On Monday, August 15, the King County Council approved a two-year, $20 Vehicle License Fee (VLF) that will allow Metro Transit to avoid a potential cut of 600,000 annual hours – the equivalent of all Metro service to the Eastside or all of its Night and Weekend Service. This staves off disaster for two years, [...]
Press Releases
The latest press releases from Seattle City Councilmembers.
Magnuson Park – Can a Public-Private Partnership Work for Building 11?
On Monday, August 8, the Council approved a proposed revision to the lease agreement for Building 11 at Magnuson Park, but the investors who are currently renovating the building under a 30-year lease with the City have publicly stated that they will not sign the new agreement. The investors initiated the process to revise the [...]
First Step Towards Annexing ‘Sliver on the River’
On Monday, August 1, the City of Seattle took the first step toward annexing a small area of South Park adjacent to the South Park Bridge, known colloquially as the ‘Sliver on the River’, by identifying a future Comprehensive Plan amendment that would designate it as Potential Annexation Area (PAA). The ‘sliver’ is surrounded by [...]
Council approves positive changes to City Light green programs
News Release
Today, the Seattle City Council approved legislation that helps expand Seattle's reputation as a socially inclusive green city. Council Bill 117243 supports efforts to encourage all Seattle City Light customers to participate in the utility's Community Solar program. This program aligns with the City's Race and Social Justice goals and encourages City Light to provide the widest possible access to its solar programs. Community Solar gives customers the opportunity to receive credits on energy produced from a solar voltaic array owned and operated by City Light.
Tunnel Project Funds Seattle Street Repairs
In an entertaining twist to the Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Project saga, the tunnel project has wound up funding Seattle street repairs. The Seattle City Council has approved legislation authorizing the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) to spend an additional $3 million this year on street maintenance and repairs. The money came to the City [...]
Seattle City Councilmember Nick Licata’s statement on economists backing paid sick leave legislation
News Release
City Councilmember Licata released the following statement today on a letter received from the state's leading economists on the merits of paid sick leave legislation:
"Our state's prominent economists today sent a letter to the City Council supporting the proposed paid sick leave ordinance that I am sponsoring. ...
Councilmembers Bagshaw, Harrell and O’Brien Await Your Questions!
News Release
Why did the Council regulate medical marijuana retailers? Will the Council ask voters to raise car-tab fees by $80 to fund transportation projects? If voters reject Referendum One on the deep-bore tunnel to replace the Alaskan Way Viaduct, will the Council halt its cooperation with the state on the project? Whatever your question, submit it now!
Seattle City Council to hold public hearing on tourism improvement area
News Release
On Monday, August 8, the Seattle City Council will hold a public hearing on the proposal to create a dedicated source of funding for tourism marketing and promotion by imposing a $2 per night surcharge on certain hotel rooms.
When: Monday, Aug. 8, 5:30 p.m.
Where: Seattle City Hall
Deadline approaching for candidates for police accountability review board
News Release
The Seattle City Council seeks candidates for appointment to three positions on the seven-member Office of Professional Accountability (OPA) Review Board.
Candidates must submit their application materials (see details below) by 5 p.m. on Friday, August 5.
Seattle City Council President applauds WSDOT’s SR 520 project
News Release
City Council President Richard Conlin released the following statement commending the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) for receiving federal approval on the SR 520 Project record of decision. This approval completes the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process, ensuring that the bridge replacement design and construction can continue to move forward.
Community Center Reinvention – Can We Save Money and Serve the Community?
The Parks Department took a major hit in the 2011 budget and lost dozens of employees – but it could have been worse. The Mayor’s proposed budget would have converted three community spaces to offices and cut drop in hours by up to 80% at five community centers proposed for ‘limited use’, with no plans [...]
Last Friday’s field trip to Portland
Seattle and Portland pundits engage in regular sparring over which city is “better.” This always seems weird to me because it’s like comparing fir trees to oaks. Our cities have different histories, do different things. One’s not better than the other. Now I’m going to contradict what I just said. Portland plans better than we [...]