Today Councilmember Bob Kettle (District 7), chair of the Public Safety Committee, announced a number of critical public safety priorities included as part of Seattle’s 2026 budget, adopted by the City Council. “Our work on this budget cycle has wrapped up, but my strategic priorities remain steadfast: advancing public safety, port and maritime investment, and advocating for constituents,” said Councilmember Kettle. “I want to...
Press Releases
The latest press releases from Seattle City Councilmembers.
Seattle City Council committee passes budget with historic investments in housing, public safety, and affordability
The Seattle City Council’s budget committee unanimously passed the 2026 budget, making record investments in improving safety and affordability for working families. “From the start, I have said this budget needs to be about making Seattle safer and more affordable for working families. I’m proud that today, the Council passed a budget that does just that,” said Councilmember Dan Strauss...
Seattle City Council Passes 2026 Budget: Summary of what’s included
The Seattle City Council’s budget committee unanimously passed the 2026 budget making record investments in improving safety and affordability for working families. It focuses on affordability, homelessness, public safety, building community, and fiscal responsibility. The mayor released his budget proposal on September 23. After two months of intensive analysis and debate, which included 17 public committee meetings and feedback thousands...
Council President Nelson announces new good governance legislation for city-contracted consultants
Today Council President Sara Nelson (Position 9) announced that she is proposing new ethics rules for consultants who contract with the City of Seattle. This is an effort to boost transparency and avoid potential conflicts of interest. The bill, which builds upon similar regulations in Portland and San Francisco, amends the ethics code by establishing reporting and disclosure requirements for...
Councilmember Rinck joins with King County, State and homelessness leaders to condemn Trump Administration changes to critical funding keeping people housed
Nearly 4,500 Seattle and King County households now stand to lose housing and essential services under the changes to HUD’s Continuum of Care program without regional collaboration and intervention On Tuesday, Nov. 13, the Trump Regime released the long-awaited Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Continuum of Care (CoC) program within the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development...
Seattle Councilmembers welcome Mayor-elect Katie Wilson, commend Mayor Harrell for years of service
Today, following Katie Wilson’s projected election as Seattle’s next mayor and Mayor Bruce Harrell’s concession address, city councilmembers issued the following statements. Councilmember Rob Saka (District 1) “The voters have spoken, calling for change and a renewed focus on affordability, community, and fighting back against a resurgent Trump agenda. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Mayor Bruce...
Councilmember Rivera’s statement on the overwhelming voter support for the FEPP Levy
Today Councilmember Maritza Rivera (District 4) released the following statement after the passage of the Families, Education, Preschool and Promise (FEPP) Levy, which was supported by more than 70% of Seattle voters. “This vote is a huge victory for Seattle’s kids. “I want to thank Seattle residents for continuing to support the Family, Education, Preschool and Promise Levy — as...
Council President Sara Nelson secures key investments in proposed budget balancing package
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 a direct result of listening...
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 and step back from its...
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 closed. The legislation also declares...
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 Street along the city’s border...
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 King County Metro Route 2...