‘Seattle Shield’ proposal: 90% of Seattle businesses paying B&O tax would no longer pay the tax or see tax reductions Today, Mayor Bruce Harrell and Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck (Position 8, Citywide) announced a new proposal to lower city taxes for approximately 90% of Seattle businesses that currently pay the Business & Occupation (B&O) tax...
Category: News Releases
Council passes Councilmember Moore’s legislation to help prevent renter displacement
Earlier today the City Council voted 7-0 (with one abstention) to approve amended legislation prohibiting algorithmic rent fixing, to protect renters by fighting anti-competitive rent hikes in Seattle. Councilmember Cathy Moore (District 5) sponsored CB 121000, which prohibits landlords from using new software to set higher rents and creates penalties of up to $7500 per...
Council gives final go-ahead to install interactive kiosks in neighborhood business districts
From bus schedules to emergency alerts – will offer visitors, residents a variety of on-demand information Today, the City Council approved by a 6-2 vote an ordinance granting the Downtown Seattle Association (DSA) permission to install and operate interactive media kiosks in neighborhood business districts around Seattle. CB 120992 is sponsored by Council President Sara...
City Council announces application process and key dates for District 5 seat vacancy
Today City Council President Sara Nelson (Position 9) confirmed the formal process to fill the vacant Council seat after the resignation of Councilmember Cathy Moore (District 5), effective July 7. Councilmembers were given a presentation on the procedure and what to expect earlier this week during Council Briefing. Interested candidates may apply beginning Wednesday, July 2 at 8 a.m....
Mayor Harrell and Councilmember Saka announce collaborative solution for Delridge Way Road Safety
Mayor Bruce Harrell and Councilmember Rob Saka (District 1) today announced a community-driven solution to address longstanding roadway safety concerns on Delridge Way SW. In response to concerns from the Refugee and Immigrant Family Center (RIFC) families, staff, and neighbors, three low-cost improvements will enhance safe access to RIFC while maintaining roadway safety for all...
Council approves Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise Levy renewal package for November ballot
Levy expands investments in early education, continues K-12 academic and health supports, and universal access to a two-year college degree Today the City Council unanimously voted to send the Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise (FEPP) Levy renewal to the November 2025 ballot for voters to consider. The review process was led by Select Committee Chair...
Councilmember Rivera statement on assassination of lawmaker in Minnesota
City Councilmember Maritza Rivera (District 4) released this statement tonight after the tragedy in Minnesota: “I want to express my deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of Minnesota State Senator Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and to the people of Minnesota who are reeling after the targeted and politically motivated assassination of...
Seattle City Councilmembers urge peaceful demonstrations ahead of weekend gatherings
Today in anticipation of the large demonstrations scheduled for this weekend, Council President Sara Nelson (Position 9), Councilmember Joy Hollingsworth (District 3), and Councilmember Bob Kettle (District 7) released the following joint statement. This morning, Council President Nelson also joined state and local leaders at a press conference discussing public safety preparations. Seattle fully supports...
Rivera: Peaceful protests update
Hello Neighbors, As you may be aware, tomorrow the “No Kings” protests are expected to take place in Seattle and across the country. There will be large protests happening in the city, including in the University District. There will be a protest in Red Square starting at noon, that is expected to last for several...
Councilmember Rivera’s statement on Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise Levy
Today Councilmember Maritza Rivera (District 4) released the following statement after the passage of the Families, Education, Preschool and Promise (FEPP) Levy renewal package out of its Select Committee. “This vote today was a win for Seattle’s kids. The FEPP levy will fund critical investments in childcare and preschool, K-12 academic supports, and the Seattle...