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,...
Category: News Releases
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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...
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City Council approves ‘Roots to Roofs’ bonus pilot program
Legislation promotes creation of more community-led affordable housing across Seattle Today, the City Council voted unanimously to approve the ‘Roots to Roofs’ bonus pilot program, also known as Council Bill 121011. The bill, sponsored by Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck (Position 8), supports more community-led affordable housing development by providing a citywide density bonus and an...
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City Council approves District Project Fund
Aimed at creating significant traffic safety improvements at the district level Today, the Seattle City Council voted to approve new legislation that puts into place the District Project Fund, establishing that transportation program funding will be tracked by council district, and Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) will work with Councilmembers on proposed initiatives. The legislation...
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Council approves new e-cargo bike program for deliveries
Incentivizes businesses to explore bike deliveries, boosting efficiencies and reducing carbon emissions Today, the City Council passed first-in-the-nation legislation (CB 121040), creating a brand new e-cargo bike program in Seattle. The bill allows for e-cargo bikes to park in curbside parking and loading. The program also includes a waived permit fee for the first year,...
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Councilmember Kettle: Ongoing ICE operations endanger public safety progress
Today, Councilmember Bob Kettle (District 7) released the following statement in response to continued actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Seattle, and the agency’s recent recruitment video that specifically attempts to persuade Seattle Police Department (SPD) officers to work for ICE. I am incredibly concerned by the latest ICE actions – not...
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Council President statement on mayor’s proposed 2026 Budget
City Council President Sara Nelson (Position 9) released this statement following the mayor’s announcement of his 2026 Budget proposal earlier today. This is my fourth budget on the City Council and every year my approach is driven by the most urgent needs our constituents are experiencing in their daily lives – on the street, in...