Past Issues

2022 Annual Report of the Seattle City Council
2022 Annual Report of the Seattle City Council
PayUp Legislation
The PayUp policy package is a group of bills being drafted and introduced by Councilmembers Lisa Herbold and Andrew Lewis that work to address the many issues facing gig workers.
All Policy is Local Podcast
Seattle City Councilmember Andrew J. Lewis takes you beyond the headlines and gives you a seat at the table for some of the most important public policy conversations facing Seattle and local governments across the nation today.
Councilmember Andrew J. Lewis is proposing an initiative, "It Takes a Village," to quickly expand the number of tiny houses in Seattle. Tiny houses are a vital step on the pathway out of homelessness and help remove tent encampments.
Understanding Council's Budget Amendments (2022)
This interactive tool is meant to make the Council's budget amendments more transparent, engaging, and accessible. This page contains information amendments discussed during the fall of 2022.
Demystifying the Council's Budget Process (2022)
This interactive budget guide is meant to make the Council's budget process straightforward and simple to understand. Most importantly, this resource is intended to highlight when and how you can make your voice heard during the process.
Letters
The following letters have been signed by at least two councilmembers
2021 Annual Report of the Seattle City Council
2021 Annual Report of the Seattle City Council
2020 Annual Report of the Seattle City Council
2020 Annual Report of the Seattle City Council
2019 Annual Report of the Seattle City Council
2019 Annual Report of the Seattle City Council
2018 Annual Report of the Seattle City Council
2018 Annual Report of the Seattle City Council
Budget Process
This page aims to serve as a baseline of information for the public to understand the budget, and engage in the Council’s process.
Seattle Rescue Plan
Councilmember Mosqueda, Council President Lorena González and Mayor Jenny Durkan announced the “Seattle Rescue Plan”, a $128.4 million package in federal recovery funds to aid Seattle’s recovery from the pandemic and COVID-related economic impacts.
COVID-19 Information and Resources
As the City of Seattle navigates the response to the coronavirus / COVID-19, the City has put together the following resource guide to help provide information and resources to the public.
Tiny House Villages
Councilmember Kshama Sawant is sponsoring a bill to expand access to Tiny House Villages throughout Seattle. This bill will allow Seattle to issue permits for from 0 to 40 villages, in any zone.
Clean Campaigns Act
Councilmember M. Lorena González is proposing legislation to protect our democracy from the corruption of big money and foreign influence.
SDOT Director Confirmation Process
SDOT Director Confirmation Process
Seattle City Light CEO Confirmation Process
Seattle City Light CEO Confirmation Process
Seattle City Light CEO Confirmation Process
The Seattle City Council has the responsibility to confirm or reject the nominee, Larry Weis - the former general manager of Austin Energy, chosen by the Mayor.
Trees for All
Councilmember Johnson is proposing a framework that would create stronger stewardship of the trees we have, allow our canopy to keep pace with growth and greater density, and plant more trees in neighborhoods that lack them.
Domestic Workers' Bill of Rights
The Council is considering legislation to extend labor protections, the same safeguards that most other workers in Seattle already have, to domestic workers.
Police Chief Confirmation Process
Councilmember M. Lorena González will host the confirmation process for the appointment of Carmen Best as the next Seattle Police Department’s Chief of Police.
Progressive Tax on Business
To address homelessness, the Seattle City Council is considering a Progressive Tax on Business.
Progressive Revenue Taskforce on Housing and Homelessness
The Council has convened a taskforce to identify progressive sources of revenue to assist people who are homeless or at high risk of becoming homeless. The goal is to help such people obtain and retain stable housing.
Legal Defense for Immigrants & Refugees
The City of Seattle may create a legal defense fund for immigrants and refugees, providing representation for them in immigration court. This vastly increases their chances of being able to stay in the country.
Secure Scheduling
This legislation would add stability and predictability to workers' schedules as well as their incomes.
Community Police Commission Application
The city sought applications for the Community Police Commission.
Regulating Short Term Rentals
The Council seeks to balance the economic opportunity created by short term rentals with the need to maintain the availability of long-term rental housing.
Seattle Renters' Commission
The purpose of the Seattle Renters’ Commission is to advise the Mayor and City Council on issues and policies of importance to renters citywide.
Giving Drivers a Voice
Seattle City Council unanimously adopted legislation that will give eligible drivers at taxi, for-hire, and companies like Uber and Lyft a voice on the job and the opportunity to negotiate for improved working conditions.
Welcoming Cities Resolution
On Wednesday, January 25th, 2017 President Trump signed Executive Orders that directly impact our immigrant and refugee community. This resolution reaffirms the City’s commitment to stand by, support and protect our immigrant and refugee communities
Marijuana in Seattle
Learn more about marijuana in Seattle.
Strengthening Chinatown / the International District
Chinatown-International District, and the people, business and organizations that call it home, are a valued part of Seattle. The history, culture and community represented here are part of what makes Seattle a thriving city and our goal is to protect and strengthen the neighborhood.
Addressing Gun Safety Issues in Seattle
The Council unanimously passed two pieces of legislation to improve gun safety in Seattle. One establishes a gun violence tax on firearms and ammunition and the other to requires mandatory reporting of lost or stolen firearms.
Creating Affordable Housing with a Linkage Fee
The Council has passed legislation to create more affordable housing throughout the city.
Oil Train Safety
Oil trains, which have resulted in death, injury, and substantial damage to property and the environment, regularly run through the heart of Seattle. The Council is doing everything in its power to ensure the safety of the city.
Sound Transit 3 Response
Read the recommendations from the City Council to the Sound Transit Board as to the content of the proposed ST3 ballot measure in November 2016.
Office of Police Accountability
The Office of Police Accountability helps ensure the actions of SPD employees are constitutional and in compliance with federal, state, and local laws by investigating and making recommended findings regarding allegations of misconduct.
Building More Affordable Housing Using Surplus Public Land
The Council may repurpose surplus property for community-driven development of affordable housing.
The Seattle City Council passed the Job Assistance Bill at Full Council on June 10th, 2013. The ordinance increases public safety and reduces criminal recidivism by providing job assistance to individuals with previous criminal records.
United States Department of Justice - Seattle Police Department Civil Rights Pattern or Practice Investigation
Councilmember Obrien's thoughts on accessory dwelling units, including backyard cottages
Councilmember O’Brien is proposing a Transit Benefits Ordinance, meaning that Seattle employers would offer their employees the opportunity to use pre-tax income to purchase qualified transit benefits.
Participatory Budgeting
The Seattle City Council earmarked approximately $30 million in the 2021 budget to run a Participatory Budgeting process that allows Seattle neighbors to vote on how to invest public dollars.
Seattle Districting Commission
The City of Seattle is seeking qualified applicants to serve in on the 2021 Districting Commission. The Districting Commission will redraw the boundaries of the seven Seattle City Council districts.
Council's Balancing Package for the 2021 Budget
The Council puts together its version of the City budget after receiving a proposal from the Mayor in late September. Each Councilmember offers amendments, and the budget chair - Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda - puts together a draft budget, or balancing package, that reflects the Council's shared values and priorities.
Council's Balancing Package
The Council puts together its version of the City budget after receiving a proposal from the Mayor in late September. Each Councilmember offers amendments, and the budget chair - Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda - puts together a draft budget, or balancing package, that reflects the Council's shared values and priorities.
Creating Permanent Supportive Housing
Councilmember Andrew Lewis announced a proposal to create more Permanent Supportive Housing faster and at reduced costs.
Seattle Park District
In the fall of 2022, the Seattle City Council, sitting as the Seattle Park District Board of Directors, will approve the Park District’s next cycle of investments.

City Council

Address: 600 Fourth Ave. 2nd Floor, Seattle, WA, 98104
Mailing Address: PO Box 34025, Seattle, WA , 98124-4025
Phone: (206) 684-8888
Phone Alt: Listen Line: (206) 684-8566
Fax: (206) 684-8587
Meet the Council

The Seattle City Council establishes City policy through enactment of ordinances (laws) and adoption of resolutions. The City Council also approves and adopts the City's budget. The nine Council members and their legislative assistants are part of the City of Seattle Legislative Department.