Author: City Council News Releases (City Council News Releases)

Home » Archives for City Council News Releases
fresh produce in a grocery cart in a grocery store aisle
Post

Council acts to boost food access in Seattle Neighborhoods

Council President Nelson-sponsored bill bans anti-competitive covenants and declares public health emergency due to increased store closures Today the City Council unanimously approved emergency land use legislation that prohibits the use of restricted covenants on grocery stores and pharmacies which bar grocery stores from having competing chains opening in the location of one that has...

Post

Councilmember Saka proposes budget amendments to strengthen transportation infrastructure and transit safety and security

Today, Councilmember Rob Saka (District 1), who also chairs the Council’s Transportation Committee, announced his slate of proposed amendments for the 2026 Budget. The proposals directly address key constituent concerns by prioritizing specific investments in enhanced transit safety and security, additional funding for widespread pothole repairs, and initiating the long-overdue repair process for SW Roxbury...

Councilmember Rinck joined by stakeholders at a transit press conference.
Post

Councilmember Rinck and transit leaders announce ‘Better Bus Lanes’ campaign

Coalition-backed initiative seeks to advance safety improvements and reliable transit  Earlier today, City Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck (Position 8) announced the “Better Bus Lanes” Campaign on Seattle’s Capitol Hill, in response to a Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) proposal last month to remove a block of bus lane on East Union Street that serves the...

Post

Council President Nelson statement on city’s updated revenue forecast

Earlier today Seattle city officials were briefed on the updated economic and revenue forecast for October. In response to more optimistic updated numbers, including an estimated $14.6 million in additional revenue in 2026 compared to the August forecast, Council President Sara Nelson (Position 9) released the following statement:   “Based on today’s revenue forecast briefing,...

Council President Sara Nelson speaking at a podium in Occidental Square Park, surrounded by clapping supporters of her new legislations
Post

Council President Nelson celebrates passage of public safety tax initiative: ‘A progressive investment that will save lives’  

Today City Council President Sara Nelson (Position 9) celebrated the 8-1 passage of CB 121083 which will enable dedicating up to 25% of the Mayor’s Legislature-approved public safety sales tax to critical addiction treatment services and recovery-based supports. The new 0.1% increase is expected to generate $39 million for public safety in 2026, with $7.5...

Post

Councilmember Hollingsworth calls for action after violence on Capitol Hill

City Councilmember Joy Hollingsworth (District 3), whose district includes the Capitol Hill neighborhood, released this statement following a deadly shooting in the community on Thursday night, October 9. Last night, another life was taken on Capitol Hill. I am devastated. My heart aches for the victim, their family and friends, and every neighbor who witnessed...

Post

Councilmember Rivera condemns federal government shutdown and disruption of critical services for Seattle residents

City Councilmember Maritza Rivera (District 4) today released this statement after the Trump administration and federal lawmakers failed to reach a budget deal, leading to a government shutdown. “I want to address the harmful shutdown of the Federal Government. In the Seattle Metropolitan area, which includes Tacoma and Bellevue, there are over 30,000 federal employees...

Washington Attorney General Nick Brown speaks at a City of Seattle press conference.
Post

Public Safety Chair Kettle on President Trump’s latest remarks on use of troops in our cities, including Seattle

Following Monday’s press conference with Mayor Bruce Harrell, State Attorney General Nick Brown, and other city officials, President Trump again inflamed tensions today by claiming he’d use Seattle and other “dangerous” cities as “training grounds” for the military. Over the past two years Seattle crime rates have trended downward, police hiring is dramatically up, and...

Councilmember Rinck speaking at a podium with the Habitat for Humanity logo
Post

City Council approves ‘Roots to Roofs’ bonus pilot program

Legislation promotes creation of more community-led affordable housing across Seattle Today, the City Council voted unanimously to approve the ‘Roots to Roofs’ bonus pilot program, also known as Council Bill 121011. The bill, sponsored by Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck (Position 8), supports more community-led affordable housing development by providing a citywide density bonus and an...

Post

City Council approves District Project Fund

Aimed at creating significant traffic safety improvements at the district level Today, the Seattle City Council voted to approve new legislation that puts into place the District Project Fund, establishing that transportation program funding will be tracked by council district, and Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) will work with Councilmembers on proposed initiatives. The legislation...