COVID-19 Information and Resources

What’s the Latest?

Updated on May 6, 2020
This page is updated when new information becomes publicly available.

Gov. Inslee signs new COVID-19 order for phased re-opening of Washington's economy

Safe Start sets a careful approach to emerging from the pandemic. It allows for modifications of business closures and physical distancing measures while minimizing the health impacts of COVID-19. Learn more here. 

Four column image of Washington's phased approach to reopening

Additional Eviction Defense for Renters 

Currently, the City has an existing residential eviction moratorium, which is set to expire June 4. The state also has an eviction moratorium through June 4. The Seattle City Council passed new legislation that provides an additional eviction defense for an additional six months after the City's eviction moratorium is lifted.    

  1. After the city's moratorium on residential evictions ends, the legislation provides a defense a tenant may use for six months should a landlord take their tenant to eviction court. 
  2. The tenant can use non-payment of rent for any reason as a defense to eviction, as long as they submit a declaration of financial hardship to the court.

Learn more here.

Small Business and Nonprofit Rent Freeze, Payment Plans

The Council unanimously passed legislation that freezes storefront rent increases for some small businesses and nonprofits, and allows some small businesses and nonprofits the ability to negotiate a payment plan for their rents with their commercial landlords. The legislation applies to nonprofits, and to small businesses with 50 or fewer employees that have been closed due to public orders or that have seen at least a 30 percent drop in business.  This legislation requires landlords to work out payment plans with their small business and nonprofit tenants up to six months after the end of the civil emergency. 

The repayment plans would need to meet the following conditions: 

  • The repayment schedule could not require the small business or nonprofit to pay more than 1/3 of late rent within any month or period;
  • The repayment schedule must require that all late rent will be repaid within a year of the end of the civil emergency; 
  • No late fees, interest or other charges could be added to the late rent payments. 

 

 

Coronavirus / COVID-19 Information and Resources

As the City of Seattle navigates the response to COVID-19, Council offices have received several requests seeking information on what resources are available. To cull those resources into one helpful page, the Seattle City Council has put together the following resource guide.

Contents

Emergency Orders from Governor Inslee

Stay Home, Stay Healthy - Statewide Order 

Stay Home, Stay Health - Statewide Order

On Monday, March 23, 2020, Gov. Jay Inslee issued a statewide order: Stay Home, Stay Healthy. The Stay Home, Stay Healthy order was extended until May 31, 2020. 

Gov. Inslee shared the Safe Start re-opening order, which sets a careful approach to emerging from the pandemic. It allows for modifications of business closures and physical distancing measures while minimizing the health impacts of COVID-19. Learn more here. 

Table of Phased Approach to reopening state

Closure of All Washington State Schools 

On March 13, 2020, Governor Inslee issued an order to close all schools in the state of Washington through April 24. The Governor's order applies to K-12 public and private schools, public and private universities, colleges, community colleges, technical schools and private career schools and apprenticeships. Online classes could continue to be held.

The Governor has asked school districts to continue providing services for students who rely on school meals or experience homelessness. The Governor has also asked school districts to provide childcare for medical professionals and first responders.

More information on Seattle Public Schools and childcare is below.

Public Health Information

The City of Seattle is closely monitoring and following recommendations set forth by Public Health - Seattle & King County. Their website, kingcounty.gov/covid has information that’s being updated daily on the following:

  • Number of diagnosed coronavirus cases and deaths in King County
  • Public health directives and recommendations for individuals, families, schools, workplaces, people who are sick or people who are considered a vulnerable population and at a higher risk for severe COVID-19 illness. These directives and recommendations have been posted in multiple languages.

The Council suggests you check the kingcounty.gov/covid website frequently, and sign up for email alerts from Public Health.

Our recommended coronavirus / COVID-19 information resources include:

Public Health - Seattle & King County

King County

Washington State Department of Health

Washington State Department of Health

Center for Diseases Control

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Public Health Recommendations

Below are some of the recommendations from Public Health - Seattle & King County to protect our community:

  • Even if you are not ill, avoid visiting hospitals, long term care facilities or nursing homes to the extent possible. If you do need to visit one of these facilities limit your time there and keep 6 feet away from patients.
  • Do not go to the emergency room unless essential. Emergency rooms need to be able to serve those with the most critical needs. If you have symptoms like cough, fever, or other respiratory problems, contact your regular doctor first.
  • Stay home when sick.
  • Practice excellent personal hygiene habits, including washing your hands with soap and water frequently, coughing into a tissue or your elbow, and avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
  • Stay away from people who are ill, especially if you are at higher risk for coronavirus.
  • Clean frequently touched surfaces and objects (like doorknobs and light switches). Regular household cleaners are effective.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth unless you've just washed your hands.
  • Get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids, eat healthy foods, and manage your stress to keep your immunity strong.
  • Stay informed. Information is changing frequently. Check and subscribe to Public Health's website (www.kingcounty.gov/COVID) or blog (www.publichealthinsider.com)

Guidance for People at Higher Risk for Severe COVID-19 Illness

Public Health recommends that people at higher risk of severe illness should stay home and away from large groups of people as much as possible, including public places with lots of people and large gatherings where there will be close contact with others. This includes concert venues, conventions, sporting events, and crowded social gatherings.

People at higher risk include people:

  • Over 60 years of age
  • With underlying health conditions including include heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes
  • With weakened immune systems
  • Who are pregnant
  • Caregivers of children with underlying health conditions should consult with healthcare providers about whether their children should stay home. Anyone who has questions about whether their condition puts them at risk for novel coronavirus should consult with their healthcare providers.

Public Health Seattle & King County Resources

City Services

Seattle Public Library 

Seattle Public Library closed all library locations. Except for preschool programs and hygiene services, Seattle Parks and Recreation has canceled all programming, rentals, and permitted events, and has closed all community centers, pools, and environmental learning centers. All closures will take effect at 6 p.m. Friday, March 13, and will last until at least April 13. The City will be in continued contact with public health officials to evaluate our facilities beyond this timeline.

Public-Facing Departments:

Starting Monday, March 16, City of Seattle public-facing counters will be closed to the public but will continue to be available through email and phone. The City expects to reopen counters Monday morning, March 23 with new public health protocols, but will continue to evaluate this timeline as the outbreak evolves in accordance with public health guidance. Public-facing closures apply to the following: 

Finance and Administrative Services

Divisions in the Department of Finance and Administrative Services (FAS) with public-facing counters that will temporarily be closed include: the City's Customer Service Bureau, eight Customer Service Centers, Seattle Animal Shelter, Treasury Services, Consumer Protection, License and Tax Administration and Purchasing and Contracting. Most of the services provided by impacted divisions can be done online, via phone, mail or email, such as processing purchasing and contracting documents, distributing regulatory and businesses licenses and making utility and other City payments. While contractors are encouraged to submit their bids by mail, the bid counter in Purchasing and Contracting will remain open. 

Seattle City Light

Seattle City Light (SCL) will temporarily close the public walk-in areas at the North Service Center (1300 N 97th St., Seattle 98103) and South Service Center (3613 Fourth Ave. S., Seattle 98134). Also, for customers who pay their bills in person at any of the City's seven customer service centers located throughout the city will temporarily not have that option.   While SCL will not be open to assist walk-in customers, the utility will continue to serve customers over the phone at (206) 684-3000 or online at seattle.gov/light/paymybill. Customers can talk to a live person M-F, 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. at (206) 684-3000.  

Seattle City Clerk

City Clerk's Office services are currently available on a limited basis. Please call (206) 684-8344 or e-mail CityClerk@seattle.gov for assistance.

Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections

Divisions in the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) with public-facing counters that will temporarily be closed include: the Applicant Services Center, Public Resource Center, and 19th floor reception area.   The following services will no longer be available on an in-person basis:

  • Assistance with landlord or tenant issues, including RRIO registration
  • Permitting services, including side sewer, subject-to-field-inspection, and trade permits
  • Coaching for geotechnical, drainage, land use, zoning, tree removal/preservation/protection, permits, or project planning
  • Address changes or verification
  • Pre-submittal conferences
  • Zoning paid coaching appointments
  • Pay fees by cash or check
  • Determine your project development site
  • Research permit history
  • Submittal of final plats for recording

  Customers should use these alternate options to conduct business with SDCI:

Seattle Department of Transportation

Divisions in the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) with public-facing counters that will temporarily be closed include: the Street Use permit counter and Traffic and Parking permit counter, located on the 23rd and 37th floors of the Seattle Municipal Tower respectively.  

Members of the public who need permits and the services provided by SDOT staff at the counters are asked to conduct their business by phone, online, or email. SDOT staff are available by telephone to provide Street Use permit application coaching at (206) 684-5253 and traffic and parking permit customer service at (206) 684-5086.  

For construction use in the right-of-way and street improvement permits, customers can e-mail completed applications to SDOTPermits@seattle.gov. For major utility permits, please e-mail your completed application to SDOTUtilPermits@Seattle.gov and be sure to use the subject line: "Permit#_ProjAddress - UMP New Application / Modification Application." For all other permits, please apply online through the Seattle Services Portal at cosaccela.seattle.gov.  

Additional resources are available online at www.seattle.gov/transportation/permits-and-services/permits  

Seattle Police Department

Divisions in the Seattle Police Department (SPD) with public-facing counters that will temporarily be closed include: all police headquarter counter services.   You can request police reports and collision reports at: 

You can request a clearance letter by mail at: SPD Public Request Unit, 610 5th Ave. PO Box 34986, Seattle WA 98124.   

Seattle Public Utilities

Divisions in Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) with public-facing counters that will temporarily be closed include: engineering records vault and walk up window, both located at 700 5th Avenue. Customers can call (206) 684-3000 for assistance or visit seattle.gov/utilities. Other SPU public-facing facility closures include Transfer Station viewing rooms, the Cedar River Watershed Education Center in North Bend, and Development Services Office Walk-in Service Center.

Customers who need to make payments in cash can obtain a money order from any Wells Fargo branch in Western Washington.  Money orders will be made payable to the City of Seattle and may either be mailed to the corresponding agency, or placed in the drop box in the lobby of Seattle Municipal Tower, located at 700 Fifth Avenue in downtown Seattle or at any of the City's six customer service centers. Center locations can be found here: http://www.seattle.gov/customer-service-centers. 

Seattle Public Schools Closed

All school building activities including school day instruction, health services, enrichment, etc. are canceled until further notice. 

Seattle Public Schools has opened several childcare centers, with priority to healthcare workers and children from low-income families. We encourage you to visit SPS's website for more information on the 12 childcare sites opening the week of March 23.

Additionally, for those who are not qualified to access childcare, SPS has started its educational video series on a number of subjects and for various grade levels. You can access those videos here.

More information on SPS's lunch sites is below.  

Food Assistance

Food Vouchers

The City understands the economic impact of COVID-19 disproportionately affects low-income families and hourly-wage workers. In order for families to remain healthy, they must be able to put food on the table. The City has issued a total of $800 grocery vouchers to 8,050 households. The vouchers can be used at Washington state Safeway stores to purchase food and household items.

The first round of vouchers went to families enrolled in a City-supported childcare program and food assistance program, the Office of Sustainability and Environment (OSE) has distributed the grocery vouchers in two $400 installments by mail. An FAQ on the program is here. 

The second round of vouchers focused on recently displaced workers who are unable to access other forms of government aid due to structural or institutional barriers, like language barriers, fear of deportation, or experiencing gender-based violence. Partner organizations that distributed the vouchers include: Asian Counseling and Referral Services, Ingersoll Gender Center, Providence Regina House, Refugee Women's Alliance, and Villa Comunitaria. Partner organizations are determining voucher recipients based on the lists of clients and households they support in their work.

Student Meal Support

Beginning Monday, March 16, Seattle Public Schools will be distributing lunches from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. every weekday at 26 school sites throughout the city. All SPS students can participate. Lunch distribution sites can be found on SPS’s family resource page.

Additional information about meal pick-up will be shared with families on Friday, March 13. These 26 sites will become central locations for family and student resource distribution. 

Information about meal support has been translated into the following languages:

SPS Feeding Sites

Student Lunches in Rainier Beach

Starting Friday, March 13, WA-BLOC and FEEST Seattle are providing free hot lunch for students in the Rainier Beach Community every Tuesday and Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Rainier Beach Community Center plaza while schools remain closed. More information is at WA-BLOC's Facebook page.

Free Grocery Distribution

Northwest Harvest SODO Community Market is offering pre-bagged produce, prepared foods, and shelf-stable groceries right at the door. There is no need to enter the facility. This is open to anyone of ANY AGE. SODO Community Market is located in Seattle's SODO neighborhood at 1915 4th Ave S, near the corner of 4th Ave S & S Holgate St. More location and transportation information can be found here.

Seattle’s Safe and Sick Time Policy

On March 16, 2020 the Council passed legislation that expands Seattle's Paid Sick and Safe Time policy to cover school, day care and adult day care closures, a policy that addresses working families who need to take time off work due to impacts from the coronavirus. Previously, Seattle's Paid Sick and Safe time policy allowed employees to use paid safe time when their child's school or place of care is closed by order of a public official.

Employers and employees can play a part in keeping the community safe and healthy by ensuring employees use their Paid Sick and Safe Time (PSST) . The Office of Labor Standards has created a specific FAQ to provide answers to questions that you may have about Seattle’s Paid Sick and Safe Time law in regards to coronavirus:

Health Insurance Exchange Special Enrollment Period

In response to the potential growth of Coronavirus (COVID-19) cases, the Washington Health Benefit Exchange announced a limited-time special enrollment period for qualified individuals who are currently without insurance. This special enrollment period (SEP), that runs through April 8, 2020, will allow uninsured individuals 30 days to enroll in health insurance coverage through Washington Healthplanfinder.

Until April 8, individuals seeking a special enrollment must contact the Customer Support Center between 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday at 1 (855) 923-4633; TTY: 1 (855) 627-9604, or a local certified broker or navigator, request the SEP, and select a plan by April 8 for coverage start date beginning April 1, 2020. Language assistance and disability accommodations are provided at no cost.

Support for Workers

Unemployment Benefits

You may be eligible for unemployment benefits if you’re out of work due to a lack of work, were laid off work temporarily or if your hours are reduced due to a business slowdown or lack of demand as a result of COVID-19. Washington State's Employment Security Department has a helpful Q&A on all things coronavirus and workers, unemployment benefits and how to apply.

The Governor announced March 18 the waiver of the one week waiting period to receive unemployment insurance. 

Unemployment scenarios and benefits during the COVID-19 crisis

Paid Family and Medical Leave

Workers could also be eligible for Paid Family and Medical Leave if you are sick, in isolation or quarantine. Learn more here.

Financial Resources for Washington Residents Impacted by COVID-19

The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions has put together a resource guide if you're having trouble paying your mortgage, rent, credit cards, utilities, student loans, or other financial issues.  

Childcare & Home Learning Support

The City of Seattle understands childcare is challenging during the COVID-19 crisis. Childcare centers are still open and exempt from Gov. Inslee's limit on gatherings. Child Care Aware of Washington's hotline ((800) 446-1114 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each weekday) maintains a list of child-care options. Some local Boys & Girls Clubs are open and operating, and we encourage you to reach out to your local club for more information. 

Seattle Public Schools has opened several childcare centers, with priority to healthcare workers and children from low-income families. We encourage you to visit SPS's website for more information on the 12 childcare sites opening the week of March 23.

Additionally, for those who are not qualified to access childcare, SPS has started its educational video series on a number of subjects and for various grade levels. You can access those videos here. 

Current city-supported preschool and childcare programs are being evaluated for feasibility to stay open, including locations that operate in Seattle Parks and Recreations (SPR) facilities.

Affordable and accessible childcare and preschool is critical for so many residents, especially with the closure of Seattle Public Schools (SPS) through late April, which is why the City’s Department of Education and Early Learning is working with other local government partners like SPS, King County, and Washington State to support creation of alternate programs for before and after school care.

All facilities that remain open will continue to be cleaned in accordance with public health guidance.

Support for Tenants and Landlords - Moratorium on Residential Evictions

Residential Eviction Moratorium
In response to the COVID-19 crisis, Mayor Jenny Durkan issued an emergency order on March 14, 2020 that places a temporary moratorium on residential evictions for non-payment of rent. The order goes into effect immediately, and was recently extended to June 4. For tenants, your landlord cannot charge any fees for late or partial payments during the moratorium.

Additional Eviction Defense for Renters 

Currently, the City has an existing residential eviction moratorium, which is set to expire June 4. The state also has an eviction moratorium through June 4. The Seattle City Council passed new legislation that provides an additional eviction defense for an additional six months after the City's eviction moratorium is lifted.    

  1. After the city's moratorium on residential evictions ends, the legislation provides a defense a tenant may use for six months should a landlord take their tenant to eviction court. 
  2. The tenant can use non-payment of rent for any reason as a defense to eviction, as long as they submit a declaration of financial hardship to the court.

Learn more here.

If you're struggling to pay your rent, please contact your landlord to try and work out a payment plan. We encourage tenants and landlords to visit this helpful FAQ. 

The Washington State Attorney General's Office has created this website for tenants to report violations of Governor Inslee's Eviction Moratorium.

 

Support for Small Businesses

The Seattle Office of Economic Development has a business and workers resource page, and is currently asking for businesses to participate in an economic impact survey. Here are some measures the City has taken to help Seattle businesses. 

  1. Deferral of B&O Taxes: FAS will offer deferred Business and Occupation (B&O) tax filing and payment options for businesses impacted by COVID-19. Eligible businesses include those that have annual taxable income of $5 million or less and currently pay City taxes on a quarterly basis. Businesses will have until late 2020 to pay their B&O under this plan. The City estimates that 20,000 businesses could be eligible for this, based on B&O reporting.
  2. Expansion of Small Business Stabilization Fund: The Office of Economic Development (OED) will immediately begin accepting applications for the expanded Small Business Stabilization Fund. To qualify for a grant from the stabilization fund, small businesses must have five employees or less, the owner must be at or below 80 percent of the Area Median Income, the business must have a physical establishment, and the business must be financially impacted by COVID-19. Eligible small businesses can apply by filling out a simple one-page form on OED’s website, and the City’s Small Business Liaisons will conduct targeted outreach and technical assistance to ensure historically underserved communities like immigrants and refugees, communities of color, and business owners who speak a language other than English apply. Applications and grants for the Fund will continue on a rolling basis. Update: Applications for this program has closed. If you have questions please email oed@seattle.gov or (206) 684-8090.
  3. Assistance to Access SBA Loans: Seattle's Office of Economic Development can provide technical assistance to businesses applying for Small Business Administration loans, this includes helping businesses navigate the application process and assemble the required documents. OED also offers free accounting and finance consulting services for eligible applicants that need assistance putting together the financial documents required for the application. Businesses interested in these services, please complete the in-take survey and OED will reach out to you within one business days. More information can be found on OED's website here. 
  4. Relief for Utility Payments: As announced earlier by Mayor Durkan, all Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) and Seattle City Light (SCL) customers can set up deferred payment plans if their financial stability has been jeopardized by COVID-19. In addition to encouraging customers to set up payment plans, SPU and SCL have created a Utility Discount Program self-certification form for income-eligible customers. This allows income-eligible residential customers to access heavily discounted utilities by simply signing a short form that attests to their household income, rather than having to provide income documentation. This will provide immediate and lasting utility bill relief for customers who are unemployed or underemployed due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
  5. New Small Business Recovery Task Force: The Mayor has appointed former Governor Gary Locke and former Council President Bruce Harrell to lead the COVID-19 Small Business Recovery Task Force, which will advise on long-term policy recommendations and provide technical assistance and outreach. Councilmembers Andrew J. Lewis and Tammy J. Morales will represent the City Council on the Small Business Recovery Task Force.
  6. New Load / Unload Zones for Restaurants: Restaurants that have shifted to take-out services can apply to seek temporary designations of load-unload zones at or near their location. By adding these designations, restaurants will be better equipped to facilitate take-out orders. Restaurants can request a loading zone near their establishment by emailing Road@seattle.gov or calling (206) 684-ROAD. After providing a business address and contact information, Seattle Department of Transportation workers will be dispatched to identify space(s) to add temporary zone designations.
  7. Small Business and Nonprofit Eviction Moratorium
    On March 17, 20202 the City of Seattle issued an Emergency Order that temporarily halts evictions of small business and nonprofit tenants in the City of Seattle. The order's temporary moratorium on small business and nonprofit tenant evictions applies to independently-owned businesses with 50 employees or fewer per establishment, state nonprofits and 501(c)(3) nonprofits. It is effective immediately for at least 60 days and covers any action related to the non-payment of rent or due to the expiration of the lease's term during the moratorium. Along with halting evictions, the order also prevents eligible small businesses and nonprofits from incurring late fees, interest, or other charges due to late payment during the moratorium. You can read the full order here. 
  8. Small Business and Nonprofit Rent Freeze, Payment Plans: The Council unanimously passed legislation that freezes storefront rent increases for some small businesses and nonprofits, and allows some small businesses and nonprofits the ability to negotiate a payment plan for their rents with their commercial landlords. The legislation applies to nonprofits, and to small businesses with 50 or fewer employees that have been closed due to public orders or that have seen at least a 30 percent drop in business.  This legislation requires landlords to work out payment plans with their small business and nonprofit tenants up to six months after the end of the civil emergency. 
    The repayment plans would need to meet the following conditions: 
    • The repayment schedule could not require the small business or nonprofit to pay more than 1/3 of late rent within any month or period;
    • The repayment schedule must require that all late rent will be repaid within a year of the end of the civil emergency; 
    • No late fees, interest or other charges could be added to the late rent payments. 
  9. 15% Cap on App-Based Delivery Commissions: The Mayor's Emergency Order (Resolution 31945) places a 15 percent cap on app-based delivery and pick-up commission fees charged to restaurants. In an effort to aid restaurants, which are already struggling due to the COVID-19 economic crisis, the executive order aims to ensure restaurants can keep more of their revenues when using app-based takeout and delivery services by imposing an immediate cap on per-order fees. Learn more. 
  10. Small Business Map: The City of Seattle launched the new #SupportPugetSoundSmallBiz map, which helps residents find small businesses providing takeout or delivery in their neighborhood. The map allows users to search for open small businesses in their neighborhood and navigate directly to a business' website or third-party delivery service page.

Other Resources:

  • Amazon Small Business Relief: Amazon announced that it is making $5 million available to support local businesses with fewer than 50 employees that generate under $7 million in annual revenue. These grants can be accessed by businesses within a few blocks of its Denny Regrade and Southlake Union buildings.

Support for Immigrants and Refugees

Immigrant and refugee communities can access city services without being asked about their legal status.

The Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (OIRA) has also a new information guide for immigrants who want to know more about how the issue of public charge might affect their ability to access healthcare and other services during this outbreak.

City leaders have signed onto Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s letter calling for a delay to the public charge rule during the COVID-19 pandemic. The City joins a coalition of 16 states decrying the devastating consequences of deterring immigrants' access to health care during this public health crisis.

Support for Artists and Cultural Organizations

Mayor Durkan announced $1.1 million has been set aside to support the artists and artistic organizations being hit hard by this crisis. As our City grapples with the effects of this virus and the isolation that combatting it requires, our creative people will provide us with the distractions, virtues, culture, and stories we need to see us through. 

The Arts Stabilization Fund will invest $1 million in arts and cultural organizations to help mitigate revenue losses due to the moratorium on events and public gatherings. Funds will be distributed through the Seattle Office of Arts & Culture's grant programs.

Additionally, the City invested $100,000 to two community programs, the Seattle Artists Relief Fund and the Artist Trust COVID-19 Artist Relief Fund  see if you qualify for this relief.

The Seattle Office of Arts and Culture has a helpful list of Resources for Artists and Organizations Amid COVID-19. 

Support for People Experiencing Homelessness

The City of Seattle is working to provide more resources for people living unsheltered during this public health emergency.

The City deployed additional hygiene stations, portable toilets, and sanitation services across Seattle. Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) will continue the shower program for those in need at Delridge, Green Lake, Meadowbrook, Miller and Rainier community centers, and all SPR bathrooms and handwashing stations will remain open. These services are being continued as part of ongoing, developing efforts to support some of our most vulnerable neighbors.

The City in partnership with King County expanded shelter capacity across Seattle by "de-intensifying" existing shelter capacity; creating isolation and quarantine spaces for people who are infected or are at risk of infection; and providing recovery spaces for individuals who do not require emergency care. 

Additionally, the city and Seattle Public Library (SPL) re-opened restrooms at five library locations, providing additional vital hygiene resources to people living unsheltered. 
The restrooms at the following Library locations will be open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Sunday:  

  • Ballard Branch, 5614 22nd Ave. N.W.
  • Beacon Hill Branch, 2821 Beacon Ave. S.
  • University Branch, 5009 Roosevelt Way N.E.
  • Capitol Hill Branch, 425 Harvard Ave. E. 
  • Central Library, 1000 Fourth Ave. 

The City paused the removal of encampments unless they present a significant barrier to access sidewalks or other public rights of way, and are extraordinary public safety hazards. The City's Navigation Team will focus on connecting individuals who are at risk of contracting COVID-19 with essential medical services. Removal of waste, garbage, and debris from unmanaged encampments will remain a priority in their function, as will the distribution of hygiene kits to people currently living in those encampments.

Utilities

Seattle Public Utilities and Seattle City Light

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) and Seattle City Light (SCL) will keep utility services on during the COVID-19 Civil Emergency in Seattle, providing utility relief for customers, both residential and commercial, financially impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak.

All SPU and SCL customers can set up deferred payment plans if their financial stability has been jeopardized by COVID-19. Utility service will stay on as their deferred payment plans are developed and implemented. Customers financially impacted by COVID-19 are urged to set up payment plans with either SCL or SPU by calling (206) 684-3000 or sending an email anytime.

In addition to encouraging customers to set up payment plans, SPU and SCL have created a Utility Discount Program (UDP) self-certification form for income-eligible customers. This allows income-eligible residential customers to access heavily discounted utilities by simply signing a short form that attests to their household income, rather than having to provide income documentation. This will provide immediate and lasting utility bill relief for customers who are unemployed or underemployed due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

UDP lowers Seattle City Light bills by 60 percent and Seattle Public Utility bills by 50 percent. To learn more about enrollment in UDP, call (206) 684-0268. Eligibility requirements can be found here.

Professional translation for City utility services are available when you call (206) 684-3000. *Información en español * Impormasyon sa Tagalog * 中文資訊* Thông tin bằng tiếng Việt * 한국어 정보 * Macluumaad Af-Soomaali ah

Puget Sound Energy

Puget Sound Energy (PSE) has announced the following during this public health emergency:

  • PSE will not be disconnecting customers during this time.
  • PSE received approval from the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission for a waiver that allows PSE to waive late fees.
  • PSE will work with our customers on options such as payment plans and choosing a new bill due date.
  • PSE launched a new energy assistance portal to improve access to funds available to low income customers.

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.