Seattle City Council Briefing

The Seattle City Council held its weekly briefing session on March 9, 2026, with Council President Pro Tem Rob Saka presiding in the absence of Council President Hollingsworth and Councilmember Rivera. The 55-minute meeting focused primarily on updates from the state legislative session's final week, with the Office of Intergovernmental Relations providing a comprehensive briefing on key legislation affecting Seattle's priorities. The state legislature faces a significant budget shortfall requiring $1.5 billion in additional funding, largely due to increased caseloads, lawsuits, and federal impacts. Both House and Senate proposed budgets would use over $750 million from the state's rainy day fund and implement administrative cuts across agencies. The millionaire's tax (SB 6346) emerged as a key progressive revenue proposal, with changes to remove direct funding for cities and counties while allocating 5% of revenues to early learning and childcare. Several Seattle-backed bills advanced through the process, including social housing legislation (HB 1687) signed by the governor, permanent supportive housing measures (HB 2266), and transit-related bills. Councilmembers also shared updates on their committee work and community engagement activities, highlighting upcoming meetings and events across their districts.