Today in a split vote (6-2), the City Council okayed new ethics reporting for consultants who contract with the City. Amended CB 121130, sponsored by Council President Sara Nelson (Position 9), will require consultants to report and disclose information similar to lobbyists.

“The fact that a consultant can be embedded in city government on the taxpayer’s dime while simultaneously advising multiple paid campaign clients simply doesn’t pass the smell test,” said Council President Nelson. “These common-sense disclosure reporting requirements are long overdue and finally bring Seattle closer in line with our peer cities. I want to thank my colleagues for their support in passing this ethics bill — it’s a vital step toward creating the transparency and accountability Seattleites deserve.”

Next steps

The bill will now be sent to the Mayor for his consideration.

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