SEATTLE – Councilmember Mike O’Brien (District 6, Northwest Seattle) released a proposal today that would make it easier for more homeowners to build backyard cottages and mother-in-law units in Seattle. As the city faces an affordable housing crisis, Councilmember O’Brien developed the legislation to increase the housing supply by encouraging low-impact housing options that fit...
Category: Obrien
Arena proponents, neighboring teams reach scheduling and access agreement
The Council received language today from representatives of ArenaCo, the Seattle Seahawks/First & Goal, Inc., and the Seattle Mariners that places conditions on the scheduling of events if a new arena is built in Sodo. At the Council’s request, the parties came together to draft the mutually agreeable language regarding scheduling and access. “At the...
Council Committee Dedicates $30 Million Toward Housing Preservation in Housing Levy Proposal
The Council’s Seattle Housing Levy Select Committee unanimously (8-0) voted to dedicate up to $30,000,000 for affordable housing preservation in an effort to prevent further displacement of low-income communities. The $30 million amendment, sponsored by Councilmembers Lisa Herbold and Mike O’Brien, will be used for a new program intended to preserve existing affordable multi-family subsidized...
Councilmembers to Participate in ‘Workers Voice Summit’ Thursday
Seattle – Councilmembers will participate in a “Workers Voice Summit” this Thursday to hear experiences and policy ideas from workers from a cross section of low-wage jobs in the region. The event, organized by a coalition of organizations representing workers, was developed to provide employees themselves the opportunity to address public officials regarding challenges relating...
Council Authorizes $600,000 for Alternatives to Youth Incarceration, Community Members to Select Awarded Programs
SEATTLE – Council authorized $600,000 today with a unanimous vote (9-0) that will be dedicated to programs that provide alternatives to youth incarceration, including mentorship, intervention services, or other solutions. Last year, Council resolved to pursue policies that would lead toward the goal of zero incarceration of juveniles in Seattle, and, at the urging of...
Council to Congress: Trans Pacific Partnership Undermines Goals for Worker Rights, Environmental Standards
SEATTLE – In an open letter to members of Washington State’s Congressional delegation, Councilmember Mike O’Brien and his Council colleagues declared their opposition to the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement and affirmed their support for practices that protect jobs, workers and the environment. The letter, which is signed by all nine members of the Council,...