This Week in Politics

Who Is Running for Seattle City Council?

Catch up on the latest campaigns for the 2019 election.

12/03/2018 By Hayat Norimine

2019 Budget

Seattle City Council Passes $5.9 Billion Budget

The biennial budget focused on sustaining city services, but council members found room for some small additions.

11/19/2018 By Hayat Norimine

Q&A

Rob Johnson on His One-Term Seattle City Council Legacy

"I fundamentally believe that the challenges we face as a growing city have a lot to do with restrictive land-use policies."

11/09/2018 By Hayat Norimine

The City Budget

Sawant Wants to Reallocate $48 Million of Durkan's Budget Plan to Housing

"It's been months later and we haven't seen a plan B," Sawant said.

10/24/2018 By Hayat Norimine

Progressive Taxation

Report: Washington State Taxes Are Still the Most Inequitable in the Country

Families who make less than $24,000 a year—the poorest 20 percent of the state—pay an estimated 17.8 percent of their income toward taxes.

10/17/2018 By Hayat Norimine and Christina Ausley

Left Turn

Are Third Parties the Future for Seattle Politics?

Democrats no longer hold the same “progressive” rep—and there’s a new kind of left emerging.

10/16/2018 By Hayat Norimine

City Budget

Durkan's Proposed $5.9 Billion Budget Invests in Public Safety, Transit

In the coming months, council members could eye more funding for housing and homelessness.

09/24/2018 By Hayat Norimine

Housing & Homelessness

Tenant Advocates Score a Big Win in Court, Still Want More Protections

A new report details evictions in the city last year and what Seattle should do next.

09/21/2018 By Hayat Norimine

Housing & Homelessness

Council Members Want More Surplus Property to Be Used for Affordable Housing

A resolution would direct the city to consider any surplus property for affordable housing before it's put on sale.

09/13/2018 By Hayat Norimine

#SaveTheShowbox

Showbox Owner Sues the City

The company alleged that council members violated its constitutional rights.

09/05/2018 By Hayat Norimine

Progressive Taxation

Seattle City Council Repeals the Head Tax

Council member Lisa Herbold said "there's so much more to lose between now and November."

06/12/2018 By Hayat Norimine

Morning Roundup

What's Up with Seattle's Head Tax Repeal?

Council members are walking back a unanimous vote less than a month later.

06/12/2018 By Hayat Norimine

Progressive Taxation

Seattle City Council Plans to Repeal the Head Tax

Seven council members support repealing the tax, scheduled to happen at a special council meeting at noon on Tuesday.

06/11/2018 By Hayat Norimine

Progressive Taxation

Coalition of Businesses Launch a Campaign to Overturn the Head Tax

The group filed a campaign, called No Tax On Jobs, with the Seattle Ethics & Elections Commission on Friday.

05/21/2018 By Hayat Norimine

Progressive Taxation

Seattle City Council Passes a $47 Million Head Tax

Starting in 2019, the city will tax top businesses $275 per employee per year.

05/14/2018 By Hayat Norimine

Op-Ed

Pramila Jayapal: Amid Homelessness Crisis, It's Time for Real Shared Responsibility

The Seattle congresswoman says a head tax would get the city closer to an equitable solution.

05/11/2018 By Pramila Jayapal

Progressive Taxation

Council Members Approve $75 Million Head Tax, Reject Durkan's Plan

The long battle for an employee hours tax continues.

05/11/2018 By Hayat Norimine

Progressive Taxation

Head Tax Debate Heats Up

The council has five supporting votes, and the mayor's still a wild card.

05/09/2018 By Hayat Norimine

City Council

Council Extends the City's Statute of Limitations for Harassment Claims

Seattle residents or workers will have more time to bring a discrimination complaint forward.

05/07/2018 By Hayat Norimine