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March 26, 2014January 6, 2023Councilmember Licata, News Releases

Council Hears Options for Foreclosure Prevention Strategies for Homeowners Struggling in Seattle

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City of Seattle
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 3/26/2014

Councilmember Nick Licata

Council Hears Options for Foreclosure Prevention Strategies for Homeowners Struggling in Seattle

SEATTLE - Councilmembers considered presentations specific to mortgage principal reduction and other foreclosure prevention programs for homeowners who are struggling in Seattle, and options to revitalize the communities impacted. The discussion was held in a joint meeting of the Finance and Culture Committee, and the Committee on Housing, Affordability, Human Services and Economic Resiliency, Chaired by Nick Licata.

Resolution 31495 directed the formation of an Interdepartmental Team (IDT) to explore principal reduction and other foreclosure prevention programs that can help low- income homeowners who have significant negative equity and may be at risk of losing their homes due to foreclosure. Since 2006, nearly five million families nationally have lost their homes to foreclosure, nine million Americans have lost their jobs, and ten million families now owe more on their mortgages than their homes are worth. Foreclosures in Seattle have adversely impacted communities of color in Seattle with nearly 8% of Seattle's African-American and Latino homeowners foreclosed upon to date as compared to 4.5% for white homeowners.

The IDT recommended several viable alternatives to foreclosure. In addition, panelists from Reset Seattle, a coalition of organizations working on promoting principal reduction, including the NAACP, United Black Clergy, Casa Latina, Natural Resource Law Group; and, Washington Community Action Network, also reported to the Joint Council Committee. They urged the IDT to go beyond recommending expansion of outreach and coordination of current programs, and to also seek innovative new solutions, including models that allow an underwater homeowner to rebuy their home at fair market value and reset their mortgage.

"The City should find new ways to provide assistance to Seattle homeowners who are struggling," said Licata. "With mortgage debt overhang impeding economic recovery, principal reduction on underwater homes may aide in our economic recovery," Licata added.

Today's IDT report was preliminary, with final recommendations expected soon. In June they will provide a secondary report to the Joint City Council Finance Committee and Housing Committee that will include a strategic plan with a timeline and program development deliverables as well as potential partners with whom the city could work to fund a program.

[View in Council Newsroom]

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March 20, 2014January 6, 2023News Releases

Councilmember Rasmussen heralds passage of disabled parking placard reform

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City of Seattle
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 3/20/2014

Councilmember Tom Rasmussen

Councilmember Rasmussen heralds passage of disabled parking placard reform

SEATTLE - Councilmember Tom Rasmussen released the following statement today on the State Legislature's passage of House Bill (HB) 2463, which addresses unauthorized use of disabled parking placards:

"Seattle police have told me over half of disabled placards are being used fraudulently so people without disabilities can get free street parking. Our hands have been tied, but following a multi-year reform effort, HB 2463 has the muscle that will allow us to help curb that misuse," said Rasmussen, Chair of the Council's Transportation Committee. Having previously served as Director for the Seattle Mayor's Office for Senior Citizens, Rasmussen has long-been a leading advocate for seniors and people with disabilities.  "I thank members of the House and Senate for unanimously passing this important piece of legislation," Rasmussen added.

"This reform is an important step toward curbing abuse of disabled parking placards, and I was pleased to see its adoption," said Toby Olson, Executive Secretary of the Governor's Committee on Disability Issues and Employment. "More work remains to be done to ensure those with disabilities have easy access to street parking, but this legislation is an encouraging move in the right direction."

The impetus behind HB 2463 was the work of a 2013 stakeholder working group convened by the Department of Licensing. HB 2463 is intended to decrease the number of unlawful uses of special parking privileges for persons with disabilities; and, to provide local jurisdictions with the authority to improve their administration of on-street parking.  HB 2463 will also serve to help ensure parking spots are available to those who need it most by clarifying the prohibitions against misuse of a placard, and making it a misdemeanor to sell a placard or to obtain one wrongfully; requiring health care practitioners to authorize and renew special parking privileges; establishing a parking infraction for improper display of parking placards; and, addressing other illegal activity that has occurred.

[View in Council Newsroom]

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March 19, 2014January 6, 2023Councilmember Sawant, News Releases

Sawant says, “Big businesses need to be exposed. They are hiding behind small businesses in the debate on $15/hr.”

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City of Seattle
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 3/19/2014

Councilmember Kshama Sawant

Sawant says, "Big businesses need to be exposed. They are hiding behind small businesses in the debate on $15/hr."

SEATTLE -- Councilmember Kshama Sawant offered the following statement in response to favorable reactions to her proposal of a new specific policy direction for $15/hour minimum wage. The proposal was announced as part of her speech last Saturday, March 15th:

"It's been said before, but worth re-stating: we need a full minimum of $15/hour for all of Seattle's workers. Small nonprofits that provide essential human services have been struggling with stagnant government funding. The best path is to tax the rich and big businesses to ensure that human services are fully funded, and the employees of micro businesses and human service nonprofits also get a full $15/hour.

"Conversations and newspaper columns have brought up carve-outs like tip credit, total compensation, training wages and teenage wages, which are completely contrary to the interests of workers. Big businesses have not shown their faces in the debate, and they are glad as long as they can hide behind small businesses.

"The Mayor has expressed concerns about 'very small businesses'. If the concern is about small businesses, then I would assume Mayor Murray agrees with me that big businesses can pay $15/hour now.

"To help the Mayor's Advisory Committee begin to make some progress, I have proposed we separate out the issue of how to implement the $15/hour minimum wage for big businesses versus non-profits and small businesses. I am proposing that big business pay $15/hour starting January 1, 2015, with a yearly cost of living increase and no tip credit, no total compensation, no teenage wages and no training wages.

"Economic studies show that small local businesses benefit from higher wages to workers, who are also consumers. To make progress, however, I am proposing a three-year phase-in for small businesses and human service providers, starting with an $11/hour minimum wage on January 1, 2015 and increasing up to $15/hour in three years with a yearly cost of living increase.

"Offering a phase-in to small businesses will force the discussion to focus on big businesses. People should not forget, though, that the cost of living for workers is no different regardless of the size of the company.

"My proposal has been sent to the Mayor's Income Inequality Advisory Committee. I have asked them to discuss it as the main agenda item at their next meeting on March 26th. I welcome the call by the grassroots campaign 15 Now for workers to come together on April 26th to review the progress by the Mayor's committee. This is an example of working class activism and democracy that I hope will spread throughout the country.”

[View in Council Newsroom]

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March 19, 2014January 6, 2023Councilmember Licata, News Releases

Local Progress Brings City Councilmembers From Cities Nationwide For Income Inequality Symposium

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City of Seattle
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 3/19/2014

Councilmember Nick Licata

Local Progress Brings City Councilmembers From Cities Nationwide For Income Inequality Symposium

SEATTLE - Councilmember Nick Licata will join councilmembers from Chicago, New York, San Francisco, Philadelphia, San Diego, and San Jose and participate in a March 27 symposium to address income inequality. The event is co-sponsored by Seattle Mayor Ed Murray, Seattle University, and Local Progress, a network of local elected officials from around the country committed to shared prosperity and good government. Local Progress was initiated in 2012 by Councilmember Nick Licata who also serves as the national chair.

The symposium is intended to inform the community discussion surrounding the minimum wage, and the work of the Mayor's Income Inequality Advisory Committee. The event is free and open to the public. Advanced registration is encouraged.

WHAT: Day-long Symposium to Address Income Inequality, co-sponsored by Local Progress, Seattle Mayor Ed Murray, and Seattle University

WHEN: Thursday, March 27, 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

WHERE: Seattle University - Campion Residence Hall Ballroom (901 12th Ave, Seattle)

WHO: National experts, elected officials, and local representatives of the Income Inequality Advisory Committee, including but not limited to:

  • Seattle Councilmember Nick Licata and National Chair, Local Progress
  • Chicago Aldermen John Arena, Toni Foulkes and Roderick Sawyer
  • New York City Councilmember Ritchie Torres
  • Philadelphia Councilmember Wilson Goode, Jr.
  • San Diego Councilmember David Alvarez
  • San Francisco Supervisor John Avalos
  • San Jose Councilmember Don Rocha

Attending Councilmembers had the following to say about Seattle's work to address income inequality:

John Avalos, San Francisco Board of Supervisors:

"In San Francisco, we pride ourselves on having the highest minimum wage in the country, at $10.55 an hour. But that's still not enough on which to raise a family, particularly given our city's high cost of living. I am tremendously excited about Seattle's push for a $15 minimum wage. Seattle's leadership is helping to change the national discourse about work, poverty, and inequality and I look forward to seeing Seattle, San Francisco, and many other cities and states across the country move to significantly raise the minimum wage and empower all working families to have a dignified life."

Wilson Goode, Philadelphia City Council:

"Too many workers across Philadelphia struggle to get by on poverty wages. No matter how many hours they work, those families don't have the dignity of livable wages. For years, I have championed economic development policies to reduce income inequality in Philadelphia. I am excited to come to Seattle and join the effort to dramatically raise the minimum wage there. Efforts like these are part of a nation-wide movement to lift families out of poverty and reward hard work with dignity and security."

Local Progress is a network of local elected officials from across the country committed to a strong economy, equal justice, livable cities, and effective government.

Additional speakers include Lori Pfingst, Center for Budget and Policy; Dorian Warren, Columbia University; Paul Sonn, National Employment Law Project; Michael Reich and Ken Jacobs, U.C. Berkeley; and, Marieka Klawitter and Bob Plotnik, University of Washington. A complete list of panelists, and an agenda for the day's event, is available online.

[View in Council Newsroom]

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March 18, 2014January 6, 2023Councilmember Godden, Councilmember Licata, News Releases

Councilmembers Licata, Godden statements on the passing of former Councilmember Jim Compton

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City of Seattle
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 3/18/2014

Councilmember Jean Godden
Councilmember Nick Licata

Councilmembers Licata, Godden statements on the passing of former Councilmember Jim Compton

SEATTLE - Councilmembers Nick Licata and Jean Godden issued the following statements today on the passing of former Councilmember Jim Compton:

Councilmember Nick Licata:

"Jim and I shared a term of service, an interest in writing and a love of literature. As a journalist and councilmember, Jim worked tirelessly to inform the public, educate the electorate and tell the stories that had meaning to Seattleites.

"Beginning with his election in 1999, Jim advocated for open and transparent government, police accountability and a municipally-owned wireless system. I was proud to serve with him as fellow members of the Utilities & Technology, Energy & Environmental Policy, and Government Affairs & Labor committees. During the years we worked together, I found Jim's approach to governing to be thoughtful yet still bold. He was easy to work with but stood up for his beliefs.

"Before being elected to the Council, we all knew Jim for his career in journalism, working first for NBC and ultimately as producer and host of the top-rated weekly news program "The Compton Report." Like so many in Seattle, I relied on "The Compton Report" for an in depth analysis of local issues.

"Jim served with conviction and enthusiasm. His death leaves an undeniable void for us all, and his inquisitive spirit will be missed. Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time."

Councilmember Jean Godden:

"Today, the City lost one of its most thoughtful citizens and big thinkers with the passing of Jim Compton.

"I first knew Jim as a fellow journalist. He was working as producer of "The Compton Report" for KING-TV, and I was a columnist for The Seattle Times. Over the years, we often met professionally, covering the same story. As a city columnist, I covered him during his first four years on the Seattle City Council. Later I joined him as a fellow councilmember. During the two-plus years we served together, Jim was more than generous with advice, serving both as a friend and mentor. He often extended a helping hand on issues of importance to us both. I remember his zeal for historic preservation and his recognition of Seattle's role in maritime history.

"It was a sad day when I learned that he would be leaving the council, but I respected his enthusiasm for returning to his roots as a journalist. I know that Jim's post-City Hall life was rich, and he often lobbied the Council for issues he cared deeply about. His work as a journalist, author and legislator has improved our region and City. He will be deeply missed."

[View in Council Newsroom]

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March 18, 2014January 6, 2023Councilmember Licata, News Releases

Committee calls for ‘Civics for All’ initiative to bolster student engagement in Seattle Schools

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City of Seattle
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 3/14/2014

Councilmember Nick Licata

Committee calls for 'Civics for All' initiative to bolster student engagement in Seattle Schools

SEATTLE - A resolution supporting the "Civics for All" initiative was unanimously adopted by the Council's Finance and Culture Committee today. The Resolution calls for an increase in civics education for students—the study of the rights and duties of citizenship and the relationships among citizens and with their government. In a unique coordinated effort, the King County Council is expected to vote in support of the initiative on Monday on the same day as the City's Full Council.

The "Civics for All" program proposes a set of tenets to help students in Seattle Schools learn about civic life and to suggest ways that civics could be integrated across the curriculum. The tenets include:

  • Voting and elections, with mock elections in each school each year;
  • Civics classroom-based assessments, with at least three civics assessments each year for each grade level; and,
  • Media literacy education to help students learn about electoral politics and current events.

"We can't let 'House of Cards' serve as the foundation for students' civics education. By introducing more civics into our classrooms, we empower new generations to become actively engaged in our city, county, state and country," said Councilmember Nick Licata, the resolution's sponsor. "I particularly look forward to seeing the initiative's goal of increasing civic engagement among Seattle youth realized through mock elections held in schools," Licata added.

A similar measure, King County Council Motion 2014-0068, sponsored by Council Chair Larry Phillips, which declares the County Council's support for the Civics for All Initiative, is expected to be voted on in Full Council during Monday's meeting of the King County Council on March 17. Together, through this legislation, the City and the County send a unified message on the value of introducing more civics education in the classroom.

Experts consider the initiative crucial to empowering new generations to become active, critical thinkers in our democracy. According to Tufts University, civic education is good for young people's academic success and prospects on the job market; Only 2% of Seattle's non-college-educated adults have any kind of civic leadership role, meaning that their voice is missing in the city's neighborhoods. Seattle's high school students who are not on a path to college need more education and encouragement to participate in civic life.

The "Civics for All Initiative," which was developed by a Seattle schoolteacher, Web Hutchins, has been vetted by experts from the University of Washington, Seattle University, Stanford University, and the Center for Civics Education. A final vote by the City's Full Council is expected on Monday, March 17th.

[View in Council Newsroom]

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March 18, 2014January 6, 2023City Clerk, News Releases

Councilmember Clark’s statement following Full Council Vote on Taxi, For-Hire Legislation

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City of Seattle
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 3/17/2014

Councilmember Sally J. Clark

Councilmember Clark's statement following Full Council Vote on Taxi, For-Hire Legislation

Seattle - Councilmember Sally J. Clark, Chair of the Committee on Taxi, For-Hire and Limousine Regulations, released a statement today following the final vote on Council Bill 118036, relating to companies and drivers of a new type of for-hire vehicle in order to create a pilot program for transportation network companies (TNCs) and affiliated drivers and vehicles:

"My experience on Council has been that every few years something about taxi regulations gets to the point where something has to be fixed. Realizing that avoiding a comprehensive fix is no longer possible, today my Council colleagues and I took decisive action.

"What we're voting on today isn't a complete fix, but it's a start. The first meeting of the Taxi, Limo, For-Hire Committee (March 14, 2013), started out of a need to resolve conflict between the taxis and the flat-rates and to better fund enforcement of the rules governing the existing, legacy players. The committee was tasked quickly with a different question: how do we bring new players with different business models into a regulatory framework built for a different time?

"Since that time we've heard hours of testimony at the microphone; contracted for a study of the Seattle market to get a better idea of the demand for alternatives to the personal automobile and bus; and, been deluged with calls and emails. Through all of this we've attempted to ground our work in three goals: Safety, consumer protection, and expanded mobility.

"Customers want more choices and better service. TNC vehicles will now become a legal choice with appropriate driver, vehicle and insurance safeguards.

"The limited access to taxi licenses in Seattle and King County coupled with driver and vehicle regulations that haven't kept up with contemporary service expectations and technology, made disruption not only inevitable, but welcomed by many drivers and riders. We'll change that by releasing more taxi licenses and revamping driver training and vehicle checks.

"We have much more work to do with respect to driver training, safety and customer service, vehicle licensing and re-licensing. We will be working with Mayor Murray as we track the impacts on passengers and drivers. I'm glad to see his commitment to quick and focused revamping of the city's for-hire regulations, and I hope King County regulators, our partners in all of this, are as excited as we are to crack open licensing.

"In cities across the United States and other parts of the globe, companies have chosen to launch first, ask questions later. Every city and state looks to be playing out the same debate as we're having here. In Seattle, we've now defined the regulatory framework under which UberX, Lyft, Sidecar and their followers can operate legally in the city. These rules recognize that times are changing - and that safety and consumer protection never go out of style."

[View in Council Newsroom]

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March 10, 2014January 6, 2023Councilmember Harrell, News Releases

Council Briefed by Community Police Commission

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City of Seattle
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 3/10/2014

Councilmember Bruce A. Harrell

Council Briefed by Community Police Commission

Seattle - Councilmember Bruce Harrell, chair of the Council's Public Safety, Civil Rights and Technology Committee, hosted the Community Police Commission (CPC) at Council Briefing on Monday. The CPC highlighted work from 2013 and discussed the 2014 work plan.

"The 15 commissioners have done tremendous work representing the diversity of Seattle and advancing reform," said Harrell. "The CPC has been a critical resource in helping us develop community dialogue and facilitating community relationships to enhance public safety for all," Harrell added.

Link to the briefing documents are available online:

The CPC was established in 2012 as part of the Department of Justice Settlement Agreement. The 15 community representatives are responsible for making recommendations to the City on any changes to Seattle Police Department (SPD) policies, practice, training regarding stops and detentions, bias-free policing, transparency and public reporting, and Office of Professional Accountability.

The Commission has accomplished extensive community outreach. In total, the Commission has conducted over 150 outreach events and has received input from over 3,400 community members. Those communities include but are not limited to communities of color, homeless, immigrants and refugees, youth, people with disabilities, individuals with substance abuse problems, and members of the LGBT community.

[View in Council Newsroom]