Category: Councilmember Godden

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December 16, 2015January 6, 2023Councilmember Godden

Women Win in Seattle’s Budget

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For once, women were the big winners in the 2016 Budget. If this were a football game, you could say that women rallied to produce solid gains few would have predicted.

 

While many may have missed most of the plays, I’ll replay the hard-fought wins:

 

  • First, we will plan and build a new daycare center at, or near, City Hall.  The project had the unanimous backing of all nine of the Seattle City Councilmembers.  This program is important since lack of affordable daycare continues to be a barrier to women participating in the workforce.

 

  • A second win for women was the promise by city planners to develop an “infants-at-work” pilot study. This was a suggestion from the Seattle Women’s Commission after … Continue Reading »
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October 22, 2015January 6, 2023Councilmember Godden

#PurpleThursday

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Today is #PurpleThursday, a day to wear purple to raise awareness around domestic violence. Domestic violence impacts us all – families, friends, co-workers and communities. And, sadly, it is the leading cause of injury to women, although everyone along the gender spectrum too, can be victims.

This #PurpleThursday though, I’d like to also raise awareness about the support available to victims of Domestic Violence as well as workplace violence. Let’s talk about paid leave from work through Seattle’s Safe Time ordinance.

Seattle made national headlines in 2011, when the City Council passed and the then mayor, Mike McGinn, signed into law the Paid Sick and Safe Time Ordinance (PSST for short).

Under the law, Seattle workers who have been employed 180 days now accrue paid time off, based on the … Continue Reading »

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October 5, 2015January 6, 2023Councilmember Godden, News Releases

Councilmember Godden’s Statement on Creating a New Park in the Roosevelt Neighborhood

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 10/5/2015

Councilmember Godden's Statement on Creating a New Park in the Roosevelt Neighborhood

SEATTLE - Councilmember Jean Godden today issued the following statement in response to Council's vote to acquire property at 1322 NE 65th Street to create a new park in the Roosevelt neighborhood:

"Today is a good day for Roosevelt.  Legislation passed today is another step toward building a livable neighborhood that welcomes new residents and, with this small open space, offers breathing room and respite for residents and families. 

"I'm so pleased Mayor Murray took the extra time needed to develop a balanced approach, recognizing the need for and working toward more affordable housing while acquiring new open space - a high priority for neighbors.

"While this is a big step forward, it is just one step on a long pathway toward making Roosevelt a dense, livable and affordable neighborhood that is welcoming to all.

"Overall: a good day for Roosevelt and Ravenna neighbors."

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Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast live on Seattle Channel 21, HD Channels 321 Comcast, 721 Wave and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

[View in Council Newsroom]

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October 5, 2015January 6, 2023Councilmember Godden, News Releases

Councilmember Godden’s Statement on Gates Foundation Paid Parental Leave Announcement

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 10/5/2015

Councilmember Godden's Statement on Gates Foundation Paid Parental Leave Announcement

SEATTLE - Councilmember Jean Godden issued the following statement in response to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation announcement that it will offer 52 weeks of paid parental leave for its employees:

"With today's announcement that the Gates Foundation has joined with Microsoft, Adobe, and Netflix in offering long-term paid parental leave for their employees, it's safe to say that we officially have a trend.  It's thrilling to see companies reach the conclusion that offering parents time to care for their children is a win-win for everyone.  I'm proud to know we helped get the ball rolling here in Seattle and that paid parental leave is picking up steam nationwide."

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Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast live on Seattle Channel 21, HD Channels 321 Comcast, 721 Wave and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

 

[View in Council Newsroom]

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August 24, 2015January 6, 2023Councilmember Burgess, Councilmember Godden, Councilmember Rasmussen, News Releases

Council President Burgess, Councilmembers Rasmussen and Godden release statement on Seawall project

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 8/21/2015
Council President Burgess, Councilmembers Rasmussen and Godden release statement on Seawall project
SEATTLE - Council President Tim Burgess, transportation committee chair Tom Rasmussen and Alaskan Way seawall commi...

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August 13, 2015January 6, 2023Councilmember Bagshaw, Councilmember Godden, Councilmember Licata, Councilmember Sawant, News Releases

Mayor to move forward on acquisition of NE 130th Street beach

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City of Seattle
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 8/13/2015

Mayor to move forward on acquisition of N.E. 130th Street beach

SEATTLE - Mayor Ed Murray today announced that the City plans to purchase portions of two properties that make up the former N.E. 130th Street beach from the current owners and restore waterfront access for the public.

“For decades, generations of Seattle residents enjoyed lakefront access from the N.E. 130th Street beach,” said Mayor Murray. “I have directed the Parks Department to begin the process of restoring that access by acquiring the properties using all tools at our disposal.” 

The two properties lie at the end of N.E. 130th Street and Rivera Place, near the Burke-Gilman Trail in the Cedar Park neighborhood in the Lake City area. Earlier this year, the private property owners restricted the public from accessing the waterfront.

“This parcel bordering Lake Washington has been used by the public to gain access to the water for over 80 years. It was very unfortunate to have access denied,” said Councilmember Jean Godden. “It’s great news that the City is now taking affirmative steps to restore this property to the public and to neighbors who know how much it matters to save this beach.”

“Privatizing public property based upon an 82 year-old records error is a disservice to the neighborhood,” said Councilmember Nick Licata. “I commend the Mayor for joining the Council in reclaiming what has long served as the only public access to Lake Washington between Matthews Beach and the northern city limits.”

“I visited the 130th Street beach with neighbors and community members and stand firmly behind them in their desire to have the beach end returned to its original use—a neighborhood park,” said Councilmember Sally Bagshaw. “Many congratulations to the community who worked hard to ensure this space is open and welcoming to the community.”

“When public access to Lake Washington was taken away, community activists pushed the City to recover it,” said Councilmember Kshama Sawant. “Generations in Lake City will be able to swim in the neighborhood due to their organizing efforts.”

Under the Mayor’s direction, Seattle Parks and Recreation will send a purchase and sale agreement to the current owners. The owners will then have 30 days to agree with the terms, counter-offer, or decline. In the event a negotiated purchase of the portions of the properties cannot be reached, the Mayor will transmit an ordinance to City Council authorizing the use of eminent domain to acquire the parcels for public use and benefit.

“The 130th Street beach has provided recreational access to Lake Washington for residents since 1932,” said Dave Pope of the Friends of 130th Street Beach community group. “As Seattle continues to grow, more parks are needed, not fewer. I applaud Mayor Murray and City Council for taking the first steps in restoring beach access for those who do not have the luxury of owning waterfront property.”  

“Shoreline access is precious everywhere in Seattle,” said Jesús Aguirre, Superintendent of Seattle Parks and Recreation. “We constantly strive to increase park and recreation opportunities for our residents and restoring this property to public use provides critical access for the community.”

In June, the City Council sent Mayor Murray a letter urging him to condemn the properties. The letter was signed by all members of the Council.

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[View in Council Newsroom]

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August 10, 2015January 6, 2023Councilmember Godden, Councilmember Harrell, News Releases

Joint Mayor & Council Statement on Passage of All-gender Restrooms Legislation

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City of Seattle
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 8/10/2015

Joint Mayor & Council Statement on Passage of All-gender Restrooms Legislation

SEATTLE – Today Mayor Ed Murray and City Councilmembers Jean Godden and Bruce Harrell issued the following statements after the Council unanimously passed legislation requiring all City-controlled and privately operated places of public accommodation to designate existing and future single-stall restrooms as all-gender facilities. The legislation also clarifies existing law allowing individuals to use the restroom of their chosen gender identity or expression. The legislation was a recommendation from the Mayor's LGBT Task Force and the City of Seattle's LGBTQ Commission.

"The action taken today by the City Council will make Seattle a more welcoming place for everyone, regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation," said Mayor Murray. "No one should live in fear when they use basic accommodations most of us take for granted. That's why we sent this legislation to the Seattle City Council. I applaud the Council for taking this important step to provide respect and safety for members of the transgender community."

This legislation will provide for all-gender restroom facilities and amend the Seattle Municipal Code so that single-occupant restrooms will no longer be restricted to a specific sex or gender identity. Single-occupant restrooms in City facilities and all public accommodations (including restaurants, coffee shops, stores, etc.) must have signage that makes it clear that they are not gender exclusive and allow use by any person regardless of sex or gender identity, rather than just "men" or "women." The Seattle Office of Civil Rights (SOCR) will be responsible for enforcing these changes.

Despite existing laws protecting a person's right to use a restroom consistent with their gender identity, transgender and gender nonconforming people are frequently excluded from using facilities consistent with their gender identity, and use of gender-segregated restrooms can create unnecessary risk for transgender and gender nonconforming people.

"Everyone, regardless of gender, deserves the ability to meet their most basic needs. All-gender single occupancy bathrooms are practical and help ensure everyone has equal access to a quality life," said Councilmember Jean Godden. "This small step represents acceptance and freedom for many. I'm proud Seattleites are as dedicated as I am to pursuing equality and eliminating inequity wherever it exists."

"Enacting this civil rights legislation that requires all single-stall restrooms as all-gender restrooms should not be understated," said Councilmember Bruce Harrell, chair of the Public Safety, Civil Rights, and Technology committee. "This is an inclusive and progressive measure that ensures all individuals have equal access to take care of their health needs. Let's be defined by our compassion and inclusiveness."

In July of this year, the Mayor and his LGBT Task Force released an action plan to support LGBTQ safety. The Task Force was convened in response to anti-LGBTQ hate crimes or incidents reported to Seattle police. The plan is organized into four areas: Public Safety, LGBTQ Youth, the Built Environment, and Public Understanding. One of the key Built Environment proposals was for the City to clarify that individuals have the right to use a restroom appropriate to their gender identity or expression.


Most press conferences and meetings are broadcast live to the web by Seattle Channel at either seattle.gov/mayorlive or seattle.gov/councillive

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Office of the Mayor

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May 22, 2015January 6, 2023Councilmember Godden

Artists at Play

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photo 2Today I am excited to announce it was the grand opening of Artists at Play. This is a unique, interactive playground that children of all ages can enjoy at the Seattle Center. This playground includes a 35-foot Climb Tower, listening stations, sound swings, a colorful labyrinth and more. By many measures, this playground will prove a great benefit to Seattle. In particular, it will enrich the lives of both parents and their children. Parents will be able to bring their children to a safe and vibrant playground while children will have a creative and imaginative environment to play in. As an avid advocate for parks, I believe parks are essential in the health and happiness of our communities. … Continue Reading »

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May 8, 2015January 6, 2023Councilmember Godden, News Releases

Councilmember Godden’s Statement on Sisley Property Review

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City of Seattle
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 5/8/2015

Councilmember Godden's Statement on Sisley Property Review

SEATTLE - Councilmember Jean Godden today issued the following statement in response to Mayor Murray's directive that the Department of Neighborhoods and the Department of Planning & Development begin a 60-day review of options for the Sisley properties in the Roosevelt neighborhood:

"I heard from the Mayor regarding the use of pending judgment funds against the Sisleys and the possible taking of property for use as open space in the Roosevelt neighborhood. 

"I will be holding this legislation in committee until the Mayor has completed the 60-day review and reports back to the committee.

"During this time we now have an opportunity to reengage with the community and neighbors in a broader discussion of options and creative approaches that ultimately could address multiple needs.

"I am pleased that the Mayor continues to demonstrate his commitment to open space as one of several possible outcomes."

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Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast live on Seattle Channel 21, HD Channels 321 Comcast, 721 Wave and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

[View in Council Newsroom]