FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 9/3/2013
Councilmember Bruce Harrell
Council Committee to target Downtown Public Safety
Seattle - Councilmember Bruce Harrell will convene a discussion tomorrow regarding recent public safety incidents in Downtown Sea...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 8/9/2013
Councilmember Tom Rasmussen
Parks Committee Approves Opportunity Fund Acquisitions For SW Seattle
SEATTLE - The Council Parks and Neighborhoods committee approved funding to develop parks and recreation fac...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 8/9/2013
Councilmember Tom Rasmussen
Parks Committee Approves Opportunity Fund Development Project for Capitol Hill
SEATTLE - The Council's Parks and Neighborhoods committee approved funding to develop parks and r...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 8/12/2013
Councilmember Nick Licata
Council votes in favor of socially-responsible banking practices
SEATTLE - City Council unanimously adopted legislation today to incorporate social responsibility principles into Seattle's...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 8/12/2013
Councilmember Bruce A. Harrell
Community Technology Projects Receive $320,000 in Assistance
Grants will help residents gain access to resources to succeed
Seattle - City Council approved $320,000 in matching funds to support twenty-four community technology projects across the city today. The grants will provide technological resources for youth and families, immigrants and refugees, seniors, people with disabilities and job seekers. Specifically, the projects will provide neighborhoods with resources for supporting education, workforce skills, public engagement, community building, after-school homework assistance, digital skills training for social media, audio and video production and basic training in computer and Internet skills.
The projects will assist over 5,000 residents and help to further digital inclusion for Seattleites. More than half (13) of this year's projects are new provider organizations.
The Technology Matching Fund (TMF) program provides grants where the community's contribution of volunteer labor, materials, professional services, or cash is "matched" with the awarding of financial assistance. The Citizens' Telecommunications and Technology Advisory Board (CTTAB) recommended these digital inclusion projects to the Mayor and Council through an open competitive application process.
"This is a critical partnership between the City and the community to maximize resources to ensure that all of our residents have the resources to succeed," said Councilmember Bruce Harrell, chair of the Public Safety, Civil Rights and Technology Committee. "Council has listened to the community each year and added money to maintain the TMF funding at $320,000. This inclusive program reflects the City's commitment to Race and Social Justice by providing resources and technology access to all of our residents."
Antonio Lopez, a young man living in Labateyah, a United Indians Youth Home said, "Having Microsoft Word on the computers will be very helpful to those of us planning to go back school this year -- almost half the youth living at the house."
Tanner Phillips from Neighborhood House said, "to put it simply, TMF funds change people's lives. Technology plays a crucial role in what we do at Rainier Vista to empower people to be self-sufficient. Funds directly support job seekers to find jobs, pay bills and pay for their education. Over time we've seen a lot of good from these funds."
Kiflemariam Sequar from the Eritrean Community in Seattle & Vicinity said, "The computer lab helps all groups come together and contributes to a safe neighborhood. Everything in our life uses technology, whether we like it or not. If we don't use technology we will be falling behind."
2013 Technology Matching Fund Projects: http://www.seattle.gov/tech/tmf/Projects2013.htm
826 Seattle
Technology Upgrade
Provide hardware and software to improve students' literacy, creative processes, and writing and design skills. Students will use computers and the Internet for writing and to learn ways to self-publish through blogs, podcasts and social media websites.
Type: Technology Literacy and Access
Afrique Service Center
Immigrant & Refugee Community Tech & Literacy
Train and assist low income East African refugees and immigrants to be computer literate, self-sufficient and engaged in their community and in their children's education.
Type: Technology Literacy and Access
Asian Counseling and Referral Service
Retail Technology Class
Provide a Retail Technology Class to persons with mental illness. Students will learn iPad Point-of-Sale (POS) systems, computerized cash registers, inventory management, and sales reporting. Students will practice their newly acquired retail skills at Café Hope, their in-house espresso stand.
Type: Technology Literacy and Access
Awareness and Recovery Institute
Recovery through Journalism
Train 6 to 8 East African youths to observe and report on community events for Runta News. Assist the youth in organizing their own websites, blogs, journalism clubs, and possibly their own youth newspaper.
Type: Civic Engagement
Barton Place Apartments / Seattle Housing Authority
Barton Place Computer Lab
Expand programming in the low income housing computer lab to be open 25 hours/week for 48 weeks, and offering 95 hours of computer classes on various topics in English, Vietnamese and Somali.
Type: Technology Literacy and Access
Big-Brained Superheroes Club
Yesler Terrace Meets Digital Logic
Teach low income students in Yesler Terrace STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) workshops in digital logic and electronics. Students will build their own circuits and logic gates in a hands-on engineering lab.
Type: Technology Literacy and Access
Consejo Counseling & Referral Service
Improving Technology Access for South Park Youth
Add new computer equipment to the existing computer lab in South Park. Case managers, counselors or therapists will help Latino youth achieve their goals through improved access to technology.
Type: Technology Literacy and Access
Crown Hill Neighborhood Association
Technology literacy classes at Labateyah
Provide 50 weeks of on-site computer literacy classes for technology underserved, minority youth at United Indians Youth Home.
Type: Technology Literacy and Access
El Centro de la Raza
Senior Computer Literacy and Community Access
Expand Wi-Fi availability throughout El Centro de la Raza's building (including the Senior Program facilities) to increase community access. Train seniors how to safely use the Web, email, Facebook, Skype (and other social media) to improve their overall quality of life.
Type: Technology Literacy and Access
Eritrean Community in Seattle & Vicinity
Eritrean Community Technology Learning Center
Upgrade outdated computers in the Technology Learning Center and offer basic and professional computer skills and Tigrinya language training (GEEZ) to Eritrean families.
Type: Technology Literacy and Access
Ethiopian Community in Seattle
Technology Literacy and Access
Add technology to the existing computer resource center and expand educational programming to provide internet based quality after-school, winter, spring and Summer camp programs for Ethiopian youth.
Type: Technology Literacy and Access
Filipino Community of Seattle
FCS-TMC STEAM Lab
Provide a Robotics and Computer Literacy program targeting low-income, at-risk youth of color grades 8 -12 who have little or no technology or technical skills. The project will establish a STEAM lab (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) at the Filipino Community Center, complete with computer hardware, software, and robotics hardware.
Type: Technology Literacy and Access
Hollow Earth Radio
Hollow Earth Radio Low Power FM Planning Grant
Help transition from an online-only community music & information broadcast to a Low Power FM (LPFM) station in the Central district. The project will apply to the FCC for a license, upgrade existing studio gear to FM-broadcast quality equipment and engage the community to discuss programming goals.
Type: Technology Literacy and Access
Horn Of Africa Services
Technology Literacy Project
Empower East African immigrants and refugees by providing open lab time and computer skill training necessary for civic and cultural participation, employment, lifelong learning and accessing essential services.
Type: Technology Literacy and Access
Iu-Mien American Association
Community Enrichment through Technology
Purchase computers to provide low income Laotian families basic technology literacy training, particularly school-aged children, seniors, and those who lack adequate skills or knowledge to be employable.
Type: Technology Literacy and Access
Jack Straw Foundation
Language and Technology: English Language Learners
Enable English Language Learners at the Seattle World School to increase their English literacy, while learning to use portable and computer-based audio technology. Students will write, perform, and record stories around cultural traditions and community issues
Type: Technology Literacy and Access
Low Income Housing Institute
Computer Access for Low Income Residents
Upgrade 6 computer labs located in low income housing buildings and create infrastructure to continue the Computer Technology and Job Search Training Program by building a volunteer database to track volunteers and residents participating in the program.
Type: Technology Literacy and Access
Neighborhood House
Technology Pathways to Self-Sufficiency Program
Promote economic independence and housing stability among low-income Seattle residents in Rainier Vista and High Point through basic computer training, job readiness programs, ESL and citizenship classes, financial education and coaching, and connections to safe and stable housing. The program will focus on individuals and families who are both unemployed and homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
Type: Technology Literacy and Access
Powerful Voices
ActiveVistas
Provide a 12-week employment program to prepare low-income girls of color, ages 14 to 18, to utilize technology as a civic engagement tool. Participants work with mentors to develop multimedia presentations on social justice topics impacting their lives and neighborhoods and present them at the Girlvolution Conference.
Type: Civic Engagement
SightConnection
Get Connected Assistive Technology Program
Help older adults with vision loss become more independent and healthy overall by improving their proficiency with assistive technology in a hands-on learning lab.
Type: Technology Literacy and Access
Southeast Seattle Senior Center
Bridging the Senior Divide
Upgrade the computer lab in the Senior Center to provide computer literacy training for ethnically diverse seniors in Rainier Valley and Beacon Hill.
Type: Technology Literacy and Access
The Jefferson Terrace Computer Lab Committee / Seattle Housing Authority
Clicking: "A Way to Connect with Digital Learning"
Provide open lab time for the low income residents of Jefferson Terrace and offer basic and intermediate computer instruction in multiple languages. Funds will add digital media class instruction for photography and video.
Type: Technology Literacy and Access
Umoja PEACE Center
Umoja Transmedia Development Lab
Provide valuable access to digital content creation equipment including hardware and software, training and workshops for young people and community members to develop media production skills.
Type: Technology Literacy and Access
Washington Community Alliance for Self-Help
Tech Workshops for Immigrant/Refugee entrepreneurs
Purchase equipment and provide technology literacy trainings for low income entrepreneurs in Spanish, English and East African languages.
Type: Technology Literacy and Access
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 8/7/2013
Councilmember Sally Bagshaw
Bagshaw applauds voters for passage of County parks levy
SEATTLE -- Seattle City Councilmember Sally Bagshaw issued the following statement in response to voter approval of the King County parks levy in the August 2013 election:
"Yesterday voters overwhelming approved the King County Parks Levy. The levy is a six-year property tax levy lid lift that raises revenue for the maintenance and operations of the County’s regional park system, as well as funding for city parks and the Woodland Park Zoo.
"Our voters have once again shown that they deeply value our parks system and we are grateful for the continued support. The King County Parks System is important to kids, families, seniors and Seattle-ites alike. The new levy will help build and preserve ‘Our Big Backyard’ and the connections throughout our region.
"The successful passage of this funding package will generate approximately $360 million over the next six years. This funding will allow the County to continue to invest in our open spaces, improve our trail system, and build recreation opportunities.
"I thank King County Executive Dow Constantine, members of the King County Council, the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks, as well as the voters for their leadership and wise actions. The County approached this levy in a thoughtful and purposeful manner. We will follow their example in the upcoming year as the City of Seattle prepares for a potential parks ballot measure for 2014."
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 8/6/2013
Councilmember Nick Licata
Dean & CEO Tayloe Washburn, Northeastern University - Seattle
Councilmember Licata to unveil City Hall Ping-Pong table with Northeastern University - Seattle
Table available for public use
Seattle - Councilmember Nick Licata will unveil a new City Hall Ping-Pong table Wednesday, August 7, in partnership with Northeastern University- Seattle. The Ping -Pong table will be housed on the lower level of City Hall and be available for public use.
Councilmember Licata and Northeastern University - Seattle Dean & CEO Tayloe Washburn will provide remarks on the origin story of the table and explain how members of the public can sign up to play. Ping-Pong aficionados Licata and Washburn will then face-off for the table's first game.
Councilmember Nick Licata said, "City Hall is host to public concerts, public protests, public rallies; why wouldn't we add a public Ping-Pong table to the mix?"
"Ping-Pong is one of the most popular recreational activities on our South Lake Union campus, largely because simple, low energy activity can improve thought processes and spark innovation," said Tayloe Washburn, Dean and CEO of Northeastern University - Seattle. "The more innovation the better, so Northeastern was happy to spread the wealth."
The Ping-Pong table, paddles and Ping-Pong balls were sold to the City of Seattle by the non-profit Northeastern University - Seattle for one dollar.
WHAT:
City Hall Ping-Pong table unveiling; Ping-Pong showdown between City Councilmember Nick Licata and Northeastern University - Seattle Dean & CEO Tayloe Washburn
WHEN:
12 p.m., Wednesday, August 7
WHERE:
Seattle City Hall
Lower Level, Room adjacent to the red paneling on the 4th Avenue public plaza
600 Fourth Ave, Seattle 98104
WHO:
Councilmember Nick Licata
Tayloe Washburn, Dean & CEO of Northeastern University - Seattle
Council President Sally J. Clark
Office of the Mayor [invited]
About Northeastern University - Seattle
Founded in 1898, Northeastern University is a top-tier, non-profit private research university founded in Boston. Northeastern opened its Seattle Graduate Campus in January 2013 in South Lake Union, offering 28 high-demand graduate degrees in flexible formats designed for working professionals, including science and technology; healthcare and education; non-profit, public, and business administration; and more. Learn more at northeastern.edu/seattle.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 8/5/2013
Councilmember Richard Conlin
City Council, Sound Transit agree on Capitol Hill Station development
SEATTLE -- The Seattle City Council unanimously passed Council Bill 117818 today which approves a Development Agreement between the City and Sound Transit that realizes the community's vision for affordable housing and public space on the property currently being used for construction of the Capitol Hill Light Rail Station.
Councilmembers supported the Capitol Hill Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) plans which were developed in cooperation with the Capitol Hill Champion. The Champion represents the Capitol Hill community and is comprised of members of the Capitol Hill Chamber of Commerce and the Capitol Hill Community Council. On July 15, the Planning, Land Use and Sustainability (PLUS) Committee hosted a public hearing at the Miller Community Center on Capitol Hill to receive comments and field questions from community members. The committee also worked with Sound Transit to develop companion agreements to ensure that the community's goals would be met.
The legislation authorizes additional height, density and flexibility in meeting other zoning requirements in exchange for workforce and affordable housing, and urban design features to enhance the public realm. The negotiations also provide for a public-private plaza that can serve as a permanent site for the farmers market.
"Today's vote tells the Capitol Hill community that their voices were heard,” said Councilmember Richard Conlin, who sponsored the agreement, serves as Chair of the PLUS Committee and is a Sound Transit Board Member. "This agreement is the outcome of a multi-year process of cooperation among the City, Sound Transit and the Champion. The development agreement reflects a model for future transit-oriented development projects in Seattle and along the light rail line in other jurisdictions,” Conlin added.
The first trains are expected to arrive at the Capitol Hill Station in 2016.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 7/29/2013
Councilmember Nick Licata
Councilmember Licata's statement on Full Council vote against bill to permit transitional homeless encampments on private land
SEATTLE - Councilmember Nick Licata issued the following statement on today's Full Council vote rejecting ordinance C.B. 117791, which would allow transitional homeless encampments as an interim use on City-owned or private property. Councilmember Licata voted in favor of the bill:
"While I'm disappointed this proposal didn't pass, I remain no less committed to finding solutions for people living on the streets.
"This bill was never intended to be a solution to homelessness, rather, it was introduced to provide an interim step between living exposed on the streets and permanent stabilized housing. Encampments are a way to improve the public safety and public health of homeless people who have no shelter whatsoever. Further, regulated encampments can be gateway to housing by providing people a safe and legal place to stay while they are trying to access services. However, I acknowledge the perspectives of my colleagues who disagree.
"Through the Council's annual budget process and via the Housing, Human Services, Health and Culture Committee which I chair, I will continue to represent those people looking for a roof over their head. We need to acknowledge the progress we have made, and the gaps that remain, and not to pretend that there is no way to respond until more housing is built."
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 7/22/2013
Councilmember Jean Godden
Councilmember Mike O'Brien
Council targets neighborhood flooding using green technologies
SEATTLE - City Council set a target to prevent flooding around Seattle's drains and pipes by capturing stormwater and reducing rain runoff by implementing emerging green technologies. This "Green Stormwater Infrastructure" (GSI) includes raingardens, vegetated roofs, rainwater harvesting and use of permeable pavement in Seattle neighborhoods.
The City will strive to manage 700 million gallons of stormwater annually with GSI methods by 2025, approximately 1,000 gallons per Seattle resident. Seattle's sewer and stormwater system can back up during heavy rainfall, and GSI is intended to mimic natural processes by absorbing stormwater flow.
"These green technologies improve water quality, control stormwater, prevent flooding and protect creeks," said Councilmember Jean Godden. "Neighborhood beautification and increased greenery is just one of many bonuses that come with it."
GSI can provide community benefits such as an increased tree canopy, improved pedestrian safety, new small business opportunities, improvements to streetscapes or bikeways that provide appreciable economic and aesthetic value and climate mitigation and adaptation value.
"Seattle has been a national leader in the development and delivery of high-performing GSI projects and programs for more than a decade," said Councilmember Mike O'Brien. "GSI is a critical aspect of a sustainable drainage system."
The Office of Sustainability and Environment (OSE) will coordinate an interdepartmental effort to develop and deliver a "2025 GSI Implementation Strategy" by June 30, 2014.