Seattle City Councilmember Dan Strauss (District 6) announced six new pieces of legislation today, called the Vehicle Resident Assistance Program (VRAP), aimed at creating pathways to shelter and housing for people who live in their vehicles. “One out of every four people experiencing unsheltered homelessness in our region is living in their vehicle. Right now, the City of Seattle does...
Dan Strauss
Posts from Councilmember Strauss
Sound Transit announces timeline for building light rail to Ballard
Sound Transit announced today that the Ballard Light Rail Extension could begin service to Market Street in Ballard by 2042 if it is able to close the project’s funding gap by 2033. “As a board and an agency, we are united in our commitment to deliver the full Ballard Light Rail Extension and all voter-approved ST3 projects,” said King County Executive Girmay Zahilay (Sound Transit Board Member). “The information provided by...
City Councilmembers react to Police Chief Barnes’ departure, voice major concerns
Today Council President Joy Hollingsworth (District 3), Councilmember Dan Strauss (District 6), Councilmember Debora Juarez (District 5), Councilmember Bob Kettle (District 7, Public Safety Chair), released this statement following an official announcement from Mayor Katie B. Wilson that Police Chief Shon Barnes has resigned. “Our city faces profound public safety challenges, from youth gun violence destroying lives to drug markets and human trafficking plaguing our neighborhoods. After the Seattle Center shooting, our focus should be on the lives lost and how we can address gun violence...
Mayor, Councilmembers agree on plan to improve food access for Seattle students
Seattle City Councilmembers and the mayor announced agreement today on a unified strategy to improve food access for Seattle students. The proposal would fund both universal free school meals, as proposed by Mayor Katie B. Wilson, and six-years of food support for students in need outside of the classroom, as proposed by Council President Joy Hollingsworth (District 3) and Councilmember...
Seattle City Councilmembers propose plan to fund universal school meals starting this fall
Three Seattle City Councilmembers announced a proposal today to fund universal free school meals for all Seattle Public School students starting this fall, while maintaining new investments aimed at ensuring low-income students have food on their tables at home. The proposal is sponsored by Councilmember and Budget Chair Dan Strauss (District 6), Council President Joy Hollingsworth (District 3), and Councilmember Dionne Foster (Position 9). It would amend the city’s Midyear...
Seattle City Councilmember Dan Strauss’ amendments for better bus service approved
My two amendments to secure better bus service for our neighborhoods passed in the Seattle Transportation Benefit District Committee! They are now part of the Seattle Transit Measure that will be on the ballot this November. We need better transit now more than ever. With Ballard, Fremont, Green Lake, Greenwood, Phinney Ridge, and Magnolia all being zoned for more housing...
City Council passes Strauss proposal to dramatically reduce utility costs for 31,000 low-income households
Today, the Seattle City Council unanimously passed the largest expansion of an affordability program in the City’s recent memory. Council Bill 121222, sponsored by Councilmember Dan Strauss (District 6) and co-sponsored by Council President Joy Hollingsworth (District 3), expands the city’s Utility Discount Program to include 31,000 new low-income households, saving them more than $1,000 per year, depending on their usage. “This...
Councilmember Dan Strauss announces new bus to Golden Gardens
We are launching a new bus pilot program to Golden Gardens Park this Saturday! I proposed and funded this new bus through a budget action last fall to give everyone better access to Golden Gardens. This is one of our city’s most beautiful but least accessible public spaces. Now, this summer, everyone will have better access to the beach. Until...
Councilmember Dan Strauss announces proposal to reduce utility costs for 31,000 low-income households
Councilmember Dan Strauss (District 6) announced major affordability legislation today that would dramatically decrease utility costs for 31,000 low-income households. The legislation would expand eligibility for the city’s existing Utility Discount Program, which could save low-income families more than $1,000 per year depending on their usage.
How we will continue to fight for Ballard Light Rail
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.
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 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...