Sara Nelson

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

Tammy Canavan, President & CEO of Visit Seattle, Sara Nelson, Seattle City Council President, and Michael Woody SVP & Chief Strategy Officer of Visit Seattle pose with the Seattle Skyline in the background from the 520-foot level inside the Space Needle.

Congratulations to the Space Needle on the opening of the Skyliner, their brand-new double-decker glass elevator!

It is always a pleasure to see our beautiful city from the top of this iconic landmark.

The kiosks will help guide visitors to our city, highlight community events, and showcase local businesses which will be great for hosting the World Cup. Emergency buttons and free wifi will provide additional community benefits. Plus, they will provide revenue for streetscape improvements! 2/2

Council President Sara Nelson Speaking next to a digital kiosk showing bus information on the screen.

Thank you to SDOT, @downtownseattle.bsky.social, Visit Seattle, members of the BIAs, and other supporters for joining us in committee today as we advance a bill to allow interactive kiosks in Downtown and our BIAs. 1/2

Council President Nelson and Mayor Harrell with members of Seattle's music industry standing behind a sign that reads "Music Venue Zone, Musician Parking & Loading"

Council President Nelson speaking next to a sign that reads "Music Venue Zone, Musician Parking & Loading". Behind her is a tour bus and trailer.

A sign on a pole that reads "Music Venue Zone, Musician Parking & Loading"

Being first in the nation to provide musician only parking zones in front of select nightlife venues is how we keep Seattle a Must-Play City!

Thank you to the music and nightlife community for your advocacy, it's our job as policy leaders to listen!

“(I)t’s undeniable — Seattle’s story has taken a plot turn for the better.”

I agree. This Council’s working hard and more bold work needs to be done!

Council President Nelson speaking at a lectern.

Council President Nelson speaking with a constituent.

Council President Nelson speaking with a constituent.

Council President Nelson standing with a constituent.

On #InternationalWorkersDay, as we watch Trump gut our labor protections and harm businesses with tariffs, labor and businesses are joining forces in Seattle. The Office of Labor Standards is providing outreach to help employers understand our labor regulations and support their workers.

👖 The Seattle City Council stands in solidarity with survivors on #DenimDay. #SAAM

Comcast RISE – Elevating small businesses. Comcast RISE is supporting the growth of all small businesses and entrepreneurs committed to uplifting their local communities. The program is built to help businesses and their communities thrive wit...

Calling small businesses! @comcastadvertising.bsky.social is going to select 100 small businesses in King County to receive part of $3 million in RISE grants for monetary, marketing, and technology support. Applications are open now through 5/31. Learn more and apply at www.ComcastRISE.com.

The fentanyl epidemic and addiction in general are inextricably linked to our public safety and homelessness crises. I applaud City Attorney Davison and her team for advancing an initiative that will make our city safer and incentivize our most vulnerable residents to get the help they need.