Levy proposal expands childcare and preschool, increases K-12 School-Based Health Centers, and broadens access to the trades Councilmember Maritza Rivera (District 4) joined Mayor Bruce Harrell, the Department of Education and Early Learning, students, families, and leaders in education to celebrate the release of the “Every Child Ready” proposal to renew the Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise Levy (FEPP). “This...
Maritza Rivera
Blog Posts from Councilmember Rivera
Council President Sara Nelson celebrates passage of Shield Law and other state protections
Measure taken in direct response to federal actions, resident concerns Today, Council President Sara Nelson (Position 9) praised legislation passed by the full Council strengthening protections from harmful federal actions, specifically for people seeking reproductive health care and gender-affirming treatment. The amended bill, co-sponsored with Councilmember Cathy Moore (District 5) and Councilmember Maritza Rivera (District 4), creates a firewall preventing...
Councilmember Rivera calls on OPCD to provide more details, transparency as part of draft Comprehensive Plan
Select Committee meetings on the draft Comp Plan begin today Seattle City Councilmember Maritza Rivera (District 4) is requesting more details and transparency from the Office of Planning and Community Development (OPCD), as the Council begins to deliberate on the draft One Seattle Comprehensive Plan. “We all agree more housing is needed – of all types. We have vulnerable populations...
Councilmember Rivera’s statement on appointment of Shon Barnes as Police Chief
Councilmember Maritza Rivera (District 4) today released the following statement on Mayor Bruce Harrell’s appointment of Shon Barnes as Seattle’s next Chief of Police: “While I have not had an opportunity to meet Chief Barnes yet, it sounds like he is very experienced and well-respected in his field. I look forward to building a collaborative working relationship with him, as...
Councilmember Maritza Rivera’s statement on fatal stabbing of a King County Metro bus driver in Seattle
Councilmember Maritza Rivera (District 4) released a statement on the stabbing that occurred in the University District: “Today’s fatal stabbing of King County Metro bus driver Shawn Yim is a horrible tragedy, and I want to convey my deepest condolences to his family, and all his co-workers. Our public servants should never be subjected to this type of danger while...
Councilmember Rivera sees alignment in budget package
Commends focus on public safety and accountability Today Councilmember Maritza Rivera (District 4) celebrated the passing of the 2025-2026 budget and its reflection of her public safety and accountability priorities. “At the start of the budget process, I made a commitment to my constituents to focus on public safety and accountability, and this budget reflects that commitment,” Councilmember Rivera said. “I...
Councilmember Rivera condemns targeted vandalism of UW president’s house
Demands those responsible be held accountable Today Seattle City Councilmember Maritza Rivera (District 4) released the following statement in response to the extensive, targeted vandalism to University of Washington President Ana Mari Cauce’s home and property: What we saw take place last night at the home of UW President Ana Mari Cauce was unacceptable. I strongly condemn the intimidation, tactics...
Councilmember Saka proposes budget amendment to track success of City’s pothole repair program
Councilmember Rob Saka (District 1) introduced an amendment in the 2025-26 Budget process to ensure that the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is meetings its goals with its pothole repair program, while also providing accountability and transparency for residents who report potholes in their neighborhoods. “Potholes are a concern for every district in Seattle, which is why I’m making it...
Councilmember Maritza Rivera announces budget priorities
Focus on 911 non-emergency response times, a North End safety hub for at-risk youth and support for a sobering center Today City Councilmember Maritza Rivera (District 4) announced her priorities for the 2025-26 budget, most of which focus on public safety needs, and include restoring funding for apprenticeships and a neighborhood grants program. “I have been focusing on the following...
Councilmembers introduce alternative to I-137 ahead of ballot deadline
Alternative seeks to better align with city housing efforts and build in accountability measures Seattle City Councilmember Maritza Rivera (District 4) today introduced an alternative to proposed ballot Initiative 137 with Councilmembers Cathy Moore (District 5), Bob Kettle (District 7) and Tanya Woo (Position 8). In addition, Mayor Bruce Harrell has voiced support for voters having an alternative option on...
Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month 2024
On Monday Sept. 9, 2024, Councilmember Maritza Rivera (District 4) introduced a proclamation celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. “Anyone who has known me for more than 5 minutes knows I am a proud Puerto Rican. Both of my parents, Luis Rivera and Aida Maldonado, moved to the mainland US to build a better life for themselves and their children. They worked...
Council approves expansion of license plate reading technology for police vehicles
Tool aimed at improving public safety, preventing crimes, and helping investigations SEATTLE – The Seattle City Council passed legislation today that will expand automated license plate reader (ALPR) technology to the entire Seattle Police Department’s fleet. This technology is an important tool to help address crime across the city, both in-progress activity and investigations after-the-fact. To address privacy concerns, the...