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April 8, 2013January 6, 2023Councilmember Harrell, News Releases

Statement on Bellevue Police Department action in Columbia City from Councilmembers Sally J. Clark and Bruce Harrell

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City of Seattle
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 4/8/2013

Council President Sally J. Clark
Councilmember Bruce Harrell 

Statement on Bellevue Police Department action in Columbia City
from Councilmembers Sally J. Clark and Bruce Harrell

Seattle -- Seattle City Councilmembers Sally J. Clark and Bruce Harrell issued the following statement on the Bellevue Police Department’s attempted warrant service and shooting in Columbia City:

“Two weeks ago the Bellevue Police Department attempted to serve a warrant in Columbia City. That action went terribly wrong to our minds. The result was the arguably unnecessary loss of life of the suspect, destruction of private property and the blooming of deep anger and suspicion from the neighborhood about police operations and law enforcement’s regard for the community.

We appreciate Bellevue Police Department Chief Linda Pillo’s request that the Seattle Police Department handle the officer-involved shooting investigation. A complete account must explain why the Bellevue PD choose to carry out the warrant service in the way they did and what steps were taken to ensure service of the warrant would result in the lowest risk of violence for both the suspect and the surrounding families.

Serving a warrant on an alleged violent offender can be dangerous and without question requires preparation. Officers must take steps to be safe. However, neighborhoods, whether in Bellevue or South Seattle, should be assured best practices are followed to ensure safety for all. Neighbors around 42nd and Hudson and throughout South Seattle deserve a full explanation of what happened March 22."

[View in Council Newsroom]

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April 3, 2013January 6, 2023News Releases

Seattle City Council Welcomes New Communications Director

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City of Seattle
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 4/3/2013

Council President Sally J. Clark

Seattle City Council Welcomes New Communications Director

SEATTLE -- Council President Sally J. Clark announced today the hiring of Dana Robinson Slote as Communications Director for the City's Legislative Department.  Robinson Slote most recently served as Director of Communication for the Washington State Senate Democratic Caucus where she crafted and executed communication plans for a diverse set of elected officials.

"Dana has a solid understanding of issues facing Seattle, significant experience supporting a legislative body and is committed to connecting government with the public," said Council President Sally J. Clark.  "I'm excited for Dana to join the team."

Robinson Slote brings a dozen years of communication expertise from both public and private sectors. From 2005-11, she worked in communications at the University of Washington.  In earlier roles, she served as a press secretary working on a number of issue and candidate campaigns, including levies for Seattle Public Schools, the Seattle Housing Levy, Seattle Public Utilities and the City of Seattle's Office of Policy Management.

Robinson Slote is a lifelong Seattle-area resident.  She is a two-time Ironman competitor (Canada '09, '10), holds a B.A. in Communications from Western Washington University and an M.A. in Communications from Gonzaga.

Interim Communications Director Dan Nolte will manage media affairs for Seattle City Council until Robinson Slote begins work Monday, April 22.

[View in Council Newsroom]

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April 3, 2013January 6, 2023Councilmember O'Brien, News Releases

Councilmembers Clark, O’Brien Advocate for Transportation Options in Olympia

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City of Seattle
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 4/3/2013

Council President Sally J. Clark
Councilmember Mike O'Brien

Councilmembers Clark, O'Brien Advocate for Transportation Options in Olympia

Seattle City Councilmembers Sally J. Clark and Mike O'Brien today will meet with key state legislators to advocate for local transportation funding options. Both will travel to Olympia as part of the "Keep King County Moving Coalition," highlighting the need to preserve King County Metro transit service and critical roadway maintenance.

Metro faces a $75 million annual shortage if the state Legislature fails to approve transit funding tools, a shortfall that would result in the reduction of up to 17 percent of Metro's bus service.  According to King County Metro, 65 transit routes are at risk of being cancelled, with another 86 routes at risk for service reductions. "Keep King County Moving" has coordinated business, government and community advocates to speak with one voice about the threat transit cuts pose to business, growth management and quality of life.

"It's do-or-die time," said Council President Sally J. Clark.  "Without funding options, we can expect commutes to suffer and business to be impacted."

"Metro cuts will disproportionally affect low-income communities," said Councilmember Mike O'Brien.  "I have faith that our friends in Olympia will recognize that giving local jurisdictions tools to provide service is the right thing to do.

Seattle City Councilmembers frequently meet with legislators as part of the "Seattle for Washington" program, which is intended to strengthen relationships with key policy makers and better understand issues important to communities around the state.  For more on Metro's funding shortfall and what it could mean for the future of transit riders and our economy, please visit Metro's website.

[View in Council Newsroom]

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April 1, 2013January 6, 2023News Releases

Seattle City Council statement on the passing of former Councilmember Cheryl Chow

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City of Seattle
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 4/1/2013

Council President Sally J. Clark          

Seattle City Council statement on the passing of former Councilmember Cheryl Chow

Seattle -- The Seattle City Council issued the following statement on the passing of former Councilmember Cheryl Chow:

"As a teacher, principal, coach, City Councilmember and School Board member the Honorable Cheryl Chow worked tirelessly to improve the lives of children and families in Seattle.  As a Seattle City Councilmember from 1990-1997 Cheryl pushed hard for and won policies, programs and budgets that made Seattle a better place for the children she regarded as Seattle's future. She leaves a lasting legacy when it comes to youth enrichment programs, the city's rich network of community centers, and guided the transformation of the Coliseum into Key Arena. Cheryl served with intelligence, compassion and sharp wit. 

While colleagues (and sports opponents) knew her as a strong-willed competitor, Cheryl brought strong-willed competition to a whole new level in her fight against cancer. In her final role as a public advocate Cheryl's coming out made her a hero to many who never knew her work as a councilmember.  Cheryl's work as an advocate and her positive, competitive presence will be missed."

The Seattle City Council honored Cheryl Chow with a proclamation on September 17, 2012, declaring "Cheryl Chow Day" in Seattle.  The full text of the proclamation can be viewed here.

A Seattle Channel tribute to Cheryl Chow can be viewed here.

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April 1, 2013January 6, 2023Councilmember Bagshaw, Councilmember Harrell, Councilmember Licata, Councilmember O'Brien, Councilmember Rasmussen, News Releases

Seven remaining Councilmembers announce candidacy for Mayor

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City of Seattle
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 4/1/2013

Councilmember Richard Conlin
Council President Sally J. Clark
Councilmember Sally Bagshaw
Councilmember Jean Godden
Councilmember Nick Licata
Councilmember Mike O'Brien
Councilmember Tom Rasmussen

Seven remaining Councilmembers announce candidacy for Mayor
Will run as collective

Seattle -- The seven Councilmembers who are not already in the race for Mayor today announced that they will pioneer a new model for Seattle governance by running for Mayor as a collective. The seven will appear on the ballot as a single name, "O'Bagcloddenconrasita," reflecting their collegial approach to the position.

"Experience teaches us that seven heads are better than one," said the group speaking in unison. "Seven of nine is an excellent model for decision-making," they commented, making the obligatory geeky Star Trek allusion.

"This way the people of Seattle will know that there will always be a Mayor on the job," O'Bagcloddenconrasita added. "By taking shifts, we can cover the Mayor's office 24-7. And the Mayor can lobby in Olympia, cut a ribbon in West Seattle, and hold a town meeting in Ballard, all at the same time."

Commenting on the legality of the proposed candidacy, City Attorney Pete Holmes was sanguine about the outcome of any possible court challenge. "Nothing in the City Charter prevents innovative approaches to governance," Holmes added. "Furthermore, this will make it much easier to get a Mayoral signature on City documents."

The group noted that the departure of seven Councilmembers simultaneously would make it difficult to do business and fill the seven vacancies on the Council, since there would not be a quorum remaining. However, the group agreed that this could easily be resolved by the use of serial resignations spaced one week apart between the election and taking office on January 1. That way, each week eight Councilmembers could conduct business and appoint someone to the vacant seat. By the end of December, seven new Councilmembers would be seated and join Mayor O'Bagcloddenconrasita in governing the City.

[View in Council Newsroom]

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March 25, 2013January 6, 2023Councilmember Harrell, News Releases

Seattle City Council to hear from Department of Justice Monitor Merrick Bobb

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City of Seattle
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 3/7/2013

Council President Sally J. Clark
Councilmember Bruce A. Harrell

Seattle City Council to hear from Department of Justice Monitor Merrick Bobb

Seattle - Seattle City Council will host Merrick Bobb and members of the Monitoring team at Council Briefing on Monday, March 11. Bobb is the court-appointed independent monitor for the Department of Justice (DOJ) Settlement Agreement and will provide an update and briefing on the Monitoring Plan.

"The Council looks forward to hearing Merrick Bobb's thoughts and plans to help our Police Department implement the changes required under the Settlement Agreement. We are encouraged that a Monitoring Plan will soon be approved by the Court and look forward to a focused approach on specific outcomes," said Councilmember Bruce Harrell, chair of the Public Safety committee.

The Monitoring Plan for the first year was submitted on March 5 and the Department of Justice filed its "Notice of Approval of the Monitoring Plan for the First Year" with the U.S. District Court on March 6. This is a critical checkpoint in Seattle's DOJ Settlement Agreement. The proposed Monitoring Plan establishes expectations and guidance for the City and DOJ on how the Monitor will assess compliance with the Settlement Agreement.

Monitoring Plan as submitted to U.S. Federal District Judge Hon. James Robart on March 5.

WHAT:           Council Briefing

WHEN:           Monday, March 11, 2013, at 9 a.m.

WHERE:         Council Chambers, second floor
                        Seattle City Hall, 600 Fourth Avenue, Seattle 98104

WHO:              Council President Sally J. Clark
                        Councilmember Bruce A. Harrell
                        Councilmember Sally Bagshaw                    
                        Councilmember Tim Burgess
                        Councilmember Richard Conlin                    
                        Councilmember Jean Godden
                        Councilmember Nick Licata
                        Councilmember Mike O'Brien
                        Councilmember Tom Rasmussen
                        Merrick Bobb (Department of Justice Monitoring Team)
                        Chris Moulton (Department of Justice Monitoring Team)
                        Nick Armstrong (Department of Justice Monitoring Team)
                        Peter Ehrlichman (Department of Justice Monitoring Team)
                        Ronald Ward (Department of Justice Monitoring Team)

[View in Council Newsroom]

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March 25, 2013January 6, 2023News Releases

Mayor, Council create Economic Development Commission

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City of Seattle
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 3/11/2013

Mayor Mike McGinn
Council President Sally J. Clark                               

Mayor, Council create Economic Development Commission
Members will propose strategies for an innovative, sustainable and equitable economy

SEATTLE - Today Mayor Mike McGinn and Council President Sally J. Clark officially announced the formation of the Economic Development Commission (the Commission) to examine Seattle's ability to compete in the global economy of the 21st century.

"Since I launched the Seattle Jobs Plan in 2010, we've been hearing from the people of Seattle who are building our recovery that they need responsive city government, a supportive regulatory environment, investments in infrastructure, and skilled workers," said Mayor Mike McGinn. "I'm looking forward to working with the Commission and the insights and ideas that they will bring to continue to build an innovative economy that is sustainable, that enhances our quality of life, and that helps more people share in our prosperity."

Members of the Commission represent a cross section of business, industry and higher education to advise the Mayor and City Council on the development of plans, policies, regulations, and strategies that have substantial impact on creating and maintaining an innovative economy that is resilient, sustainable, and equitable.

"We live in an amazing place with a startling number of innovators and great talent, and we can't take any of it for granted," said Sally J. Clark, Council President and chair of the Council's Committee on Economic Resiliency and Regional Relations. "This Commission will help us focus the City's role in supporting innovation and talent for shared prosperity."

The Commission is comprised of 15 members, and all commissioners serve a one-year term. The Commission is formally created through Council Ordinance 123786.

"Community leaders initiated the idea to create an economic development commission in 2011 during a series of Council-led forums," said Councilmember Richard Conlin. "The

Commission will greatly assist the City in recommending policy priorities and actions that implement the City's key principles for economic development; quality of life, hospitable and responsive business climate, resilient and sustainable local economy, collaboration and civic leadership, educated workforce, and adaptive strategies."

The ultimate goal of the Commission is to help the City of Seattle develop and advance a vision for Seattle's economic development that nurtures a policy and regulatory environment that encourages innovation and supports business formation and growth, retention, and expansion.

"The University of Washington is deeply interested in training our students to meet and to take advantage of the challenges and opportunities of the future. At the same time, we are fully committed to moving the incredible research done at the University into the market and into our communities where it can improve lives," said Michael Young, president, University of Washington. "For the University to maintain its capacity as an engine for economic stimulation and growth, we need the right environment and partners. The City of Seattle's Economic Development Commission can support just such an ecosystem, and we are very excited to participate."

The Commission will examine existing economic development strategies developed by the city and regional partners, seek additional information if necessary, and examine Seattle's ability to compete in the global economy of the 21st century in terms of innovation, human capital, regulatory process improvement and measuring success.
"As an entrepreneur and investor in early-stage companies, I know that innovation takes place over long cycles," said Chris DeVore, partner, Founders' Co-op and TechStars Seattle. "I'm interested in making sure this Commission is thinking about how Seattle can attract the right talent and create the right ecosystem so that the next generation of new, innovative companies will be founded here rather than somewhere else in the world."

The initial charge of the Commission will be to produce and present a report to the Executive and the Council outlining findings and measures that could be implemented to support business innovation and prepare our workforce to meet the needs of our economy. The Commission will be staffed by the City's Office of Economic Development.

"As a small business owner of a 17-person construction management and project controls company, our business priority is to hire locally and provide training for this industry," Tanya Jimale, president and CEO of JTS. "I want to bring my insights and employer experience together with the Commission to bring in more job opportunities and transition people in the community into good, solid jobs with livable wages."

The initial 15 Economic Development Commission members are:

  • Maud Daudon, President & CEO, Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce
  • Chris DeVore, Partner, Founders' Co-op and TechStars Seattle
  • David Freiboth, Executive Secretary Treasurer, King County Central Labor Council  and Vice President, Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO
  • Christine Hanna, Co-Founder/Co-Director, Seattle Good Business Network
  • Tanya Jimale, President and CEO, JTS
  • Rob Mohn, President, RAM Columbia, LLC
  • Alan Nay, Founder, World Famous
  • Sarah Patterson, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Virginia Mason Medical Center
  • Michael Rawding, Principal, Deerhorn Advisors
  • Chris Rivera, President, Washington Biotechnology and Biomedical Association
  • Brad Tong, Principal, Shiels, Obletz, Johnsen, Inc
  • Dr. Jill Wakefield, Chancellor, Seattle Community Colleges
  • Ken Willman, Chief Legal Officer, Russell Investments
  • Tay Yoshitani, CEO, Port of Seattle
  • Michael Young, President, University of Washington

Access the Economic Development Commission members' biographies and more information about the Commission here.
# # #

Seattle Jobs Plan
Mayor Mike McGinn's vision for next generation economic development that creates a sustainable economy with shared prosperity in Seattle was launched in August 2010. It consists of new and existing policies, programs and investments designed to help create quality jobs, protect the environment, and ensure that taxpayers get true value from the city of Seattle's public investments. For more information, visit www.seattle.gov/mayor/jobsplan

Seattle City Council
In 2009 the Council passed Resolution 31135 outlining the strategies and actions to help promote economic recovery.  In 2011, the Council passed Resolution 31282 adopting guiding principles, actions and strategies for strengthening and growing Seattle's economy.  Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast and Webcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and on the City Council's website. Copies of legislation, Council meeting calendar, and archives of news releases can be found on the City Council website. Follow the Council on Twitter and on Facebook.

City's Office of Economic Development (OED)

OED supports a healthy business environment and empowers companies to grow and compete, and provides services directly to businesses through advocacy, retention and expansion assistance, and workforce development. Visit www.growseattle.com to access city services for businesses, and for more information about our office, visit www.seattle.gov/economicdevelopment

[View in Council Newsroom]

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March 25, 2013January 6, 2023Councilmember Licata, Councilmember Rasmussen, News Releases

City Council to discuss micro-housing developments

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City of Seattle
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 3/22/2013

Councilmember Tom Rasmussen
Council President Sally J. Clark
Councilmember Nick Licata
Councilmember Richard Conlin

City Council to discuss micro-housing developments 
Public invited to share feedback with Councilmembers and City staff

SEATTLE -- Seattle City Councilmembers Tom Rasmussen, Nick Licata, Sally J. Clark and Richard Conlin today announced a public meeting on micro-housing developments on April 18, in response to questions and concerns raised in several Seattle neighborhoods.

"Several Councilmembers and I are sponsoring a two hour meeting to review what is occurring due to the strong interest and concern we are hearing in the neighborhoods," Councilmember Tom Rasmussen stated. "A portion of the meeting will include an opportunity for the public to provide comments and recommendations on what, if any, regulations should be enacted for this unique type of housing."   

In addition to a public comment opportunity, representatives from the Department of Planning and Development (DPD), the Office of Housing (OH) and City Council staff will discuss Seattle's recent experience with micro-housing. 

 

WHAT:           Micro-housing development discussion

WHEN:           Thursday, April 18, 11:30 a.m. -- 1:30 p.m.

WHERE:         Council Chambers, second floor
                        Seattle City Council, 600 Fourth Ave

WHO:              Seattle City Councilmembers and Council staff
                        Representatives from Seattle's Dept. of Planning and Development
                        Representatives from Seattle's Office of Housing

"I want to see more affordable housing built in Seattle along with our residential neighborhoods accommodating housing options that contribute to their character," stated Councilmember Nick Licata, chair of the Council's Housing, Human Services, Health and Culture Committee. "I think both objectives can be accomplished and I look forward to this forum providing an opportunity to hear suggestions on how to fulfill both."

"I've visited some of these micro-units," said Council President Sally J. Clark. "They provide decent, often attractive housing for a range of people who don't need or want a lot of space. They're also appearing in greater numbers and more rapidly than some in the surrounding neighborhood want. This forum can provide a good airing of people's support, concerns and ideas for appropriate regulation."

"Microhousing can be an affordable option that works well with neighborhoods," said Councilmember Richard Conlin, chair of the Council's Planning, Land Use and Sustainability Committee. "However, it does not fit neatly into Seattle's land use code, and we are looking for input on code improvements that will preserve the affordability while ensuring that these developments reflect both the letter and the spirit of our land use laws."

Background

In recent years, micro-housing has emerged as an increasingly common residential building product in Seattle. Since 2006, DPD has received permit applications for 44 projects. Those completed projects have a total capacity of about 2,000 people. In 2012, DPD received applications for approximately 15 micro-housing projects.

Micro-housing projects are generally comprised of apartment or townhome-style dwelling units, each of which contains several (often seven or eight) smaller living quarters clustered around a shared kitchen and laundry area. Each of the smaller living spaces within the dwelling unit is leased to an individual tenant. These spaces are typically 150 to 200 square feet in size and equipped with a kitchenette (refrigerator, microwave, sink) and private bathroom. Rent levels vary by location but are often in the range of $600 to $700 per month. 

Developers have found Seattle offers a strong market for micro-housing, with completed projects leasing up quickly. Tenants often include students, service industry workers, and individuals who divide their time between Seattle and a residence in another location.  Geographically, 52 percent of the projects are located on Capitol Hill and 30 percent in the University District, with the remainder spread throughout the city.

Because micro-housing is not well-defined in City codes it also may not be adequately regulated. Some of the issues and concerns the public has raised about Seattle's growing stock of micro-housing include:

  • Within micro-housing projects, DPD currently counts the several small living quarters that surround a common kitchen and laundry area as a single dwelling unit (e.g., one apartment with eight bedrooms and eight bathrooms). As a result, most micro-housing projects do not meet the threshold for design review. Normally the design review process also provides opportunities for neighbors to comment and offer input on proposed projects.
  • DPD's current practice of counting multiple living quarters within a micro-housing project as a single dwelling unit also complicates efforts to measure progress toward adopted growth targets in neighborhoods where micro-housing is located. It also can affect whether a proposed micro-housing project is subject to environmental review under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA).
  • Micro-housing may not be an appropriate building type for all multifamily residential zones. 
  • Micro-housing projects are generally designed to house 30 to 60 individuals; however, on-site parking is rarely provided. 
  • The high cost of this housing on a price per square foot basis. 

[View in Council Newsroom]