Councilmember Maritza Rivera (District 4) voiced her support of the Washington State Attorney General’s decision to join litigation against the U.S. Department of Education and Office of Management and Budget for the Trump administration’s withholding of $7 billion dollars in education grants. “As an elected official and a public-school mom, I am so proud that Washington is joining with other...
Press Releases
The latest press releases from Seattle City Councilmembers.
Council acts to curb graffiti with new tools
Civil fine option aimed at deterring property crimes Today, by a 7-1 vote, the City Council approved a new amended ordinance to combat graffiti on a new level, on both public and private property throughout Seattle. The legislation, sponsored by Public Safety Chair Bob Kettle (District 7) and proposed by City Attorney Ann Davison, would make graffiti taggers subject to...
Council broadens chronic nuisance ordinance to improve public safety related to late-night establishments
The City Council today adopted legislation by a 7-1 vote amending the current Chronic Nuisance Properties Ordinance in order to address after-hours venues and establishments that continually violate laws. Council Bill 121006, proposed by Mayor Bruce Harrell and sponsored by Public Safety Committee Chair Bob Kettle (District 7), includes adding liquor violations and the possession and sale of stolen property...
District 5 Vacancy: City Council releases qualified applicant list
Today the Seattle City Clerk, on behalf of the City Council, posted the qualified applicant list of 22 candidates for the District 5 vacancy, pursuant to City Charter requirements. Applicants were invited to submit a resume, cover letter, and completed financial interest statement form by last Wednesday, July 9. A list of the eligible applicants and completed application materials are available to the...
Public Safety Chair Kettle’s statement on recent tax proposals
Today Councilmember Bob Kettle (District 7), who chairs the Public Safety Committee, released the following statement on two recent tax proposals. Last week 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 to raise revenue to protect funding to essential...
Application window now open for District 5 council vacancy
Community groups encouraged to participate in public forum process Beginning today, July 2, interested candidates who reside in District 5, representing north Seattle, can now apply for the district’s vacant City Council position. Completed applications must be received by the City Clerk before 5 p.m. on Wednesday, July 9 to be accepted. Completed applications may be submitted by email at...
Council President Nelson announces progressive public safety initiative dedicating anticipated increased sales tax revenue to addiction treatment services
Today Council President Sara Nelson (Position 9), joined by key Seattle-area providers, announced her resolution to dedicate up to 25% of any proposed sales tax increase for a progressive public safety initiative that will shore up “pathways to recovery” through investment in critical addiction treatment services. The Washington State Legislature authorized local jurisdictions to increase the local sales and use...
Mayor Harrell and Councilmember Rinck announce proposal to reduce taxes for small businesses and raise new revenue to protect essential human services from Trump threats
‘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 and raise needed new progressive...
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 violation committed by a landlord. ...
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 Nelson (Position 9), Chair of...
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. through Wednesday, July 9 by...
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 users. Last Fall, Councilmember Saka...