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...
Author: City Council News Releases (City Council News Releases)
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Council approves new e-cargo bike program for deliveries
Incentivizes businesses to explore bike deliveries, boosting efficiencies and reducing carbon emissions Today, the City Council passed first-in-the-nation legislation (CB 121040), creating a brand new e-cargo bike program in Seattle. The bill allows for e-cargo bikes to park in curbside parking and loading. The program also includes a waived permit fee for the first year,...
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Councilmember Kettle: Ongoing ICE operations endanger public safety progress
Today, Councilmember Bob Kettle (District 7) released the following statement in response to continued actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Seattle, and the agency’s recent recruitment video that specifically attempts to persuade Seattle Police Department (SPD) officers to work for ICE. I am incredibly concerned by the latest ICE actions – not...
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Council President statement on mayor’s proposed 2026 Budget
City Council President Sara Nelson (Position 9) released this statement following the mayor’s announcement of his 2026 Budget proposal earlier today. This is my fourth budget on the City Council and every year my approach is driven by the most urgent needs our constituents are experiencing in their daily lives – on the street, in...
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Councilmember Strauss kicks off budget deliberations with focus on working families
The Seattle City Council’s budget process is now underway. Councilmember Dan Strauss (District 6), chair of the Council’s Budget Committee, released the following statement after Mayor Bruce Harrell announced his budget proposal today. “We need a safer, more affordable city where working families can thrive. As the federal government rolls back social services and pursues...
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Amended Comprehensive Plan passes out of committee
Council now transitions to budget process while Comp Plan receives additional study before final vote Over the last three days, the Select Committee on the Comprehensive Plan, chaired by Councilmember Joy Hollingsworth (District 3), voted 9-0 to approve amended legislation for the Comprehensive Plan (CB 120985) and Permanent HB 1110 legislation (CB 120993), passing it...
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Council President Nelson celebrates passage of permitting bills to help small businesses and activate vacant storefronts
Earlier today the City Council voted to approve new legislation that will reduce barriers and allow small businesses to setup storefronts faster and cheaper. The bills (CB 121045 and CB 121047), introduced and sponsored by Council President Sara Nelson (Position 9) in collaboration with Mayor Bruce Harrell, seek to directly address concerns frequently cited by...