Community groups encouraged to participate in public forum process

Beginning today, July 2, interested candidates who reside in District 5, representing north Seattle, can now apply for the district’s vacant City Council position. Completed applications must be received by the City Clerk before 5 p.m. on Wednesday, July 9 to be accepted.  

Completed applications may be submitted by email at councilvacancy@seattle.gov or in person at Seattle City Hall, City Clerk’s Office, Floor 3.   

Applicants must submit the following items to the City Clerk:  

• Resume 
• Cover letter 
• Completed financial interest statement form 

State law and the Seattle City Charter require applicants to be:   

• A citizen of the United States  
• A qualified voter of the State of Washington  
• Able to read and write the English language  
• A registered voter of District 5 of the City of Seattle at least 120 days prior to and including the date of filing the declaration of candidacy. 

Community group participation 

Local groups interested in the process can participate in two ways:  

• Community entities that wish to provide general feedback on the forum’s structure, questions to be posed to candidates, or accessibility considerations should complete this form posted on the City Clerk’s Council Vacancy webpage.   
• Community entities can also get involved by potentially hosting the public forum where candidates are publicly interviewed. Organizations should email a letter of interest describing their capacity and prior relevant experience to councilvacancy@seattle.gov by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, July 9.  

Background  

The City Charter gives the Council 20 calendar days to fill a vacant position. This 20-day period begins July 8, 2025, the first day following Councilmember Cathy Moore’s official resignation, effective July 7, and ending on July 28. 

What’s next 

A public forum for the community to hear from the candidates has not been finalized but is tentatively scheduled for July 21.   

A Special (full) City Council meeting will be scheduled for July 28 for councilmembers to vote on applicants. A successful candidate will be appointed once they receive a simple majority of at least five votes.    

For additional information, including the latest updates, please visit the City Clerk’s vacancy page.

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