Federal changes: Protecting our Seattle

Seattle is committed to protecting its people, especially those most impacted by recent federal policy changes, including our LGBTQIA+ and refugee and immigrant communities, and those for whom reproductive and gender-affirming care are so vital.

This resource page began as a response to the flurry of federal changes, with the first steps taken by Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck (Position 8) and City Council President Sara Nelson (Position 9).

Councilmember Rinck called for the creation of a new committee aimed at identifying responses to emerging federal policy changes that could threaten City programs and funding, including housing, public safety, public health, and social services.

Council President Nelson then stood up the new Select Committee on Federal Administration and Policy Changes which includes all nine Council members, to ensure all leaders are aware and responsive to constituents’ needs and concerns during a period of upheaval in Washington D.C. Councilmember Rinck oversees the committee as chair with Councilmember Cathy Moore (District 5) serving as vice chair. 

The goal is for our City Council to be prepared, amidst uncertainty at the federal level, to protect its residents, community resources, and basic government services.

Council work to date

1. Call for and creation of the Select Committee on Federal Administration and Policy Changes, dedicated to identifying strong local responses to federal changes that may threaten City of Seattle programs and funding.
2. The Council has identified several areas that may be targeted by the Trump Administration and is monitoring the barrage of Executive Orders closely. These critical areas include housing, public safety, transportation, emergency response, climate policy, public health, social services, economic development, and education.
3. Council President Nelson and Councilmember Maritza Rivera (District 4) began working directly with the Office of Intergovernmental Relations– the City’s on-the-ground team in Washington D.C. – to receive real-time policy and operational updates on the Trump Administration to help City leaders learn of rapid federal shifts and respond quickly to protect resources.
4. Councilmembers remain in close communication with Mayor Bruce Harrell and his staff, Governor Bob Ferguson, Attorney General Nick Brown, and other elected leaders to coordinate legal and policy responses to the Trump Administration’s targeted actions harming Washington’s economy, communities, and values.
5. The Select Committee’s first meeting on March 6, 2025, featured two roundtables on specific areas of concern: LGBTQ+ rights and reproductive healthcare access, and civil and labor rights. 
6. At the first Select Committee meeting, Councilmember Dan Strauss (District 6) brought forward a letter in support of federal workers threatened or targeted by layoffs. Seven Council colleagues at the meeting added their names to the letter.
7. Creation of a list of community resources (also see below) by Councilmember Rinck’s office to help people understand what their rights are, where they might get assistance, or find information on local and state laws when it comes to federal policy changes. The list on CM Rinck’s webpage became the basis for this new resource page.
8. On March 25, 2025, the Council passed legislation strengthening protections from harmful federal actions, specifically for people seeking reproductive health care and gender-affirming treatment. The amended bill, co-sponsored byCouncilmember Moore and Councilmember Rivera, creates a firewall preventing City employees from being used to enforce harmful and restrictive laws from other jurisdictions. This proposal builds on Washington state’s Shield Law.

Calendar of Upcoming Select Committee Meetings

The Select Committee will meet at City Hall, Council Chambers, unless noted otherwise.

Background

Since the new Presidential administration took office in January 2025 and the federal government transition began, state and local governments have voiced concern over a flurry of executive orders and abrupt policy changes. These issues have created unprecedented legal and funding questions in a number of jurisdictions and high anxiety and fear among many of our constituents throughout Seattle. The Select Committee on Federal Administration and Policy Changes was created in response to these concerns.

• Select Committee on Federal Administration and Policy Changes details
• Select Committee agenda materials

Links to Community Resources

Housing

• City of Seattle affordable housing assistance
• Know the Law: Renters’ + Landlords Responsibilities
• Homeownership and Rental Income Limits
• United Way King County Rental Assistance
• King County Bar Housing Justice Project

LGBTQ & Reproductive Rights and Issues Organizations

• Lavender Rights Project
• Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates
• Pro-Choice Washington | Advocating for Reproductive Freedom
• Queer Power Alliance
• Gay City: Seattle's LGBTQ Center
• Ingersoll Gender Center
• Gender Justice League
• Entre Hermanos
• Gay Straight Business Alliance (GSBA)

Immigration, Refugee and Labor Rights Issues Resources

• Northwest Immigrant Rights Project
• Washington Immigrant Solidarity Network
• OneAmerica
• Gay Straight Business Alliance (GSBA)
• MLK Labor
• Fair Work Center
• Seattle Legal Defense Network
• King County Bar Free Legal Assistance
• Frequently Asked Questions about Local City-level Immigration Policies - seattle.gov
• Data – Office of Immigrant & Refugee Affairs | seattle.gov
• Know Your Rights | ACLU of Washington

Civil Rights Resources

• Who is Protected in Seattle? CivilRights | seattle.gov
• Seattle LGBTQ Commission
• Commissions Meeting Calendar - CivilRights | seattle.gov

Questions?

If you need help, please consider contacting your councilmember directly. You can also contact the entire council at: council@seattle.gov