Sick of hearing about Amazon HQ2, Trump’s emergency declaration, and people trying to “grade” the Durkan administration’s response to the winter storms? Then you’ve come to the right place.
Thursday news roundup
O’Brien is out.
DOJ says SPOG contract is fine, Adley Shepherd reinstatement not a systemic issue for SPD
This afternoon, the Department of Justice submitted its brief to U.S. District Court Judge James Robart in response to his order to show cause why the terms of the city’s contract with SPOG and the recent reinstatement of Officer Adley Shepherd don’t mean that the city has fallen out of compliance with the Consent Decree.
In its brief, the DOJ argued that the overturning by an arbitrator of Shepherd’s termination isn’t a sign of a systemic pattern or practice of excessive use of force. It also found that the SPOG collective bargaining agreement neither conflicts with the Consent Decree nor threatens to undermine compliance with it.
O’Brien not seeking re-election
Today Council member Mike O’Brien announced that he will not be seeking re-election in this year’s 6th District Council election.
Wednesday news roundup
Democracy vouchers, election news, and more.
Seattle’s gun-safety law goes into effect tomorrow; more legal challenges sure to follow
This afternoon the Mayor’s Office sent out a press release announcing that tomorrow the city’s gun-safety legislation goes into effect. But even though it won its first round in court, the city’s legal battles over this ordinance have just begun.
Tuesday news roundup
Make sure you’re keeping the storm drains clear so all the snow melt has a place to go!
MHA issues come into focus as Council debates amendments
Last Friday, the City Council held its first public discussion of the amendments formally proposed for the Mandatory Housing Affordability (MHA) “upzone” ordinance. While no official decisions were made (that will happen on February 25th), it became clear which ones had consensus support — and on others, where the battle lines are being drawn.
Continue reading MHA issues come into focus as Council debates amendments
City braces for more snow… or worse.
This afternoon, Mayor Durkan and several of her department heads held a press briefing on preparations for two more winter storm systems: one that arrived late this afternoon, and the second to arrive midday tomorrow. Tomorrow’s is the one they are all worried about.
This week in Council Chambers (updated)
It’s a short week, with a couple of meeting cancellations… and don’t be surprised if the weather causes a couple more before we’re done. (update: Monday’s Council Briefing and full City Council meeting have been cancelled)