Councilmember Maritza Rivera (District 4) released the following statement after the incidents at Brown University in Rhode Island and at Bondi Beach in Australia. The events at Brown University and Bondi Beach have left me, and I’m sure many of you, shaken, upset and unsettled, with the continued antisemitism and gun violence against our youth in this country. For some...
Press Releases
The latest press releases from Seattle City Councilmembers.
Councilmember Rivera responds to social media post following approval of new police contract
Councilmember Maritza Rivera (District 4) released the following statement after the head of the Seattle Police Officers Guild (SPOG) posted on social media about the new police contract. “I was disappointed to see the social media post from the president of the Seattle Police Officers Guild. The city’s negotiation of a new contract should not be portrayed as an “us...
Public Safety Committee Vice Chair Saka announces opposition to new police contract
Calls for stronger reform from the state level: ‘Our city deserves better’ Today, Councilmember Rob Saka (District 1), who serves as vice chair of the Public Safety Committee, announced that he will oppose the tentative collective bargaining agreement with the Seattle Police Officers’ Guild (SPOG). I’ll be voting ‘no’ on the proposed Seattle Police Officers Guild contract today because systems...
Chair Kettle: Maintaining collaborative approach critical to continued public safety success in 2026 and beyond
As the final Public Safety Committee meeting of 2025 concluded today, Councilmember Bob Kettle (District 7), the Committee’s chair, offered reflections on the City’s coordinated work over the past two years. In 2023, Seattle voters sent a clear message to City Hall: public safety needs to be a priority. Nearly two years later, I’m proud to say we’ve worked hard...
Eddie Lin sworn in as District 2 councilmember
Earlier today at a meeting of the full City Council, Eddie Lin was ceremoniously sworn in as the councilmember representing District 2. Councilmember Lin, who previously served as an attorney for the City of Seattle, won a special election for the open district seat in November. His term began immediately upon certification on Nov. 25 and will last through 2027....
Councilmember Kettle secures funding for key District 7 and public safety priorities in 2026 budget
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...
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...