2019 Annual Report of the Seattle City Council
Overview
At the end of each year, the Seattle City Council reflects on its accomplishments, and the impact legislation has made on improving the lives of Seattle residents. Each Councilmember made important and significant investments, across every Council district. The Council's collective priorities included addressing homelessness and housing; public safety; transportation and the environment; workers rights, marginalized communities and families; and accountability and good governance. The Council is proud of its accomplishments, and will continue its commitment to serve Seattleites through its sincere, compassionate and diligent work to make Seattle a more just, equitable, affordable and environmentally conscious city.
Contents
- Homelessness & Housing
- Public Safety
- Transportation & Environment
- Workers' Rights, Marginalized Communities & Families
- Accountability & Good Governance
Homelessness & Housing

Required more property owners of affordable multifamily residential buildings to give the City, tenants, and nonprofit affordable housing developers notice of intent to sell their buildings. Eased restrictions on backyard cottages, also known as Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) increasing the supply of affordable housing and homes for multi-generational families while decreasing the expected number of teardowns of existing single family homes. Strengthened tenant protection laws to protect survivors of domestic violence from being held liable for damages to a unit caused by their abuser. Prohibited landlords from restricting legal occupancy limits already established by local, state and federal law.Updated the City's environmental review process to better align with the State Environmental Policy Act, allowing the City to better protect the environment and advance its climate goals, while responding to Seattle's housing shortage crisis.
Prioritized the homelessness crisis in the 2020 Budget, adding $2 million to increase the number of tiny house villages and 24/7 shelters by as many as 100 beds; dedicated money to open an overnight-only safe parking lot at University Heights Center; increased homeless outreach services to people experiencing homelessness in North Seattle and for Native Americans; expanded the city's encampment trash pickup program. Funded hygiene programs for homeless populations, including five staffed mobile bathrooms, which would include handwashing stations, a needle exchange and pet waste disposal, and expanding access to community centers with showers for homeless populations. Created a rental assistance pilot for individuals age 50 or older who have income limited to federal disability benefits and are at risk of or are currently experiencing homelessness. Added funding for Community Preference, a strategy to prioritize new affordable homes for community members impacted by displacement. Secured an additional $19.75 million to invest in shovel-ready affordable housing projects and sponsored legislation to act on state-authorized opportunity to collect a portion of existing sales tax revenue for affordable housing
Prioritized the homelessness crisis in the 2020 Budget, adding $2 million to increase the number of tiny house villages and 24/7 shelters by as many as 100 beds; dedicated money to open an overnight-only safe parking lot at University Heights Center; increased homeless outreach services to people experiencing homelessness in North Seattle and for Native Americans; expanded the city's encampment trash pickup program. Funded hygiene programs for homeless populations, including five staffed mobile bathrooms, which would include handwashing stations, a needle exchange and pet waste disposal, and expanding access to community centers with showers for homeless populations. Created a rental assistance pilot for individuals age 50 or older who have income limited to federal disability benefits and are at risk of or are currently experiencing homelessness. Added funding for Community Preference, a strategy to prioritize new affordable homes for community members impacted by displacement. Secured an additional $19.75 million to invest in shovel-ready affordable housing projects and sponsored legislation to act on state-authorized opportunity to collect a portion of existing sales tax revenue for affordable housing
Public Safety

Transportation & Environment

Workers' Rights, Marginalized Communities & Families

Passed legislation to protect Seattle's hotel workers from harassment and discrimination, supporting safe workloads, promoting economic stability through worker retention and providing healthcare benefits. Approved the "Fare Share" plan, providing protections for app-based drivers, a resolution center for drivers, investments in affordable housing and transportation projects, and a study to determine a fair wage floor for Uber and Lyft drivers in the City of Seattle. Added funding to contract with organizations providing health and safety information and materials to sex workers. Requested the Mayor institute an Infants at Work pilot program, allowing city workers to bring infants up to 6 months to work, increasing employee retention and supporting the health of babies and parents. Created incentives to include childcare in City affordable housing and capital projects, such as Fort Lawton and the development of the Mercer Megablock. Passed Bea's Law, providing City employees who lose a child access to Paid Family Care Leave, inspired by a City employees advocacy after losing her daughter. Required businesses with televisions in public places to turn on closed captioning, shifting the onus from having to request closed captions as a public accommodation.
Accountability & Good Governance
