PDF copies of the signed legislation are available in the database records linked below: Ord. 124428 C.B. 118035 AN ORDINANCE appropriating money to pay certain audited claims and ordering t he payment thereof. Ord. 124429 C.B. 118034 AN ORDINANCE relating to public art museum facilities; authorizing a restatement of a guarantee and reimbursement agreement with […]
Month: March 2014
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Legislation approved by the Seattle City Council on February 18, 2014, and filed with the City Clerk
PDF copies of the signed legislation are available in the database records linked below: Ord. 124424 C.B. 118020 AN ORDINANCE relating to historic preservation, imposing controls upon Alexander Hall, a landmark designated by the Landmarks Preservation Board under Chapter 25.12 of the Seattle Municipal Code, and adding it to the Table of Historical Landmarks contained […]
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Legislation approved by the Seattle City Council on February 10, 2014, and filed with the City Clerk
PDF copies of the signed legislation are available in the database records linked below: Ord. 124421 C.B. 118029 AN ORDINANCE appropriating money to pay certain audited claims and ordering the payment thereof. Res. 31502 A RESOLUTION of the City Council of the City of Seattle, Washington, calling for the annexation, by election, of contiguous unincorporated […]
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Legislation approved February 3, 2014, by the Seattle City Council, and filed with the City Clerk
PDF copies of the signed legislation are available in the database records linked below: Ord. 124422 C.B. 118007 AN ORDINANCE relating to the Seattle Music Commission; allowing for the continuation of the Commission; allowing commissioners to serve additional terms; superseding Resolution 31173; and creating a new Chapter 3.74 consisting of new Sections 3.74.010, 3.74.020, 3.74.030, […]
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Action Summary, Monday, March 31, 2014
Action Summary of the Seattle City Council Full Council Meeting Monday, March 31, 2014 (Councilmembers Rasmussen and Sawant were excused) PLANNING, LAND USE, AND SUSTAINABILITY COMMITTEE: 1. Clerk File 313638 (PDF Version) CONFIRMED (7-0) Appointment of Steven Simpson as member, Construction Codes Advisory Board, for a term of confirmation to June 1, 2016. 2....
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Comcast Cable Franchise Renewal
You have until May 31st to give the City a piece of your mind regarding Comcast's cable service in Seattle.
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Income Inequality Symposium Video
Yesterday’s Income Inequality Symposium was well attended, and had several interesting forums and discussions. Presenters ranged from academics to low-wage workers and business owners. If you weren’t able to attend, or would like to see it again, you can view it on the Seattle Channel webpage, or below: Welcome and Keynote Address What is Income […]
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Councilmember Harrell Statement on Assistant Chief Pugel Retirement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 3/28/2014
Councilmember Bruce A. Harrell
Councilmember Harrell Statement on Assistant Chief Pugel Retirement
Seattle - Councilmember Bruce Harrell, chair of the Council's Public Safety, Civil Rights and Technology Committee, issued the following statement today in response to the announcement that Assistant Chief Jim Pugel will retire:
"I thank Jim for his three decades of dedicated service, protecting and serving the great people of Seattle. Jim will be remembered as one of the best officers to ever serve the Seattle Police department. Graduating from the University of Washington and living in Seattle all of his life, without a doubt, Jim was committed to creating the best police department in the country. In my time and work with Jim, he has always been honest and direct. I appreciated his candor and outcome driven approach in keeping this city safe. I wish him the best in his next endeavors."
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Council Hears Options for Foreclosure Prevention Strategies for Homeowners Struggling in Seattle
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 3/26/2014
Councilmember Nick Licata
Council Hears Options for Foreclosure Prevention Strategies for Homeowners Struggling in Seattle
SEATTLE - Councilmembers considered presentations specific to mortgage principal reduction and other foreclosure prevention programs for homeowners who are struggling in Seattle, and options to revitalize the communities impacted. The discussion was held in a joint meeting of the Finance and Culture Committee, and the Committee on Housing, Affordability, Human Services and Economic Resiliency, Chaired by Nick Licata.
Resolution 31495 directed the formation of an Interdepartmental Team (IDT) to explore principal reduction and other foreclosure prevention programs that can help low- income homeowners who have significant negative equity and may be at risk of losing their homes due to foreclosure. Since 2006, nearly five million families nationally have lost their homes to foreclosure, nine million Americans have lost their jobs, and ten million families now owe more on their mortgages than their homes are worth. Foreclosures in Seattle have adversely impacted communities of color in Seattle with nearly 8% of Seattle's African-American and Latino homeowners foreclosed upon to date as compared to 4.5% for white homeowners.
The IDT recommended several viable alternatives to foreclosure. In addition, panelists from Reset Seattle, a coalition of organizations working on promoting principal reduction, including the NAACP, United Black Clergy, Casa Latina, Natural Resource Law Group; and, Washington Community Action Network, also reported to the Joint Council Committee. They urged the IDT to go beyond recommending expansion of outreach and coordination of current programs, and to also seek innovative new solutions, including models that allow an underwater homeowner to rebuy their home at fair market value and reset their mortgage.
"The City should find new ways to provide assistance to Seattle homeowners who are struggling," said Licata. "With mortgage debt overhang impeding economic recovery, principal reduction on underwater homes may aide in our economic recovery," Licata added.
Today's IDT report was preliminary, with final recommendations expected soon. In June they will provide a secondary report to the Joint City Council Finance Committee and Housing Committee that will include a strategic plan with a timeline and program development deliverables as well as potential partners with whom the city could work to fund a program.
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Council Hears Options for Homeowners Struggling in Seattle
I agree that the City must find new, creative ways to provide assistance to Seattle homeowners who are struggling.