News Release
Seattle City Councilmember Tom Rasmussen released the following statement today regarding the U.S. Coast Guard's decision to temporarily limit opening times of the West Seattle swing bridge during peak commuting hours. This action will ensure east-west commuter mobility while the southern portion of the Alaskan Way Viaduct (AWV) is closed for demolition and replaced with a temporary route.
News Release
The Seattle City Council today unanimously approved Resolution 31323, convening an Advisory Committee on Tolling and Traffic Management for the SR 99 Tunnel Project, as well as approving appointments of 15 community representatives to serve on the committee.
News Release
The Seattle City Council today approved Council Bill 117216 with a vote of 8-1 (Council President Conlin voting no), requiring businesses in Seattle to provide paid leave to employees when they or their family members fall ill or victim to domestic violence.
News Release
Today the City Council unanimously confirmed Bernadette (Bernie) Matsuno as the Department of Neighborhoods Director.
"I am impressed with Bernie's professional background and her two-decade long commitment to the Department of Neighborhoods success,” said Councilmember Mike O'Brien, chair of the Seattle Public Utilities and Neighborhoods Committee. "The Council believes the Department is well-positioned to increase meaningful community participation in city projects, and Bernie's vision for the Department will support just that. Her goals are laudable and the Council believes she has the wherewithal to lead city initiatives and policy improvements and her leadership will be a great benefit to the entire city."
The Seattle City Council today approved more than $1 million in matching funds to support neighborhood projects across the City. Twelve community organizations will receive awards from Seattle Department of Neighborhoods’ Neighborhood Matching Fund Program for projects as diverse as creation of an autistic spectrum disorder-friendly playspace to construction of an outdoor stage for community events.
Today on behalf of Seattle City Council, President Pro Tem Rasmussen released the following statement congratulating our next U.S. Ambassador to China, former Governor Gary Locke:
Today Councilmember Tom Rasmussen announced introduction of legislation that will establish a Transfer of Development Potential (TDP) program within the Pike/Pine neighborhood of Capitol Hill. The legislation will provide an additional incentive to maintain the neighborhood’s unique “character structures” (buildings that are at least 75 years old).
The Seattle City Council, acting in its capacity as the Seattle Transportation Benefit District (STBD) Governing Board, will convene following the regular City Council meeting on Monday, July 18 (approximately 2:30 p.m. or immediately following the 2 p.m. Full Council meeting).
The Seattle City Council Transportation Committee chair Tom Rasmussen released the following statement on today’s recommendations from the Citizen’s Transportation Advisory Committee III (CTAC) for the $20 Vehicle License Fee (VLF) approved by the City Council acting as the Transportation Benefit District (TBD) in October 2010:
Seattle Mayor McGinn, Seattle City Council President Conlin, and Councilmembers Rasmussen and Godden today jointly announced that the City will commit $3 million from the sale of the Rubble Yard to fund additional roadway work in 2011. The commitment will provide a 33 percent boost in 2011 street repair funding, preventing the elimination of 21 positions in the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) while also providing a small increase for bike improvements.