Seattle City Council Turns Over a New Leaf: New Members Chart the Future for Our Innovative City

Tuesday, Feb. 13, 6:30–7:45 p.m.
Pigott Auditorium
Free, advance registration requested

In the recent election, Seattle voters ushered in a new era at City Hall, electing five new, full-time members of the City Council.

In various ways, the newcomers have said they want to move beyond some of the council's past ideological activities to put greater focus on good governance, basic services and accountability.

Journalist Joni Balter and Dr. Larry Hubbell, professor and immediate past director of Seattle University's Department of Public Affairs and Nonprofit Leadership (formerly Institute of Public Service), sit down with the new members to discuss how a change in tone and policy could make a difference in every neighborhood in Seattle.

The evening’s conversation will be divided into two sessions, with two or three members in each segment, to comply with the City’s quorum rules.

What about public safety? Is there a right number of police officers? Have you heard about the new crisis response program that will dispatch mental health professionals on certain calls? What about homelessness—will the city ever make a difference? How do we address potholes, graffiti, streetlights and other neighborhood issues? What will you do to boost oversight and accountability?

Learn more about what is planned for our city with Councilmembers Rob Saka (District 1), Joy Hollingsworth (District 3), Maritza Rivera (District 4), Cathy Moore (District 5), Robert Kettle (District 7) and Tanya Woo (citywide).

Sponsored by Seattle University’s Department of Public Affairs and Nonprofit Leadership (formerly the Institute of Public Service), the quarterly “Conversations” brings local, regional and national leaders to the stage for in-depth discussions on critical current issues.