Sara Nelson

Hard to believe I’m five years sober today – never thought I’d make it even one! Everyone’s path to recovery is different which is why I’m so focused on expanding addiction treatment options and services.

I am proud of all of the work we have done, like the Storefront Repair Fund or the two pieces of permitting reform legislation we passed to help small businesses. Because it's not enough to get our Seattle entrepreneurs and workers back to business—we have to keep them here.

Sharon Lee, executive director of Low Income Housing Institute; Seattle City Council President Sara Nelson; and Dave Della, president of the Rotary Club of the Seattle International District.

Little Saigon, I haven't' forgotten you. I stand with community in support and sponsorship of this 15-point plan, and I'll do everything in my power to see that it's implemented.
nwasianweekly.com/2025/09/litt...

Got the munchies? Forgot an ingredient for dinner? Feel like some coffee or need diapers for the baby? Well, good news! Council just passed 46 Comp Plan amendments, including crowd-favorite #65, allowing corner stores on all lots -- so your life just got easier!

By passing these bills, we are reducing the cost of building housing, unlocking opportunities for small businesses, and activating vacant properties. 2/2

This legislation is about turning 'For Lease' signs into 'Grand Opening' banners. We're removing costly, unnecessary roadblocks which slow housing construction, inhibit economic growth, and increase building project cost and hassle. 1/2

Happy Blue Friday to all of the 12s! I'm looking forward to celebrating "Seahawks 50th Season Day" this Sunday. #GoHawks

Mike Flood, Seahawks Vice President of Outreach & External Affairs, Seahawks legend – former player and coach Jim Zorn, and Drew Johnston, Seahawks Managing Director, Government Affairs and Compliance, speak at the Seattle Council Meeting

Council President Nelson and Seahawks legend – former player and coach Jim Zorn

Council President Nelson and Seahawks legend – former player and coach Jim Zorn

September 7th, 2025 is officially "Seahawks 50th Season Day" in Seattle! From the Kingdome to Lumen Field, the Hawks have united the PNW with passion, pride & success on and off the field. I'm thrilled to have presented this proclamation today to Seahawks legend Jim Zorn!

Christian worship concert moves from Cal Anderson Park to Gas Works A conservative Christian concert series agreed to move their event 5 miles north to Gas Works Park rather than Capitol Hill's Cal Anderson Park.

This was the right decision. And it’s what happens when your City leaders listen to YOU. I stand with the LGBTQ+ community against bullying and harassment, and I am committed to upholding Seattle's values as a welcoming and inclusive City for all.
www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news...

Seattle Council President, Sara Nelson, with Seattle Storm legend, Sue Bird

The bronze sculpture of Seattle Storm legend Sue Bird made by Rotblatt Amrany Studio.

Seattle Storm legend Sue Bird speaks next to her recently unveiled bronze statue.

Seattle Council President, Sara Nelson, with sculpture artists Omri Amrany and Julie Rotblatt Amrany.

August 17th, 2025 will forever be remembered as Sue Bird Day in Seattle! I was thrilled to join the Seattle Storm in celebrating the most decorated athlete in Seattle sports history, Sue Bird, at the unveiling of her extraordinary statue outside of Climate Pledge Arena.

Seattle public safety leaders seated at a conference table in front of City Council committee members.

Seattle public safety leaders seated at a conference table in front of a projector screen displaying City Auditor reports.

Seattle public safety leaders seated at a conference table in front of City Council committee members.

I had City leaders present on 3 Auditor reports that are a roadmap of what the city ought to be doing to address violence & crime. Public Safety is one of our paramount duties as a city and its Council’s job as the oversight body to make sure the departments are making progress.

Happening tomorrow in my committee: I'm hosting the leaders of the Seattle Police, Seattle Fire, and Human Services departments to see what progress has been made on the City Auditor's recommendations to reduce gun violence, drug overdoses, and retail crime. Tune in on the Seattle Channel at 2 pm.

Mayor Bruce Harrell and Council President Sara Nelson Announce Proposals to Ease Small Business Permitting - Office of the Mayor Seattle— Today, Mayor Bruce Harrell and Seattle City Council President Sara Nelson introduced two new pieces of legislation to accelerate retail occupancy by amending existing building codes and reduc...

Fixing our permitting problems has been a top priority of mine since I took office. This proposal will speed up housing construction, stimulate economic growth, and minimize costs and hassle.
harrell.seattle.gov/2025/08/01/m...

I’m fighting to put treatment at the center of the city’s agenda because addiction is a root cause of our public safety & chronic homelessness challenges. Investing in recovery-based services & housing is a fiscally responsible use of this new revenue, and it’s also morally the right thing to do.

Council appoints Debora Juarez to fill District 5 vacancy - Seattle City Council Blog Twice-elected former councilmember will serve until November 2026 The City Council voted today to appoint Debora Juarez to fill the vacant position representing District 5, which encompasses north Sea...

Council appoints Debora Juarez to fill District 5 vacancy
council.seattle.gov/2025/07/28/c...

Here's what I learned about addiction at 12th and Jackson | Op-Ed Leaving people too impaired to make rational judgements about their own well-being is not compassion; it is neglect. A City Council proposal could help.

"We have an open wound in our city and the means to heal it is breaking the cycle of addiction." That's why I've put forward a resolution to put treatment & recovery at the center of our city's agenda. Thank you, Andrew, for sharing your story. www.seattletimes.com/opinion/seat...

Housing & Human Services Committee business to be heard at full Council next Tuesday, July 29
council.seattle.gov/2025/07/24/h...

It calls for increased investments in treatment services. Why? Because treatment works and substance abuse disorder is among the root causes of our homelessness and public safety issues." Check out more in my newsletter: us12.campaign-archive.com?u=11a79978ca...

Daniel Malone, Downtown Emergency Services Center (DESC); Lisa Daugaard and Brandi McNeil, Purpose. Dignity. Action (PDA); Brandie Flood, Evergreen Treatment Services; and Ben Noble, Director, Council Central Staff. All seated at the table in Seattle Council Chambers.

Brandie Flood from Evergreen Treatment Services said it best at my committee today, that local governments must step in to protect our most vulnerable when the federal government isn't there. That is why I convened a panel today in support of my resolution.

Council President Sara Nelson stands at podium outdoors in black blazer, people gather around and behind

Council President @cmsaranelson.bsky.social
joined local care providers to announce details of a resolution that would dedicate a portion of any proposed sales tax for investments in addiction treatment, recovery services, and facilities: youtu.be/xE4uOgNuiH0 @council.seattle.gov

Council President Nelson standing at a lectern with community leaders behind.

Council President Nelson poses for a photo with attendees of her press conference.

A one-sized approach to this issue doesn't work for everyone and we are leaving evidence-based programs unsupported. This progressive public safety initiative gets comprehensive treatment and recovery services on the agenda to address root causes of public disorder and improve long-term outcomes.

Dr. Mercy Waingina, CEO & Founder, Hope and Chance Integrated Health speaks at a lectern.

Council President Nelson standing at a lectern with community leaders behind.

Seattle may adopt a new 0.1% public safety sales tax, authorized by the Washington State Legislature. A portion of that should be aimed at creating a pathway to recovery for individuals experiencing chronic homelessness and individuals diverted from the criminal legal system.

I’m fighting to put treatment at the center of the City’s agenda. Because continuing to defer investment in treatment is not just fiscally irresponsible; it’s a moral failure. That’s why I'm proposing using up to 25% of any public safety sales tax to support treatment and recovery.

We're looking for passionate, public service-oriented individuals eager to serve District 5. This 20-day period begins 7/8/, the first day after CM Moore’s official resignation, and ends on 7/28.

Learn how to apply & FAQ here: council.seattle.gov/2025/06/20/c...

Crowd of people at Cal Anderson Park with signs. Council President Sara Nelson stands among the crowd with a sign that reads "We will not go back".

Lots to celebrate so I felt like it was time for a newsletter! Read about the Council's Juneteenth proclamation and community events, in addition to my recap of the peaceful (and massive) protest on Saturday here: mailchi.mp/seattle/nels...

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson speaking at a lectern. King County Executive Shannon Braddock, Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell, Representative Pramila Jayapal, Seattle Council President Sara Nelson, and Seattle Councilmember Maritza Rivera join him with others.

Now more than ever, we must rally around our diverse Seattle communities. I strongly encourage all Seattleites to peacefully make their voices heard. It’s important we collectively exercise our constitutional rights during these unprecedented times. council.seattle.gov/2025/06/13/s...

Council President Sara Nelson with Henry Watson, Development Manager for Urban Villages.

Main entrance of Populus Seattle hotel featuring elements of PNW rainforests.

View from Fern, the rooftop bar at Populus Seattle in Pioneer Square. Seattle city skyline in the background.

Council President Sara Nelson (front) with Jack Ross (left), Development Manager for Urban Villages, Midge McCauley (center) from Downtown Works, and Henry Watson (right), Development Manager for Urban Villages. Standing in front of the Seattle Skyline at a rooftop bar.

Pioneer Square is coming back!
I had a chance to tour Populus Seattle, a gorgeous new independently owned hotel with a stunning rooftop bar.
It's taken a lot of work, but thanks to new investments like this, and plans for the Stadium Housing District, it's only going to get better!

Council President Nelson with Habitat for Humanity of Seattle-King County CEO Brett D’Antonio

Council President Nelson with Washington Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck

Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck speaking at the Habitat for Humanity Beyond the Build 2025 Event

Seattle Storm Legend, Sue Bird at the Habitat for Humanity of Seattle-King County Beyond the Build 2025 Event

I had the great privilege of attending Habitat for Humanity of Seattle-KC's #BeyondtheBuild2025 today, where I got to chat with CEO Brett D’Antonio and @ltgovdennyheck.bsky.social about the urgent need for more affordable housing in Seattle. Habitat is one of the best housing providers in our city.

The kiosks also offer multiple public benefits by enhancing safety, activating public spaces, and creating better experiences for residents, workers, and visitors throughout our neighborhood business districts. 2/2

This is an exciting milestone! These interactive kiosks will be a tremendous asset for Seattle, providing essential wayfinding and transit information while supporting our local businesses and generating resources for community programs. 1/2