What Was Originally Proposed

This ordinance proposed to repeal a previous law (Ordinance 127191) that permitted residential use within the Stadium Transition Area Overlay District. Essentially, the bill sought to remove the allowance for residential development in that specific zoning area.

What The Final Text Does

This ordinance repeals Ordinance 127191, which had previously allowed limited residential use as a conditional and ancillary use within the Stadium Transition Area Overlay District. The repeal is a direct response to a legal challenge by the Port of Seattle and a subsequent order from the Growth Management Hearings Board, which found the previous ordinance to be invalid due to procedural deficiencies. By removing these residential allowances, the city is restricting the expansion of housing into this specific urban industrial zone to ensure compliance with state growth management and environmental policies.

What Changed From The Original

Shared Streets Code Clarification

The amendment establishes exemptions from certain traffic rules within shared streets, allowing pedestrians to cross intersections diagonally at unsignalized locations and permitting bicyclists to ride more than two abreast on shared street roadways. It clarifies that restrictions on pedestrian diagonal crossing and bicyclist grouping do not apply in these designated areas. This clarification aims to align city code with state authority, specifically Engrossed Senate Bill 5595, without changing the underlying policy intent.

Shared Streets Amendment

The amendment establishes clarifying language regarding diagonal bicyclist riding abreast, providing clearer guidelines for cyclists in Seattle. It requires bicyclists to follow specific rules when riding diagonally or abreast, promoting safer and more organized shared streets. The amendment aims to enhance traffic flow and reduce conflicts between cyclists, pedestrians, and vehicles by defining acceptable bicycling practices.

What Was Originally ProposedCompleteness: 3/5
Faithfulness: 5/5

This ordinance proposed the creation of "shared streets" by adding a new chapter to the Seattle Municipal Code to define and regulate these spaces. It sought to establish new rules for shared-use areas and amend existing traffic and vehicle codes to accommodate the integration of pedestrians and vehicles in these zones.

What The Final Text DoesCompleteness: 4/5
Faithfulness: 5/5

This ordinance amends the Seattle Municipal Code to establish "shared streets," allowing the city to designate specific non-arterial roads where pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles share the same space. Implementing 2025 Washington State legislation (Engrossed Senate Bill 5595), the bill prioritizes pedestrian movement over vehicular traffic in these designated areas. To achieve this, the ordinance adds a new chapter to the municipal code and updates various existing traffic and safety sections to align with these shared-use rules.

What Changed From The Original

Seattle Center Funding Increase

The amendment increases the budget for the Seattle Center by $2,000, bringing the total appropriation to $434,522, to support staffing and operational needs. This change aims to enhance the center's command center and fund surge staffing efforts, particularly for the campus and waterfront areas. The amendment specifically allocates funds for post staffing, surge staffing, and barriers, ensuring the Seattle Center is adequately resourced.

What Was Originally Proposed

This ordinance proposed authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement with SeattleFWC26 to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It also sought to allow the city to accept specific grants and adjust the 2026 budget and Capital Improvement Program to fund the event's requirements.

What The Final Text Does

This ordinance facilitates Seattle's preparations to host six matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. It authorizes the Mayor to execute a partnership agreement with the local organizing committee (SeattleFWC26) and to accept and spend specified grants related to the event. Additionally, the bill amends the 2026 budget to allocate approximately $18.1 million in funding across various city departments and budget control levels to support the tournament's operations.

What Was Originally Proposed

This ordinance proposed the appropriation of funds to pay specific city claims for the week of April 27, 2026, through May 1, 2026. Additionally, it sought to authorize those payments and formally ratify previous related actions.

What The Final Text Does

This ordinance authorizes the City of Seattle to pay outstanding claims and payroll expenses for the week of April 27, 2026, through May 1, 2026. It appropriates a total of $155,674,362.52 to be distributed via mechanical warrants, e-payables, and electronic financial transactions (EFT). These payments cover expenses across all City departments and are approved based on the remaining funds in the current amended budget.

What Was Originally Proposed

This ordinance proposed the appropriation of funds to pay specific claims incurred during the week of April 20, 2026, through April 24, 2026. Additionally, it sought to authorize those payments and formally ratify previous related actions.

What The Final Text Does

This ordinance appropriates funds to pay various city claims, e-payables, and electronic financial transactions for the week of April 20 through April 24, 2026. Specifically, it authorizes payments totaling approximately $75.5 million for general claims and electronic transactions, as well as $72.4 million for gross payrolls ending April 21, 2026. Finally, the bill ratifies and confirms prior acts related to these financial obligations to ensure they are paid consistent with the current city budget.

What Was Originally Proposed

This ordinance proposed adjusting the pay zones for various job titles within the City's Information Technology Professional (ITP) Compensation Program. The goal was to update salary ranges for IT staff to ensure competitive compensation for city employment.

What The Final Text Does

This ordinance adjusts the pay zones for titles within the City of Seattle's Information Technology Professional (ITP) Compensation Program. Based on recommendations from the Human Resources Director and a labor market analysis, the changes aim to create pay parity between represented and non-represented ITP employees. These updated pay rates for specific ITP titles are scheduled to take effect on December 31, 2025.

What Was Originally Proposed

This ordinance proposed the appropriation of funds to pay specific claims and bills incurred during the week of April 13, 2026, through April 17, 2026. Additionally, it sought to formally ratify and confirm certain prior official acts.

What The Final Text Does

This ordinance authorizes the City of Seattle to pay $87,938,644.35 in outstanding claims for the week of April 13, 2026, through April 17, 2026. The total amount covers electronic financial transactions, mechanical warrants, and e-payables used for payroll and other city expenses. This legislative action is required by state law (RCW 42.24.180) to ensure payments remain consistent with the city's current amended budget.

What Was Originally Proposed

This ordinance proposed the appropriation of funds to pay specific claims and bills incurred during the week of April 6 through April 10, 2026. Additionally, it sought to formally ratify and confirm certain prior official acts.

What The Final Text Does

This ordinance authorizes the City of Seattle to appropriate funds to pay various claims, e-payables, and electronic financial transactions for the week of April 6 through April 10, 2026. Specifically, it approves payments totaling approximately $79.6 million for general claims and electronic transactions, as well as $72.5 million for gross payroll. These payments are processed through the City Treasury's PeopleSoft system and the City General Salary Fund.

What Changed From The Original

Corrects Library Levy Funding Amount

The amendment establishes a corrected definition of the "Library levy funding amount" as $479,760,000, ensuring consistency within the ordinance. This technical change requires the updated dollar amount to be reflected in Section 1 of the ordinance, aligning with the previously passed Council Bill 121181. The amendment prohibits any inconsistency in the definition by correcting the previously stated amount of $410,000,000.

Central Library Renovation Funding Increase

The amendment establishes an intention to allocate $10 million of the proposed Library levy funding for major renovations at the Central Library, including improvements to areas such as the Children's Area or the Seattle Room. This allocation is part of a larger levy that would provide $85.9 million for maintenance, including priority and deferred maintenance, seismic retrofits, and increased facility support. The amendment increases the maximum annual levy and expected aggregate levy amount to support these investments in Library services.

Seattle Library Levy Amendments

The amendment establishes a $10 million increase to the proposed Library levy to fund major renovations at the Central Library, including improvements to areas such as the Children's Area and the Seattle Room. This increase requires the City to allocate a portion of the levy funding to support maintenance and upgrades at the Central Library. The amendment also increases the maximum annual levy and expected aggregate levy amount to support Library services over seven years.

Seattle Library Levy Amendments

The amendment establishes various initiatives for the Seattle Public Library, including multilingual programs, community resource specialists, and improvements to physical accessibility. It requires the library to prioritize seismic retrofits, cooling and deferred maintenance, and digital skilling programs for teens. The amendment also prohibits or does not mention any specific prohibitions, instead focusing on expanding and enhancing library services and facilities.

Seattle Library Levy Amendments

The amendment establishes the City's intention to invest a portion of the Library levy funding in digital skilling programs for teens at the South Park and High Point Branch Libraries. It also requires the City to consider contracting with the Washington State Black Legacy Institute to support programming and local history curation that celebrates and preserves the history of Washington state's Black communities. This investment aims to promote equity, education, and access to technology services and cultural heritage.

Seattle Library Levy Amendments

The amendment establishes funding for various Seattle Public Library initiatives, including multilingual programs, community resource specialists, and library renovations. It requires the library to improve physical accessibility and provide digital skilling programs for teens, as well as enhance its collections and materials. The amendment also supports the development of a Washington State Black Legacy Institute and promotes library programming on the Seattle Channel.

What Was Originally Proposed

This ordinance proposed placing a ballot measure before Seattle voters on August 4, 2026, to authorize a regular property tax levy for up to seven years. The funds would be used to maintain library operating hours, collections, and technology, while also funding a seismic retrofit for one library facility.

What The Final Text Does

This ordinance proposes placing a measure on the August 4, 2026, ballot to ask voters to authorize a seven-year property tax levy. If approved, the levy is projected to generate $410 million between 2027 and 2033 to support the Seattle Public Library. These funds would be used to maintain operating hours, collections, technology, and programming, while also funding a seismic retrofit for one library facility.

What Was Originally Proposed

This ordinance proposed expanding the authority of the Director of Finance and Administrative Services to execute leases for land used as transitional encampments. It sought to achieve this by amending Section 3.127.020 of the Seattle Municipal Code.

What The Final Text Does

This ordinance expands the authority of the Director of Finance and Administrative Services to execute leases for land specifically used for transitional encampments. By amending Section 3.127.020 of the Seattle Municipal Code, the bill streamlines the process of selecting and preparing sites for shelter programs. This change is part of a broader executive strategy to accelerate the creation of 1,000 new shelter and emergency housing beds by 2026.

What Changed From The Original

Family Shelter Expansion

The amendment establishes the Council's intention to have at least two new shelters exclusively for families with children as part of the city's goal to create 1,000 new shelter units by the end of 2026. It requires the Human Services Department to submit a report by September 14, 2026, detailing the implementation of these family shelters, including location, providers, and operating costs. The amendment aims to prioritize the needs of families with children in the city's shelter expansion efforts.

Shelter Funding and Expansion

The amendment establishes requirements for the creation of new shelter units, including setting aside at least one shelter for individuals in recovery from substance abuse and prioritizing shelter units for people experiencing unsheltered homelessness in the surrounding neighborhood. It also requires the Mayor's Office to submit a report on the implementation of new shelter units and a plan to achieve 4,000 new units overall. Additionally, the amendment prohibits unsanctioned encampments in designated zones around new shelters and requires the development of a public safety plan to maintain the surrounding area.

Shelter Expansion and Funding

The amendment establishes requirements for the creation of new shelter units, including prioritizing individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness in the surrounding neighborhood and district. It also requires the Mayor's Office to submit a report on the implementation of new shelter units and a plan to achieve a total of 4,000 new units, as well as the establishment of zones around shelters where unsanctioned encampments are prohibited. Additionally, the amendment mandates the development of a public safety plan to maintain safe and clean areas surrounding new shelters.

Shelter Expansion and Safety Plan

The amendment establishes requirements for the expansion of shelter units in Seattle, including the development of a public safety plan and monthly reports on indicators of public safety. It also requires the Human Services Department to prioritize shelter and services providers with expertise in working with disproportionately impacted populations and to open new shelters for women and children. Additionally, the amendment mandates that new shelter units be prioritized for people experiencing homelessness in the neighborhood where the shelter is located.

Shelter Expansion and Safety Plan

The amendment establishes requirements for the expansion of transitional encampments in Seattle, including the development of a public safety plan and quarterly reports on indicators of public safety. It also requires the Human Services Department to prioritize shelter and services providers with expertise in working with disproportionately impacted populations and to open at least one new shelter for families with children. Additionally, the amendment prohibits the city from neglecting existing Permanent Supportive Housing and requires collaboration with the Executive to maintain and create new shelter units.

What Was Originally Proposed

This ordinance proposed adjusting the city's budget and Capital Improvement Program to reallocate funds toward the city's response to homelessness. It sought to change appropriations across various departments and budget control levels to support these initiatives.

What The Final Text Does

This ordinance amends the 2026 Budget and Capital Improvement Program to allocate additional funding for the city's response to homelessness. Specifically, it provides resources for capital and operating costs to support the Mayor's goal of opening 1,000 new shelter and emergency housing beds by 2026. The bill increases appropriations across various departments and funds, including the Downtown Health and Human Service Account and the Low-Income Housing Fund, to facilitate transitional encampment programs.

What Was Originally Proposed

This ordinance proposed authorizing the Mayor or their designee to accept and spend grants, private funding, and subsidized loans from non-City sources. To accommodate these funds, the bill sought to amend the 2026 Budget and the 2026-2031 Capital Improvement Program by adjusting appropriations and project allocations across various city departments.

What The Final Text Does

This ordinance authorizes the Mayor or their designee to accept and spend approximately $40.8 million in funding from non-City sources, including grants, private funding, and subsidized loans. These funds are designated for various initiatives such as affordable housing, energy efficiency, and community response. To accommodate this revenue, the bill amends the 2026 Budget and the 2026-2031 Capital Improvement Program (CIP) to update appropriations and project allocations across multiple city departments.

What Was Originally Proposed

This ordinance proposed authorizing the General Manager and CEO of Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) to accept slope stabilization easements on two specific private properties located on NE 91st Street. Additionally, it sought to place these properties under the jurisdiction of SPU to facilitate the necessary stabilization work.

What The Final Text Does

This ordinance authorizes the General Manager and CEO of Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) to accept permanent slope stabilization easements on two private properties located at 3822 and 3832 NE 91st Street. These easements are necessary to allow SPU to implement drainage improvements to prevent erosion and ensure roadway and slope stability. By accepting these easements, the designated areas of the properties will be placed under the jurisdiction of SPU.

What Was Originally Proposed

This ordinance proposed authorizing Seattle Public Utilities to acquire two specific parcels of land on South Director Street. It granted the agency the power to obtain these properties through either negotiation or eminent domain and authorized the General Manager to execute the necessary documents to complete the acquisition.

What The Final Text Does

This ordinance authorizes Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) to acquire two parcels of land on South Director Street in the Rainier Beach neighborhood. The land will be acquired through either negotiation or eminent domain to facilitate the Pump Station 4 Replacement Project, which aims to replace an aging and deteriorating facility. Additionally, the bill empowers the General Manager and CEO of SPU to execute all necessary documents to complete the acquisition.

What Was Originally Proposed

This ordinance proposed the appropriation of funds to pay specific city claims for the week of March 30, 2026, through April 3, 2026. It authorized the payment of these claims and ratified previous related actions.

What The Final Text Does

This ordinance authorizes the City of Seattle to pay $113,858,473.80 in claims for the week of March 30, 2026, through April 3, 2026. The total amount covers payroll and other expenses distributed via electronic financial transactions, mechanical warrants, and e-payables. These payments are approved based on the remaining appropriations within the city's current amended budget.

What Was Originally Proposed

This ordinance proposed authorizing the Mayor to sign a Comprehensive Settlement Agreement and several Off-License Agreements to relicense the Skagit River Hydroelectric Project. These agreements were necessary to secure the project's continued operation through the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

What The Final Text Does

This ordinance authorizes the Mayor or their designee to sign a Comprehensive Settlement Agreement and five Off-License Agreements necessary to relicense the Skagit River Hydroelectric Project. These agreements are required by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to ensure the continued legal operation of the project following the expiration of its previous license. The legislation formalizes settlements reached with various stakeholders, including the U.S. National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Sauk-Suiattle and Upper Skagit Indian Tribes.

What Was Originally ProposedCompleteness: 5/5
Faithfulness: 5/5

This ordinance proposed declaring a portion of City Light Department real property as surplus and authorizing its sale to Snohomish County for road purposes. The proposal included reserving an easement for electric transmission lines and depositing the fair market value payment into the Light Fund.

What The Final Text DoesCompleteness: 4/5
Faithfulness: 5/5

This ordinance authorizes the Seattle City Light Department to sell approximately 62,400 square feet of surplus real property to Snohomish County. The land, located along 43rd Avenue SE, will be used by the county for a road-widening project to accommodate increased traffic growth. While the city will transfer ownership for a fair market value of $452,216 to be deposited into the Light Fund, it will reserve an easement to ensure the continued operation and maintenance of its electric transmission lines.

What Was Originally ProposedCompleteness: 5/5
Faithfulness: 5/5

This ordinance proposed authorizing the City of Seattle to execute a collective bargaining agreement with the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry, Local 32. Additionally, it sought to ratify and confirm previous actions taken regarding this employment agreement.

What The Final Text DoesCompleteness: 5/5
Faithfulness: 5/5

This ordinance authorizes the City of Seattle to execute a new collective bargaining agreement with the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry, Local 32. The three-year agreement, effective from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2027, establishes the terms and conditions of employment for approximately 150 City employees. This legislation replaces a previous agreement that expired on December 31, 2024, and will be followed by separate legislation to provide the necessary budget appropriations.

What Was Originally ProposedCompleteness: 5/5
Faithfulness: 5/5

This ordinance proposed the appropriation of funds to pay specific claims for the week of March 23, 2026, through March 27, 2026. It further authorized the payment of these claims and ratified previous related actions.

What The Final Text DoesCompleteness: 2/5
Faithfulness: 4/5

This ordinance authorizes the City of Seattle to pay outstanding claims and payroll expenses for the week of March 23 through March 27, 2026. It approves the disbursement of approximately $25 million for general claims, $91,000 for e-payables, and $68.4 million for electronic financial transactions. Additionally, the bill allocates over $72.6 million to cover gross payroll for the period ending March 24, 2026. This legislative action is required by state law (RCW 42.24.180) to ensure the legal payment of city obligations.

What Was Originally ProposedCompleteness: 2/5
Faithfulness: 2/5

This ordinance proposed extensive amendments to Seattle's land use and zoning laws, specifically targeting the Official Land Use Map and various sections of the Seattle Municipal Code. It sought to modify existing zoning regulations and repeal several specific sections of the code to update how land is utilized and developed within the city.

What The Final Text DoesCompleteness: 2/5
Faithfulness: 2/5

This ordinance amends the Seattle Municipal Code to implement the "One Seattle Plan," the city's comprehensive 20-year roadmap for growth and investment. It primarily updates land use and zoning regulations to increase the supply and diversity of housing, with a specific focus on increasing density near transit and urban amenities. By updating the Official Land Use Map and repealing certain zoning sections, the bill aims to address the housing affordability crisis while prioritizing racial equity and preventing displacement.

What Was Originally Proposed

This ordinance proposed establishing specific conditions under which the Seattle Police Department would be required to implement a mandatory 60-day pause in collecting data from its CCTV and Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) systems. It sought to amend existing ordinances to regulate the collection of surveillance data.

What The Final Text Does

This ordinance establishes specific conditions that would trigger a mandatory 60-day pause in the collection of surveillance data by the Seattle Police Department’s CCTV and Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) systems. The legislation is driven by a commitment to protect the privacy and safety of refugees, immigrants, and individuals seeking reproductive or gender-affirming care. By pausing data collection under certain circumstances, the bill aims to prevent sensitive location data from being used to undermine bodily autonomy or assist in civil immigration enforcement.

What Was Originally Proposed

This ordinance proposed updating the Seattle Municipal Code to align city policy with Washington state law regarding immigration inquiries. Specifically, it sought to change the requirements and circumstances under which Seattle Police Department personnel are permitted to ask individuals about their citizenship or immigration status.

What The Final Text Does

This ordinance amends Section 4.18.015 of the Seattle Municipal Code to update the rules regarding when Seattle Police Department personnel may inquire about a person's citizenship or immigration status. The primary goal is to align city policy with Washington state law, specifically the Keep Washington Working Act. By doing so, the bill modifies the existing 2003 restrictions on city employees to ensure local law enforcement's data collection and inquiry practices are consistent with state-mandated criteria.

What Was Originally Proposed

This ordinance proposed the appropriation of funds to pay specific claims for the week of March 16, 2026, through March 20, 2026. It further ordered the payment of these claims and ratified previous related actions.

What The Final Text Does

This ordinance authorizes the City of Seattle to pay various financial obligations and payroll expenses incurred during the week of March 16, 2026, through March 20, 2026. In accordance with state law, the bill seeks City Council approval to disburse a total of $96,899,915.81. This total consists of mechanical warrants, e-payables, and electronic financial transactions (EFT).

What Changed From The Original

Clarifies definition of substantial improvement for historic waterfront piers

The amendment clarifies the definition of "substantial improvement" in Seattle's Code, specifying that it cannot include repairs or improvements that restore a building to its original state after it has sustained significant damage. This amendment ensures that the definition aligns with the intent to protect historic structures and historic waterfront piers from unnecessary reconstruction when their structural integrity has been compromised.

Substantial Improvement Definition

The amendment clarifies the definition of "substantial improvement" in the context of land use and sustainability. It establishes a clearer understanding of what constitutes a substantial improvement, which may impact development and renovation projects in Seattle. This clarification aims to provide more certainty and consistency in the application of land use regulations.

What Was Originally ProposedCompleteness: 5/5
Faithfulness: 5/5

This ordinance proposed adopting permanent floodplain regulations and updated National Flood Insurance Rate Maps consistent with FEMA standards. These changes were intended to ensure that residents and property owners could continue to obtain flood insurance through the FEMA Flood Insurance Program. To implement this, the bill sought to amend the Seattle Municipal Code and repeal two previous ordinances.

What The Final Text DoesCompleteness: 5/5
Faithfulness: 5/5

This ordinance establishes permanent floodplain regulations for the City of Seattle that align with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) standards. By adopting the updated February 2020 National Flood Insurance Rate Maps, the bill ensures that the city remains a participating community in the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). This allows local property owners, renters, and businesses in high-risk areas to continue obtaining essential flood insurance. To implement these changes, the bill amends the Seattle Municipal Code and repeals two previous ordinances.

What Was Originally ProposedCompleteness: 4/5
Faithfulness: 5/5

This ordinance proposed authorizing the Mayor to amend the existing cable television franchise agreement with Comcast. It also empowered the Chief Technology Officer to enter into necessary administrative agreements and updated the Seattle Municipal Code to reflect these changes.

What The Final Text DoesCompleteness: 2/5
Faithfulness: 4/5

This ordinance authorizes the Mayor to execute an amendment to the Cable Television Franchise Agreement with Comcast, extending their right to operate a cable system in Seattle through January 20, 2033. The amendment ensures the continuation of the City’s Digital Equity program and support for the Seattle Channel, while maintaining cable discount programs for low-income and disabled residents. Additionally, it empowers the Chief Technology Officer to enter into necessary administrative agreements and updates the Seattle Municipal Code to reflect these changes.