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

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April 3, 2013January 6, 2023Councilmember O'Brien, News Releases

Councilmembers Clark, O’Brien Advocate for Transportation Options in Olympia

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City of Seattle
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 4/3/2013

Council President Sally J. Clark
Councilmember Mike O'Brien

Councilmembers Clark, O'Brien Advocate for Transportation Options in Olympia

Seattle City Councilmembers Sally J. Clark and Mike O'Brien today will meet with key state legislators to advocate for local transportation funding options. Both will travel to Olympia as part of the "Keep King County Moving Coalition," highlighting the need to preserve King County Metro transit service and critical roadway maintenance.

Metro faces a $75 million annual shortage if the state Legislature fails to approve transit funding tools, a shortfall that would result in the reduction of up to 17 percent of Metro's bus service.  According to King County Metro, 65 transit routes are at risk of being cancelled, with another 86 routes at risk for service reductions. "Keep King County Moving" has coordinated business, government and community advocates to speak with one voice about the threat transit cuts pose to business, growth management and quality of life.

"It's do-or-die time," said Council President Sally J. Clark.  "Without funding options, we can expect commutes to suffer and business to be impacted."

"Metro cuts will disproportionally affect low-income communities," said Councilmember Mike O'Brien.  "I have faith that our friends in Olympia will recognize that giving local jurisdictions tools to provide service is the right thing to do.

Seattle City Councilmembers frequently meet with legislators as part of the "Seattle for Washington" program, which is intended to strengthen relationships with key policy makers and better understand issues important to communities around the state.  For more on Metro's funding shortfall and what it could mean for the future of transit riders and our economy, please visit Metro's website.

[View in Council Newsroom]

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April 1, 2013January 6, 2023News Releases

Seattle City Council statement on the passing of former Councilmember Cheryl Chow

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City of Seattle
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 4/1/2013

Council President Sally J. Clark          

Seattle City Council statement on the passing of former Councilmember Cheryl Chow

Seattle -- The Seattle City Council issued the following statement on the passing of former Councilmember Cheryl Chow:

"As a teacher, principal, coach, City Councilmember and School Board member the Honorable Cheryl Chow worked tirelessly to improve the lives of children and families in Seattle.  As a Seattle City Councilmember from 1990-1997 Cheryl pushed hard for and won policies, programs and budgets that made Seattle a better place for the children she regarded as Seattle's future. She leaves a lasting legacy when it comes to youth enrichment programs, the city's rich network of community centers, and guided the transformation of the Coliseum into Key Arena. Cheryl served with intelligence, compassion and sharp wit. 

While colleagues (and sports opponents) knew her as a strong-willed competitor, Cheryl brought strong-willed competition to a whole new level in her fight against cancer. In her final role as a public advocate Cheryl's coming out made her a hero to many who never knew her work as a councilmember.  Cheryl's work as an advocate and her positive, competitive presence will be missed."

The Seattle City Council honored Cheryl Chow with a proclamation on September 17, 2012, declaring "Cheryl Chow Day" in Seattle.  The full text of the proclamation can be viewed here.

A Seattle Channel tribute to Cheryl Chow can be viewed here.

[View in Council Newsroom]

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April 1, 2013January 6, 2023Councilmember Bagshaw, Councilmember Harrell, Councilmember Licata, Councilmember O'Brien, Councilmember Rasmussen, News Releases

Seven remaining Councilmembers announce candidacy for Mayor

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City of Seattle
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 4/1/2013

Councilmember Richard Conlin
Council President Sally J. Clark
Councilmember Sally Bagshaw
Councilmember Jean Godden
Councilmember Nick Licata
Councilmember Mike O'Brien
Councilmember Tom Rasmussen

Seven remaining Councilmembers announce candidacy for Mayor
Will run as collective

Seattle -- The seven Councilmembers who are not already in the race for Mayor today announced that they will pioneer a new model for Seattle governance by running for Mayor as a collective. The seven will appear on the ballot as a single name, "O'Bagcloddenconrasita," reflecting their collegial approach to the position.

"Experience teaches us that seven heads are better than one," said the group speaking in unison. "Seven of nine is an excellent model for decision-making," they commented, making the obligatory geeky Star Trek allusion.

"This way the people of Seattle will know that there will always be a Mayor on the job," O'Bagcloddenconrasita added. "By taking shifts, we can cover the Mayor's office 24-7. And the Mayor can lobby in Olympia, cut a ribbon in West Seattle, and hold a town meeting in Ballard, all at the same time."

Commenting on the legality of the proposed candidacy, City Attorney Pete Holmes was sanguine about the outcome of any possible court challenge. "Nothing in the City Charter prevents innovative approaches to governance," Holmes added. "Furthermore, this will make it much easier to get a Mayoral signature on City documents."

The group noted that the departure of seven Councilmembers simultaneously would make it difficult to do business and fill the seven vacancies on the Council, since there would not be a quorum remaining. However, the group agreed that this could easily be resolved by the use of serial resignations spaced one week apart between the election and taking office on January 1. That way, each week eight Councilmembers could conduct business and appoint someone to the vacant seat. By the end of December, seven new Councilmembers would be seated and join Mayor O'Bagcloddenconrasita in governing the City.

[View in Council Newsroom]

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March 28, 2013January 6, 2023News Releases

Sustainable Path Foundation Names Councilmember Richard Conlin as “Sustainability Trailblazer”

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City of Seattle
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 3/28/2013

Councilmember Richard Conlin

Sustainable Path Foundation Names Councilmember
Richard Conlin as "Sustainability Trailblazer"

Seattle -- Councilmember Richard Conlin has been honored as a "Sustainability Trailblazer" by the Seattle-based Sustainable Path Foundation. The Foundation recognized Councilmember Conlin's commitment to sustainability through his accomplishments, including his creation of the Zero Waste Strategy, the Local Food Initiative and his shepherding of 37 neighborhood plans through the Seattle City Council.

"I am honored to receive this award from Sustainable Path Foundation," Councilmember Conlin said. "Sustainability has been my passion since co-founding Sustainable Seattle more than 20 years ago, and it continues to be the guiding principle for my work on the Council."

The Mission Statement of the Sustainable Path Foundation is to promote sustainability and health in our region through collaborative approaches informed by scientific understanding and systems thinking. The Sustainable Path Foundation envisions a sustainable future based on scientific understanding and respect for the interconnected nature of our world.

Gretchen Garth, Paul Brainerd, Chris Jordan, Cathy Tuttle and Kathleen O'Brien were also named "Sustainability Trailblazers."  More information about each of the six honored recipients, including a full description of Councilmember Conlin's credentials, is available at the Seattle Path Foundation's website.

"Richard Conlin, Seattle City Council member, is our sixth Trailblazer," read the Foundation's announcement.  "Richard is being recognized for blazing a trail of sustainability through ensuring that the city values and practices environmental stewardship, economic opportunity, social justice, and community in its every day operations.  Thank you Richard Conlin!"

[View in Council Newsroom]

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March 25, 2013January 6, 2023Councilmember Harrell, News Releases

Seattle City Council to hear from Department of Justice Monitor Merrick Bobb

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City of Seattle
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 3/7/2013

Council President Sally J. Clark
Councilmember Bruce A. Harrell

Seattle City Council to hear from Department of Justice Monitor Merrick Bobb

Seattle - Seattle City Council will host Merrick Bobb and members of the Monitoring team at Council Briefing on Monday, March 11. Bobb is the court-appointed independent monitor for the Department of Justice (DOJ) Settlement Agreement and will provide an update and briefing on the Monitoring Plan.

"The Council looks forward to hearing Merrick Bobb's thoughts and plans to help our Police Department implement the changes required under the Settlement Agreement. We are encouraged that a Monitoring Plan will soon be approved by the Court and look forward to a focused approach on specific outcomes," said Councilmember Bruce Harrell, chair of the Public Safety committee.

The Monitoring Plan for the first year was submitted on March 5 and the Department of Justice filed its "Notice of Approval of the Monitoring Plan for the First Year" with the U.S. District Court on March 6. This is a critical checkpoint in Seattle's DOJ Settlement Agreement. The proposed Monitoring Plan establishes expectations and guidance for the City and DOJ on how the Monitor will assess compliance with the Settlement Agreement.

Monitoring Plan as submitted to U.S. Federal District Judge Hon. James Robart on March 5.

WHAT:           Council Briefing

WHEN:           Monday, March 11, 2013, at 9 a.m.

WHERE:         Council Chambers, second floor
                        Seattle City Hall, 600 Fourth Avenue, Seattle 98104

WHO:              Council President Sally J. Clark
                        Councilmember Bruce A. Harrell
                        Councilmember Sally Bagshaw                    
                        Councilmember Tim Burgess
                        Councilmember Richard Conlin                    
                        Councilmember Jean Godden
                        Councilmember Nick Licata
                        Councilmember Mike O'Brien
                        Councilmember Tom Rasmussen
                        Merrick Bobb (Department of Justice Monitoring Team)
                        Chris Moulton (Department of Justice Monitoring Team)
                        Nick Armstrong (Department of Justice Monitoring Team)
                        Peter Ehrlichman (Department of Justice Monitoring Team)
                        Ronald Ward (Department of Justice Monitoring Team)

[View in Council Newsroom]

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March 25, 2013January 6, 2023News Releases

Mayor, Council create Economic Development Commission

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City of Seattle
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 3/11/2013

Mayor Mike McGinn
Council President Sally J. Clark                               

Mayor, Council create Economic Development Commission
Members will propose strategies for an innovative, sustainable and equitable economy

SEATTLE - Today Mayor Mike McGinn and Council President Sally J. Clark officially announced the formation of the Economic Development Commission (the Commission) to examine Seattle's ability to compete in the global economy of the 21st century.

"Since I launched the Seattle Jobs Plan in 2010, we've been hearing from the people of Seattle who are building our recovery that they need responsive city government, a supportive regulatory environment, investments in infrastructure, and skilled workers," said Mayor Mike McGinn. "I'm looking forward to working with the Commission and the insights and ideas that they will bring to continue to build an innovative economy that is sustainable, that enhances our quality of life, and that helps more people share in our prosperity."

Members of the Commission represent a cross section of business, industry and higher education to advise the Mayor and City Council on the development of plans, policies, regulations, and strategies that have substantial impact on creating and maintaining an innovative economy that is resilient, sustainable, and equitable.

"We live in an amazing place with a startling number of innovators and great talent, and we can't take any of it for granted," said Sally J. Clark, Council President and chair of the Council's Committee on Economic Resiliency and Regional Relations. "This Commission will help us focus the City's role in supporting innovation and talent for shared prosperity."

The Commission is comprised of 15 members, and all commissioners serve a one-year term. The Commission is formally created through Council Ordinance 123786.

"Community leaders initiated the idea to create an economic development commission in 2011 during a series of Council-led forums," said Councilmember Richard Conlin. "The

Commission will greatly assist the City in recommending policy priorities and actions that implement the City's key principles for economic development; quality of life, hospitable and responsive business climate, resilient and sustainable local economy, collaboration and civic leadership, educated workforce, and adaptive strategies."

The ultimate goal of the Commission is to help the City of Seattle develop and advance a vision for Seattle's economic development that nurtures a policy and regulatory environment that encourages innovation and supports business formation and growth, retention, and expansion.

"The University of Washington is deeply interested in training our students to meet and to take advantage of the challenges and opportunities of the future. At the same time, we are fully committed to moving the incredible research done at the University into the market and into our communities where it can improve lives," said Michael Young, president, University of Washington. "For the University to maintain its capacity as an engine for economic stimulation and growth, we need the right environment and partners. The City of Seattle's Economic Development Commission can support just such an ecosystem, and we are very excited to participate."

The Commission will examine existing economic development strategies developed by the city and regional partners, seek additional information if necessary, and examine Seattle's ability to compete in the global economy of the 21st century in terms of innovation, human capital, regulatory process improvement and measuring success.
"As an entrepreneur and investor in early-stage companies, I know that innovation takes place over long cycles," said Chris DeVore, partner, Founders' Co-op and TechStars Seattle. "I'm interested in making sure this Commission is thinking about how Seattle can attract the right talent and create the right ecosystem so that the next generation of new, innovative companies will be founded here rather than somewhere else in the world."

The initial charge of the Commission will be to produce and present a report to the Executive and the Council outlining findings and measures that could be implemented to support business innovation and prepare our workforce to meet the needs of our economy. The Commission will be staffed by the City's Office of Economic Development.

"As a small business owner of a 17-person construction management and project controls company, our business priority is to hire locally and provide training for this industry," Tanya Jimale, president and CEO of JTS. "I want to bring my insights and employer experience together with the Commission to bring in more job opportunities and transition people in the community into good, solid jobs with livable wages."

The initial 15 Economic Development Commission members are:

  • Maud Daudon, President & CEO, Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce
  • Chris DeVore, Partner, Founders' Co-op and TechStars Seattle
  • David Freiboth, Executive Secretary Treasurer, King County Central Labor Council  and Vice President, Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO
  • Christine Hanna, Co-Founder/Co-Director, Seattle Good Business Network
  • Tanya Jimale, President and CEO, JTS
  • Rob Mohn, President, RAM Columbia, LLC
  • Alan Nay, Founder, World Famous
  • Sarah Patterson, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Virginia Mason Medical Center
  • Michael Rawding, Principal, Deerhorn Advisors
  • Chris Rivera, President, Washington Biotechnology and Biomedical Association
  • Brad Tong, Principal, Shiels, Obletz, Johnsen, Inc
  • Dr. Jill Wakefield, Chancellor, Seattle Community Colleges
  • Ken Willman, Chief Legal Officer, Russell Investments
  • Tay Yoshitani, CEO, Port of Seattle
  • Michael Young, President, University of Washington

Access the Economic Development Commission members' biographies and more information about the Commission here.
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Seattle Jobs Plan
Mayor Mike McGinn's vision for next generation economic development that creates a sustainable economy with shared prosperity in Seattle was launched in August 2010. It consists of new and existing policies, programs and investments designed to help create quality jobs, protect the environment, and ensure that taxpayers get true value from the city of Seattle's public investments. For more information, visit www.seattle.gov/mayor/jobsplan

Seattle City Council
In 2009 the Council passed Resolution 31135 outlining the strategies and actions to help promote economic recovery.  In 2011, the Council passed Resolution 31282 adopting guiding principles, actions and strategies for strengthening and growing Seattle's economy.  Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 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.

City's Office of Economic Development (OED)

OED supports a healthy business environment and empowers companies to grow and compete, and provides services directly to businesses through advocacy, retention and expansion assistance, and workforce development. Visit www.growseattle.com to access city services for businesses, and for more information about our office, visit www.seattle.gov/economicdevelopment

[View in Council Newsroom]

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March 25, 2013January 6, 2023Councilmember Harrell, News Releases

Seattle City Councilmember Bruce Harrell’s statement on ruling by U.S. District Judge Robart

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City of Seattle
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 3/12/2013

Councilmember Bruce A Harrell

Seattle City Councilmember Bruce Harrell's statement
on ruling by U.S. District Judge Robart

SEATTLE - The Monitoring Plan for the first year was submitted by the federal monitor, Merrick Bobb, on March 5 and the Department of Justice filed its "Notice of Approval of the Monitoring Plan for the First Year" with the U.S. District Court on March 6. This afternoon, U.S. District Judge James Robart approved the Monitoring Plan.

Today, Councilmember Bruce Harrell, Chair of the Council’s Public Safety, Civil Rights and Technology Committee, released the following statement regarding the ruling by U.S. District Judge James Robart on the Monitoring Plan:

"This marks another significant step in moving forward together to implement the necessary long-lasting positive changes in the Police Department.  As we have witnessed in the last few weeks, the Settlement Agreement process is complex.  In speaking with the dedicated and hard-working police officers at the Seattle Police Department, I have no doubt we are moving in a positive direction to improve public trust and providing the highest level of service in a constitutional manner.  The Monitoring Plan is a roadmap that sets clear metrics on achieving this outcome.  As we move forward, we will hit speed bumps and at those times, we must all remind ourselves to put the City first in order to improve public trust and avoid any delays in implementation of the plan.  The key will be openness, transparency, and collaboration."

On Wednesday, March 13, at 5:30 pm, the Public Safety Committee will take action on the appointments to the Community Police Commission.  The Community Police Commission will be presented to the public and the meeting will start with a public hearing.  The Community Police Commission is a critical element of the Settlement Agreement to impartially review and make recommendations on policies related to use of force and biased policing.

[View in Council Newsroom]

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March 25, 2013January 6, 2023Councilmember Harrell, Councilmember Licata, News Releases

Seattle City Council passes legislation to protect public’s privacy from surveillance equipment

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City of Seattle
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 3/18/2013

Councilmember Bruce A. Harrell
Councilmember Nick Licata

Seattle City Council passes legislation to protect public's privacy from surveillance equipment

Seattle -- The Seattle City Council today unanimously passed legislation to require City departments to obtain Council approval prior to acquiring certain surveillance equipment. Council Bill 117730 additionally requires Council review and approval of department protocols for operating the surveillance equipment and managing the data collected by it.

Through an open and transparent discussion, the Public Safety, Civil Rights, and Technology committee listened to the public's concerns regarding the use of surveillance equipment and acted to ensure strong legislative protocols are in place to protect the public's privacy and civil liberties.

Council Bill 117730 creates a decision framework for City departments to acquire surveillance equipment.  Before acquiring any surveillance equipment, City departments must obtain approval from the City Council.  The department must also propose operational protocols that address how the equipment will be used and protocols that address logistics around data retention, storage, and access.  If the Council approves a department's request to obtain the surveillance equipment, the department cannot use the equipment until Council adopts operational protocols by ordinance.

"With this inclusive legislation, the Council is proactively setting up a framework to ensure the public is involved regarding the use of surveillance equipment," said Councilmember Bruce Harrell, chair of the Public Safety, Civil Rights, and Technology committee.  "The City establishes public trust by earning it through openness and transparency in its decision making."

"For me, the question is should a free society allow personal activities that occur in public to come under 24/7 surveillance? I think that this legislation strikes a balance that provides for safety without compromising the principles of our democracy," said Councilmember Nick Licata.

Departments that currently have surveillance equipment in place must propose operational and data management protocols for Council review and approval no later than 30 days after the effective date of Council Bill 117730.
The information required for the operational and data management protocols include:

1. A clear statement describing the purpose and use of the proposed surveillance equipment.
2. The type of surveillance equipment to be acquired and used.
3. The intended specific location of such surveillance equipment if affixed to a building or other structure.
4. How and when a department proposes to use the surveillance equipment, such as whether the equipment will be operated continuously or used only under specific circumstances.
5. How the department's use of the equipment will be regulated to protect privacy and limit the risk of potential abuse.
6. A description of how and when data will be collected and retained and who will have access to any data captured by the surveillance equipment.
7. The extent to which activity will be monitored in real time as data is being captured and the extent to which monitoring of historically recorded information will occur.
8. A description of the nature and extent of public outreach conducted in each community in which the department intends to use the surveillance equipment.
9. The time period for which any data collected by surveillance equipment will be retained.
10. The methods for storing recorded information, including how the data is to be labeled or indexed.  Such methods must allow for the department personnel and the City Auditor's Office to readily search and locate specific data that is collected and determine with certainty that data was properly deleted, consistent with applicable law.
11. How the data may be accessed, including who will be responsible for authorizing access, who will be allowed to request access, and acceptable reasons for requesting access.
12. A viewer's log or other comparable method to track viewings of any data captured or collected by the surveillance equipment, including the date, time, the individuals involved, and the reason(s) for viewing the records.
13. A description of the individuals who have authority to obtain copies of the records and how the existence and location of copies will be tracked.

[View in Council Newsroom]