Council Vacancy

Why is There a Vacancy on the Seattle City Council?

On September 13, 2017 Mayor Ed Murray resigned from office. Pursuant to the City Charter Article XIX, Council President Harrell was sworn in as Mayor of Seattle on September 13, 2017 and had five days to decline the Office of Mayor. On Friday, September 15, Mayor Harrell announced his declination.

On September 18, 2017 the Council elected Councilmember Tim Burgess as Mayor. Mayor Burgess will remain in office until November 28th, 2017 when the general election results are certified. Thereafter, the newly elected Mayor will immediately take office.

Councilmember Burgess' former citywide seat on the City Council is now vacant and must be filled. The City Charter gives the City Council 20 days to fill a vacant Council position, starting September 18, 2017. In the event the Council fails to fill the vacant position by the end of that 20-day period (October 8, 2017,) the Council must meet every business day thereafter until the vacancay is filled.

Process for Filling the Council Vacancy

The Council will follow the process outlined below:

1.
Application Period:
Opens:
Monday, September 25, 2017
Closes:
Sunday, October 1, 2017 at 5:00 p.m.
Applicants must submit a resume, cover letter, and completed financial interest statement form to the City Clerk by 5:00 p.m. on October 1. Up to three references (optional) may be submitted along with a signed reference authorization form. The City Charter requires applicants be a citizen of the United States and a registered voter of the City of Seattle. Applicants are encouraged to address prior experience with both the budget and in government, in their cover letter or reflected elsewhere in their materials as submitted. Application information is below.
2.
City Clerk Transmission of List of Applicants:
Monday, October 2, 2017
The City Clerk will provide Councilmembers with the names of all candidates who submitted application materials by the October 1 5:00 p.m. deadline.
3.
City Clerk Transmission of Applications to Councilmembers:
Tuesday, October 3, 2017
The City Clerk will provide to each Councilmember a notebook that includes all the applications received by the October 1, 5:00 p.m. deadline. The City Clerk will also post all applications on their website, giving the public opportunity to review the applications and submit comments to council@seattle.gov.
4.
Community Forum
Tuesday, October 3, 2017 at 5:30 p.m. in Bertha Knight Landes Room at City Hall (format to be determined)
This process may be facilitated by interested Councilmembers and is intended to be led by community groups. The purpose is to allow community members to meet and ask questions of the applicants. Council expects applicants to attend the forum and Special Full Council Meeting on Wednesday, October 4 at 5:00 p.m.
5.
Special Full Council Meeting
Wednesday, October 4, 5:00 p.m.
Applicants for the vacant Council seat may address the Council and the public followed by a public comment period for community members.
6.
Councilmember conferences (optional)
Week of Monday, October 2 to Thursday, October 5, 2017
At Councilmembers' discretion, they may meet and confer with any and all candidates of their choice in order to make an informed decision within the 20-day deadline.
7.
City Council Executive Session to Discuss Qualifications
Thursday, October 5, 2017 at 9:30 a.m.
As permitted by the Open Public Meetings Act, the Council will meet in executive session to discuss the qualifications of candidates.
8.
City Council Appointment at Special Full Council Meeting
Friday, October 6, 2017 at 2:00 p.m.
The Council will vote to fill the vacancy at the Special Full Council meeting.

The City Charter gives the City Council 20 days to fill a vacant Council position. This period began September 18, 2017. In the event the Council fails to fill the vacant position by the end of that 20-day period, the Council must meet every business day thereafter until the vacancy is filled.

Applying for the Council Appointment

The following application materials must be received by the City Clerk no later than Sunday, October 1, 2017 at 5:00 p.m:

*The City Charter requires applicants be a citizen of the United States and a registered voter of the City of Seattle.

Submissions can be made:

  • By email: CouncilAppointmentApplications@seattle.gov
  • In person: Seattle City Hall, Office of the City Clerk, 3rd Floor (600 Fourth Ave)
  • By USPS: Office of the City Clerk | PO Box 94728 | Seattle, WA 98124-5728
  • By fax: 206-386-5025

*All records submitted are subject to the Washington Public Records Act, Chapter 42.56 RCW, and may be disclosed to a member of the public upon request.

List of Applicants

The following people submitted their applications before the Sunday, October 1, 5:00 p.m. deadline. The City has verified the applicants' eligibility as outlined in the City Charter. Their applications are viewable below:

First Name Last Name Application
Ray Armitstead View Application
Richard Baron View Application
Tiniell Cato View Application
Kirsten Harris-Talley View Application
Lewis Jones View Application
Brendan Kolding View Application
Nick Licata View Application
Kaylee McClure View Application
Brianna McDonald View Application
Doug Nellis View Application
ChrisTiana ObeySumner View Application
Abel Pacheco Jr. View Application
Jennifer Perevodchikov View Application
Robert Radford View Application
Alex Tsimerman View Application
David Tygerson View Application

Candidates who have withdrawn their applications are crossed off from the above list.

How Can the Public Provide Feedback on the Applicants?

Applicants' materials will be posted online for public review by Tuesday, October 3. Members of the public may provide feedback about the applicants in multiple ways:

  • Emailing all Councilmembers at council@seattle.gov
  • Attending the community forum Tuesday, October 3, 2017 at 5:30 p.m.
  • Providing comment at the Special Full Council meeting on Wednesday, October 4, 2017 at 5:00 p.m. in Council Chambers

How Long Will the Council Appointee Hold Office?

Because the vacant seat is up for election, the appointee will serve until the election results are certified on November 28, 2017, at which point the newly elected Councilmember for Position 8 will immediately take office.