3:42 PM: Just in – the second round of election results. First, here’s the latest in the Seattle Mayor’s race, with Harrell adding a point to his lead:

SEATTLE MAYOR
Bruce Harrell* – 73,883 – 53.84%
Katie Wilson – 62,700 – 45.69%

Next, the closest major race, King County Executive.

KING COUNTY EXECUTIVE
Girmay Zahilay – 160,021 – 50.56%
Claudia Balducci – 152,455 – 48.17%

The candidates are both County Councilmembers; Zahilay has added to his election-night lead over Balducci. Checking other races next… Note that many ballots remain to be counted; in the first round of results, 20.26% of King County ballots had been counted, while in today’s second round, it’s up to 24.05%. The ballot-return stats, meantime, have 32.2% of ballots received, and more are doubtless making their way in via USPS.

4:20 PM: No changes in other races on your ballot. We should note that five incumbents went unopposed, so they’ve all won: 34th District State Senator Emily Alvarado, State House Rep. #1 Brianna Thomas, Seattle Port Commissioners (a countywide vote) Ryan Calkins, Hamdi Mohamed, and Toshiko Grace Hasegawa. Next round of results will be out tomorrow afternoon.

(updated 8:45 pm with tonight’s full vote total/percentages – next count, Wednesday afternoon … updated 10:45 pm with notes)

Voting is over and vote-counting has begun. In Seattle, tonight’s marquee race is for mayor, with incumbent Bruce Harrell trying to become the first two-term mayor since West Seattleite Greg Nickels in the ’00s, facing transit advocate Katie Wilson, who finished first in the primary.

SEATTLE MAYOR
Bruce Harrell* – 62,086 – 53.32%
Katie Wilson – 53,767 – 46.18%

Here’s the full results list.

ADDED 10:45 PM: The two appeared at only one West Seattle forum during the general-election campaign, before the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce on October 10 (WSB coverage, with video, here).

(WSB video and photos by Anne Higuera)

Tonight we had only one field crew to send out, and no local races with West Seattle parties, so we sent our reporter to the Katie Wilson party at El Centro de la Raza on Beacon Hill. As evidenced by the numbers above, she couldn’t make a victory speech, but she wasn’t conceding either, saying, “If we prevail in this race, which is very possible …” Here’s her entire 10-minute speech after the night’s lone results release:

Though we couldn’t simultaneously be at the Harrell party, we found four minutes of his unedited speech online via KING5 – see that here. You can also see his speech 25 minutes into this archived live coverage from Channel 13.

After Seattle Mayor, arguably the night’s second-biggest race is for King County Executive, the post that West Seattleite Dow Constantine left to become Sound Transit CEO, deciding not to try for a fifth 4-year term. The two candidates to succeed him are both King County Councilmembers, as was Constantine when elected First round of results. This one’s close in the first round:

Girmay Zahilay – 50.07%
Claudia Balducci – 48.44%

Also on countywide ballots, the Medic One levy renewal: Passing with 79% yes

We’ll add full numbers soon; here’s the full list.

4:23 PM: If you need to get your ballot into a drop box quickly and easily, the one in front of South Seattle College‘s central administration building (6000 16th SW; WSB sponsor) is your most likely candidate. You can drive up, ride up, walk up, even take a bus – the college stop is steps away. So far this election, as of this afternoon, the SSC box has received 686 ballots, compared to 5,990 in the West Seattle Junction box, 2,666 in the High Point box, 1,839 in the White Center box, 1,075 in the Morgan Junction box, and 399 in the South Park box. Seattle turnout is up to 30 percent. Here again is the map/list of all drop boxes, open until exactly 8 pm; first and only results report of the night is expected around 8:15 pm.

7:45 PM: Photo just in from WSB contributor Jason Grotelueschen – workers at the Junction drop box say they’ve seen a steady stream of people:

15 minutes to get yours in!

By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

The next step in the city budget process is the “balancing package” – a list compiled by the council’s budget chair, this year Ballard Councilmember Dan Strauss, showing which of the councilmembers’ recently proposed budget amendments he’s proposing should go forward. This all has to be in the confines of a balanced budget. The “balancing package” will be presented at a council meeting tomorrow, but details are out today, so we know the potential fate of District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka‘s proposals, which we previewed in multiple reports recently.

We’ve gone through the balancing package toplines (the page numbers referred to below are from the list in this slide deck) – here are the notable Saka amendments that are going forward (but not a sure bet until voted on) – some with downsized dollar amounts – followed by one notable proposal that isn’t:

MORGAN JUNCTION PARK SKATE DOT: The full amount needed to add this back to the park expansion plan, $700,000, is in the balancing package (page 31). This would create the once-promised “all-wheels” area that community advocates have been fighting to save and on which they’ve already spent volunteer time and grant money.

INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC MARKET: Saka asked for $3 million; the balancing package has $1 million for this project proposed for a Highland Park site that we now know is at 8850 9th Avenue SW, 18,000 sf in vacant lots that previously held houses, now owned by an entity of African Community Housing and Development, which also runs the Delridge Farmers’ Market … which might benefit from:

FOOD-DESERT FARMERS’ MARKETS: $200,000 in support for these could benefit the Delridge Farmers’ Market, which runs April-October in South Delridge. (page 23)

HIGHLAND PARK IMPROVEMENT CLUB: Saka proposed $2.6 million; the balancing package has $500,000 that could go to the rebuild project

SMALL BUSINESS SUPPORT: $250,000 to support small business in North Delridge and Georgetown (page 16). This appears to be the amendment originally proposed as North Delridge light-rail-affected business support, though now light rail isn’t mentioned (and wouldn’t be relevant to Georgetown).

ADMIRAL JUNCTION PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENTS: Inspired by Stu Hennessey‘s “Walkable Admiral” proposal, Saka requested $200,000 and this is now proposed for $150,000 in design/build funding. (page 26)

RESTORE SCHMITZ PARK: $150,000 is penciled in for a plan to restore the old-growth-forest park (a project spearheaded by Schmitz Park Creek Restore). (page 31)

A CLEANER ALKI: $100,000 is penciled into the Seattle Public Utilities budget for cleanup services by community partners, possibly A Cleaner Alki (whose work stretches far beyond its namesake area). (page 32)

Saka also had proposed a variety of studies and reviews, without specific $ amounts attached (that would come in some later budget if projects resulted). Here’s some of what is in the balancing package:

Two studies under Seattle Parks and Rec (page 30):
-Report on Camp Long rebuild plan and how to prioritize it in Park District’s third funding cycle (which will be planned in early 2028)
-Report on potential turf conversions at four playfields, two in West Seattle – Riverview and Bar-S

Two studies under Office of the Mayor (page 14) of particular interest to Alki:
-Study how to address problematic noise levels
-Policy review regarding unpermitted food/merchandise vending

A study under the Office of Economic Development
-Develop recommendations on how to “better support” small businesses in station-planning areas for the West Seattle and Ballard light-rail projects

Some other Saka amendments made it through, but aren’t West Seattle-specific or -targeted; probably the one of most note is taking $275,000 from city transit-service funding and redirecting it to hire a Chief Transit Safety and Security Officer. (page 26)

MORE INFO ON ALL OF THE ABOVE: The details on each proposed amendment are here, department by department. (We’re going through that to be sure we didn’t miss anything of local note.)

Meantime, here is one previously noted Saka proposal that is not in the “balancing package” (though he could choose to pitch it again – any councilmember can make another try before the budget is finalized later this month):

RESUME WORKING ON SW ROXBURY REPAIRS: 10 years have passed since SDOT had a plan to fix this rutted arterial; Saka’s proposal to earmark $250,000 to resume some design and planning work did NOT make the cut.

Here’s what happens next with the budget:
-Council meeting at 9:30 am Wednesday (November 5), including public comment, for presentation of balancing package (the agenda has info on participating/watching)
-Council public hearing, 1 pm and into the evening, specifically about the budget – the agenda explains how to participate, in person or remotely.

If you have feedback on a specific budget amendment, using its official number is helpful, and you can find that in the agenda documents we’ve linked (going through the slide deck is quicker).

(Photo sent by Amy)

Members of West Seattle Indivisible were out sign-waving this morning on the SW Andover pedestrian/bicycle overpass near the southwest end of the West Seattle Bridge, not for any candidate(s), but just to encourage people to vote, and we’re told they are planning to be on the Delridge foot/bike overpass at day’s end. With general-election voting ending in just a day and a half, King County Elections says they’re just now processing ballots picked up over the weekend, so the return stats haven’t risen much, but KCE spokesperson Halei Watkins tells WSB, “I was just upstairs and saw that we have lots of full bins coming in from drop boxes as well so I would expect that number to keep creeping up at a decent pace throughout the afternoon and processing ends at 6 pm. For turnout, we’re trending just a point or two behind where we would expect to be and are seeing very busy drop boxes even so far today. So fingers crossed we’ll meet or beat that 45%!” Meantime, 8 pm Tuesday (tomorrow) remains the deadline for getting your ballot into one of those KC Elections drop boxes. Can’t find or accidentally tossed your ballot? Here’s how to get a last-minute replacement!

Seattle voters still aren’t stampeding to the ballot drop boxes. As of 6 pm tonight, the percentage of ballots received by King County Elections was only up to 18 percent. (And that beats the countywide percentage, just a hair over 16 percent.) But tomorrow’s a great day to get to the drop boxes. Forecast looks dry. Going to the West Seattle Farmers’ Market? Bringing a donation for the food drive? There’s a box right on the south side of SW Alaska, half a block west of California. Going to the library? There’s one on the east side of High Point Library. Shopping and/or dining in Morgan Junction? The drop box is on the sidewalk in front of Morgan Junction Park, on the west side of California half a block north of Fauntleroy. You can pull right up to that one if you’re driving and hop out for a quick deposit, or do the same at the box in front of the South Seattle College (WSB sponsor) main administration building, or the new location of the White Center box on SW 102nd in front of Steve Cox Memorial Park. They’re all open 24/7 until 8 pm Tuesday (here’s the countywide list/map). And if you get yours in tomorrow, it’ll likely be part of the first vote count released after voting ends Tuesday night.

Thanks to Cindi for a second photo contribution today – King County Elections workers picking up ballots at the High Point Library drop box this afternoon. This serves to illustrate today’s daily reminder – Tuesday (November 4) is Election Day, and KCE drop boxes close at 8 pm sharp on that night. Checking the ballot-return statistics, just under 17 percent of Seattle voters’ ballots have come in so far, whether by drop box or USPS mail , one percent more than yesterday. Don’t let your ballot go to waste – big local decisions are on it, including mayor, two citywide councilmembers, city attorney, school-board members (not our district but all seats are up for citywide votes in the general election), county executive, three tax measures, and more. But it’s pretty much too late to use the postal mail and be sure you’ll get a postmark in time, so get your ballot to an official drop box as soon as you can.

(WSB file photo, Morgan Junction drop box)

We’ll be reminding you daily from here on out – Tuesday (November 4) is Election Day, and King County Elections drop boxes close at exactly 8 pm that night. Checking the ballot-return statistics, just under 16 percent of Seattle voters’ ballots have come in so far, whether by drop box or USPS mail (and as noted here yesterday, if you plan to do the latter, don’t wait any longer). Some big local decisions are on the ballot, including mayor, two citywide councilmembers, city attorney, school-board members (not our district but all seats are up for citywide votes in the general election), county executive, three tax measures, and more.

Now that we’re less than a week away from Election Day – when voting ends and vote-counting begins – here’s an important reminder if you’re planning to use USPS mail for your ballot: According to King County Elections‘ announcement earlier this month, USPS advised mailing ballots at least a week in advance to be extra-sure they’re postmarked by Election Day. Otherwise, you have six KC Elections drop boxes in the area, all open until exactly 8 pm Tuesday, November 4: The Junction, High Point Library, South Seattle College, Morgan Junction, White Center (now on SW 102nd outside Steve Cox Memorial Park), and South Park. (See the map/list for exact locations.) Here’s our story listing the decisions you’ll be making when voting; among them, the Seattle Mayor’s race – here’s our coverage (with video) of the one forum held in West Seattle during the general-election campaign.

Tomorrow (Thursday, October 30) is the City Council‘s last of three days with briefings on councilmembers’ proposed amendments to next year’s budget, which will be finalized next month. Our previous previews (here, here, here, and here) have spotlighted a variety of amendments with West Seattle-specific proposals. The Thursday agenda documents are now available and there’s only one West Seattle-specific amendment. The proposal sponsored by District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka is in the >Office of Economic Development-related amendments:

OED-007-A – Proviso $250,000 in OED to support small businesses in the North Delridge area facing displacement due to Sound Transit’s impacts

(summary) This Council Budget Action (CBA) would impose a proviso on $250,000 in the Office of Economic Development (OED) for focused outreach and assistance to businesses facing displacement due to Sound Transit’s impacts. Businesses in North Delridge are facing ongoing challenges related to economic transition, industrial adjacency, and infrastructure impacts from the proposed Sound Transit West Seattle-Ballard Link Extension. This proviso is intended to help stabilize and retain affected small businesses in that area.

OED has a number of programs designed to provide technical and financial assistance to small businesses that may apply to these impacted businesses, including but not limited to accounting and business consulting assistance and the Capital Access Program.

The agenda for Thursday’s council meeting also includes briefings on the amendments proposed for the Human Services Department as well as SPD, SFD, and the CARE Department. We’ve read through them all, and you can do the same by following those links, which you’ll also see in the full agenda, which also explains how to comment. (This week’s meetings do not include votes – those come later – just briefings.)

(Photo of future Morgan Junction Park Addition site, today)

Morgan Junction Park skate dot? Camp Long Lodge? Consider Riverview and Bar-S turf? Take a tiny step toward 10-years-overdue SW Roxbury repairs? As the City Council gets its first briefings today on some of the budget amendments proposed by councilmembers, the agenda for tomorrow’s meeting has been updated, with more proposals. As we did on Sunday night with key proposals by District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka that were on today’s agenda, we’ve read through it and are listing highlights of what he has on the Wednesday agenda (plus a few West Seattle proposals by others), and how they’re summarized by council staff. This is in the order the department-by-department amendments will be presented during the day. First, in the Department of Planning and Community Development-related proposals, the African Community Housing and Development Public Market project:

OPCD-008-A-1 – Increase OPCD by $3 million GF for a public market project

(summary) This Council Budget Action (CBA) would increase proposed appropriations to the Office of Planning and Community Development (OPCD) by $3,000,000 GF (one-time) to increase funding for a public market in the Highland Park community, such as the African Community and Housing Development International Public Market project. Previously the International Public Market project has been granted $5 million through the Equitable Development Initiative. A commitment for these funds in the 2026 budget would help to make the project fully funded.

In the Department of Neighborhoods proposals, $2.6 million that could benefit the Highland Park Improvement Club rebuilding project (as previewed here):

DON-007-A – Increase DON by $2.6 million GF to the Neighborhood Matching Fund for repairs and renovations to inclusive, neighborhood gathering places

(summary) This Council Budget Action would increase appropriations to Department of Neighborhoods’ (DON) Neighborhood Matching Fund by $2.6 million GF (one-time) to support construction and renovation of buildings and structures serving diverse communities that provide inclusive, neighborhood gathering places such as the Highland Park Improvement Club. Such places host neighborhood meetings, arts and cultural events, emergency preparedness activities, food distribution sites and mutual aid efforts.

In the Office of Sustainability and Environment proposals, $200,000 that could include additional funding for the Delridge Farmers’ Market:

OSE-002-A – Increase OSE by $200,000 GF to support farmers markets in food deserts, and impose a proviso

(summary) This Council Budget Action (CBA) would increase proposed appropriations to the Office of Sustainability and Environment (OSE) by $200,000 in 2026 to provide support to farmers markets in neighborhoods with food deserts, which may include but not be limited to: Georgetown, Delridge, Beacon Hill, Highland Park, South Park, Sand Point, and Rainier Beach.

OSE’s 2026 Proposed Budget includes one-time funding of $127,000 for the Seattle Neighborhood Farmers Markets to expand the Lake City Farmers Market by 15 weeks through December and shift market hours from Thursday evenings to Saturday mornings. Additional funding for the Lake City Farmers Market is being held in reserve, with a total commitment of $317,000 over three years.

In 2025, OSE contracted with the Georgetown Merchants Association for $50,000 to support neighborhood activation, including a community event series and a pilot Georgetown seasonal farmers market. In 2024, African Community Housing Development received an award of $100,000 from the Department of Neighborhoods’ Food Equity Fund to expand the Delridge Farmer’s Market to a new, larger location for the market’s fifth anniversary season in 2025.

Long list of amendments from Saka in the Department of Transportation proposals (including more money for pothole repair) – here are two of particular West Seattle note:

SDOT-001-A – Proviso $200,000 in SDOT for urban design and pedestrian improvements in the Admiral Junction

(summary) This Council Budget Action (CBA) would impose a proviso on $200,000 in the Seattle Department of
Transportation’s (SDOT’s) budget for urban design and pedestrian safety improvements in the Admiral
Junction that has been long sought after by the community. The intent is to enhance walkability,
accessibility, and neighborhood vitality through targeted investments in infrastructure such as curb
ramps, crosswalks, and pedestrian-scale lighting.

SDOT-003-A – Proviso $250,000 in SDOT for 10% design of SW Roxbury Street improvements

(summary) This Council Budget Action (CBA) would impose a proviso on $250,000 in appropriations to the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) for 10% conceptual design to repave and make improvements along SW Roxbury Street between 16th Ave SW and Olson Place SW. The corridor is in poor condition and requires significant investment to address pavement degradation and safety concerns. The project would require coordination with King County due to jurisdictional boundaries.

(SW Roxbury originally had an SDOT improvement plan – never executed – 10 years ago.)

Last department briefing scheduled for Wednesday’s meeting contains the Seattle Parks and Recreation-related amendments – here’s what Saka is proposing for this area there, including the Camp Long Lodge rebuilding project – which would still be several years away – and the Morgan Junction Park “skate dot” (as previewed here):

SPR-006S-A – Request that SPR report on rebuilding Camp Long and prioritizing this project in the Seattle Park District Cycle 3 funding plan

(summary) This Statement of Legislative Intent (SLI) would request Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) to report on the potential costs, timeline, and funding sources for rebuilding the historic Camp Long Lodge (Camp Long) and how this project would align with the department’s funding priorities for Seattle Park District (Park District) Cycle 3 funding plan for 2029-2034.

In November 2024, Camp Long (Lodge) closed after sustaining significant fire damage due to arson. SPR has allocated insurance proceeds (approximately $2.6 million) toward funding stabilization efforts, a predesign study, and other pre-construction costs. The pre-design study will determine the final funding needed to restore the building to an occupiable condition, including preservation of historic elements, accessibility updates, and full decarbonization. SPR anticipates that the construction bidding process for this project will occur no earlier than 2028 due to the design, review, and permitting realities of a major historical renovation following significant fire damage.

Although the insurance proceeds are sufficient for stabilization and planning/design efforts, there is no identified funding source for the renovation of the building which could cost between $18 to $30 million. SPR reports that the department is actively considering options for funding the construction phase, including public and private partnerships.

The Seattle Park District Cycle 3 funding plan could provide a potential funding source for this project. Beginning in 2026, SPR will start a comprehensive, community-oriented process to determine spending priorities for the Cycle 3 funding plan and corresponding revenue needs. The proposed Cycle 3 funding plan is due to the Park District Board in early 2028. The Park District Board, after considering recommendations from the community and the Board of Park and Recreation Commissioners, will ultimately determine the spending levels and updated projects, programs, and services to include in the next six-year funding cycle.

This SLI requests SPR to provide a report with a comprehensive timeline for rebuilding Camp Long including but not limited to costs, milestone dates, identification of potential timeline impacts, and plans to mitigate delays. Additionally, the report would identify how the department is prioritizing this project in preparation for the proposed Seattle Park District Cycle 3 funding plan for 2029-2034.

SPR-008-A – Increase SPR by $700,000 GF for a skatedot at Morgan Junction Park and impose a proviso

(summary) This Council Budget Action would increase appropriations to Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) by $700,000 GF (one-time) for the New Park Development (MC-PR-21003-K730308) Capital Improvement Program (CIP) project for construction of a skatedot (i.e., small skatepark) as part of the Morgan Junction Park Addition project and impose a proviso.

The Morgan Junction Park Addition project, budgeted at $7.5 million, started in 2014 with acquisition of an additional half-acre property to expand the park and provide more open space for the highdensity neighborhood. SPR placed the project on hold in 2020 as part of COVID-related Citywide budget reallocations and restarted development efforts in 2023. After completing acquisition and remediation efforts, about $1.84 million remains for park development, including construction, sales tax, mobilization, and associated costs such as design, project management, engagement, permit fees, and inspections. This amount of funding scales back the original vision for the project (i.e., removes plans for a community stage, play features, monument seat wall, sun shelf, view shed and other improvements) and does not include construction of the skatedot which is estimated to cost between $750,000-$850,000. SPR reports that if sufficient funding becomes available for the skatedot, the project could be included in the 2026 bid package for contractors and construction could begin in early 2027.

This CBA intends to provide funding to enable the skatedot to be included in the 2026 bid package. This CBA also anticipates that SPR will design and implement a plan to expedite and accelerate construction of the skatedot given that the project has been in development for over a decade.

Also in the Parks proposals, not sponsored by Saka, but rather by citywide Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck, a possible boost for the Schmitz Park Creek Restore project:

SPR-012-A – Increase SPR by $150,000 GF for a plan to restore Schmitz Preserve Park

(summary) This Council Budget Action would increase appropriations to Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) by
$150,000 GF (one-time) for the Urban Forestry Green Seattle Partnership (MC-PR-41012) Capital
Improvement Program (CIP) project to develop a restoration plan for Schmitz Preserve Park in District
1.
This CBA would fund a one-time seed investment toward restoring Schmitz Preserve Park, including a feasibility analysis, preliminary design study, and hydrologic study of the creek basin, climate resilience, and sediment flow. The feasibility analysis would evaluate logistical, environmental, and economic factors to ensure the restoration is practical and beneficial to the community. A preliminary design study would provide conceptual layouts and cost estimates, enabling informed decision-making and stakeholder engagement. The hydrological study would facilitate understanding of water flow, drainage, and flood risks—key elements for long-term resilience and ecological health.

Together, these foundational assessments are intended to determine the viability, scope, and sustainability of the restoration project. The long-term goal is to restore the old growth forest, daylight salmon habitat, and enhance trails.

And another proposed Parks amendment with specific West Seattle geographic references (two of the three sites mentioned) is sponsored by Councilmember Joy Hollingsworth:

SPR-014S-A – Request that SPR report on full turf conversions at Judkins Park, Riverview Park, and Bar-S Playground

(summary) This Statement of Legislative Intent (SLI) would request Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) to report on the costs, timeline, and feasibility of full turf conversions for four playfields: one playfield at Judkins Park in District 3, two playfields (i.e., upper fields one and two) at Riverview Park in District 1, and one playfield at Bar-S Playground in District 1. Turf conversions are intended to increase playing options for youth sports and support safe, accessible, and quality play for users on a year-round basis, including during inclement weather.

(editor’s note: we’re omitting Judkins Park summary, as not in WS)

Riverview Park has eight playfields; the upper fields are sized for baseball/softball and the smaller lower fields are sized for softball. This SLI requests a report on turfing the entirety of upper playfields one and two.

Bar-S Playground has two playfields that are the same size. This SLI requests a report on turfing the entirety of one of these playfields.

SPR’s report should identify the full range of costs and project considerations for installing turf for the entire field (not just the infield) for each of the identified fields. The cost estimate should include associated site improvements such as lighting, fencing, additional updates to the dugouts and backstops, and accessibility improvements.

Note that just because they’re proposed and presented does not mean these will all make it into the budget. Meantime, Wednesday’s meeting is slated for two sessions, 9:30 am and TBA pm; here’s the full agenda, with links to the documents for all of the scheduled departments. Again, this is just the introduction/briefing phase, no votes yet, but if you have an opinion on any of the proposed amendments, it’s never too soon to contact councilmembers (include the amendment number). There are public-comment periods at many of the meetings, but the one big public hearing on the amendment is scheduled for November 6, with both remote and in-person participation (1 and 5 pm).

We’ve been reporting that City Council budget amendment proposals would start going public today, after previews from District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka and local groups about what he might propose adding to the budget. The presentations start with a 9:30 am meeting tomorrow, and agenda details for those first presentations are out now. On the agenda under Seattle Public Utilities-related budget amendments, one that could give a boost to local cleanup group A Cleaner Alki, which as we’ve reported is working to replace lost grant money – here’s the amendment number and the summary by council staff:

SPU-002-A-1 – Increase SPU by $100,000 GF for additional community cleanup services through community partners

(Summary) The funding provided by this CBA is intended to support additional neighborhood cleanup events and activities through established community partners, such as A Cleaner Alki in West Seattle, that have a proven track record of collaborating with City departments and are in the community performing services on a weekly basis. The funding is also intended to support the launch of a new pilot program to fund volunteer cleaning ambassadors and periodic neighborhood cleanups located in Morgan Junction, Alaska Junction, and Admiral Junction.

The intent is for SPU to contract with community organizations to provide cleanup and maintenance services in City parks, greenbelts, and rights-of-way, including litter pickup, vegetation management, and beautification projects. The funding may also be used for cleaning supplies and disposal services, coordination of community cleanup events, and data collection on litter volumes and types.

Also on Tuesday’s agenda, under Mayor’s Office-related amendments, Saka proposes two that relate to issues raised in West Seattle, primarily Alki:

MO-002S-A-1 – Request that MO convene departments to study and report on noise enforcement to better address problem noise viola�ons citywide

(summary) This Statement of Legislative Intent (SLI) would request that the Mayor’s Office (MO) lead a comprehensive policy review on the City’s approach to regulation of excessive noise, including vehicle noise and disruptive noise occurring on sidewalks and rights of way in the stadium district and citywide.

This SLI would request the MO work collaboratively with the Seattle Police Department, Department of Finance and Administrative Services, Seattle Department of Transportation, and Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections to evaluate current enforcement practices, interdepartmental coordination, and develop a coordinated interdepartmental strategy and implementation approach to more efficiently and effectively address excessive noise violations to include clear guidelines around enforcement, mitigation best practices, education, and interventions, along with roles and responsibilities of relevant City departments.

A report with findings and specific implementation recommendations to improve the City’s noise enforcement approach should be submitted to the Public Safety Committee and the Central Staff Director by June 1, 2026.

MO-003S-A-1 – Request MO to lead a policy review on unpermitted food and merchandise vending

(summary) Council requests that the Mayor’s Office (MO) lead a comprehensive policy review on the City’s approach to licensing and enforcement of unpermitted vending. The Mayor’s budget would include $1.8 million in new funding to support Joint Enforcement Team and unlicensed vending enforcement.

To better understand the strategy for the use of these and existing resources, the MO is requested to evaluate current enforcement practices, interdepartmental coordination, and strategies for addressing public health and safety concerns related to unlicensed vending. Council further requests an understanding of how the Department of Transportation, Office of Economic Development, Seattle Police Department, Department of Finance & Administrative Services, Seattle Parks & Recreation, other critical City partners, and King County Public Health can best be coordinated to meet the needs this issue presents.

The review should include best practices from other cities and recommend policy options that balance enforcement with pathways to compliance for small business entrepreneurs and supports community well-being. The report should identify strategies for immediate implementation, which address potential accessibility, equity concerns and relevant barriers associated with unlicensed vending.

A report with findings and implementation recommendations that are immediately actionable should be submitted to the Transportation Committee of the City Council by April 30, 2026, in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

(Also under Mayor’s Office, Saka has an amendment proposing a study of tree policy.) Those are just the first of Saka’s notable proposed amendments; SDOT and Parks-related amendments (such as the potential Morgan Junction Park skate dot and Camp Long restoration items we’ve mentioned) will be on the agenda for another council meeting Wednesday, and those specific documents are not yet linked – we’ll publish a story when they are. The proposals will go through council review before a determination of whether they make it into the “balancing package” that the budget chair – this year, Councilmember Dan Strauss – puts forward. The budget will be finalized next month.

15 days remain to vote in the general election,Thanks to K for pointing out that King County Elections has moved the White Center ballot drop box, which is now a few blocks closer to West Seattle. Above is our photo of its new location on SW 102nd outside Steve Cox Memorial Park; previously, it was outside the White Center Library. We asked KCE spokesperson Halei Watkins about the reason for the move; she replied, “Due to its popularity! We are so grateful to KCLS and the White Center Library for hosting that location for many years. However, we’ve heard that in busy elections in particular, the parking lot just couldn’t safely accommodate the number of voters looking to use that box. That’s a great problem to have – we needed more space for folks returning their ballot!” Here’s the county map of all drop box locations, including four in West Seattle; they’re open until exactly 8 pm Tuesday, November 4. Meantime, as noted after ballots were mailed last week, KCE says you should get yours by today, so if you don’t, call 206-296-VOTE.

(WSB photo, Rep. Jayapal’s town hall @ The Hall at Fauntleroy, 2024)

This is not only the 17th day of October, it’s also the 17th day of the federal government shutdown. Got a question about it? The shutdown will be the main topic of a Town Hall in West Seattle with our area’s U.S. House Rep. Pramila Jayapal next Tuesday at The Hall at Fauntleroy (9131 California SW), 6 pm. RSVP required; here’s that link.

(WSB file photo, Morgan Junction drop box)

King County Elections drop boxes will open tomorrow, with more than 1.4 million general-election ballots now on the way. You should get yours by Monday (October 20) – if you don’t, call KCE at 206-296-VOTE. Here are the races you’ll see on your ballot if you’re registered to vote in West Seattle (asterisks denote incumbents, and names are published in the order they’ll be on the ballot):

KING COUNTY EXECUTIVE
Girmay Zahilay
Claudia Balducci

SEATTLE MAYOR
Katie Wilson
Bruce Harrell*

SEATTLE CITY COUNCIL, CITYWIDE POSITION 8
Alexis Mercedes Rinck*
Rachael Savage

SEATTLE CITY COUNCIL, CITYWIDE POSITION 9
Dionne Foster
Sara Nelson*

SEATTLE CITY ATTORNEY
Erika Evans
Ann Davison*

SEATTLE SCHOOL BOARD, DISTRICT 2
Kathleen Smith
Sarah Clark*

SEATTLE SCHOOL BOARD, DISTRICT 4
Joe Mizrahi
Laura Marie Rivera

SEATTLE SCHOOL BOARD, DISTRICT 5
Vivian Song
Janis White

SEATTLE SCHOOL BOARD, DISTRICT 7
Carol Rava
Jen LaVallee

SEATTLE PORT COMMISSION, POSITION 1
Ryan Calkins*

SEATTLE PORT COMMISSION, POSITION 3
Hamdi Mohamed*

SEATTLE PORT COMMISSION, POSITION 4
Toshiko Grace Hasegawa*

34TH DISTRICT STATE SENATOR
Emily Alvarado* (D)

34TH DISTRICT STATE HOUSE POSITION 1
Brianna Thomas* (D)

STATE RESOLUTION 8201 (constitutional amendment regarding long-term-care investing)

KING COUNTY PROP 1 (Medic One replacement levy)

SEATTLE PROP 1 (education levy renewal/expansion)

SEATTLE PROP 2 (B&O tax changes)

If you use a KCE dropbox, your deadline is 8 pm November 4. If you’re using USPS, this year the recommendation is to mail it at least a week before Election Day, so that would be October 28.

(WSB video and photos by Anne Higuera)

With less than a week until King County Elections sends out general-election ballots, the candidates in the most closely watched race, Seattle Mayor, appeared side by side at the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce‘s monthly lunch on Thursday. Below is our recording of the forum in its entirety; after it, toplines of what the candidates said.

Incumbent Bruce Harrell and challenger Katie Wilson answered questions from moderator Brian Callanan for almost an hour, after a brief introduction by West Seattle Chamber executive director Rachel Porter. Wilson founded and heads a nonprofit advocacy organization, the Transit Riders Union. Harrell was elected as mayor four years ago, two years after leaving the City Council, on which he’d been for more than a decade.

Moderator Callanan explained that the candidates had been provided the questions in advance, adding that they were developed by the Chamber’s board and advocacy-committee members. He also wanted to make it clear that he was serving as moderator in his Chamber role as a member representing his volunteer work organizing the Loop the ‘Lupe event every year, NOT in his role as a Seattle Channel host.

The candidates were each given two minutes to introduce themselves before the questions began. Below are toplines – watch the video to get the candidates’ full responses; everything below is a paraphrase unless it’s within quotation marks:

WILSON INTRO: “I’m running for mayor because I love this city.” She has spent 14 years as a “coalition-builder.” Homelessness, public safety, affordability are the major problems she feels the city’s facing.

HARRELL INTRO: “I entered public service on a very simple basis – to solve problems.” He says the city has invested in affordable housing and homelessness strategies, and says Seattle Police are “rebuilding.”

Question: What policies will you use to support small businesses, particularly those led by women, BIPOC, and other at-risk groups?

HARRELL: Mentions several city programs providing support, including capital access and storefront-repair fund.

WILSON: Has been talking to many small businesses and knows “the struggle is real.” Says small-business struggle is connected to housing affordability, especially so employees don’t have to live far away. Will work with BIAs and Chambers on safety issues.

Question: New or expanded tax measures on the ballot – residents and businesses affected – how will you ensure city lives within its current revenues before imposing new taxes?

WILSON: Hamstrung by state’s regressive tax system; she worked to pass Jump Start payroll tax “that has enabled mayor to balance the budget.” Need to take a hard look at everything the city spends on. Have not spent effectively on hotel-based shelter beds, Pro Publica investigation found.

HARRELL: Pro Publica article indicated we were “winding down the problem.” Otherwise, “we want to look at where we are wasting money.” Has to ask department heads about how they’re spending money. Working on multi-department permit process’s efficiency. “I know systems thinking.”

Question: West Seattle has a homelessness problem but lack of shelter and services. What is your plan for a city-owned/supported shelter in West Seattle, or helping nonprofits access the support needed to provide services?

HARRELL: Did not initially provide WS-specific answer. Homelessness has risen around the country and state, not just the city. “I resent that I’m getting blamed” for the problem. Seattle is bearing the brunt of it, though, but we can’t shoulder it ourselves. Will continue pushing for regional solution, but if it doesn’t work, we’ll do it ourselves. (On rebuttal, he says King County Regional Homelessness Authority put out a call for proposals but did not get any from West Seattle.)

WILSON: What we’re doing right now is not working. Yes, it’s rising everywhere. But Seattle is “national outlier.” We’ve lost shelter capacity every year Harrell’s been mayor. Will be her #1 priority to expand shelter around the city. Current policy is just to move people around. Regarding WS, she was talking to shelter operator Keith Hughes and shocked that he is operating the only shelter, she’ll “work with you all to make sure we can open up more enhanced shelter in West Seattle because we absolutely need that.”

Question: Lack of access to affordable housing, drug treatment, etc. How will you strengthen regional partnerships to address that?

WILSON: ‘Housing First’ is very successful when done right but we’re not necessarily doing it right. “City has a very important convening role to play” to “create realistic pathways” for people experiencing homelessness. Currently have “a system of dead ends.”

HARRELL: “The issue is the intersectionality between public-health crisis (with drugs) and a public-safety crisis.” He doesn’t control public health but does control public safety. “We will arrest criminals doing criminal conduct.” But nowhere to take people for treatment – crisis care centers will help, “we’re building those systems as we speak.”

Question: It’s been recently reported that SPD might be undermining the CARE department’s ability to provide 911 alternative response. How will you improve relationship between the two departments?

HARRELL: Both report to his public-safety chief Natalie Walton-Anderson, and “they get along well.” They get together and sometimes disagree. SPD has done part of the CARE job for decades … so hard time letting it go. But we’ve worked it out, and we’re doubling the CARE Department in the budget.

WILSON: Read the Seattle Times article about this; it’s disturbing. Commitment to alternative response made during 2020 protests. I support that. Disturbing to learn CARE Team has not been allowed to exercise full role. Why did this come out as newspaper exposé instead of being disclosed other ways?

HARRELL: It’s no scandal when the people I hire disagree. Crime is down.

WILSON: I’ve heard this has been a problem a long time.

Question: National Guard troops activated by Trump Administration in other cities. How would you respond?

WILSON: Need to show we are all united, regional, local, state governments, other institutions, “when we become united, we’re a less attractive target.” Need to fight in court, be smart, be prepared. Mayor’s surveillance expansion bothered me because data is not secure. Also disturbed to hear SPD answering ICE requests faster than journalists’ requests.

HARRELL: “We are leading the way with our fight.” Touts two executive orders issued yesterday, including prohibiting masks for ICE, not allowing staging on city properties. “We are loud” and making sure protesters know what to do. Says other regional leaders like governor and Portland mayor looking to him for leadership.

Question: Light rail coming to West Seattle could displace up to 70 small businesses. What financial and technical assistance will city provide to help them survive?

HARRELL: Going to do here what we did in Rainier Valley. “At the end of the day, we have to give you resources” – mentions some of the programs he noted earlier in response to a different issue. But, he also notes, it’ll be a fight to keep the West Seattle light rail project “because some people don’t want it,” but he thinks WS and Ballard are going to be good investments ‘for your children and your grandchildren.”

WILSON: Glad that Legislature allowed higher cap on assistance. “Some interesting tradeoffs” regarding building quickly, “rip the band-aid off” vs. “slow death,” need to discuss “to make sure we’re getting the best outcome.”

Question: Transportation Levy got voter approval, traffic’s still a concern, what does success look like at end of levy?

WILSON: Projects delivered on time and on budget, “and we don’t have a great track record with that.” G Line was problem-plagued. Communication with those affected by projects needs to improve.

HARRELL: I know what failure looks like – the inconveniences of the West Seattle Bridge closure – going to circulate a letter about related labor disputes and make sure “that doesn’t happen again.” He tries to “calm down” the transportation discussions, like cars vs. bikes. “What success looks like is” $1.5 billion spent with Vision Zero goals achieved.

Question: Given contentious national political landscape, how will you ensure Seattleites feel supported and involved in decisionmaking process?

HARRELL: I’m a Seattle person and very approachable. Have worked for your trust. “We are living in the craziest times … radioactivity in politics … I’m not perfect … If I make a mistake I’ll (own up to it).’ Says he gives himself permission to make five mistakes a day.

WILSON: This is personal to me – “I started the work I do back in 2011 because King County Metro” was going to make big cuts, and “bus riders were not feeling heard.” She has worked “to build that collective power.” Wants to govern in a way that empowers people. Hard to get buy-in if decisions are made top-down.

A lightning round ensued, with responses limited to :30, and questions admittedly more “light-hearted.”

Question: Where would you rather spend a Sunday afternoon, Pike Place Market or Alki Beach?

WILSON: Alki because “as a transit person” she loves riding the Water Taxi.

HARRELL: Alki – “it’s a gem” – because that’s where he learned to scuba-dive.

Question: If Seattle had official mascot, what would it be?

HARRELL: Some kind of a Husky-like … with a Mariner player to it.”

WILSON: Sockeye salmon.

Question: What is your go-to coffee order to survive the workday?

WILSON: “I’m really boring … normal tall latte.” Mentions that dates to when she was breastfeeding her daughter (now 2) and had to drink a lot of milk.

HARRELL: “I’m a simple coffee person … just a drip with cream and sugar. That’s a boring drink and I’m going to stick with it.”

Question: Which Seattle event is your can’t-miss event every year?

HARRELL: (Took a while to think of this) Opening game of the Huskies.

WILSON: “Not really an event but …” fall colors at Japanese Garden in Arboretum.

Question: If you could name a new ferry, what would you call it?

WILSON: (Admitted she was stumped, offered mayor the first turn, got more time but couldn’t think of one till someone in audience suggested recycling “Sockeye Salmon” from the “mascot” question.)

HARRELL: (Admitted he was stumped, finally suggested he’d name it in honor of former mayor Charles Royer.)

Closing statements followed.

WILSON: “I’m an outsider with an insider’s perspective. … I’ve seen how this city works and too often how it fails to work for the people of this city.” The mayor’s job is about assembling a competent team and she has experience doing that. Touts endorsements by labor and political groups, and that she received 51 percent of the vote in the primary.

HARRELL: “As your mayor I’ve tried to lead this city with … honesty, integrity, kindness, and strength.” … “There’s a lot of work still to do.” Says Wilson recently said she didn’t intend to run for public office, and he thinks her “lack of preparedness … shows.” During these times, he contends, “experience matters.” Touts endorsements by other elected officials.

REBUTTAL: After Harrell concluded, Wilson rebutted his allegations that she’s never hired an employee and never balanced a budget as “simply not true.” He countered that Pro Publica has listed the Transit Riders Union as having “zero” employees.

WHAT’S NEXT: King County sends out ballots next Wednesday, October 15. Dropboxes open the next day, October 16. You’ll have until 8 pm November 4 to return your ballot. It’ll include four ballot measures and 14 city, county, school, and state races.

1:43 PM: Voting in the November election starts in less than two weeks – King County Elections will mail ballots next week. Four citywide races will be on your ballot, and this Thursday, the West Seattle Chamber of Commerce is presenting a candidates’ forum during its monthly lunch meeting, described as follows:

The 2025 Candidate Forum brings together candidates for Mayor of Seattle, Seattle City Council, and City Attorney in a nonpartisan program hosted by the West Seattle Chamber. Attendees will hear clear positions on public safety, transportation, housing, small business health, climate readiness, and neighborhood priorities. The format features timed moderator questions, equal speaking time, and a focused small business lightning round.

Moderator will be longtime local journalist/broadcaster Brian Callanan, who is also a chamber board member as part of his volunteer work organizing Loop the ‘Lupe every summer. The lunch/forum is at 11:30 am Thursday (October 9) at Youngstown Cultural Arts Center (4408 Delridge Way SW), open to non-members as well as members (there’s an attendance fee for both); here’s the registration link. Once your ballot arrives, the deadline for voting and returning it is Tuesday, November 4.

1:58 PM: Just heard from chamber executive director Rachel Porter, who says her organization has *just* decided to focus only on the mayoral race at the forum – they’re expecting both incumbent Bruce Harrell and challenger Katie Wilson.

If you have something to say about next year’s city budget, as City Councilmembers review and revise the mayor’s proposal, tomorrow is your first major chance to tell them what you think. The council will spend Tuesday afternoon and evening presiding over their first big public hearing on the budget. They’ll take online/phone comments starting at 1 pm, in-person comments starting at 5 pm. The agenda document explains how and when to register for the sessions. Here are a few notes we published when the mayor presented his proposal two weeks ago; since then, the council has held multiple meetings at which individual departments gave overviews of their budget proposals (for short quick ways to review those, see the slide decks linked in the agendas – find them labeled Select Budget Committee, starting September 25th. You can also find the entire budget document, and individual departments’ plans, linked here.