Seattle (December 4, 2020) – Three years ago, Mayor Jenny A. Durkan was sworn in as the 56th mayor of Seattle, and first woman mayor to lead the City in nearly a century. As Mayor Durkan marks three years since taking office, the Office of the Mayor has released its third annual report outlining updates on key community… [ Keep reading ]
Seattle (December 4, 2020) – Seattle Mayor Jenny A. Durkan today announced several leadership changes, including the appointment of Curry Mayer as Director of the Office of Emergency Management (OEM), Helen Howell as Interim Director of the Human Services Department (HSD), and Calandra Childers as Interim Director of the Office of Arts & Culture (ARTS). HSD… [ Keep reading ]
State mandate championed by religious organizations requires cities to allow more income-restricted homes SEATTLE (December 2, 2020) – Mayor Jenny A. Durkan announced today that the City of Seattle is partnering with the faith community to support the development of more affordable homes throughout the city. For decades, religious organizations have been leaders in building income-restricted… [ Keep reading ]
Seattle (December 1, 2020) – Mayor Jenny A. Durkan today signed the City’s 2021 Adopted Budget into law. After proposing a 2021 budget in September, the 2021 Adopted Budget comes after City Council consideration and the City Budget Office issued an updated economic forecast for 2020 and 2021 that added $57 million… [ Keep reading ]
SEATTLE (November 18, 2020) – Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, the City of Seattle has worked quickly to launch COVID-19 relief programs including rent relief, expanding shelter and services for people experiencing homelessness, grocery vouchers for working families, direct cash assistance for immigrants and refugees, and financial assistance to small businesses. Residents… [ Keep reading ]
EDI organizations have secured more than $105 million in City-funded dollars since 2017 Mayor signs property transfer to community ownership for Central Area Senior Center, 99-year lease for Fire Station 6 SEATTLE (November 10, 2020) — Mayor Jenny A. Durkan announced nearly $6 million in awards through the Equitable Development Initiative (EDI), part of the City’s effort to support… [ Keep reading ]
Seattle (November 7, 2020) – Mayor Jenny A. Durkan issued the following statement on Vice President Joseph R. Biden and Senator Kamala Harris winning the 2020 presidential election: Congratulations to President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris. It is so important that the President-elect affirms this is a day to start healing… [ Keep reading ]
Seattle (October 26, 2020) – Following this summer’s City Council vote to defund the city employees addressing unmanaged encampments at the Human Services Department, Mayor Jenny A. Durkan issued the following statement upon the City Council’s 7-1 vote, restoring funding for the Human Services Department to coordinate homelessness outreach. Working together in recent weeks, Councilmember Andrew Lewis, the Mayor’s Office and service providers agreed on legislation – similar to previously… [ Keep reading ]
Seattle (October 22, 2020) – Mayor Jenny A. Durkan celebrated the Sound Transit board’s unanimous vote to authorize the transfer of ten surplus properties in Rainier Valley to the City of Seattle at no cost, for affordable housing development. Approximately 150 affordable homes will be developed for homeownership opportunities for families at or below 80 percent Area Median Income (AMI). “The City of Seattle is making real on deep investments… [ Keep reading ]
Community leaders will spearhead community-centered process that may include participatory budgeting Seattle (October 14, 2020) – The City of Seattle announced today the initial membership of the Equitable Communities Initiative Task Force, which will spearhead a community-led process to develop recommendations for a historic $100 million new investment in Black, Indigenous, and people of color communities… [ Keep reading ]