Last night, the Sound Transit Board voted to approve a proposal that put the future funding of Ballard Light Rail into question. Despite being projected to serve the most daily riders of any Sound Transit project, funding to complete construction of the project has not been identified.
Press Releases
The latest press releases from Seattle City Councilmembers.
Councilmember Juarez and Mayor Wilson announce plans combating violence along Aurora Avenue
Today Councilmember Debora Juarez (District 5) and Mayor Katie B. Wilson announced City actions being taken to address ongoing violence along Aurora Ave N. The ongoing work includes close partnerships with City Attorney Erika Evan’s office, Seattle Police Department leadership, the Community Assisted Response & Engagement (CARE) Department, and community organizations. “Our neighbors should be safe in their homes and...
Councilmember Foster urges Sound Transit to deliver on light rail to Ballard and the Graham Street Station
Councilmember Dionne Foster (Position 9) released the following statement as the Sound Transit Board of Directors met today to update the Sound Transit 3 plan, including whether to build or delay the Graham Street Station in south Seattle. Councilmember Foster was there virtually but did not get the chance to comment due to time limitations on public comment. Her statement:...
Councilmember Juarez supports Ballard light rail amendments and Graham Street Station build
Councilmember Debora Juarez (District 5) released the following statement during the Sound Transit Board of Directors meeting to discuss the Sound Transit 3 System Plan, including the fate of the Ballard light rail extension, and the future Graham Street Station in south Seattle. “Seattle voters overwhelmingly supported the Sound Transit 3 ballot measure in November 2016 which passed with 69.8%...
Councilmember Kettle calls out Sound Transit: ‘Seattle needs the transit we were promised’
Councilmember Bob Kettle voiced strong support for the Ballard light rail project and urged Sound Transit board members to find a solution to build it.
Councilmember Saka calls on Mayor Wilson to turn on CCTV ahead of World Cup
Councilmember Saka called for Mayor Wilson to allow the Seattle Police Department’s Real-Time Crime Center to turn on its closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in the Stadium District ahead of the World Cup.
Seattle City Councilmember Strauss proposes amendments to save Ballard Light Rail
“Sound Transit needs a plan to get to Ballard. We voted for light rail, we have been paying for it, and the City of Seattle has planned its job and housing growth around it. My proposals give us an opportunity maximize ridership, save Ballard light rail, and keep light rail expansion to Tacoma, Everett, West Seattle, and all other regions on track,” said Councilmember Strauss
Councilmember Juarez: Update on Aurora Avenue violence, District 5 office actions
We should not live in fear of being shot by a gun in our homes or community. Sadly, that has become common across Seattle, as we have experienced recently in our neighborhoods along North Aurora Avenue. The level of gun-related violence and death from firearms is unacceptable. We live in a country where people have easy access to guns and...
Councilmember Kettle calls for a comprehensive shelter plan and additional study
Ahead of today’s City Council meeting, Councilmember Bob Kettle (District 7), called for a robust process to guide high acuity shelter capacity expansion in response to Mayor Katie Wilson’s proposed transitional encampment bill (CB 121195).
Councilmember Saka, Mayor Wilson introduce joint resolution in support of Seattle Center renovation investments
ouncilmember Rob Saka (District 1), Chair of the Transportation, Waterfront, and Seattle Center Committee (also known as “STEPS”), introduced joint Mayoral/Council Resolution 32205, calling for new infrastructure investments in Seattle Center ahead of a potential bond measure in 2027.
Councilmembers Rinck and Foster advance resolution on next steps for King County Regional Homelessness Authority
A resolution proposing next steps for the King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA), following the troubling audit published in April, was passed unanimously by the Human Services, Labor, and Economic Development Committee. The measure is sponsored by Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck (Position 8) and Councilmember Dionne Foster (Position 9), who represent the Seattle City Council on the KCRHA Governing Board.
Councilmember Strauss celebrates passage of Shared Streets legislation
The Seattle City Council unanimously approved legislation, sponsored by Councilmember Dan Strauss (District 6), to legalize Shared Streets in the city. “Shared Streets give us the opportunity to get creative and make some of our most beloved public spaces safer, more vibrant, and stronger economically. Seattle knows that works — Pike Place Public Market operated as an unofficial shared street...