Today, the Council approved by an 8-0 vote a resolution introduced by Council President Sara Nelson (Position 9) to dedicate up to 25% of any proposed sales tax increase to a progressive public safety initiative that would invest in critical addiction treatment services. The goal of the initiative is to fill treatment gaps in existing services to support Seattle’s public...
Press Releases
The latest press releases from Seattle City Councilmembers.
Councilmember Strauss celebrates appointment of Councilmember Juarez
Councilmember Dan Strauss (District 6) released the following statement after the Seattle City Council voted to appoint Debora Juarez, who was twice elected by the people of District 5, to fill the vacant seat on Council. “I’m so happy to welcome Councilmember Juarez back to the Seattle City Council. She has a track record of getting things done for District...
Council appoints Debora Juarez to fill District 5 vacancy
Twice-elected former councilmember will serve until November 2026 The City Council voted today to appoint Debora Juarez to fill the vacant position representing District 5, which encompasses north Seattle. After one round of voting, Juarez received the necessary five-vote majority for the appointment. The appointment is effective immediately and will last until November 2026, when voters will have the opportunity...
Housing & Human Services Committee business to be heard at full Council next Tuesday, July 29
Council President Sara Nelson (Position 9) released this statement following the lack of quorum at Wednesday’s Housing & Human Services (HHS) Committee meeting. “I want to acknowledge the frustration my excused absence contributed to the lack of quorum at yesterday’s HHS committee meeting and apologize to the people who took the time to show up for the committee vote on...
Council names six finalists for District 5 vacancy
Public Forum with finalists on Monday, July 21 Today, in a special meeting, the City Council named six finalists to fill the vacancy representing District 5, left by former City Councilmember Cathy Moore. A list of 22 eligible applicants with completed application materials was made available to the public on the Council Vacancy webpage on Friday, July 11. Councilmembers chose...
Councilmember Rivera’s statement in support of Washington Attorney General joining lawsuit against US Dept of Education
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...
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...