Seattle City Councilmember Rob Saka (District 1, Chair of the Select Committee on the 2024 Transportation Levy) proposed his initial amendments to the transportation levy package today. Among other things, the Chair’s amendments would double investments in creating new sidewalks and safe routes to school, as well as triple funding for safety on public transit. “It’s time for us to...
Press Releases
The latest press releases from Seattle City Councilmembers.
Councilmember Saka statement on Seattle Police leadership changes
Seattle City Councilmember Rob Saka (District 1, Vice Chair of the Public Safety Committee) released the following statement after Mayor Bruce Harrell announced Sue Rahr would take over as Interim Chief of the Seattle Police Department (SPD). “I want to join Mayor Bruce Harrell in thanking Chief Diaz for his 27 years of faithful service to the SPD and four...
Councilmember Kettle on Seattle police leadership change
Seattle City Councilmember Bob Kettle (District 7, Chair of the Public Safety Committee) issued the following statement after Mayor Bruce Harrell announced that Sue Rahr will become interim Chief of the Police Department: “I respect Mayor Bruce Harrell’s decision and look forward to working with Interim Chief Rahr on our public safety challenges. Further, we have a lot of work...
Councilmember Rivera: Existing EDI Projects Would Remain Funded
Rivera responds to disinformation about legislation in full council meeting SEATTLE – “Today I moved to remove my amendment to Council Bill 120774 from the agenda in order to have time to correct disinformation that was irresponsibly given to community about the proposed amendment,” said Councilmember Rivera. The Council voted 6-3 to table the amendment until next week’s full council meeting. “The amendment...
Vote on app-based worker pay legislation postponed
The Seattle City Council is postponing a vote on legislation (CB 120775) related to app-based worker minimum payments on food delivery apps sponsored by Council President Sara Nelson (Position 9). Amendments to the legislation have been proposed and councilmembers have requested a postponement to ensure the Council has time to fully consider those changes.
Morales: Council quietly rushes vote today on legislation that would block equitable development funding
With nearly no time for public input, the Seattle City Council is rushing toward a vote today on legislation that would block $25.3 million in funding already allocated for the City’s Equitable Development Initiative (EDI). The legislation is sponsored by Councilmember Martiza Rivera and was not made public until Friday afternoon. “This amendment would preemptively undermine commitments that Seattle has...
Seattle City Councilmember Moore calls for pause in KCRHA CEO search process
Seattle City Councilmember Cathy Moore (District 5) is calling for the King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA) to pause its search process for its next Chief Executive Officer. This comes after it was announced yesterday afternoon that two of the three finalists for the position have withdrawn their candidacy. Councilmember Moore is a member of the KCRHA’s Governing Committee and...
Seattle City Council approves bill to accelerate police hiring
The Seattle City Council unanimously approved legislation sponsored by Council President Sara Nelson (Position 9) and Councilmember Bob Kettle (District 7) to accelerate police hiring in Seattle. “One of our most fundamental responsibilities as a city government is to provide public safety. Right now, we are losing too many officers to achieve that goal. This bill to streamline recruiting and...
Seattle City Council passes Morales amendment requiring SPD to report on issues affecting women on the force
The Seattle City Council passed legislation today that included an amendment from Tammy J. Morales (District 2) requiring specific, detailed reporting on what the Seattle Police Department (SPD) is doing to hire more women and address gender discrimination issues. “It’s time for the behavior described by women at SPD to end — full stop. I have repeatedly called on SPD...
Seattle City Council to hold first public hearing on 2024 Transportation Levy renewal
The Select Committee on the 2024 Transportation Levy will host the first of two public hearings on the levy renewal at 4:30 PM tomorrow at Seattle City Hall. This is a critical opportunity for the community to make their voices heard. The Select Committee is chaired by Seattle City Councilmember Rob Saka (District 1). It is tasked with reviewing and...
Mayor Harrell Signs New Police Contract to Support Recruitment and Accountability After Council Passage
Today, Mayor Bruce Harrell signed a new contract with rank-and-file police officers into law following its passage by the City Council. The agreement is an important step to addressing Seattle’s police staffing crisis, expanding civilian public safety responses, and strengthening police accountability. “The new police officer contract is a needed step forward to advance our vision for a city where everyone,...
Seattle Councilmember Morales calls for delay on police contract vote until community’s voice is heard
Seattle City Councilmember Tammy J. Morales is calling for tomorrow’s vote on the Seattle Police Officer’s Guild (SPOG) contract to be postponed until the community has a chance to make their concerns heard. The Council is scheduled to vote on the tentative agreement tomorrow despite the fact that there has not been a single public hearing. “This contract with SPOG...