This week the Seattle City Council’s passage of Seattle’s $15 minimum wage legislation, Ord_124490, positions Seattle as a national leader in promoting sustainable economic development while also providing decent paying jobs. Seattle will show what a true world class city is: a city where all classes live in the same world, where they receive fair […]
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April 21, 2014January 6, 2023Councilmember Licata
Urban Politics #349: A Seattle Park District
I proposed changes to the Council's Seattle Park District legislation that call for a more diverse citizen oversight committee and increased funding for recreation programs.
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October 14, 2013January 6, 2023Councilmember Licata
Urban Politics #341: Medical Marijuana Land Use Rules
Approving marijuana land use regulations in Seattle has proven uniquely challenging.
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October 7, 2013January 6, 2023Councilmember Licata
Urban Politics #340: Don’t Give Up
I have often found that change doesn't come as quickly as I've hoped for, despite my best efforts. Hard to say why that's true.
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June 3, 2013January 6, 2023Councilmember Licata
Urban Politics #337: The Rise and Fall of Seattle’s Monorail Movement
I was recently handed Dick Falkenbury’s “Rise Above it All” book and found it a compelling personal story of one man’s attempt to install his vision of what the future for Seattle should be. Aside from the over-sized drama that Falkenbury portrays, some serious questions are raised about the effectiveness of government initiating and financing [...]
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January 8, 2013January 6, 2023Councilmember Licata
UP 330: Public Financing of Election Campaigns in Seattle
PUBLIC FINANCING OF ELECTION CAMPAIGNS IN SEATTLE I believe that Seattle residents should have the opportunity to vote on whether our local elections should receive public financing. Councilmembers are beginning efforts to explore a public financing system for Seattle. If this effort moves forward, the Council will place this decision on either the primary or [...]
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November 26, 2012January 6, 2023Councilmember Licata
UP #328: Creating Local Progress
I believe that relevant and important political change can occur at the local, municipal level and I was joined in that belief on November 18th when municipal elected officials from 32 cities in 20 states met in Washington D.C. to declare: We have gathered together to build a coalition of municipal elected officials dedicated to [...]
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September 25, 2012January 6, 2023Councilmember Licata
UP #327: SODO Arena Vote
The City Council voted 6-2 yesterday in favor of a revised Memorandum of Understanding for a basketball and hockey arena in SODO. Below are the remarks I made explaining my vote.
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September 14, 2012January 6, 2023Councilmember Licata
UP #326: Basketball Arena Vote
We have to prepare for all events. We cannot count on the past as fixed guide to the future.
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September 10, 2012January 6, 2023Councilmember Licata
UP #325: The Yesler Terrace Redevelopment Project
It is the Council’s duty to watchdog this legislation as it is implemented and to work with SHA and the community to assure that every requirement that is in this legislation is met.