This morning, Seattle Public Utilities presented its proposed solid waste rates for 2020-2022. And for once, there was good news: the rates aren’t going up as fast as was predicted in the utility’s Strategic Business Plan.
Continue reading Good news: your garbage bill isn’t going to go up as fast
This morning, Council member Mike O’Brien announced that he is introducing a bill that would prohibit the installation of natural gas piping systems in new buildings starting July 1, 2020.
Continue reading O’Brien unveils bill prohibiting gas hookups for new buildings
This morning, Council members Herbold, O’Brien and Sawant discussed with leaders of Seattle Public Utilities whether the city should switch to garbage pickup every other week, as was investigated in a pilot program in 2012. SPU and the Mayor think not; the three Council members, however, are championing the idea.
Last week the Council got a briefing from Seattle Public Utilities and Zero Waste Washington on what’s going on with recycling in Seattle. Despite strong support for recycling here, there are some substantial challenges.
This afternoon, the Sustainability and Transportation Committee voted to advance a bill that would require new construction to include wiring infrastructure to support future installation of electric vehicle charging stations.
Continue reading Electric vehicle charging infrasructure ordinance advances out of committee
In an attempt to get better transparency over the city’s large capital projects and provide early warning on those running behind schedule or over budget, the City Council worked with the executive branch to define a quarterly report that lists all the projects and provides additional detail on a handful that have been added to a “watch list.”
The second-quarter report is in; here’s what it says.
Continue reading Council gets a quarterly report on capital projects
This afternoon, the City Council unanimously voted to confirm Debra Smith as the new General Manager and CEO of Seattle City Light.
Continue reading Debra Smith confirmed as new CEO of Seattle City Light
A lot more happened this week that I didn’t get around to writing about. And on Monday the Mayor will release her proposed 2019-2020 budget. So before everything else fades into obscurity, here’s some quick takes on all the other stuff.
This morning, the City Council finished up its interview of Debra Smith, who is Mayor Durkan’s nomination for CEO of Seattle City Light. After deliberations and a public hearing, they voted to pass the nomination out of committee, setting it up for final approval on October 1.
Continue reading Seattle City Light CEO appointment moves forward
There are two notable items of news related to Seattle City Light today: an audit of its billing practices, and more details on the Mayor’s nominee for the utility’s CEO position.
