This morning, the City Council held a public hearing and discussion of the latest incarnation of a new tree-protection ordinance, but Council member Rob Johnson, the bill’s sponsor, made clear that it’s still months away from becoming law and may change significantly — again — between now and then.
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Understanding the Key Arena Renovation Draft EIS
Earlier this week, the city released its draft Environmental Impact Statement on the proposed renovation of Key Arena by the Oak View Group. The document is 321 pages, with another 306 pages of appendices. Here’s a guide to what it says, and how you should let the city know your thoughts. Also, we learn what a “woonerf” is.
Continue readingLNG plant resolution, Juarez’s version, moves forward
The Council resolution regarding the proposed Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) plant in Tacoma passed out of committee this afternoon. In the process, we saw some interesting power dynamics play out. We also got to witness a rare sight: Council member Kshama Sawant stuck her foot in her mouth and bit down hard.
Continue readingThe LNG plant resolution is back, but very different.
Remember that resolution Council member Kshama Sawant introduced opposing the liquid natural gas (LNG) plant that Puget Sound Energy is building in Tacoma? The one that Sawant’s colleagues referred to Council member Debora Juarez’s committee for more work, over Sawant’s (mild) objections? It has finally re-emerged, on the agenda for Juarez’s committee meeting on Wednesday. And it’s changed.
Continue readingHere’s why the city pension fund won’t divest from fossil fuels
This morning, the usually sleepy Seattle City Employees Retirement System (SCERS) board meeting had its moment in the spotlight, as a large number of activists and a handful of local politicians showed up to urge the board to divest the city’s pension fund from fossil fuel companies. It was a thoughtful, respectful, and long conversation. A lot of listening happened, and much appreciation was extended in both directions for the depth of thought and energy that went into analysis and remarks. It was exactly the kind of conversation you wish every activists-meet-government conversation could be. But at the end of …
Continue readingCouncil affirms commitment to Paris climate change agreement
In response to President Trump’s decision last week to withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement on climate change, today the City Council passed a resolution affirming the city’s commitment to continue to live up to its requirements.
Continue readingThe Council argues about things, and strange bedfellows emerge
In this afternoon’s Full Council meeting, there are two agenda items. Both of them surfaced disagreements among the Council members, and both times an unlikely voting bloc emerged: Sawant and Harrell.
Continue readingThis week: back to work (updated)
Happy 2017! The Council resumes work on Tuesday. With the holiday, Monday’s regularly-scheduled meetings shift to Tuesday, and Tuesday’s regular meetings are bumped to Friday.
Continue readingThis week: everyone’s talking about housing and zoning
If you’re a housing and zoning wonk, you’re going to want to spend time at City Hall this week.
Continue readingThis week: I hope you caught up on your sleep this weekend
For the past several weeks the Monday afternoon Full Council meetings have been pretty tame affairs, with not a lot of legislation of substance up for approval. That streak ends tomorrow. Oh, and the committee meetings this week are equally full of important legislation and presentations.
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