Summary

Seattle City Council special meeting (Dec 16, 2025) — Comprehensive Plan and multiple ordinances adopted; ethics, budget, appointments approved

SeattleDec 16, 20254 min read

At a glance

Quick context to catch up fast.

The Council met in special session and adopted major land use updates including the One Seattle Plan and Neighborhood Residential zone changes, passed several ordinances affecting the City budget, ethics, employment classifications, and utilities, confirmed numerous appointments, and held a public hearing on restrictions related to grocery/pharmacy use. Council President Nelson presided; the meeting was adjourned at 5:20 p.m.

Projects mentioned

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Museum Development Cultural Space Agency Public Development Community Roots Housing Public Development Community Development

Committees mentioned

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City Council

Topics discussed

LaborTransportationBudget & TaxPublic SafetyEducationCommerceElectionsHousingUtilities

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Key decisions

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Passed CB 120985 (One Seattle Plan Comprehensive Plan update) as amended; President signed the bill.
Passed CB 120993 (major update to Neighborhood Residential zones and related SMC amendments) as amended; President signed the bill.
Adopted Res 32183 calling for additional measures and 2026 amendments to the Comprehensive Plan; President signed the resolution.
Passed CB 121126 amending the 2025 Budget to appropriate General Fund money for food programs and reserves; President signed the bill.
Passed CB 121137 amending the LCLIP funding plan for South Lake Union and Downtown and making related budget appropriations; President signed the bill.
Passed CB 121138 authorizing Seattle Public Utilities to acquire a parcel (King County Parcel Number 152504-9010 at 4000 NE 41st St.) for utility purposes; President signed the bill.
Passed CB 121130 (Ethics Code amendments) as amended, adding reporting/disclosure requirements for political consultants; President signed the bill.
Passed CB 121141 and CB 121142 relating to City employment (civil service exemptions/returns and Deferred Compensation Analyst classification); President signed the bills.
Passed historic preservation ordinances CB 121139 (Stewart House) and CB 121140 (líq’tәd - Licton Springs Park); President signed the bills.
Passed CB 121073 amending the SODO Parking and Business Improvement Area assessment rate and exemptions; President signed the bill.
Confirmed extensive Consent Calendar appointments across multiple boards and commissions (numerous Appt items listed); item 80 (Appt 03382) was removed from consent and later confirmed by Council vote (6–2).
Held a public hearing on CB 121094 / Ordinance 127329 (relating to negative use restrictions limiting a property’s use as a grocery store or pharmacy); hearing opened at 2:02 p.m. and closed at 2:09 p.m.
Adopted the Introduction & Referral Calendar (IRC 504) and approved the meeting agenda and consent calendar (with item 80 removed).
Adopted motion appointing Councilmember Dan Strauss as Council President Pro Tem effective January 1, 2026, with an order of succession for Pro Tem duties.

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Meeting information

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City Council

Dec 16, 2025, 12:00 AMCouncil Chamber, City Hall 600 4th Avenue Seattle, WA 98104scheduled

Special Meeting*

Agenda

CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
PRESENTATIONS
PUBLIC COMMENT
PUBLIC HEARING
Public Hearing on Council Bill 121094 / Ordinance 127329, relating to negative use restrictions that limit a property’s use a grocery store or pharmacy.
ADOPTION OF INTRODUCTION AND REFERRAL CALENDAR:
December 16, 2025
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
APPROVAL OF CONSENT CALENDAR
Bills:
AN ORDINANCE appropriating money to pay certain claims for the week of December 1, 2025, through December 5, 2025, and ordering the payment thereof; and ratifying and confirming certain prior acts.
Appointments:
GOVERNANCE, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE:
Reappointment of Thomas J. Kelly as member, Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee, for a term to December 31, 2027.
Reappointment of Lisa Reager as member, Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee, for a term to December 31, 2027.
Reappointment of Jonathan Schirmer as member, Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission, for a term to December 31, 2028.
HOUSING AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE:
Appointment of Zachary Dar as member, Seattle Disability Commission, for a term to October 31, 2026.
Appointment of Linda W. Finkle as member, Seattle Disability Commission, for a term to October 31, 2026.
Appointment of Sawyer Stearns as member, Seattle Disability Commission, for a term to April 30, 2026.
Appointment of Sierra Miles as member, Seattle Women’s Commission, for a term to July 1, 2026.
Appointment of Sonia Hitchcock as member, Seattle Women’s Commission, for a term to July 1, 2027.
Appointment of Elizabeth Perez as member, Seattle Women’s Commission, for a term to July 1, 2027.
Reappointment of Martine Pierre-Louis as member, Pacific Hospital Preservation and Development Authority Governing Council, for a term to December 31, 2028.
Appointment of Carl G. Harris as member, Seattle LGBTQ Commission, for a term to October 31, 2027.
Appointment of Scott Humphreys as member, Seattle LGBTQ Commission, for a term to October 31, 2027.
Appointment of Roger W. Long as member, Community Roots Housing Public Development Authority Governing Council, for a term to March 31, 2026.
Appointment of Aaron Pritchard as member, Community Roots Housing Public Development Authority Governing Council, for a term to March 31, 2027.
Appointment of Diane Pietrowski as member, Pacific Hospital Preservation and Development Authority Governing Council, for a term to December 31, 2028.
Appointment of Brandon Monson as member, Seattle Human Rights Commission, for a term to July 22, 2026.
Appointment of Julia Thompson as member, Seattle Disability Commission, for a term to April 30, 2026.
Appointment of Leah Martin as member, Housing Levy Oversight Committee, for a term to December 31, 2028.
Appointment of Yuvika Tolani as member, Housing Levy Oversight Committee, for a term to December 31, 2028.
Reappointment of Febben Fekadu as member, Housing Levy Oversight Committee, for a term to December 31, 2028.
Reappointment of Sunaree Marshall as member, Housing Levy Oversight Committee, for a term to December 31, 2028.
Reappointment of Dan Wise as member, Housing Levy Oversight Committee, for a term to December 31, 2028.
Appointment of Balvina E. Cortez as member, Seattle Disability Commission, for a term to April 30, 2026.
Appointment of Naomi Snow as member, Seattle Disability Commission, for a term to April 30, 2026.
Appointment of Marc G. Cote as member, Seattle Disability Commission, for a term to April 30, 2027.
Appointment of Elliott McMurray as member, Seattle Disability Commission, for a term to April 30, 2027.
Appointment of Dominic Del Castillo as member, Seattle LGBTQ Commission, for a term to October 31, 2027.
Reappointment of Kody L. Allen as member, Seattle LGBTQ Commission, for a term to October 31, 2027.
Reappointment of Chris Curia as member, Seattle LGBTQ Commission, for a term to October 31, 2027.
Reappointment of Jennifer Tran as member, Seattle Women’s Commission, for a term to July 1, 2027.
Reappointment of Kate Faoro Wright as member, Seattle Women’s Commission, for a term to July 1, 2027.
Appointment of Avery Hultgren as member, Seattle Human Rights Commission, for a term to July 22, 2026.
LIBRARIES, EDUCATION, AND NEIGHBORHOODS COMMITTEE:
Appointment of Gabriel de los Angeles as member, Community Involvement Commission, for a term to May 31, 2026.
Appointment of Timothy Turner as member, Community Involvement Commission, for a term to May 31, 2026.
Appointment of Chelsea Affleck as member, Community Involvement Commission, for a term to May 31, 2027.
Appointment of Elise A. Herwig as member, Community Involvement Commission, for a term to May 31, 2027.
Appointment of Nada Ramadan as member, Community Involvement Commission, for a term to May 31, 2027.
Appointment of Jalen M. Smith as member, Community Involvement Commission, for a term to May 31, 2027.
Appointment of Max Chandrasekaran as member, Seattle Youth Commission, for a term to August 31, 2026.
Appointment of Koreb Tadesse as member, Seattle Youth Commission, for a term to August 31, 2026.
Appointment of Audrey Mai Trinen as member, Seattle Youth Commission, for a term to August 31, 2026.
Appointment of Sean O’Brien as member, Pioneer Square Preservation Board, for a term to March 1, 2026.
Appointment of Katrina Plewinski as member, Pioneer Square Preservation Board, for a term to March 1, 2028.
Appointment of Catherine Walker as member, Pioneer Square Preservation Board, for a term to March 1, 2026.
Appointment of Maya Spotted Bear as member, Pioneer Square Preservation Board, for a term to March 1, 2028.
Reappointment of Maureen R. Elenga as member, Pioneer Square Preservation Board, for a term to March 1, 2028.
Reappointment of Sohyun Kim as member, Pioneer Square Preservation Board, for a term to March 1, 2028.
Appointment of Joe Krentz as member, Ballard Avenue Landmark District Board, for a term to June 30, 2026.
Reappointment of Anthony R. Salazar as member, Ballard Avenue Landmark District Board, for a term to June 30, 2027.
Appointment of Ras Peynado as member, Pike Place Market Historical Commission, for a term to December 1, 2028.
Appointment of Alex Rasmussen as member, Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority Governing Council, for a term to June 30, 2029.
Appointment of Matthew D. Zinski as member, Landmarks Preservation Board, for a term to August 14, 2028.
PARKS, PUBLIC UTILITIES, AND TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE:
Reappointment of Katie Garrow as member, Central Waterfront Oversight Committee, for a term to December 31, 2027.
Reappointment of Emily Hoober George as member, Central Waterfront Oversight Committee, for a term to December 31, 2027.
Reappointment of Eric R. Howard as member, Central Waterfront Oversight Committee, for a term to December 31, 2027.
Reappointment of Shawn Jackson as member, Central Waterfront Oversight Committee, for a term to December 31, 2027.
Reappointment of Gerry Johnson as member, Central Waterfront Oversight Committee, for a term to December 31, 2027.
Reappointment of Edward M. Leigh as member, Central Waterfront Oversight Committee, for a term to December 31, 2027.
Reappointment of Pamela Quadros as member, Central Waterfront Oversight Committee, for a term to December 31, 2027.
Reappointment of Jim Rowe as member, Central Waterfront Oversight Committee, for a term to December 31, 2027.
Reappointment of Michelle A. Rusk as member, Central Waterfront Oversight Committee, for a term to December 31, 2027.
Reappointment of Ryan Smith as member, Central Waterfront Oversight Committee, for a term to December 31, 2027.
Reappointment of Donny Stevenson as member, Central Waterfront Oversight Committee, for a term to December 31, 2027.
Reappointment of Leslie Veloz as member, Central Waterfront Oversight Committee, for a term to December 31, 2027.
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE:
Reappointment of Richard Greene as member, Public Safety Civil Service Commission, for a term to December 31, 2028.
SUSTAINABILITY, CITY LIGHT, ARTS AND CULTURE COMMITTEE:
Appointment of Fatima Kabba as member, Green New Deal Oversight Board, for a term to April 30, 2028.
Reappointment of Douglas E. Norberg as member, Museum Development Authority Governing Council, for a term to July 13, 2026.
Reappointment of Stephanie Ellis-Smith as member, Museum Development Authority Governing Council, for a term to July 11, 2027.
Reappointment of Robert Strong as member, Museum Development Authority Governing Council, for a term to July 11, 2027.
Reappointment of Robert D. Kaplan as member, Museum Development Authority Governing Council, for a term to July 31, 2028.
Reappointment of Rosita I. Romero as member, Museum Development Authority Governing Council, for a term to July 31, 2028.
Appointment of Raymond Tymas-Jones as member, Museum Development Authority Governing Council, for a term to July 31, 2028.
Appointment of Gina Cristina Sima as member, City Light Review Panel, for a term to April 11, 2027.
Reappointment of Toyin Olowu as member, City Light Review Panel, for a term to April 11, 2026.
Reappointment of Leo L. Lam as member, City Light Review Panel, for a term to April 11, 2028.
Appointment of Leslie Bain as member, Cultural Space Agency Public Development Authority Governing Council, for a term to December 31, 2027.
Appointment of Aaron Nathaniel Carr as member, Cultural Space Agency Public Development Authority Governing Council, for a term to December 31, 2027.
Appointment of M. Angela Castañeda as member, Cultural Space Agency Public Development Authority Governing Council, for a term to December 31, 2027.
Appointment of Gulgun Kayim as member, Cultural Space Agency Public Development Authority Governing Council, for a term to December 31, 2027.
Appointment of Nick Ronan as member, Cultural Space Agency Public Development Authority Governing Council, for a term to December 31, 2027.
Appointment of Obadiah Stephens-Terry as member, Cultural Space Agency Public Development Authority Governing Council, for a term to December 31, 2027.
Reappointment of Nyema Clark as member, Cultural Space Agency Public Development Authority Governing Council, for a term to December 31, 2028.
Reappointment of Afua Kouyate as member, Cultural Space Agency Public Development Authority Governing Council, for a term to December 31, 2028.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
CITY COUNCIL:
AN ORDINANCE amending Ordinance 127156, which adopted the 2025 Budget; making appropriations from the General Fund for food programs and reserves; and ratifying and confirming certain prior acts; all by a 3/4 vote of the City Council.
LIBRARIES, EDUCATION, AND NEIGHBORHOODS COMMITTEE:
Reappointment of Dwane Chappelle as Director of the Department of Education and Early Learning, for a term to August 1, 2029.
AN ORDINANCE relating to historic preservation; imposing controls upon the Stewart House, a landmark designated by the Landmarks Preservation Board under Chapter 25.12 of the Seattle Municipal Code, and adding it to the Table of Historical Landmarks contained in Chapter 25.32 of the Seattle Municipal Code.
AN ORDINANCE relating to historic preservation; imposing controls upon líq’tәd - Licton Springs Park, a landmark designated by the Landmarks Preservation Board under Chapter 25.12 of the Seattle Municipal Code, and adding it to the Table of Historical Landmarks contained in Chapter 25.32 of the Seattle Municipal Code.
GOVERNANCE, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE:
AN ORDINANCE relating to the SODO Parking and Business Improvement Area; changing the assessment rate and exemptions; and amending Ordinance 125678, as previously amended by Ordinance 126191.
AN ORDINANCE relating to the Ethics Code; establishing reporting and disclosure requirements for political consultants; prohibiting political consultants from providing political consulting services without reporting; adding a new Section 4.16.072 to the Seattle Municipal Code; and amending Section 4.16.030 of the Seattle Municipal Code.
AN ORDINANCE relating to City employment; exempting positions from the civil service system; returning positions to the civil service system; and amending Section 4.13.010 of the Seattle Municipal Code; all by a 2/3 vote of the City Council.
AN ORDINANCE relating to City employment; and establishing the Deferred Compensation Analyst classification title series and corresponding rates of pay in the Seattle City Employees’ Retirement System.
SELECT COMMITTEE ON THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN:
AN ORDINANCE relating to land use and zoning; repealing and replacing the Seattle Comprehensive Plan pursuant to a major update, with new goals, policies, and elements and a new Future Land Use Map; amending Sections 5.72.020, 5.72.030, 5.73.030, 6.600.040, 22.805.070, 23.34.007, 23.34.008, 23.34.009, 23.34.010, 23.34.011, 23.34.012, 23.34.014, 23.34.018, 23.34.020, 23.34.024, 23.34.028, 23.34.074, 23.34.076, 23.34.078, 23.34.080, 23.34.082, 23.34.086, 23.34.099, 23.34.100, 23.34.108, 23.34.110, 23.34.128, 23.40.070, 23.41.004, 23.41.012, 23.42.058, 23.44.019, 23.45.509, 23.45.510, 23.45.514, 23.45.516, 23.45.527, 23.45.530, 23.45.532, 23.45.550, 23.47A.004, 23.47A.005, 23.47A.008, 23.47A.009, 23.47A.012, 23.47A.013, 23.48.002, 23.48.021, 23.48.220, 23.48.221, 23.48.225, 23.48.245, 23.48.250, 23.48.285, 23.48.290, 23.48.602, 23.48.605, 23.48.610, 23.48.623, 23.48.690, 23.48.710, 23.48.720, 23.48.723, 23.48.740, 23.48.780, 23.48.785, 23.48.802, 23.48.905, 23.48.940, 23.49.012, 23.49.019, 23.49.036, 23.50.012, 23.50A.040, 23.50A.190, 23.50A.360, 23.51A.004, 23.52.004, 23.52.008, 23.53.006, 23.54.015, 23.54.016, 23.54.020, 23.54.035, 23.58A.014, 23.58A.024, 23.58A.040, 23.58A.042, 23.58B.040, 23.58B.050, 23.58C.040, 23.58C.050, 23.69.022, 23.69.026, 23.69.035, 23.71.020, 23.74.002, 23.84A.025, 23.84A.026, 23.84A.032, 23.84A.038, 23.84A.040, 23.84A.042, 23.86.006, 25.05.164, 25.05.665, and 25.05.800 of the Seattle Municipal Code; and amending the title of Sections 23.48.230, 23.48.235, 23.48.240, 23.48.255, and 23.48.280 of the Seattle Municipal Code.
AN ORDINANCE relating to land use and zoning; implementing a major update of Neighborhood Residential zones and modifying development standards in other zones to comply with various state laws; amending Chapter 23.32 of the Seattle Municipal Code at pages 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 98, 99, 100, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 111, 112, 113, 114, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 186, 187, 188, 189, 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199, 200, 201, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 209, 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 216, 217, 219, 220, and 221 of the Official Land Use Map; amending Chapters 6.600, 14.08, 14.09, 15.32, 21.49, 22.214, 22.801, 22.907, 23.22, 23.24, 23.28, 23.30, 23.34, 23.42, 23.45, 23.47A, 23.48, 23.49, 23.50, 23.51A, 23.51B, 23.53, 23.54, 23.58C, 23.60A, 23.66, 23.72, 23.75, 23.76, 23.80, 23.84A, 23.86, 23.90, 23.91, 25.09, and 25.11 of the Seattle Municipal Code; renumbering existing subsection 23.54.015.K of the Seattle Municipal Code as Section 23.54.037 and further amending the section; renumbering existing subsections 23.54.030.F, 23.54.030.G, 23.54.030.K, and 23.54.030.L as Sections 23.54.031, 23.54.032, 23.54.033, and 23.54.034 and further amending the sections; repealing Chapter 23.44 and Sections 23.34.010, 23.34.012, 23.34.013, 23.34.072, 23.42.130, 23.45.512, 23.45.531, 23.86.010, and 25.09.260 of the Seattle Municipal Code; adding a new Chapter 23.44 and new Sections 23.42.024, 23.42.047, 23.42.132, 23.45.519, 23.45.560, 23.80.010, 23.80.012, 23.80.014, 25.09.055, and 25.11.025 to the Seattle Municipal Code; and repealing Ordinance 127219.
A RESOLUTION relating to the One Seattle Plan Comprehensive Plan update; calling for additional measures by City departments to further advance the goals of the One Seattle Plan; and requesting that the Office of Planning and Community Development and other City departments develop additional amendments to the Comprehensive Plan in 2026.
PARKS, PUBLIC UTILITIES, AND TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE:
AN ORDINANCE amending the Amended Landscape Conservation and Infrastructure Program Funding Plan for the South Lake Union and Downtown as adopted by Ordinance 127252; amending Ordinance 127156, which adopted the 2025 Budget, including the 2025-2030 Capital Improvement Program; changing appropriations to various departments and budget control levels, and from various funds in the Budget; making an appropriation from the Park and Recreation Fund for related costs; and ratifying and confirming certain prior acts; all by a 3/4 vote of the City Council.
AN ORDINANCE relating to Seattle Public Utilities; authorizing the General Manager/CEO of Seattle Public Utilities or designee to acquire by negotiation or eminent domain (condemnation) a parcel of land in Seattle, for utility purposes identified as King County Parcel Number 152504-9010 located at 4000 NE 41st St. and to execute, accept, and record deeds, conveyance documents, and agreements deemed by the General Manager/CEO to be necessary to this transaction on behalf of the City; placing the real property under the jurisdiction of Seattle Public Utilities; authorizing payment of all other costs associated with the acquisition; amending Ordinance 127362, which adopted the 2026 Budget including the 2026-2031 Capital Improvement Program; and ratifying and confirming certain prior acts; all by a 3/4 vote of the City Council.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR
ADOPTION OF OTHER RESOLUTIONS
OTHER BUSINESS
Agenda Item
ADJOURNMENT
PUBLIC HEARING
_____________________________________________________ Jodee Schwinn, Deputy City Clerk Signed by me in Open Session, upon approval of the Council, on January 6, 2026. _____________________________________________________ Dan Strauss, Council President Pro Tem of the City Council Attachment: Att 1 - Action 1 of CB 121130 Attachment: Att 2 - Action 2 of CB 121130 Attachment: Att 3 - Action 3 of CB 121130 Attachment: Att 4 - Action 1 of CB 120985 Attachment: Att 5 - Action 2 of CB 120985 Attachment: Att 6 - Action 1 of CB 120993 Attachment: Att 7 - Action 1 of Res 32183

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Summary

Seattle City Council special meeting (Dec 16, 2025) — Comprehensive Plan and multiple ordinances adopted; ethics, budget, appointments approved

SeattleDec 16, 20254 min read

At a glance

Quick context to catch up fast.

Projects mentioned

Browse all related coverage for the main local project pages tied to this summary.

Museum Development Cultural Space Agency Public Development Community Roots Housing Public Development Community Development

Committees mentioned

Open the committee coverage hubs tied to this summary.

City Council

Topics discussed

LaborTransportationBudget & TaxPublic SafetyEducationCommerceElectionsHousingUtilities

View official document

Was this summary helpful?

Your feedback helps us prioritize what to improve next.

Key decisions

Follow the major takeaways from this briefing.

Passed CB 120985 (One Seattle Plan Comprehensive Plan update) as amended; President signed the bill.
Passed CB 120993 (major update to Neighborhood Residential zones and related SMC amendments) as amended; President signed the bill.
Adopted Res 32183 calling for additional measures and 2026 amendments to the Comprehensive Plan; President signed the resolution.
Passed CB 121126 amending the 2025 Budget to appropriate General Fund money for food programs and reserves; President signed the bill.
Passed CB 121137 amending the LCLIP funding plan for South Lake Union and Downtown and making related budget appropriations; President signed the bill.
Passed CB 121138 authorizing Seattle Public Utilities to acquire a parcel (King County Parcel Number 152504-9010 at 4000 NE 41st St.) for utility purposes; President signed the bill.
Passed CB 121130 (Ethics Code amendments) as amended, adding reporting/disclosure requirements for political consultants; President signed the bill.
Passed CB 121141 and CB 121142 relating to City employment (civil service exemptions/returns and Deferred Compensation Analyst classification); President signed the bills.
Passed historic preservation ordinances CB 121139 (Stewart House) and CB 121140 (líq’tәd - Licton Springs Park); President signed the bills.
Passed CB 121073 amending the SODO Parking and Business Improvement Area assessment rate and exemptions; President signed the bill.
Confirmed extensive Consent Calendar appointments across multiple boards and commissions (numerous Appt items listed); item 80 (Appt 03382) was removed from consent and later confirmed by Council vote (6–2).
Held a public hearing on CB 121094 / Ordinance 127329 (relating to negative use restrictions limiting a property’s use as a grocery store or pharmacy); hearing opened at 2:02 p.m. and closed at 2:09 p.m.
Adopted the Introduction & Referral Calendar (IRC 504) and approved the meeting agenda and consent calendar (with item 80 removed).
Adopted motion appointing Councilmember Dan Strauss as Council President Pro Tem effective January 1, 2026, with an order of succession for Pro Tem duties.

Timeline & follow-ups

Action items flagged by the community.

No follow-ups have been shared yet. Add one in the community board below.

Meeting information

Details and records from this meeting.

City Council

Dec 16, 2025, 12:00 AMCouncil Chamber, City Hall 600 4th Avenue Seattle, WA 98104scheduled

Special Meeting*

Agenda

CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
PRESENTATIONS
PUBLIC COMMENT
PUBLIC HEARING
Public Hearing on Council Bill 121094 / Ordinance 127329, relating to negative use restrictions that limit a property’s use a grocery store or pharmacy.
ADOPTION OF INTRODUCTION AND REFERRAL CALENDAR:
December 16, 2025
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
APPROVAL OF CONSENT CALENDAR
Bills:
AN ORDINANCE appropriating money to pay certain claims for the week of December 1, 2025, through December 5, 2025, and ordering the payment thereof; and ratifying and confirming certain prior acts.
Appointments:
GOVERNANCE, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE:
Reappointment of Thomas J. Kelly as member, Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee, for a term to December 31, 2027.
Reappointment of Lisa Reager as member, Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee, for a term to December 31, 2027.
Reappointment of Jonathan Schirmer as member, Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission, for a term to December 31, 2028.
HOUSING AND HUMAN SERVICES COMMITTEE:
Appointment of Zachary Dar as member, Seattle Disability Commission, for a term to October 31, 2026.
Appointment of Linda W. Finkle as member, Seattle Disability Commission, for a term to October 31, 2026.
Appointment of Sawyer Stearns as member, Seattle Disability Commission, for a term to April 30, 2026.
Appointment of Sierra Miles as member, Seattle Women’s Commission, for a term to July 1, 2026.
Appointment of Sonia Hitchcock as member, Seattle Women’s Commission, for a term to July 1, 2027.
Appointment of Elizabeth Perez as member, Seattle Women’s Commission, for a term to July 1, 2027.
Reappointment of Martine Pierre-Louis as member, Pacific Hospital Preservation and Development Authority Governing Council, for a term to December 31, 2028.
Appointment of Carl G. Harris as member, Seattle LGBTQ Commission, for a term to October 31, 2027.
Appointment of Scott Humphreys as member, Seattle LGBTQ Commission, for a term to October 31, 2027.
Appointment of Roger W. Long as member, Community Roots Housing Public Development Authority Governing Council, for a term to March 31, 2026.
Appointment of Aaron Pritchard as member, Community Roots Housing Public Development Authority Governing Council, for a term to March 31, 2027.
Appointment of Diane Pietrowski as member, Pacific Hospital Preservation and Development Authority Governing Council, for a term to December 31, 2028.
Appointment of Brandon Monson as member, Seattle Human Rights Commission, for a term to July 22, 2026.
Appointment of Julia Thompson as member, Seattle Disability Commission, for a term to April 30, 2026.
Appointment of Leah Martin as member, Housing Levy Oversight Committee, for a term to December 31, 2028.
Appointment of Yuvika Tolani as member, Housing Levy Oversight Committee, for a term to December 31, 2028.
Reappointment of Febben Fekadu as member, Housing Levy Oversight Committee, for a term to December 31, 2028.
Reappointment of Sunaree Marshall as member, Housing Levy Oversight Committee, for a term to December 31, 2028.
Reappointment of Dan Wise as member, Housing Levy Oversight Committee, for a term to December 31, 2028.
Appointment of Balvina E. Cortez as member, Seattle Disability Commission, for a term to April 30, 2026.
Appointment of Naomi Snow as member, Seattle Disability Commission, for a term to April 30, 2026.
Appointment of Marc G. Cote as member, Seattle Disability Commission, for a term to April 30, 2027.
Appointment of Elliott McMurray as member, Seattle Disability Commission, for a term to April 30, 2027.
Appointment of Dominic Del Castillo as member, Seattle LGBTQ Commission, for a term to October 31, 2027.
Reappointment of Kody L. Allen as member, Seattle LGBTQ Commission, for a term to October 31, 2027.
Reappointment of Chris Curia as member, Seattle LGBTQ Commission, for a term to October 31, 2027.
Reappointment of Jennifer Tran as member, Seattle Women’s Commission, for a term to July 1, 2027.
Reappointment of Kate Faoro Wright as member, Seattle Women’s Commission, for a term to July 1, 2027.
Appointment of Avery Hultgren as member, Seattle Human Rights Commission, for a term to July 22, 2026.
LIBRARIES, EDUCATION, AND NEIGHBORHOODS COMMITTEE:
Appointment of Gabriel de los Angeles as member, Community Involvement Commission, for a term to May 31, 2026.
Appointment of Timothy Turner as member, Community Involvement Commission, for a term to May 31, 2026.
Appointment of Chelsea Affleck as member, Community Involvement Commission, for a term to May 31, 2027.
Appointment of Elise A. Herwig as member, Community Involvement Commission, for a term to May 31, 2027.
Appointment of Nada Ramadan as member, Community Involvement Commission, for a term to May 31, 2027.
Appointment of Jalen M. Smith as member, Community Involvement Commission, for a term to May 31, 2027.
Appointment of Max Chandrasekaran as member, Seattle Youth Commission, for a term to August 31, 2026.
Appointment of Koreb Tadesse as member, Seattle Youth Commission, for a term to August 31, 2026.
Appointment of Audrey Mai Trinen as member, Seattle Youth Commission, for a term to August 31, 2026.
Appointment of Sean O’Brien as member, Pioneer Square Preservation Board, for a term to March 1, 2026.
Appointment of Katrina Plewinski as member, Pioneer Square Preservation Board, for a term to March 1, 2028.
Appointment of Catherine Walker as member, Pioneer Square Preservation Board, for a term to March 1, 2026.
Appointment of Maya Spotted Bear as member, Pioneer Square Preservation Board, for a term to March 1, 2028.
Reappointment of Maureen R. Elenga as member, Pioneer Square Preservation Board, for a term to March 1, 2028.
Reappointment of Sohyun Kim as member, Pioneer Square Preservation Board, for a term to March 1, 2028.
Appointment of Joe Krentz as member, Ballard Avenue Landmark District Board, for a term to June 30, 2026.
Reappointment of Anthony R. Salazar as member, Ballard Avenue Landmark District Board, for a term to June 30, 2027.
Appointment of Ras Peynado as member, Pike Place Market Historical Commission, for a term to December 1, 2028.
Appointment of Alex Rasmussen as member, Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority Governing Council, for a term to June 30, 2029.
Appointment of Matthew D. Zinski as member, Landmarks Preservation Board, for a term to August 14, 2028.
PARKS, PUBLIC UTILITIES, AND TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE:
Reappointment of Katie Garrow as member, Central Waterfront Oversight Committee, for a term to December 31, 2027.
Reappointment of Emily Hoober George as member, Central Waterfront Oversight Committee, for a term to December 31, 2027.
Reappointment of Eric R. Howard as member, Central Waterfront Oversight Committee, for a term to December 31, 2027.
Reappointment of Shawn Jackson as member, Central Waterfront Oversight Committee, for a term to December 31, 2027.
Reappointment of Gerry Johnson as member, Central Waterfront Oversight Committee, for a term to December 31, 2027.
Reappointment of Edward M. Leigh as member, Central Waterfront Oversight Committee, for a term to December 31, 2027.
Reappointment of Pamela Quadros as member, Central Waterfront Oversight Committee, for a term to December 31, 2027.
Reappointment of Jim Rowe as member, Central Waterfront Oversight Committee, for a term to December 31, 2027.
Reappointment of Michelle A. Rusk as member, Central Waterfront Oversight Committee, for a term to December 31, 2027.
Reappointment of Ryan Smith as member, Central Waterfront Oversight Committee, for a term to December 31, 2027.
Reappointment of Donny Stevenson as member, Central Waterfront Oversight Committee, for a term to December 31, 2027.
Reappointment of Leslie Veloz as member, Central Waterfront Oversight Committee, for a term to December 31, 2027.
PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE:
Reappointment of Richard Greene as member, Public Safety Civil Service Commission, for a term to December 31, 2028.
SUSTAINABILITY, CITY LIGHT, ARTS AND CULTURE COMMITTEE:
Appointment of Fatima Kabba as member, Green New Deal Oversight Board, for a term to April 30, 2028.
Reappointment of Douglas E. Norberg as member, Museum Development Authority Governing Council, for a term to July 13, 2026.
Reappointment of Stephanie Ellis-Smith as member, Museum Development Authority Governing Council, for a term to July 11, 2027.
Reappointment of Robert Strong as member, Museum Development Authority Governing Council, for a term to July 11, 2027.
Reappointment of Robert D. Kaplan as member, Museum Development Authority Governing Council, for a term to July 31, 2028.
Reappointment of Rosita I. Romero as member, Museum Development Authority Governing Council, for a term to July 31, 2028.
Appointment of Raymond Tymas-Jones as member, Museum Development Authority Governing Council, for a term to July 31, 2028.
Appointment of Gina Cristina Sima as member, City Light Review Panel, for a term to April 11, 2027.
Reappointment of Toyin Olowu as member, City Light Review Panel, for a term to April 11, 2026.
Reappointment of Leo L. Lam as member, City Light Review Panel, for a term to April 11, 2028.
Appointment of Leslie Bain as member, Cultural Space Agency Public Development Authority Governing Council, for a term to December 31, 2027.
Appointment of Aaron Nathaniel Carr as member, Cultural Space Agency Public Development Authority Governing Council, for a term to December 31, 2027.
Appointment of M. Angela Castañeda as member, Cultural Space Agency Public Development Authority Governing Council, for a term to December 31, 2027.
Appointment of Gulgun Kayim as member, Cultural Space Agency Public Development Authority Governing Council, for a term to December 31, 2027.
Appointment of Nick Ronan as member, Cultural Space Agency Public Development Authority Governing Council, for a term to December 31, 2027.
Appointment of Obadiah Stephens-Terry as member, Cultural Space Agency Public Development Authority Governing Council, for a term to December 31, 2027.
Reappointment of Nyema Clark as member, Cultural Space Agency Public Development Authority Governing Council, for a term to December 31, 2028.
Reappointment of Afua Kouyate as member, Cultural Space Agency Public Development Authority Governing Council, for a term to December 31, 2028.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
CITY COUNCIL:
AN ORDINANCE amending Ordinance 127156, which adopted the 2025 Budget; making appropriations from the General Fund for food programs and reserves; and ratifying and confirming certain prior acts; all by a 3/4 vote of the City Council.
LIBRARIES, EDUCATION, AND NEIGHBORHOODS COMMITTEE:
Reappointment of Dwane Chappelle as Director of the Department of Education and Early Learning, for a term to August 1, 2029.
AN ORDINANCE relating to historic preservation; imposing controls upon the Stewart House, a landmark designated by the Landmarks Preservation Board under Chapter 25.12 of the Seattle Municipal Code, and adding it to the Table of Historical Landmarks contained in Chapter 25.32 of the Seattle Municipal Code.
AN ORDINANCE relating to historic preservation; imposing controls upon líq’tәd - Licton Springs Park, a landmark designated by the Landmarks Preservation Board under Chapter 25.12 of the Seattle Municipal Code, and adding it to the Table of Historical Landmarks contained in Chapter 25.32 of the Seattle Municipal Code.
GOVERNANCE, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE:
AN ORDINANCE relating to the SODO Parking and Business Improvement Area; changing the assessment rate and exemptions; and amending Ordinance 125678, as previously amended by Ordinance 126191.
AN ORDINANCE relating to the Ethics Code; establishing reporting and disclosure requirements for political consultants; prohibiting political consultants from providing political consulting services without reporting; adding a new Section 4.16.072 to the Seattle Municipal Code; and amending Section 4.16.030 of the Seattle Municipal Code.
AN ORDINANCE relating to City employment; exempting positions from the civil service system; returning positions to the civil service system; and amending Section 4.13.010 of the Seattle Municipal Code; all by a 2/3 vote of the City Council.
AN ORDINANCE relating to City employment; and establishing the Deferred Compensation Analyst classification title series and corresponding rates of pay in the Seattle City Employees’ Retirement System.
SELECT COMMITTEE ON THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN:
AN ORDINANCE relating to land use and zoning; repealing and replacing the Seattle Comprehensive Plan pursuant to a major update, with new goals, policies, and elements and a new Future Land Use Map; amending Sections 5.72.020, 5.72.030, 5.73.030, 6.600.040, 22.805.070, 23.34.007, 23.34.008, 23.34.009, 23.34.010, 23.34.011, 23.34.012, 23.34.014, 23.34.018, 23.34.020, 23.34.024, 23.34.028, 23.34.074, 23.34.076, 23.34.078, 23.34.080, 23.34.082, 23.34.086, 23.34.099, 23.34.100, 23.34.108, 23.34.110, 23.34.128, 23.40.070, 23.41.004, 23.41.012, 23.42.058, 23.44.019, 23.45.509, 23.45.510, 23.45.514, 23.45.516, 23.45.527, 23.45.530, 23.45.532, 23.45.550, 23.47A.004, 23.47A.005, 23.47A.008, 23.47A.009, 23.47A.012, 23.47A.013, 23.48.002, 23.48.021, 23.48.220, 23.48.221, 23.48.225, 23.48.245, 23.48.250, 23.48.285, 23.48.290, 23.48.602, 23.48.605, 23.48.610, 23.48.623, 23.48.690, 23.48.710, 23.48.720, 23.48.723, 23.48.740, 23.48.780, 23.48.785, 23.48.802, 23.48.905, 23.48.940, 23.49.012, 23.49.019, 23.49.036, 23.50.012, 23.50A.040, 23.50A.190, 23.50A.360, 23.51A.004, 23.52.004, 23.52.008, 23.53.006, 23.54.015, 23.54.016, 23.54.020, 23.54.035, 23.58A.014, 23.58A.024, 23.58A.040, 23.58A.042, 23.58B.040, 23.58B.050, 23.58C.040, 23.58C.050, 23.69.022, 23.69.026, 23.69.035, 23.71.020, 23.74.002, 23.84A.025, 23.84A.026, 23.84A.032, 23.84A.038, 23.84A.040, 23.84A.042, 23.86.006, 25.05.164, 25.05.665, and 25.05.800 of the Seattle Municipal Code; and amending the title of Sections 23.48.230, 23.48.235, 23.48.240, 23.48.255, and 23.48.280 of the Seattle Municipal Code.
AN ORDINANCE relating to land use and zoning; implementing a major update of Neighborhood Residential zones and modifying development standards in other zones to comply with various state laws; amending Chapter 23.32 of the Seattle Municipal Code at pages 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 98, 99, 100, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 111, 112, 113, 114, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 186, 187, 188, 189, 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199, 200, 201, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 209, 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 216, 217, 219, 220, and 221 of the Official Land Use Map; amending Chapters 6.600, 14.08, 14.09, 15.32, 21.49, 22.214, 22.801, 22.907, 23.22, 23.24, 23.28, 23.30, 23.34, 23.42, 23.45, 23.47A, 23.48, 23.49, 23.50, 23.51A, 23.51B, 23.53, 23.54, 23.58C, 23.60A, 23.66, 23.72, 23.75, 23.76, 23.80, 23.84A, 23.86, 23.90, 23.91, 25.09, and 25.11 of the Seattle Municipal Code; renumbering existing subsection 23.54.015.K of the Seattle Municipal Code as Section 23.54.037 and further amending the section; renumbering existing subsections 23.54.030.F, 23.54.030.G, 23.54.030.K, and 23.54.030.L as Sections 23.54.031, 23.54.032, 23.54.033, and 23.54.034 and further amending the sections; repealing Chapter 23.44 and Sections 23.34.010, 23.34.012, 23.34.013, 23.34.072, 23.42.130, 23.45.512, 23.45.531, 23.86.010, and 25.09.260 of the Seattle Municipal Code; adding a new Chapter 23.44 and new Sections 23.42.024, 23.42.047, 23.42.132, 23.45.519, 23.45.560, 23.80.010, 23.80.012, 23.80.014, 25.09.055, and 25.11.025 to the Seattle Municipal Code; and repealing Ordinance 127219.
A RESOLUTION relating to the One Seattle Plan Comprehensive Plan update; calling for additional measures by City departments to further advance the goals of the One Seattle Plan; and requesting that the Office of Planning and Community Development and other City departments develop additional amendments to the Comprehensive Plan in 2026.
PARKS, PUBLIC UTILITIES, AND TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE:
AN ORDINANCE amending the Amended Landscape Conservation and Infrastructure Program Funding Plan for the South Lake Union and Downtown as adopted by Ordinance 127252; amending Ordinance 127156, which adopted the 2025 Budget, including the 2025-2030 Capital Improvement Program; changing appropriations to various departments and budget control levels, and from various funds in the Budget; making an appropriation from the Park and Recreation Fund for related costs; and ratifying and confirming certain prior acts; all by a 3/4 vote of the City Council.
AN ORDINANCE relating to Seattle Public Utilities; authorizing the General Manager/CEO of Seattle Public Utilities or designee to acquire by negotiation or eminent domain (condemnation) a parcel of land in Seattle, for utility purposes identified as King County Parcel Number 152504-9010 located at 4000 NE 41st St. and to execute, accept, and record deeds, conveyance documents, and agreements deemed by the General Manager/CEO to be necessary to this transaction on behalf of the City; placing the real property under the jurisdiction of Seattle Public Utilities; authorizing payment of all other costs associated with the acquisition; amending Ordinance 127362, which adopted the 2026 Budget including the 2026-2031 Capital Improvement Program; and ratifying and confirming certain prior acts; all by a 3/4 vote of the City Council.
ITEMS REMOVED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR
ADOPTION OF OTHER RESOLUTIONS
OTHER BUSINESS
Agenda Item
ADJOURNMENT
PUBLIC HEARING
_____________________________________________________ Jodee Schwinn, Deputy City Clerk Signed by me in Open Session, upon approval of the Council, on January 6, 2026. _____________________________________________________ Dan Strauss, Council President Pro Tem of the City Council Attachment: Att 1 - Action 1 of CB 121130 Attachment: Att 2 - Action 2 of CB 121130 Attachment: Att 3 - Action 3 of CB 121130 Attachment: Att 4 - Action 1 of CB 120985 Attachment: Att 5 - Action 2 of CB 120985 Attachment: Att 6 - Action 1 of CB 120993 Attachment: Att 7 - Action 1 of Res 32183