Tag Archives: Seattle City Council

News

Amidst an Impending Budget Shortfall, SPD Entry-Level Officers May See a Raise in Salary

by Lauryn Bray

As the City continues to strategize ways to address next year’s $240 million budget deficit, PubliCola reports that a new agreement between Seattle and its largest police union, the Seattle Police Officers Guild (SPOG), will carve out funding for raises of up to 23% for entry-level officers.

The negotiation is just one of many efforts the City has made toward police recruitment and retention; however, even with the new increase in pay, the City of Seattle may still be far from its goal of 1,400 officers.

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News

NEWS GLEAMS | CAIR-WA Urges NWDC Ramadan Accommodations; Alexis Mercedes Rinck Eyes City Council Seat 8

A roundup of news and announcements we don’t want to get lost in the fast-churning news cycle.

by Vee Hua 華婷婷

Continue reading NEWS GLEAMS | CAIR-WA Urges NWDC Ramadan Accommodations; Alexis Mercedes Rinck Eyes City Council Seat 8 →
Voices

OPINION | ShotSpotter: Why Waste Money We Don’t Have on a Technology That Doesn’t Work?

by Marcus Harrison Green

(This article is co-published with The Seattle Times.)

Correct me if I’m wrong, but are we not staring dismally at a near quarter-billion-dollar budget deficit in this city?

Given the boa-constrictor grip soon to be tightening around our finances, maybe this is not the best time for our City Council to consider spending money on a controversial and ineffective technology when we just so happen to have a hydra-headed crisis of addiction, homelessness, and affordability in this city.

Continue reading OPINION | ShotSpotter: Why Waste Money We Don’t Have on a Technology That Doesn’t Work? →
Voices

OPINION | Seattle’s Untested New Gig Work Law Is Making Life Harder for Small Businesses

by Tonin Gjekmarkaj

I own and operate Byrek & Baguette, a local bakery and café in Seattle serving Albanian dishes that have been perfected in our family for generations. We strive to provide great food and great service while creating jobs and contributing to the community. Unfortunately, the latest costly regulations imposed by Seattle’s City Council are changing all that.

The costs of eating out and ordering in are rising rapidly, spurred by inflation, high rents, staffing costs, and — most notably — the newly enacted Seattle City Council policies that have increased fees for app-based delivery.

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News

King County Announces $1 Million in Additional Support for Asylees and Refugees in Tukwila

by Lauryn Bray

King County Executive Dow Constantine has announced that King County will be providing an additional $1 million in emergency funding to support refugee families in Tukwila. After an application process that will run through March 12, the County will select one or more nonprofit organizations to contract with to provide temporary housing, food, support, and legal services. Money for the $1 million grant will be taken out of the $5 million committed to address homelessness in cities in South King County.

“Last year, King County stepped up to provide urgent assistance to Tukwila that would support people facing the winter months outside. While this additional $1 million in funding will help in the near term, the full-scale response and infrastructure needed for this ongoing situation requires additional federal leadership and partnership with the State,” said Constantine in a press release.

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News

NEWS GLEAMS | Six Protestors Arrested at Seattle City Council Meeting for Suspicion of Criminal Trespass

A roundup of news and announcements we don’t want to get lost in the fast-churning news cycle!

by Vee Hua 華婷婷

Continue reading NEWS GLEAMS | Six Protestors Arrested at Seattle City Council Meeting for Suspicion of Criminal Trespass →
News

Seattle’s ShotSpotter Program Faces Final Hearing Before Council Vote on Installing Controversial Gunfire Detection Tech

by Lauryn Bray

On Feb. 29, Mayor Bruce Harrell will conclude a 24-day public comment period regarding the installation of ShotSpotter, a controversial technology Harrell has endorsed as part of a wider program of electronic surveillance to make up for dwindling numbers of street cops.

Continue reading Seattle’s ShotSpotter Program Faces Final Hearing Before Council Vote on Installing Controversial Gunfire Detection Tech →
News

Eviction Deadline: Tukwila Refugees March on Seattle City Hall Seeking Help

by Lauryn Bray

On the day they are expected to move out of their rooms at the Quality Inn in Kent, the Venezuelan refugees formerly living on the grounds of the Riverton Park United Methodist Church (RPUMC) gathered at Seattle City Hall on Tuesday, Jan. 30, to put forth their requests for assistance to the City Council.

“We need help because today we’ve been told we need to leave the hotel,” said Maria Coronel, one of the refugees staying at the Quality Inn, through an interpreter. “We just want to ask for help with decent housing and work. We don’t want to be a burden to you, but we have a right to have decent housing and help.”

Continue reading Eviction Deadline: Tukwila Refugees March on Seattle City Hall Seeking Help →