinn. "This proposal is an attempt to better define appropriate operations for dispensaries. We look forward to hearing from the public on this approach."

"I support safe and responsibly run access points for medical cannabis in Seattle; it's important that these access points be subject to zoning laws and other city regulations just like any other business or land use," said City Attorney Pete Holmes.

The purpose of this proposed ordinance is to limit the off-site impact of larger-scale cannabis-related activity in zones where they may have increased impacts on neighborhood character or security, specifically those zones with a predominately residential or historic character: 

• Single family and multifamily residential zones
• Neighborhood Commercial 1 zones
• Pioneer Square Mixed, International District Mixed and Residential, Pike Place Mixed, Harborfront neighborhoods

In these zones, the growing, processing, or dispensing of cannabis would be limited to:

• 45 cannabis plants;
• 72 ounces of useable cannabis; and
• An amount of cannabis product that could reasonably be produced with 72 ounces of useable cannabis.

"My goal is for zoning regulations that minimize possible neighborhood impacts while providing reasonable access for patients," added Council President Sally J. Clark.

This proposed ordinance would create additional limitations on growing, processing, and dispensing of cannabis to existing State or federal laws and is an exercise of the City's authority to protect public health, safety, and welfare.

More information can be found in the Department of Planning and Development's Land Use Information Bulletin.

The SEPA appeal period ends Monday, October 1. Members of the public will have the opportunity to comment on these proposed regulations when the Council discusses this ordinance this December, in Councilmember Licata's Housing, Human Services, Health, and Culture Committee. 

"We want to create standards now so that we don't repeat what is happening in Los Angeles, where law enforcement raids shut down operations of good and bad businesses alike and eventually City Council banned dispensaries altogether because there were few standards in LA to hold operators accountable," said Councilmember Nick Licata. "For this reason, I hope access point operators and neighborhood residents will agree that they each can benefit from the consistency and accountability that these regulations will provide."

City Councilmembers Nick Licata and Sally Clark will be visiting Neighborhood Council meetings through December to gather feedback on the proposal.  Additional information on these meetings will be available as they are scheduled.

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.

Council Committee to review expert technical report on second Montlake Bridge

Seattle – The Seattle City Council's Special Committee on SR 520 will meet on Monday morning to receive a briefing on the findings of an expert technical review of the second Montlake Bridge component of the SR 520 replacement project:

WHAT:
Expert technical report on the second Montlake Bridge part of SR 520 project   

WHEN:
Monday, Sept. 10, 2012, 10:30 a.m.

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

Meeting materials, including the executive summary, one-page briefing paper and final report, can be found on the meeting's agenda.

This meeting will be informational and no vote will take place.

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.

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.

EVENT DATE:

Sept. 6, 2012, 2 p.m.

City Council committee to begin discussing proposed towing industry regulations

Legislation to place a cap the fees towing companies can charge for impounds from private property will be presented before the Government Performance and Finance Committee tomorrow:  

WHAT:           Council discussion on towing fee legislation

WHEN:          Thursday, Sept. 6, 2 p.m.

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

Currently there are no limits on what towing companies can charge for private property impounds.

The legislation, Council Bill 117568, would also place a cap on charges for vehicle storage.

The bill will be presented at the September 6 meeting. View the agenda here. The Committee will not vote in tomorrow’s meeting, but will begin discussions on this topic.
 

City Council committee advances performance guidelines
Measure outlines framework to ensure City programs improve quality of life

Seattle – The Seattle City Council's Government Performance and Finance Committee today unanimously approved performance guidelines (Resolution 31404) to ensure that new or modified City programs are able to demonstrate their value through measurable results. The Full Council will vote on the guidelines on Monday, September 10.

"As the Council's budget committee chair, I will lead in making sure our investments of the public's money produce results that improve the quality of life for the people of Seattle," said Councilmember Tim Burgess. "We must ensure the City government wisely and efficiently invests tax dollars on the services that matter most and that we achieve the results we desire."

The budget resolution increases accountability by requiring that new programs or funding increases be justified by identifying the program's desired results and outcome measurements. When reviewing any new or significantly changed programs proposed by the Mayor, the Council will ask four simple questions:

1. What are the long-term and measurable goals (outcomes) of the proposed program?
2. What is the gap between the current situation (status quo) and the goals?
3. How effective will the program be in making progress toward the goals?
4. How will the program's progress be measured to prove whether it achieved actual results?

"Instead of just counting inputs and outputs, such as employee hours or the number of program participants, we want to move toward the measurement of specific outcomes," Burgess said. "How many students graduated from high school prepared for college or their career? How many homeless individuals or families transitioned to permanent housing? By how much did we reduce street crime in a specific neighborhood? These are examples of the kind of outcome questions we want answered so we can invest more in those programs that are effective. We have a responsibility to maximize the impact of the people's money."

The Mayor will present his budget proposal for the 2013-2014 biennium to the City Council on Monday, September 24 at 2 p.m. Washington State law requires the Council to adopt a balanced budget no later than December 3.

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.

Seattle City Council unanimously confirms Magdaleno M. Rose-Avila 
First director of the City's new Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs

"The creation of this new, inclusive office will improve how the City integrates new immigrants and refugees into the civic life of Seattle," said Councilmember Bruce Harrell, Chair of the Public Safety, Civil Rights, and Technology Committee.  "Leno will play a vital role in advocating for immigrants and refugees and help all residents benefit from the diversity of immigrant and refugee cultures."

Mr. Rose-Avila has worked directly with diverse immigrant and refugee communities for more than 25 years. Most recently, Rose-Avila served as Executive Director of the Social Justice Fund Northwest, South Florida Interfaith Worker Justice and the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project.

"I am confident Magdaleno will lead the City in developing effective policies and practices to best serve immigrant and refugee communities. His extensive experience working for human rights and social justice will be a great asset to residents of Seattle," said Council President Sally J. Clark.

Mr. Rose Avila is passionate about advocating for human rights, particularly while having served on multiple boards, including Amnesty International Board of Directors and the City's Immigrant and Refugee Board. He is the recipient of many awards for his work in this field. In addition, Rose-Avila speaks and works on gang, immigration, and judicial reform issues through the Latino Community Fund of Washington's Latino Equity Initiative and is a mentor to at-risk youth.

"Seattle's immigrant population is incredibly diverse, but shares many common strengths and common struggles. Mr. Rose-Avila knows this population and his life experiences have prepared him well for his new position as the first director of the City's new Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs," said Councilmember Tim Burgess. "Leno is a strong choice to direct our important work to help our immigrant neighbors achieve their dreams."

Mr. Rose-Avila will be an asset to the City Council, the Mayor and the new Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs.

"I have been an admirer of Leno's past work helping immigrants and refugees for years.  I am very pleased to see him assume this new role," said Councilmember Jean Godden.

The Council is looking forward to working cooperatively with Rose-Avila to launch the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs. This is an exciting opportunity for the City to tackle the challenges facing immigrants and refugees while improving the level of engagement City government has with these communities.

For more information on the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs, click 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.

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.

Councilmember Licata applauds new Cultural Facilities Program

Seattle City Councilmember Nick Licata issued the following statement thanking Mayor McGinn for debuting the new Cultural Facilities Program: 

“Arts are a passion of mine as they are for many members of the City Council and residents of Seattle. For years the Council has been approached for capital funds by a variety of arts and cultural organizations. Last year, the Council created a capital grant program and a competitive vetting process in the Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs to address these requests.

“I appreciate that the Executive has implemented this program and although only one-time funding, this will provide these organizations with the extra help they need to make necessary improvements to their facilities.”

Funding for this program was created through adoption of the 2012 budget. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/R50AEF .

For more information on the program or to apply for grant funding, visit http://www.seattle.gov/arts/funding/cultural_facilities.asp .

SEATTLE – Today Mayor Mike McGinn, Councilmember Richard Conlin, and Council President Sally J. Clark, in partnership with King County and Washington State, launched the Industrial Development Pilot Program. The program is designed to support and grow the region’s industrial economy by providing regulatory and policy flexibility, financial incentives, and/or workforce training in support of innovative and sustainable industrial projects.

Washington State, King County and the City of Seattle will select up to ten Industrial Development Pilot Projects for priority assistance to explore regulatory and policy flexibility and financial incentives. By evaluating the success of the pilot projects, long-term, systemic solutions could be identified to support a model that encourages sustainable industrial development in our region and across the state.

“This innovative program will encourage new ideas for growth and reinvestment in our valuable manufacturing and maritime sectors. These sectors have long-provided family-wage jobs and a diverse economy for Seattle and the region,” said Mayor McGinn. “Our message to industrial businesses and property owners is clear. If you have a good idea, we want to support it. If you know of a better way to grow jobs while taking care of the environment, let’s try it.”

In order to be considered for the incentives, projects must demonstrate that they would achieve a positive industrial economic benefit, equal or better environmental performance than current regulations require, and be located on industrially zoned land within unincorporated King County or the City of Seattle.

"This program puts innovation in the driver's seat of industrial development," said Councilmember Richard Conlin, Chair of the Planning, Land Use, and Sustainability Committee and primary sponsor of the Industrial Development Pilot Program. "We want to achieve more sustainable practices and a cleaner environment by pursuing creative alternatives to existing policies and regulations.”

Washington’s Puget Sound Region and King County are uniquely positioned to grow as world leaders in the design, manufacturing, and export of locally made products and services in a number of industrial sectors. Success of the region’s manufacturing and maritime industry sectors are essential to retain and create living-wage industrial jobs, and to maintain a diverse regional economy.

In Seattle alone, manufacturing and maritime businesses support more than 90,000 jobs, generate $6 billion per year in taxable retail sales, and contribute over $37 million per year in B&O taxes. Industrial businesses have been resilient during the economic downturn, but need support to remain globally competitive.

“Our hope is that these pilot programs will serve as a launch pad for innovative industrial projects that create family-wage jobs and create sustainable and environmentally sound industrial growth," said Council President Sally Clark, Chair of the Economic Resiliency and Regional Relations Committee.

Responses are due to the Office of Economic Development by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, November 5, 2012. Two question and answer meetings will be held on September 17, 2012 and October 4, 2012.

For details on the Request for Concepts (RFC), visit www.seattle.gov/economicdevelopment.

City’s Office of Economic Development (OED)
OED supports a healthy business environment and empowers companies to grow and compete. We provide services directly to businesses through advocacy, retention and expansion assistance, and workforce development. OED has several financing options for businesses, including options for small to medium to large businesses. Visit www.growseattle.com to access city services for businesses, and for more information about our office, visit www.seattle.gov/economicdevelopment

Seattle Jobs Plan
Mayor Mike McGinn’s vision for next generation economic development that creates a sustainable economy with shared prosperity in Seattle was launched in August 2010. It consists of new and existing policies, programs and investments designed to help create quality jobs, protect the environment, and ensure that taxpayers get true value from the city of Seattle's public investments. For more information, visit www.seattle.gov/mayor/jobsplan.

Seattle City Council
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.

All Mayor's Office press conferences, town halls and general public meetings are archived by Seattle Channel. Many town halls and press conferences are also broadcast live to the web. Sign up for The Reader, our office newsletter, at our website. And learn more about your neighbors and the mayor’s activities on our blog.

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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.