Council News Release

Councilmember Peter Steinbrueck
Council President Nick Licata
Councilmember Richard Conlin

COUNCILMEMBERS PROPOSE REPORT CARD ON SUSTAINABILITY
Council sets course for a greener, more affordable Seattle

SEATTLE – In observance of Earth Day, Councilmembers Peter Steinbrueck and Richard Conlin and Council President Nick Licata, today, proposed a new strategy for creating a more sustainable Seattle. The Councilmembers have proposed a resolution that will lead to the establishment of specific goals and measurements on a broad range of sustainability policies to be added to the City’s Comprehensive Plan. “The City needs to make sure that it walks the talk when it comes to sustainability,” said Councilmember Peter Steinbrueck, chair of the Urban Development and Planning Committee. “The strategy will create a report card for the City on environmental stewardship and livability.” City Council President Nick Licata said, “This resolution will provide the Council and the citizens a way to hold city government accountable on sustainability.” Councilmember Richard Conlin said, “Our environmental values must be more than words on paper. This resolution will result in concrete, measurable achievements.”

The City’s Comprehensive Plan is the foundation of all of Seattle’s planning and growth management strategies for the next twenty years. According to state law, the Comprehensive Plan can only be updated once a year. The Councilmembers’ resolution would result in the development of Comprehensive Plan amendments for 2007 on global warming, zero waste, pedestrian safety, affordability, transportation demand management, and other issues. Councilmember Peter Steinbrueck said, “We live in one of the most beautiful, greenest places on earth. We’re also one of the most prosperous, pioneering and innovative cultures anywhere. If we can’t build an ecologically sound, sustainable future, who can?”

The Urban Development and Planning Committee is seeking comment on Comprehensive Plan Amendments submitted to date at a Public Hearing tonight, Monday, April 23 at 5:30 p.m. The Councilmembers’ proposed amendments will be available at the hearing and be the subject of a public hearing in the fall. All the proposed amendments will also be the subject of a briefing in the Urban Development and Planning Committee on Wednesday, April 25 at 2:00 p.m. Both events will be held Council’s Chambers, Seattle City Hall, 600 Fourth Avenue, Floor 2

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City Council