Council President Sara Nelson (Position 9) highlighted today a slate of her priority amendments that have been included in the Council’s recently proposed budget balancing package. The amendments represent critical investments in economic opportunity, community safety, youth development, and cultural vitality across Seattle. Key items incorporated into the proposal include: “These initial budget milestones are...
Category: News Releases
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Councilmember Strauss releases budget focused on improving safety & affordability for working families
Councilmember Dan Strauss (District 6), Chair of the Select Budget Committee, released his Balancing Package focused on improving safety and affordability for working families in Seattle. “This budget is about making investments for a safer, more affordable Seattle for working families. As the federal government continues to pursue inflationary economic policies that hurt small businesses...
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Council acts to boost food access in Seattle Neighborhoods
Council President Nelson-sponsored bill bans anti-competitive covenants and declares public health emergency due to increased store closures Today the City Council unanimously approved emergency land use legislation that prohibits the use of restricted covenants on grocery stores and pharmacies which bar grocery stores from having competing chains opening in the location of one that has...
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Councilmember Saka proposes budget amendments to strengthen transportation infrastructure and transit safety and security
Today, Councilmember Rob Saka (District 1), who also chairs the Council’s Transportation Committee, announced his slate of proposed amendments for the 2026 Budget. The proposals directly address key constituent concerns by prioritizing specific investments in enhanced transit safety and security, additional funding for widespread pothole repairs, and initiating the long-overdue repair process for SW Roxbury...
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Councilmember Rinck and transit leaders announce ‘Better Bus Lanes’ campaign
Coalition-backed initiative seeks to advance safety improvements and reliable transit Earlier today, City Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck (Position 8) announced the “Better Bus Lanes” Campaign on Seattle’s Capitol Hill, in response to a Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) proposal last month to remove a block of bus lane on East Union Street that serves the...
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Council President Nelson statement on city’s updated revenue forecast
Earlier today Seattle city officials were briefed on the updated economic and revenue forecast for October. In response to more optimistic updated numbers, including an estimated $14.6 million in additional revenue in 2026 compared to the August forecast, Council President Sara Nelson (Position 9) released the following statement: “Based on today’s revenue forecast briefing,...
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Council President Nelson celebrates passage of public safety tax initiative: ‘A progressive investment that will save lives’
Today City Council President Sara Nelson (Position 9) celebrated the 8-1 passage of CB 121083 which will enable dedicating up to 25% of the Mayor’s Legislature-approved public safety sales tax to critical addiction treatment services and recovery-based supports. The new 0.1% increase is expected to generate $39 million for public safety in 2026, with $7.5...
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Councilmember Hollingsworth calls for action after violence on Capitol Hill
City Councilmember Joy Hollingsworth (District 3), whose district includes the Capitol Hill neighborhood, released this statement following a deadly shooting in the community on Thursday night, October 9. Last night, another life was taken on Capitol Hill. I am devastated. My heart aches for the victim, their family and friends, and every neighbor who witnessed...
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Councilmember Rivera condemns federal government shutdown and disruption of critical services for Seattle residents
City Councilmember Maritza Rivera (District 4) today released this statement after the Trump administration and federal lawmakers failed to reach a budget deal, leading to a government shutdown. “I want to address the harmful shutdown of the Federal Government. In the Seattle Metropolitan area, which includes Tacoma and Bellevue, there are over 30,000 federal employees...
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Public Safety Chair Kettle on President Trump’s latest remarks on use of troops in our cities, including Seattle
Following Monday’s press conference with Mayor Bruce Harrell, State Attorney General Nick Brown, and other city officials, President Trump again inflamed tensions today by claiming he’d use Seattle and other “dangerous” cities as “training grounds” for the military. Over the past two years Seattle crime rates have trended downward, police hiring is dramatically up, and...