News Release:
At the urging of Councilmember Jean Godden, the Libraries, Utilities and Center Committee today sent a letter calling for two changes to the Utility Discount Program (UDP). These changes would immediately benefit low-income families and seniors who need assistance.
Press Releases
The latest press releases from Seattle City Councilmembers.
The carnival sideshow of light rail stations
This afternoon the Council’s Committee on Economic Resiliency and Regional Relations will receive a report we commissioned on increasing job density without radically altering allowed land uses around the SODO light rail station. For those of you not familiar with the area or if you’ve been daydreaming whenever LINK stops at this under-used station, the [...]
Making the Business and Occupation Tax Work
Washington has a unique business tax system: businesses are taxed on their gross income (Business and Occupation Tax – B&O Tax), rather than their profits. There’s a statewide B&O Tax, and some 40 cities have local B&O Taxes. And there are three different ways that cities can charge this tax: on gross receipts (like the [...]
Seattle City Council Committee to discuss drones in Seattle and the issues they present
News Release:
Councilmember Bruce Harrell, chair of the Seattle City Council’s Public Safety, Civil Rights and Technology Committee, has called for a special briefing from the Seattle Police Department on the use of Unmanned Aerial Systems/Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAS/UAV), commonly known as Drones.
Seattle’s Economic Recovery Strategy Is Working
In the last several recessions, Seattle has lagged the national recovery, sometimes by as long as a year. But, in this recession, we are at the leading edge of recovery. Washington’s official numbers show the state’s unemployment rate at 8.2% in February, about equal to the national average – but that the Seattle area rate [...]
Seattle City Council President at West Seattle Elementary to promote financial awareness for young people
News Release:
Join Seattle City Council President Sally J. Clark and Jump$tart Washington Coalition to promote financial education during Money Smart Week®.
Public Health Actions Against Obesity
Obesity continues to be a major public health challenge. Too many Americans are overweight enough that their health is suffering, with diseases like diabetes rising dramatically. In Seattle 50% of adults and 22% of youth are overweight or obese. The problem is that healthy food is often expensive and not widely available, while unhealthy food [...]
Seattle Channel receives record 21 Emmy nominations
News Release:
Seattle Channel received 21 Emmy nominations from the Northwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Art & Sciences (NATAS) [...]
Seattle’s bond ratings affirmed
News Release:
Mayor Mike McGinn today announced the Seattle Channel received 21 Emmy nominations from the Northwest Chapter of the National Academy of Television Art & Sciences (NATAS), a record number of nominations for the popular city-operated TV station.
My first thought is “no”
I’m supposed to be fair and rational. I’m supposed to give new ideas a fair shake. I’m supposed to ask first, fire later. But drones? Really? This is the latest tech toy we absolutely have to have? OK, I’ll ask and learn, but I’m not optimistic about warming to this idea. I know they aren’t [...]
Special Committee to discuss Seawall
News Release:
The Seattle City Council’s Special Committee on the Central Waterfront, Seawall and Alaskan Way Viaduct Replacement Program will meet after Full Council on Monday, April 23.
Mayor McGinn, Councilmember Bagshaw announce formation of Parks Preservation Work Group
News Release:
Mayor Mike McGinn and City Councilmember Sally Bagshaw today announced the formation of the Parks Preservation Work Group, charged with advising the Mayor, City Council and Parks and Recreation on a range of options for generating more revenue and finding efficiencies that could reduce costs in the 2013 operating budget and beyond.