Riding a bike is proven to keep communities healthy, and to reduce climate pollution, and approximately 60% of Seattleites want to bike more than they do now. But today we heard loud and clear that the lack of safe, connected routes is cited as the number one reason why they don’t. In recent years there […]
Category: Councilmember O’Brien
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July 18, 2018January 6, 2023Councilmember O'Brien, News Releases, Obrien
O’Brien Highlights Community Support For ‘Complete Streets’ Bike Network
Councilmember Mike O’Brien (District 6, Northwest Seattle), Chair of the Council’s Sustainability and Transportation Committee, introduced Resolution #31826, which memorializes the Seattle Center City Bike Network and establishes an 18-month implementation schedule for creating a connected, protected bicycle lane network in downtown Seattle by 2020. The resolution was introduced to the Committee during a special hearing on Wednesday,...
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July 3, 2018January 6, 2023Councilmember O'Brien
Expanding LEAD to North Seattle
Less than seven years ago, the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion program, or LEAD, was little more than a local experiment aimed at breaking the cycle of arrest and incarceration. Initially launched with private foundation funds, the $950,000-a-year, four-year pilot program offered carefully chosen participants individualized alternatives to arrest. Today, LEAD is one of the City’s […]
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June 26, 2018January 6, 2023Councilmember O'Brien
Changes to the Seattle Transportation Benefit District, and what it means for your commute
On Monday, the Seattle City Council voted on legislation that expands the uses of the voter-approved Seattle Transportation Benefit District (STBD), which has generated approximately $50 million each year to meet demand for transit since 2015. You may remember voting for Proposition 1, creating the STBD, in 2014. We invested big time in public transportation, and […]
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June 14, 2018January 6, 2023Councilmember O'Brien
My Vote on the Employee Hours Tax
Earlier today, I voted to repeal the proposed employee hours tax on Seattle’s top-grossing 3 percent of businesses. While the need hasn’t changed in the months since we started this conversation, it’s clear that we need to come together for the common good of our city. My vote is not something I take lightly. I […]
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May 25, 2018January 6, 2023Councilmember O'Brien
A More Transparent, Efficient, and Equitable Street Vacation Policy
This week, I am proud to share that we passed updated street and alley vacation polices, as well as a resolution defining and recognizing the value of Equitable Development Agreements (EDAs). Street vacations allow property owners to petition City Council for private use of the public right of way. These decisions permanently change the right-of-way […]
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May 4, 2018January 6, 2023Councilmember O'Brien
Response to the Transportation Impacts of the Convention Center
This coming Monday, May 7th, the Council will vote on the street vacation approval for the expansion of the Washington State Convention Center. The scope and scale of this street vacation and project are larger than any we have seen in downtown Seattle. And the impacts will be significant. To get to this stage of […]
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May 2, 2018January 6, 2023Councilmember González, Councilmember Herbold, Councilmember Mosqueda, Councilmember O'Brien, Gonzalez, Herbold, Mosqueda, News Releases, Obrien
Council Sponsors of Proposed Progressive Tax on Business Respond to Seattle “Construction Pause”
Councilmembers M. Lorena González, Lisa Herbold, Teresa Mosqueda and Mike O’Brien issued the following statement in response to the “construction pause” announced earlier today: “Collectively we – the primary sponsors of the business tax currently being discussed in Council – represent 750,000 people who call Seattle home. “Under our plan, called the Progressive Tax on...
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April 23, 2018January 6, 2023Councilmember O'Brien
Making a Difference for Homelessness and Business + Community Events
Making a Difference for Homelessness and Business (The op-ed below is also available at Westside Seattle) Last year, over 3,400 people exited homelessness in Seattle. Lifting people out of homelessness is hard work that needs resources, compassionate case managers, and investments in temporary shelters and permanent housing. The work that the City and community have […]
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April 20, 2018January 6, 2023Councilmember González, Councilmember Herbold, Councilmember Mosqueda, Councilmember O'Brien, Gonzalez, Herbold, Mosqueda, News Releases, Obrien
Seattle City Council Proposes a Progressive Tax on Business
Task Force Co-Chairs González, Herbold Explain Details of Legislation Intended to Help Seattle Structurally Address Homelessness Seattle, WA — Following more than four months of deliberation and stakeholder engagement, Council introduced legislation and a companion spending plan resolution today outlining the details of a progressive tax on business, which would generate additional revenue necessary...