City government faces budget deficit. The City Budget Office (CBO) currently estimates an ongoing budget deficit of approximately $300 million out of our $1.7 billion General Fund and related accounts. For the April 22, 2020 presentation by City Budget Office (CBO) regarding budget deficit, CLICK HERE. The city government has only $125 million in emergency […]

June 8, 2020 Update: Today the City Council unanimously approved the legislation co-sponsored by Councilmember Alex Pedersen (District 4, Northeast Seattle) to reauthorize the Business Improvement Area (BIA) in the University District, which is the heart of District 4.  “Business Improvement Areas are positive, community-driven economic development tools that help keep neighborhood business districts clean and safe throughout our […]

Councilmembers Sawant and Morales recently proposed a larger version of their payroll tax (Council Bills 119772, 119773, 119774). I’ve heard from thousands of Seattle residents on various sides of this challenging issue.  Giving voice to many of the concerns expressed by constituents as well as my experience in both government budgeting and private sector financial […]

City Hall and Coronavirus Updates Friends and Neighbors, It’s working. I’m so grateful for the sacrifices we have made collectively for each other and for Seattle. With both pain and purpose, we have canceled schools, sent workers home, closed businesses—because it saves lives. New evidence confirms it’s working and our progress is gaining national appreciation. As our […]

April 15, 2020 UPDATE: While Seattle City Light already stated that it agrees with the City Auditor’s recommendations and will be implementing by December 2020 all the remaining recommendations not already implemented, the Seattle Times editorial board published April 12 an editorial calling for swifter action during the COVID crisis to assist ratepayers. SCL published […]

Friends and Neighbors, Hello again from our (virtual) District 4 office! As we enter into our office’s 4th week of working from home, I want to extend my sincerest gratitude to all the essential workers in our district who don’t have the ability to work from home during this difficult time. Thank you for risking […]

My City Council colleagues and I hear you — the people, small businesses, and nonprofits of Seattle are stressed and struggling financially, especially as the coronavirus pandemic and our public health response stretches on. The Governor, our Mayor, the Seattle City Council, and now our congressional delegation have taken major steps to protect safety and […]