The following news release was published by the Mayor’s Office. Today, Mayor Bruce Harrell and Seattle City Council President Sara Nelson introduced two new pieces of legislation to accelerate retail occupancy by amending existing building codes and reducing time-consuming regulatory barriers and costs for small businesses seeking to activate vacant commercial storefronts. “In Seattle we are committed to building a...
Sara Nelson
News Releases from Councilmember Nelson
Council approves Council President Nelson’s bill dedicating anticipated public safety tax revenue to recovery services
Today, the Council approved by an 8-0 vote a resolution introduced by Council President Sara Nelson (Position 9) to dedicate up to 25% of any proposed sales tax increase to a progressive public safety initiative that would invest in critical addiction treatment services. The goal of the initiative is to fill treatment gaps in existing services to support Seattle’s public...
Council appoints Debora Juarez to fill District 5 vacancy
Twice-elected former councilmember will serve until November 2026 The City Council voted today to appoint Debora Juarez to fill the vacant position representing District 5, which encompasses north Seattle. After one round of voting, Juarez received the necessary five-vote majority for the appointment. The appointment is effective immediately and will last until November 2026, when voters will have the opportunity...
Housing & Human Services Committee business to be heard at full Council next Tuesday, July 29
Council President Sara Nelson (Position 9) released this statement following the lack of quorum at Wednesday’s Housing & Human Services (HHS) Committee meeting. “I want to acknowledge the frustration my excused absence contributed to the lack of quorum at yesterday’s HHS committee meeting and apologize to the people who took the time to show up for the committee vote on...
Council President Nelson announces progressive public safety initiative dedicating anticipated increased sales tax revenue to addiction treatment services
Today Council President Sara Nelson (Position 9), joined by key Seattle-area providers, announced her resolution to dedicate up to 25% of any proposed sales tax increase for a progressive public safety initiative that will shore up “pathways to recovery” through investment in critical addiction treatment services. The Washington State Legislature authorized local jurisdictions to increase the local sales and use...
Council gives final go-ahead to install interactive kiosks in neighborhood business districts
From bus schedules to emergency alerts – will offer visitors, residents a variety of on-demand information Today, the City Council approved by a 6-2 vote an ordinance granting the Downtown Seattle Association (DSA) permission to install and operate interactive media kiosks in neighborhood business districts around Seattle. CB 120992 is sponsored by Council President Sara Nelson (Position 9), Chair of...
City Council announces application process and key dates for District 5 seat vacancy
Today City Council President Sara Nelson (Position 9) confirmed the formal process to fill the vacant Council seat after the resignation of Councilmember Cathy Moore (District 5), effective July 7. Councilmembers were given a presentation on the procedure and what to expect earlier this week during Council Briefing. Interested candidates may apply beginning Wednesday, July 2 at 8 a.m. through Wednesday, July 9 by...
Council approves Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise Levy renewal package for November ballot
Levy expands investments in early education, continues K-12 academic and health supports, and universal access to a two-year college degree Today the City Council unanimously voted to send the Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise (FEPP) Levy renewal to the November 2025 ballot for voters to consider. The review process was led by Select Committee Chair Maritza Rivera (District 4). “These...
Seattle City Councilmembers urge peaceful demonstrations ahead of weekend gatherings
Today in anticipation of the large demonstrations scheduled for this weekend, Council President Sara Nelson (Position 9), Councilmember Joy Hollingsworth (District 3), and Councilmember Bob Kettle (District 7) released the following joint statement. This morning, Council President Nelson also joined state and local leaders at a press conference discussing public safety preparations. Seattle fully supports the right for people to...
Council OKs first step in siting interactive kiosks
Today the City Council approved 7-2 an amended resolution that paves the way for permitting the siting of digital kiosks in neighborhood business districts around the city, in partnership with the Downtown Seattle Association (DSA). Council President Sara Nelson (Position 9) has been the prime sponsor of the kiosk rollout which will provide an interactive public information source for residents...
Council President Sara Nelson’s statement on resignation of Councilmember Cathy Moore
City Council President Sara Nelson (Position 9) released this statement following Councilmember Cathy Moore’s (District 5) announcement today that she will step away from her seat, effective July 7. “Councilmember Moore’s decision to leave the City Council is disappointing news, but I respect and support her choice,” said Council President Nelson. “I want to express my appreciation for her...
Transportation Chair Saka bill sets up expansion of Traffic Safety Cameras
Approved legislation reserves privacy protections while advancing Vision Zero safety goals City Councilmember Rob Saka (District 1), Chair of the Transportation Committee, celebrates passage of legislation he sponsored, by an 8-0 Council vote, that expands the use of automated traffic safety cameras in the city. The bill establishes additional uses for traffic cameras to increase safety, creates a new Automated...