City Council Member Joy Hollingsworth Attends March Meeting

Seattle District 3 City Council Member Joy Hollingsworth spoke to a capacity crowd of 55 community members at the Leschi Community Council (LCC) meeting on March 5.

Federal Impacts

When asked about federal issues and their potential impact on City residents, Joy explained she would be attending the Federal Select Committee meeting on March 6th to explore how potential federal cuts could impact the City. The Mayor is working with City department heads to determine how much of their budget is impacted by federal funding. The plan is to be proactive and try to insulate the City from the federal cuts as much as possible.

Joy discussed the fear raised by the trans community about feeling targeted and how City school kids are scared about immigration enforcement. The City of Seattle has joined the lawsuit representing fellow sanctuary cities. She shared that the Seattle Police Department is not complying with ICE. The Federal Select Committee will hear from immigrant and trans groups to find out how the City can better support them. She reminded everyone the Mayor supports reproductive rights and gender affirming care. She shared that the City, County, and State will work together to protect the City.

Housing

A number of community members raised concerns regarding the City’s Comprehensive Plan. Joy shared there are currently six appeals to the Plan being reviewed by the City Attorney’s Office which means it’s in a holding pattern and can’t be actioned by City Council until those appeals are addressed. Joy’s focus is on Washington State House Bill 1110 (known as the Middle Housing Bill) since that requires action now. This bill requires cities to allow a broader range of housing types in areas traditionally zoned for single-family homes. The City needs to amend the bill (customize it so it works for the City) which will be followed by a public comment period for 30 days. For those on Joy’s newsletter list, she will send out a memo with key points explaining the amendments once they’re finalized.

Joy was questioned on why she said no to the maker’s zone housing plan in SoDo. She felt the process was rushed and that it didn’t address the impact to the Port and the maritime industry. She explained that 80% of the goods transported from the Port of Seattle are by truck. She also noted that the Port makes up 12% of the City’s land and 30% of its tax revenue. While she is committed to affordable housing, she was concerned the housing plan would negatively impact the City’s economy.

Transportation/Traffic Calming

The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) released the first draft of its Transportation Plan including which projects it will focus on in the first year. She noted that SDOT’s biggest priority in year one is maintenance and street repair. Joy said she would advocate for the Leschi traffic calming project to be included in the first year, but it might get pushed to year two. Joy offered to connect the LCC with SDOT to figure out next steps. Community members are encouraged to review the 2025 Transportation Levy Projects Delivery Plan for more information.

Focus for 2025

In the past, City Council was focused more on legislation but now is concentrating on constituent services. She is pushing for better front-facing interactions with Parks, SDOT, and the Department of Construction and Inspections. She is urging departments to provide phone support rather than just email. She is pushing departments to stay in communication with the public and explain what’s going on when concerns are raised. She encouraged those in attendance to use the Find It, Fix It app but to also send her office a picture of the issue so that they can help escalate it if needed. She noted that the City filled 25,000 potholes last year. She invited community members to reach out to her office if they are not getting the support they need.

Joy is focused on cleaning up the City including sidewalks, bike lanes, and parks. For help with Leschi parks and green spaces, she encouraged community members to email concerns to pks_info@seattle.gov which has a track record of being responsive. She committed to sending a member from her team to LCC’s April 2nd meeting when Parks will be providing updates.

Joy encouraged the Leschi community to reach out to her office for support at d3help@seattle.gov or 206.684.8803. To receive her newsletter, go to: seattle.gov/council/hollingsworth.

~Nikola Davidson