FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 2/9/2016

Mayor to bring integrated planning approach to Lake City

SEATTLE – Tomorrow Mayor Ed Murray, along with community advocates and City leaders, will launch the new Office of Planning and Community Development (OPCD) and debut integrated planning in the Lake City community. OPCD will work across City departments and with the neighborhood to assess needs, prioritize investments, and develop a Shared Vision for Lake City that supports an equitable and vibrant community as Seattle grows.

WHO: Mayor Ed Murray
Councilmember Debora Juarez
Lake City neighborhood advocates
Seattle Police Chief Kathleen O’Toole
City Department Directors

WHAT: Launch of OPCD, Shared Vision for Lake City

WHEN 11 a.m., Wed., Feb. 10

WHERE: Site of a future park in Lake City
12510 33rd Ave. NE
Seattle

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 2/8/2016

Council Confirms Dwane Chappelle as Education Director

SEATTLE– City Council voted unanimously to confirm Dwane Chappelle as the new Director for the Department of Education and Early Learning today. Chappelle served as principal for Rainier Beach High School since 2011 and, under his leadership, achieved a 79 percent graduation rate that exceeded the district average. Chappelle also garnered great success with the school’s International Baccalaureate program.

“I really look forward to working with Mr. Chappelle in taking the next bold steps to improve our local education system,” saidCouncil President Bruce A. Harrell, Chair of the Education, Equity, and Governance Committee. “His success in turning Rainier Beach High School around, passion to help students on all socioeconomic levels, and experience working with students displaced from Hurricane Katrina demonstrates his intrinsic leadership skills in getting the job done.”

The Seattle Department of Education and Early Learning’s mission is “to ensure that all Seattle children have the greatest opportunity to succeed in school and in life and to graduate from school ready for college and a career.”

Chappelle intends to address the most critical challenges facing the department, which include:

• Implementing the ambitious Seattle Preschool Program phase-in schedule adopted by the Mayor and City Council.
• Working with Seattle Public Schools to address the persistent opportunity gap minority students face.
• Reauthorizing the Families and Education Levy and the Seattle Preschool Levy, which both expire in 2018.

“Mr. Chappelle has shown tremendous dedication and aptitude in improving educational outcomes at Rainier Beach High School,” said Councilmember Debora Juarez. “We look forward to seeing him tackle the persistent racial disparities in our city’s schools.”

Mr. Chappelle was an assistant principal in Arlington, Texas and Plano, Texas and earned his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Grambling State University and his Masters of Secondary and Higher Education at Texas A&M University.

For more information regarding Dwane Chappelle, visit the following links:

• Dwane Chappelle Appointment Packet
• Dwane Chappelle written confirmation questions and answers

# # #

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast live on Seattle Channel 21, HD Channels 321 Comcast, 721 Wave and on the City Council’s website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

[View in Council Newsroom]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 2/8/2016

Council Confirms Dwane Chappelle as Education Director

SEATTLE– City Council voted unanimously to confirm Dwane Chappelle as the new Director for the Department of Education and Early Learning today. Chappelle served as principal for Rainier Beach High School since 2011 and, under his leadership, achieved a 79 percent graduation rate that exceeded the district average. Chappelle also garnered great success with the school’s International Baccalaureate program.

“I really look forward to working with Mr. Chappelle in taking the next bold steps to improve our local education system,” saidCouncil President Bruce A. Harrell, Chair of the Education, Equity, and Governance Committee. “His success in turning Rainier Beach High School around, passion to help students on all socioeconomic levels, and experience working with students displaced from Hurricane Katrina demonstrates his intrinsic leadership skills in getting the job done.”

The Seattle Department of Education and Early Learning’s mission is “to ensure that all Seattle children have the greatest opportunity to succeed in school and in life and to graduate from school ready for college and a career.”

Chappelle intends to address the most critical challenges facing the department, which include:

• Implementing the ambitious Seattle Preschool Program phase-in schedule adopted by the Mayor and City Council.
• Working with Seattle Public Schools to address the persistent opportunity gap minority students face.
• Reauthorizing the Families and Education Levy and the Seattle Preschool Levy, which both expire in 2018.

“Mr. Chappelle has shown tremendous dedication and aptitude in improving educational outcomes at Rainier Beach High School,” said Councilmember Debora Juarez. “We look forward to seeing him tackle the persistent racial disparities in our city’s schools.”

Mr. Chappelle was an assistant principal in Arlington, Texas and Plano, Texas and earned his Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Grambling State University and his Masters of Secondary and Higher Education at Texas A&M University.

For more information regarding Dwane Chappelle, visit the following links:

• Dwane Chappelle Appointment Packet
• Dwane Chappelle written confirmation questions and answers

# # #

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast live on Seattle Channel 21, HD Channels 321 Comcast, 721 Wave and on the City Council’s website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

[View in Council Newsroom]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 2/4/2016

Councilmember Bagshaw to Convene Homeless Advocates for Roundtable Review

SEATTLE – Councilmember Sally Bagshaw will host a roundtable discussion with homeless advocates on Friday morning to hear their experiences and reactions to the State of Civil Emergency relating to homelessness.  Recently, the Council dedicated $7.5 million in one-time funds for homeless response, on top of the $40.5 million in ongoing funding. 

Councilmember Bagshaw will lead a conversation asking representatives from each organization to share their experience delivering services to or advocating for people experiencing homelessness. The discussion will occur in the Human Services & Public Health Committee, chaired by Councilmember Bagshaw. The public will have the opportunity to testify before Councilmembers and the advocates at the close of the discussion.

Councilmember Bagshaw stated, “I have invited our service providers who are working every day with some of our most vulnerable community members to take the time to talk with us. The goal is to balance both compassion and public safety.”

Council is currently reviewing a proposed implementation plan for how the Human Services Department will allocate $2.3 million dollars during the State of Civil Emergency. Councilmembers will further discuss the spending plan for the state of emergency at the Human Services & Public Health Committee at 2 p.m. on February 10.

WHAT:

Special Council Human Services & Public Health Committee – Roundtable Discussion with Homeless Advocates

WHEN:        

Friday, February 5

9:30 a.m.

WHERE:

Council Chambers, 2nd floor

Seattle City Hall

600 Fourth Ave., Seattle 98104

WHO:

Councilmember Sally Bagshaw

Councilmembers

Melinda Giovengo, YouthCare

Chloe Gale and Kelley Craig, Evergreen Treatment Services

Tim Harris, Real Change News

Jarvis, Seattle Housing and Resource Effort (SHARE)

Sharon Lee and Melinda Nichols, Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI)

Jennifer Shaw, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)

Lisa Daugaard, Public Defenders’ Association

Nicole Macri, Downtown Emergency Services Center (DESC)

# # #

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast live on Seattle Channel 21, HD Channels 321 Comcast, 721 Wave and on the City Council’s website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

[View in Council Newsroom]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 2/2/2016

Council Committee to Vote on New Director for Department of Education and Early Learning

Seattle – Council President Bruce A. Harrell‘s Education, Equity and Governance Committee will vote this Wednesday on the appointment of Dwane Chappelle as the first Director of the newly-created Seattle Department of Education and Early Learning. Chappelle is a former principal at Rainier Beach High School.

The Department of Education and Early Learning is responsible for operation of the Seattle Preschool Program, the Families & Education Levy and the Child Care Assistance Program, among other initiatives.

Councilmembers held an introductory discussion with Chappelle on January 20; submitted formal questions; and will review and discuss written answers from Mr. Chappelle at Wednesday’s meeting.

The Committee recommendation will be subject to a Full Council vote, scheduled for Monday, February 8 at 2:00 p.m.

WHAT:
Dwane Chappelle Confirmation Vote at Council’s Education, Equity and Governance Committee

WHEN:        
Wednesday, February 3
2:00 p.m.

WHERE:
Council Chambers, 2nd floor
Seattle City Hall
600 Fourth Ave., Seattle 98104

WHO:
Councilmembers
Dwane Chappelle

# # #

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast live on Seattle Channel 21, HD Channels 321 Comcast, 721 Wave and on the City Council’s website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

[View in Council Newsroom]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 1/22/2016

The Move Seattle Levy Oversight Committee is Seeking Candidates

SEATTLE – The Move Seattle Levy Oversight Committee seeks candidates to apply for service on the Committee. Candidates will be selected and appointed by the Mayor and City Council.

The Move Seattle Levy Oversight Committee serves as a vital mechanism of accountability on how Move Seattle levy revenues are spent. The Oversight Committee is an advisory body that monitors revenues, expenditures, and program and project implementation. The Oversight Committee advises the City Council, the Mayor, and the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) on responding to program and project cost savings or overruns.

In addition, the Oversight Committee reviews SDOT’s program and project priorities and financial plans, and makes recommendations to the Mayor and the City Council regarding the spending of levy proceeds.  SDOT staffs the Oversight Committee and provides all of the required background and reference materials.

Oversight Committee members are appointed for four years and all appointments are subject to confirmation by the City Council. One member is required to be a licensed engineer with bridge and structures experience.

The Oversight Committee is interested in applicants with diverse backgrounds, including transportation, management, bridge and structures engineering, public policy, advocacy, social services, and business. Oversight Committee members serve without compensation. Members must be residents in the City of Seattle.

To be considered, email a letter of interest and resume to elliot.helmbrecht@seattle.gov by February 7th, 2016. Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 1/21/2016

Councilmember Herbold’s Statement on Homelessness Emergency Order Ratification

SEATTLE – Councilmember Lisa Herbold issued the following statement following Council’s amending and ratification of Mayor Ed Murray’s Order of Civil Emergency relating to creating safe parking lots for people using vehicles as residences:

“Last year in the One Night Count, volunteers found approximately 760 vehicles with people living inside them.  I thank the Mayor for acting on the clear need to assist these people and, in doing so, addressing the impacts on people living without access to water, garbage, and bathroom facilities. 

“Today, Council amended the Order before it took practical effect.  If we hadn’t acted within 48 hours, it would have gone into effect without our changes. Firstly, it was important to explicitly ensure we are collecting demographics on the people served in the safe parking lots.  As outreach workers attempt to find solutions to find permanent housing, it’s essential we track the barriers they face.  We must also track perceived and actual impacts on communities and the City’s response to those impacts. Looking forward, we also need to hear from Executive departments how the City intends to address vehicle camping after the terms for these particular safe lots end.  This was all addressed in the amendments adopted today.

“Secondly, we memorialized operational commitments that were not included in the original Order relating to site management, sanitation, electricity, and potable water, and defining a length of term for the individual lots (six months, with the option for a one-time six month renewal). In addition there is an expectation that these lots will not be reserved for vehicle residents from one particular set of neighborhoods, rather the City will do outreach to all neighborhoods where people are living in their vehicles.  The amendments also require the Executive to justify site suitability and name the factors used to justify that selection.

“Moving forward, it’s important that the Seattle community serves their unhoused neighbors in a way that best meets their needs.  Choosing a remote location with little access to grocery stores, transportation, social services, showers and laundry facilities simply because it’s the easiest choice helps no one.

“Further, these lots cannot be opened to simply serve people living in RVs in Magnolia.  There are vehicle campers all over the city, including Delridge and South Park. If we are to continue this model I want to see the City use a race and social justice lens to fully analyze the properties available citywide and identify choices that are best for those whom we wish to serve, as well as the surrounding community.

“Lastly, I’d like to thank my fellow Councilmembers Sally Bagshaw, Debora Juarez, and Lorena Gonzalez for working with me to develop amending language to the Mayor’s Order of Civil Emergency. I’m pleased with our vote today, and we intend to continue our efforts to find housing for people who need it most.”

# # #

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast live on Seattle Channel 21, HD Channels 321 Comcast, 721 Wave and on the City Council’s website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

[View in Council Newsroom]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 1/19/2016

Councilmember Herbold’s Statement on Homeless Encampment Removals

SEATTLE – Councilmember Lisa Herbold issued the following statement following this morning’s briefing on encampment removals from the Mayor’s office, Human Services Department, and Office of Finance and Administrative Services:

“Thanks to Executive Departments for responding to Council’s concerns and sharing procedures used to address issues related to outdoor camping today. Thank you as well to the Council’s Human Services and Public Health Chair Sally Bagshaw’s commitment to continue this discussion in her upcoming February committee meeting.  

“Development of the 2008 encampment removal protocols included a public process.  Several Councilmembers requested that the Executive consider a new public process to review the existing protocols.  I support that request, but in the interim, I’d ask that of the approximately 171 encampment sites that the Executive has identified, that the Council and the public receive information about the number of the locations that are deemed to be priorities for removal because of public safety threats to residents and/or surrounding communities.   I would like that information to be shared as soon as possible in the hopes we can quickly find some common ground around how best to address the safety of the people there.  For those sites that are not priorities for removal, I would request that we consider using this discussion to design a new public health approach to outreach to those individuals, rather than using limited resources that may only displace people to even less safe locations.

“I remain concerned about the resources that we have for the people staying in encampments that have already been removed.  Of the approximately 184 people staying in the 38 encampments removed since early November, only 74 received shelter.  We need to know more about whether the approximately 110 people who didn’t receive shelter were offered it and refused, and if so why, or whether there wasn’t sufficient capacity.  In their November letter, the ACLU, Columbia Legal Services, and the Seattle King County Coalition on Homelessness stated that the ‘City’s practices appear to include referring people from encampments to shelters that are already at capacity, effectively displacing people who are already in shelter or waiting in line for shelter, and forcing those indoors back into the streets.’  I appreciate that since the declaration of emergency more than 200 shelter beds have been added to the system, but I remain concerned that it is not sufficient to meet the emergency survival needs of the people our encampment removal practices displace.”

# # #

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast live on Seattle Channel 21, HD Channels 321 Comcast, 721 Wave and on the City Council’s website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

[View in Council Newsroom]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 1/19/2016

Open House Tonight on Encouraging Backyard Cottages

Seattle – Councilmember Mike O’Brien and the Office of Planning & Community Development will host an open house this evening regarding ways in which the City can encourage more backyard cottages. The meeting will provide Seattle residents the opportunity to learn about the barriers that frequently deter or prevent homeowners from building a cottage.  The public can also provide input and feedback regarding potential to solutions to encourage more of these affordable units.

Backyard cottages are small dwelling units on the same lot as, but physically separate from, a single-family house. They’re allowed in all single-family zones, but only about 200 have been constructed since Council authorized their construction in 2009. Expanding the production of backyard cottages could provide new housing throughout Seattle and give homeowners an opportunity to earn extra income and remain in their homes.

There will be a second community meeting at the Wallingford Community Center, 4649 Sunnyside Ave., on February 3, 2016 at 6:00 p.m.

WHAT:  
Community Meeting on Encouraging Backyard Cottages

WHEN:
Tuesday, January 19
6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

WHERE:
Filipino Community Center
5740 Martin Luther King, Jr. Way

WHO:
Councilmember Mike O’Brien
Office of Planning & Community Development
Public

# # #

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast live on Seattle Channel 21, HD Channels 321 Comcast, 721 Wave and on the City Council’s website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

[View in Council Newsroom]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 1/15/2016

Delta 5’s Victory ‘A win for the planet’

SEATTLE, Washington – Councilmember Mike O’Brien issued the following statement regarding today’s ruling in the Delta 5 case, in which five climate activists used civil disobedience to blockade a train transporting Bakken shale oil at the Delta rail yard in Everett. The jury in the case ruled the Delta 5 were not guilty of obstruction and will face no jail time. Earlier this week, Snohomish County Judge Anthony Howard allowed the Delta 5 to defend their civil disobedience using “necessary defense,” a justification that their actions were necessary to help stop climate change.

“Today’s victory for Delta 5 is uncommon, unprecedented, and further proof that the tide is turning. Together, they risked their lives on those tracks in an act of civil disobedience for the climate.”

“Congress has repeatedly chosen to ignore the threat of climate change, making direct action to fight climate change not only warranted but necessary. I will continue to do what I can personally and professionally to both regulate coal and oil trains here in Seattle and participate in the broader movement to fight climate change.”

“Abbey, Michael, Patrick, Jackie and Liz helped secure a win for the planet and are on the right side of history. Today I stand with the Delta 5 who, with today’s ruling, helped remind the world of the huge risks oil trains pose to our community.”

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