The Public Meeting Index

The Seattle City Council Select Budget Committee, chaired by Councilmember Dan Strauss, convened on September 24, 2026, at 9:31 a.m. in Council Chamber. The committee heard presentations on the Mayor's proposed 2027-2028 budgets, including an overview from the City Budget Office and departmental briefings from Seattle Parks and Recreation, Seattle Center, and the Office of Arts and Culture. The meeting included extensive public comment and discussion on public safety, budget sustainability, and departmental priorities. Public Comments & Testimony - Firefighters and Union Representatives: Multiple Seattle firefighters and union president Kenny Stewart opposed proposed $7.1 million cuts to the Fire Department overtime budget, arguing it would reduce minimum staffing from 222 to 209 per day, delay emergency responses, and undermine firefighter safety. They noted Seattle's population has grown over 30% since 2010, fire calls over 40%, yet staffing has not kept pace. - Advocates for Victims of Police Violence: Speakers including Castile Hightower, Ophelia, Lucky Jordan, and others demanded $50,000 to create an office for victims of police violence, citing recent deaths and injuries by Seattle Police and lack of accountability. They criticized the proposed $68 million increase in police spending while ignoring victims. - Community Organizations: Representatives from Radical Women, Church Council of Greater Seattle, Labor Militant United Front, and others called for rejecting austerity, taxing the wealthy, and funding social services, housing, and fire department instead of police increases. Speakers also highlighted needs for homeless services, RV outreach, and youth programs. - Business and Resident Voices: Neil Patel of Georgetown Business Association expressed frustration with ineffective public safety responses. Other residents supported funding for victims of police violence and affordable housing. Discussion Items - Budget Process Overview: Lish Whitson, Director of Council Central Staff, outlined the six-step budget review process, with department presentations, public hearing (Oct. 6), central staff deep dives (Oct. 13), revenue forecast update (Oct. 16), and council member budget proposals due Oct. 20. - City Budget Office (CBO) Overview: Director Aly Pennucci presented the Mayor's balanced 2027-2028 general fund budget, closing a projected $175 million deficit through over $40 million in ongoing reductions, fund swaps, and use of JumpStart revenues. The budget includes $68 million net increase for police, $7.1 million reduction to fire overtime, $1 million cut to the Food Equity Fund, and $25 million in REET reductions over six years for parks capital. Pennucci emphasized progress toward sustainability but acknowledged more work needed. - Councilmember Reactions: Chair Strauss expressed concerns about fire and police reductions, while praising collaborative process. Councilmember Kettle called the budget a negative inflection point for public safety, criticizing fire overtime cuts and plateauing police staffing at 1,250. Council President Juarez questioned how the deficit was closed without previously discussed fire district or Seattle Center taxes, and asked for explanation of new progressive revenue plans. Councilmember Foster sought clarification on JumpStart fund outlook and youth services funding. - Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR): Interim Director Michele Finnegan presented $11 million in general fund savings through efficiency and realignment, including $3.5 million from efficiencies (e.g., removing bond payments, abrogating vacant FTEs) and $7.8 million from funding realignments (e.g., shifting arts programs to Arts fund, reallocating Park District capital to operations). Capital reductions of $25 million in REET over six years affect Gasworks Park remediation, athletic field replacements, and other projects. Proposed investments include $400,000 annual increase in recreation scholarships, $1.6 million aquatics subsidy, two new park restrooms, and teen late-night programming. Councilmembers discussed park safety, turf field replacements, restroom maintenance, and the need for better coordination on parks like Jose Rizal and Freeway Park. - Seattle Center and Office of Arts and Culture: (Agenda items but not detailed in provided transcript; presentations were heard after lunch recess.) Key Outcomes - No votes were taken; all agenda items were information briefings and discussions. - The committee recessed at 11:35 a.m. and reconvened at 1:38 p.m. for Session II. - Councilmember budget proposals are due October 20, 2026, with two co-sponsors required. - The next public hearing on the budget is scheduled for October 6, 2026. - Central staff will present deep-dive analyses starting October 13, 2026.

The New York City Council held its stated meeting on September 24, 2026, at 1:30 PM in City Hall. Presiding as Acting President Pro Tempore was Majority Leader Shaun Abreu, with 46 members present (4 absent, 1 medical). The meeting began with an invocation by Rabbi Steven Exter, followed by adoption of the minutes from September 10, 2026. Speaker Julie Menin delivered opening remarks highlighting climate week initiatives, the expansion of the Fair Fares program to nearly 1.3 million New Yorkers, and a $5 million allocation to Bellevue Hospital for psychiatric care. The council then voted on a consent agenda encompassing land use items, finance resolutions, and multiple pieces of legislation, all passing unanimously by a 46-0 roll call. Resolutions were adopted by voice vote, and numerous new bills were introduced and referred to committees. General discussion featured remarks from 15 councilmembers on topics ranging from tenant protections and public health to international affairs and community recognition. Consent Calendar - Roll Call and Minutes: Quorum established with 46 members present. Minutes of September 10, 2026 adopted as printed. - Invocation: Spread upon the record by Council Member Dinowitz. - Committee Reports and General Orders: All items from the Committees on Criminal Justice (Int 0246-2026-A – commissary accounts), Finance (Res 0652-2026 – organization funding), General Welfare (Int 0248-2026-A – Fair Fares enrollment), Housing and Buildings (Int 1015-2026-A – J51 tax abatement extension), and Land Use (Int 0833-2026-A – Eastern Parkway restrictions; LU 0120-0122 and Res 0659-0661 – rezoning applications; LU 0141 and Res 0662 – sidewalk café disapproval) were approved by consent roll call, 46 in favor, 0 opposed, 0 abstentions. Discussion Items - Speaker's Remarks: Speaker Menin announced a $5 million investment to expand Bellevue's adult psychiatric department (adding approximately 40 inpatient beds), noted the 98% occupancy rate, and highlighted the Fair Fares expansion to 1.3 million New Yorkers. She also introduced several bills on the agenda. - Land Use Presentations: Speaker Menin summarized key rezoning projects: 815 Hutchinson River Parkway (Bronx), 862-868 Kent Avenue (Brooklyn) – which will include 75 residential units (18 income-restricted via MIH) and a synagogue – and the disapproval of a sidewalk café application for Cali Tajadas Bakery & Restaurant (Queens). - General Orders Discussion: Council Member Pierina Sanchez spoke on Int 1015-A, extending J51 tax abatements to 300,000 co-ops and condos through June 2036, with a $212.7 million program cost. Council Member Crystal Hudson discussed Int 246-A (commissary funds return) and Int 248-A (streamlined Fair Fares enrollment), emphasizing that government should return what is owed to New Yorkers. - Resolution Presentations: Council Member Farías presented Res 0184 declaring October 3 as Korean Cultural Awareness Day. Council Member Riley presented Res 0142-A calling for a state Center for Fatherhood Initiatives. Council Member Stevens presented Res 0606 (Black Pride Month) and Res 0607 (African Immigrant Heritage Month). Resolutions Adopted - Res 0142-2026-A: Calls on the New York State Legislature to pass and the Governor to sign legislation establishing the Center for Fatherhood Initiatives under the Office of Children and Family Services. Adopted by voice vote. - Res 0184-2026: Declares October 3 as Korean Cultural Awareness Day annually. Adopted by voice vote. - Res 0606-2026: Declares August as Black Pride Month. Adopted by voice vote; Council Members Ariola and Paladino formally noted intent to vote no. (During roll call, Paladino voted no.) - Res 0607-2026: Declares September as African Immigrant Heritage Month. Adopted by voice vote. Introductions & Referrals - Bills Introduced (Int 1069-1099): Covered topics including safe delivery time standards, low-traffic neighborhood pilot, sidewalk repairs, rent freeze program information, tree planting requests, delivery worker scheduling, campaign finance disclosures, immigration detainer limits, gender-based violence hotline reporting, sidewalk cafe fee waivers, CityFHEPS reporting, Legionella testing, adopt-a-catch basin program, homeowner displacement outreach, building violation disparities, veterinary price disclosures, and campaign finance disclosures for digital content. All referred to appropriate committees. - Resolutions Introduced (Res 0645-0658): Covered nutrition program protections, Hindu American Awareness Month, Consent Awareness Week, AirTrain JFK fare discounts, Head Start program opposition, extreme weather tenant protection, 9/11 first responder assistance, defibrillator tax credits, veterans' source of income discrimination, FIFA legacy contribution, MTA deck project, Iota Phi Theta Day, and AI in classrooms. All referred to committees. - Land Use Applications (LU 0142-0145): Four preconsidered rezoning applications in Brooklyn and Queens (1455 Coney Island Avenue, 135-27 Sapphire Street) referred to the Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises. Key Outcomes - Consent Agenda Vote: Passed 46-0, approving all committee reports and general orders items. - Resolutions: Four resolutions adopted by voice vote, with no recorded opposition on three and two members opposing Res 0606. - Bills and Resolutions Introduced: 31 new introductions (19 local laws and 12 resolutions) referred to respective committees for further consideration. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned by Speaker Menin, with the next stated meeting scheduled for Thursday, October 8, 2026. General Discussion - Council Member Hanif: Spoke on participating in civil disobedience to reject Prime Minister Netanyahu’s visit, calling for an end to U.S. arms shipments to Israel and funding for life, not bombs. - Council Member Schulman: Introduced Int 1094 lowering the Legionella reporting threshold from 1,000 to 10 colony-forming units per milliliter to prevent outbreaks. - Council Member Thomas-Henry: Introduced Res 0655 calling on FIFA to pay the $1 million legacy contribution promised for hosting the 2026 World Cup. - Council Member Banks: Introduced Int 1072 expanding outreach for rent increase exemption programs (SCRIE/DRIE) to include people with disabilities and annual training. - Council Member Farías: Introduced Res 0647 (Consent Awareness Week), Res 0648 (state consent definition), and Res 0646 (Hindu American Awareness Month). - Council Member Wilson: Introduced Int 1098 (PET Act) requiring veterinary price disclosures, noting 60% price increase over a decade and 50% corporate ownership of practices. - Council Member Morano: Introduced Int 1089 creating an Office of Assistance for 9/11 first responders and survivors, calling it a fulfillment of the promise “never forget.” - Council Member Brewer: Introduced Int 1073 to allow supplemental tree planting funding beyond Parks’ neighborhood program, citing a need for 30% tree canopy by 2040. - Council Member Santosuosso: Introduced Int 1058 (not listed in agenda) to allow commercial tenants to recover legal fees if they successfully defend against eviction. - Council Member Zhuang: Wished colleagues a happy Mid-Autumn Festival and Moon Festival. - Council Member Hankerson: Spoke on climate week and the need for equitable green infrastructure, noting that black New Yorkers die of heat stress at double the rate of white counterparts. - Council Member Narcisse: Introduced Int 1091 providing early notice to homeowners about tax lien applicability for building violations. - Council Member Maloney: Introduced Int 1087 requiring sexual assault prevention protocols at large public events (over 1,000 attendees, or 500 if alcohol served). - Council Member Cabán: Spoke on struggles of delivery workers (deliveristas) and the need for scheduling flexibility; also opposed funding for the Israeli military. - Council Member Louis: Introduced Int 1085 (AEP fee increases) and Int 1086 (expanding alternative enforcement program to at least 400 distressed buildings annually). - Council Member Dinowitz: Responded to earlier remarks, criticizing use of the term “genocide” regarding Israel and arguing it prevents constructive policy discussion.

The Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises of the New York City Council met at 11:30 AM on Thursday, September 24, 2026, in Hearing Room 3 at 250 Broadway, New York, NY. Chair Farah N. Louis presided; members present were Carr, Encarnación, Farías, Felder, Salaam, Sanchez, Schulman, and Thomas-Henry. The subcommittee considered five Queens land use applications: two rezoning packages—each with a zoning map amendment and a Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH) text amendment—and one sidewalk café revocable consent application. The chair described the session as voting on three proposals: the sidewalk café, the 158-06 Northern Boulevard mixed-use rezoning, and the 21-31 46th Avenue mixed-use rezoning. 158-06 Northern Boulevard Rezoning (LU 0123-2026 and LU 0124-2026) Applicant Northern 158 Holdings LLC sought to rezone property in Flushing, Queens (Community District 7, Council District 20). The project description calls for a mixed-use residential development with approximately 76 apartments, of which approximately 19 would be permanently affordable. The proposal would change the existing R5B district with a C1-2 commercial overlay to an R7A district with a C2-4 overlay, and would establish a Mandatory Inclusionary Housing area through an Appendix F zoning text amendment. Chair Louis recommended two modifications: limit the rezoning area to sites fronting Northern Boulevard, because the narrower, dead-end 159th Street is not appropriate for significant residential density; and reduce the MIH text map so it is coterminous with the reduced rezoning area. The district's Councilmember (identified in the transcript as Ung/Unc) supported the application as modified but was not present. 21-31 46th Avenue Rezoning (LU 0127-2026 and LU 0128-2026) Applicant 21-31 Holdings LLC sought to rezone property in Long Island City, Queens (Community District 2, Council District 26). The project description calls for a mixed-use residential development with approximately 84 apartments, of which approximately 21 would be permanently affordable. The proposal would change the existing M1-4/R6B mixed-use district to an R7X district with a C2-5 overlay, and would establish a Mandatory Inclusionary Housing area. Chair Louis recommended one modification: remove MIH option 2 and add option 3 to ensure deeper affordability. The district's Councilmember (referred to in the transcript as Wan/One) supported the application as modified. Sidewalk Café: Cali Tajadas Bakery & Restaurant (LU 0141-2026) Tedo de Esquina NYC Corp., formerly doing business as Cali Tajadas Bakery & Restaurant, applied for a revocable sidewalk café consent at 45-18 104th Street, Corona, Queens (Community District 4, Council District 21). The applicant proposed four tables and attached seating along the front of the restaurant. Councilmember Thomas-Henry, who represents District 21 and chairs the Committee on Small Business, opposed the application. She stated that her office had received numerous quality-of-life concerns and that, despite repeated efforts to engage with the owner, there was not sufficient communication to address those concerns. She described a sidewalk café as permission to use shared public space carrying a responsibility to neighbors, families, and other small businesses. Key Outcomes - LU 0123-2026 (158-06 Northern Boulevard zoning map amendment): approved by the subcommittee with modifications and referred to CPC; 9–0 roll-call vote. - LU 0124-2026 (158-06 Northern Boulevard MIH text amendment): approved with modifications and referred to CPC; 9–0 roll-call vote. - LU 0127-2026 (21-31 46th Avenue zoning map amendment): approved with modifications and referred to CPC; 9–0 roll-call vote. - LU 0128-2026 (21-31 46th Avenue MIH text amendment): approved with modifications and referred to CPC; 9–0 roll-call vote. - LU 0141-2026 (Cali Tajadas sidewalk café): disapproved by the subcommittee per the official minutes; 9–0 roll-call vote. Record discrepancy: The raw transcript contains conflicting language around the sidewalk café vote. The official minutes state LU 0141-2026 was disapproved, but the chair's spoken remarks in the transcript refer to approving the sidewalk café with modifications and conclude that the items were approved and referred to the full Land Use Committee. The minutes also record the approved items as referred to CPC. The outcome list above follows the official minutes.

New York City Council Land Use Committee Approves Rezonings and Eastern Parkway Bill, Disapproves Sidewalk Café - September 24, 2026\n\nThe New York City Council Committee on Land Use, chaired by Councilmember Kevin C. Riley, met on September 24, 2026, to vote on a local law amendment (Int. 0833-A) and seven land use applications. All items except one were approved or approved with modifications; a sidewalk café revocable consent was disapproved.\n\n Discussion Items\nThe chair described each item and the proposed modifications:\n- Int. 0833-A (Councilmember Nurse): A local law to remove outmoded building restrictions on Eastern Parkway between Rockaway Avenue and Bushwick Avenue, eliminating a required 30-foot setback along the parkway frontage.\n- LU 0120-2026 (815 Hutchinson River Parkway Rezoning): A zoning map amendment from M1-2 to C8-3 in the Bronx, Community District 10, to allow a large retail establishment of 10,000+ square feet at an existing commercial center in Ferry Point.\n- LU 0121-2026 and LU 0122-2026 (862-868 Kent Avenue): A zoning map amendment from M1-1 to M1-4/R6A and establishment of a Special Mixed Use District (MX-4) and Mandatory Inclusionary Housing (MIH) area in Brooklyn, to facilitate a mixed-use residential project with 74 apartments, 19 permanently affordable.\n- LU 0123-2026 and LU 0124-2026 (158-06 Northern Boulevard): A zoning map amendment from R2/R5B to R7A with C2-4 overlay and MIH area in Queens, to facilitate a project with 76 apartments, 19 affordable. The committee approved with modifications: limit rezoned boundaries to sites fronting Northern Boulevard (wide street) and adjust MIH area accordingly.\n- LU 0125-2026 and LU 0126-2026 (132 Melrose Street): Rezoning from M1-1 to M1-2A/R6A and Special Mixed Use District (MX-22) and MIH area in Brooklyn, to facilitate 18 apartments, 5 affordable. Modification: remove MIH option two.\n- LU 0127-2026 and LU 0128-2026 (21-31 46th Avenue): Rezoning from M1-4/R6B to R7X with C2-5 overlay and MIH area in Queens, to facilitate 84 apartments, 21 affordable. Modification: remove MIH option two and add MIH option three.\n- LU 0141-2026 (Cali Tajadas Bakery & Restaurant Sidewalk Café): A revocable consent for a sidewalk café at 45-18 104th Street, Queens. The committee voted to disapprove, as recommended by the zoning subcommittee and the local Councilmember.\n\n Key Outcomes\nThe committee voted on all items as a single coupled roll call. According to the meeting minutes, 11 members voted in the affirmative (Riley, Abreu, Brooks-Powers, Carr, Encarnación, Louis, Ossé, Salaam, Sanchez, Thomas-Henry, Zhuang), with two members absent (Banks, Cabán). The raw transcript, however, recorded 10 affirmative votes, zero negative, and no abstentions. Despite this discrepancy, the official result was:\n- Int. 0833-A – Approved by committee.\n- LU 0120-2026 – Approved by committee with companion resolution.\n- LU 0121-2026 – Approved by committee with companion resolution.\n- LU 0122-2026 – Approved by committee with companion resolution.\n- LU 0123-2026 – Approved by committee with modifications and referred to CPC.\n- LU 0124-2026 – Approved by committee with modifications and referred to CPC.\n- LU 0125-2026 – Approved by committee with modifications and referred to CPC.\n- LU 0126-2026 – Approved by committee with modifications and referred to CPC.\n- LU 0127-2026 – Approved by committee with modifications and referred to CPC.\n- LU 0128-2026 – Approved by committee with modifications and referred to CPC.\n- LU 0141-2026 – Disapproved by committee.\n\nAll items were handled, and the meeting was adjourned.

On Thursday, September 24, 2026, at 11:00 AM, the New York City Council Committee on Housing and Buildings met in Hearing Room 3 at 250 Broadway to vote on Intro No. 1015-A, a local law amending the administrative code to improve and extend the J51 tax abatement program for alterations and improvements to certain multiple dwellings. All 11 committee members were present. After discussion, the committee voted unanimously, 11 in the affirmative with none in the negative and no abstentions, to approve the amended introduction. Discussion Items - Chair Pierina Ana Sanchez opened by framing the bill as a response to both the housing crisis and the climate crisis, noting that aging buildings are major sources of greenhouse gas emissions and are experiencing failing elevators, roofs, boilers, and electrical systems. She cited deadly consequences of aging housing and fire hazards in the Bronx and Queens. - Sanchez described J51 as one of the city's most important financial tools for helping owners of eligible multifamily housing, including rental buildings, co-ops, and condos, preserve and upgrade properties and comply with Local Law 97 energy-efficiency requirements. - The chair reported that the mayor's tax expenditure report showed the city dedicated $212.7 million to the J51 program in fiscal year 2026 as foregone tax revenue. - Under 1015-A, J51 is extended for 10 years, covering eligible projects completed between June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2036. - The bill increases the recoverable share of reasonable rehabilitation costs from 80% to 100%. - For co-ops and condos, the assessed valuation cap increases from $45,000 per unit to $60,000 per unit, with regular inflation adjustments. Sanchez said this could extend the program to more than 300,000 co-op and condo units citywide. - Existing accountability mechanisms remain, including termination or revocation of benefits for buildings that fail to meet program requirements, such as the affidavit of no harassment. - The legislation also adds comprehensive public reporting on which buildings receive the new J51 benefit, how much they receive, the categories of work pursued, locations, and the breakdown between rental and homeownership buildings. - Sanchez thanked the Green Co-op Council for persistent advocacy, State Senator Brian Kavanaugh for his leadership, and committee staff and legislative fellow Dylan Campos for their work. Key Outcomes - The Committee on Housing and Buildings approved Intro No. 1015-A by roll call vote: 11 ayes, 0 nays, 0 abstentions. The vote was initially held open after seven affirmative votes, then completed as remaining members voted. - Councilmember Feliz expressed support, saying the bill is important for ensuring affordable housing is in a clean, habitable, and safe condition. - According to the committee minutes, the introduction required agency rule-making and a report, was the subject of a hearing, had an amendment proposed by the committee, and was amended by the committee before approval.

The New York City Council Committee on Children and Youth met on September 24, 2026 at 10:00 AM to vote on Resolution 0142-2026-A, which calls on the New York State Legislature to pass and the Governor to sign legislation establishing a Center for Fatherhood Initiatives within the Office of Children and Family Services. The committee approved the resolution by a vote of 3-0. Discussion Items - Resolution 0142-2026-A (Sponsored by Council Member Kevin Riley): Chair Althea V. Stevens introduced the resolution, highlighting the positive impact of father involvement on youth development, including cognitive and behavioral development, self-esteem, and academic performance. She noted systemic barriers faced by fathers, particularly those who are co-parenting, non-custodial, incarcerated, re-entering society, or young teen fathers. Council Member Riley (via remarks delivered by Chair Stevens) expressed support, stating that fathers often navigate difficult social barriers and lack inherited knowledge of available services. The proposed state center would offer support in mentoring, job training, and parent support to help fathers overcome barriers and strengthen families. The resolution had been previously amended (per the committee report) before the final vote. Key Outcomes - Approval of Resolution 0142-2026-A: The committee voted to approve the resolution. The roll call yielded three affirmative votes (Chair Stevens, Council Member Felder, Council Member Joseph), zero negative votes, and no abstentions. Two members (Council Members Ossé and Williams) were absent. The resolution now advances to the full City Council for consideration.

The Finance and Budget Committee met on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, to review the expenditure list and a budget transfer. Commissioners Shea, O'Leary, O'Neal, and Thatcher were present; Commissioners Walker and Boyle were absent and excused. Discussion Items - Commissioner O'Neal asked about claim number 2032 and explained that MSU's Local Government Center had moved to a membership system rather than a per-consultation model, allowing more consultation on local government matters, including legal and procedural issues. - The committee reviewed the expenditure list as of September 23, 2026, in the amount of $895,667.95. - The committee also reviewed a budget transfer of $2,930 to the Health Department to cover legal fees. Key Outcomes - A motion was made, seconded, and passed to approve the expenditure list as of September 23, 2026, totaling $895,667.95. - No questions were raised on the $2,930 budget transfer. - The meeting adjourned after these items were handled.

The Board of Civil Service Trustees convened on September 23, 2026 at 4:30 PM (1630). The meeting was called to order with Chair Brown excused, Vice Chair Ponticello present, and Members Hesh, Stamper, and Jimenez present, constituting a quorum. The board approved minutes, certified eligible lists, certified classification specifications, and approved a rehire request, all by unanimous vote. Consent Calendar - No separate consent calendar was presented; all action items were handled individually. Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made during either the initial public comment period (Item 3, limited to agenda items) or the citizen participation period (Item 8, limited to board jurisdiction). Discussion Items - Item 4: Approval of the final minutes of the regular meeting of September 9, 2026. Member Hesh moved to approve; all members voted in favor. Motion passed. - Item 5: Certification of eligible lists for the following classifications: business licensing auditor (open), engineering technician (open), network administration specialist (open), parking services technician (open), and underground utility technician (open). Member Hesh moved to approve; all members voted in favor. Motion carried. - Item 6: Certification of classification specifications for Assistant Terminal Agency Coordinator (X) / Terminal Agency Coordinator (X). Vice Member Carnicello (likely Vice Chair Ponticello) moved to approve as read; all members voted in favor. Motion passed. - Item 7: Approval of a request to place Yuana Alvarez Lopez on the rehire list for legal technician one (X) in the City Attorney's Office. Member Hesh moved to approve; all members voted in favor. Motion carried. Key Outcomes - The board unanimously approved the minutes of the September 9, 2026 regular meeting. - The board unanimously certified eligible lists for five classifications (business licensing auditor, engineering technician, network administration specialist, parking services technician, underground utility technician). - The board unanimously certified classification specifications for Assistant Terminal Agency Coordinator / Terminal Agency Coordinator. - The board unanimously approved placing Yuana Alvarez Lopez on the rehire list for legal technician one in the City Attorney's Office. - The meeting was adjourned at an unspecified time after completing all agenda items.

The Committee on Government Efficiency and Customer Services of the Honolulu City Council met remotely on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, at 1:03 PM (HST) to receive a system update from the Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) on the HL Build permitting platform. The meeting was chaired by Chair Desatus Tam, with Council Members Cordero, Nishimoto, Kia Aina, and Wire (who arrived later) in attendance. Director Don Takeuchi Apuna of DPP presented the update, joined by her staff. No public testimony was offered. Consent Calendar - No consent calendar items were on the agenda. Public Comments & Testimony - No registered or in-person testifiers were present. The chair closed testimony after confirming none. Discussion Items - HL Build Launch and Progress: Director Apuna reported that HL Build, launched a year ago, replaced a legacy system used for roughly three decades. Despite a difficult transition, the system has stabilized, and the department has moved from implementation to management. Registered users increased from roughly 3,500 in September 2025 to over 11,000 today (a 222% increase). DPP staff responded to more than 15,000 emails and 5,300 phone calls, and more than 100 user acceptance testers were involved. - Permit Volume and Processing Times: Building permit applications increased by approximately 34% (from 7,744 to 10,386) in the year following launch, while permits issued rose by about 5.5% (from 6,525 to 6,887). For residential permits issued in 2026, average review time was 191 days (70 days with jurisdictions, 121 with applicants). Commercial permits averaged 229 days (122 days with jurisdictions, 107 with applicants). Total application-to-issuance time averaged 218 days for residential and 469 days for commercial, though the commercial figure includes legacy paper permits, some dating back to 1999, which skew the average. Average review cycles were 3.3 for residential and 3.7 for commercial. - CivCheck AI: DPP reported early results from CivCheck AI, used for residential permits: review cycles down 58%, corrections down 67%, review time down 55%, and an average of 40.5 review days saved (based on a sample of 19 CivCheck permits vs. 17 non-CivCheck projects). CivCheck was made mandatory for residential permits on September 1, 2026, and commercial rollout is tentatively set for November 1, 2026. The system received national recognition through the 2026 Public Sector AI 50. - Backlog Management: DPP identified 9,252 building permits in the system: over 4,300 genuinely active, over 2,000 already in issuance, about 2,450 idle in review for more than a year, and 420 with no electronic review record. DPP is purging inactive permits, having cut the idle list by about 1,500 in recent weeks, using authority under ROH 18 to cancel permits idle for over a year. - Funding and Future Plans: DPP invested approximately $7.5 million in the system, much from federal recovery funds. They were awarded an $850,000 HUD grant (with only $71,000 in city matching funds) to expand AI-assisted review to commercial housing, incorporate flood review, strengthen analytics, and independently evaluate results. DPP is developing a transparent fee-review framework, though no fee changes are proposed. They also plan to digitize legacy microfiche and paper documents using OCR technology. - Legacy Data and Integrations: The legacy POSSE system remains accessible, with an archival system linked to HL Build. DPP continues integrating other agencies (e.g., HFD, Board of Water Supply) into review processes, but noted some resistance. - Staffing and Review Times: Electrical review times were identified as a bottleneck, averaging about 41 days, largely due to a shortage of electrical engineers. A third-party contract (funded by FRF) that supplemented electrical reviews is expiring; DPP is exploring using lapsed funds to extend it. - Council Questions and Concerns: Council members raised concerns about the growing backlog (applications up 34% vs. permits up 5%), the delay in CivCheck commercial rollout, the accuracy of permit time data, and the need for faster permit issuance. Councilmember Kia Aina discussed a $240,000 budget allocation for a loan forgiveness program to recruit 20 engineers, and urged DPP to work with the Castle Foundation and UH Department of Engineering. Councilmember Wire asked about simplifying processes and benchmarking against other jurisdictions like Boston and Fort Worth. The chair noted that DPP's own administrative rules set maximum first-pass review times (e.g., 28 days for projects under $1 million, 42 days for projects under $10 million), which are currently being violated for electrical reviews. Key Outcomes - No formal votes or resolutions were taken. The meeting was informational. - DPP committed to providing a report on Kerasoft semi-annual user satisfaction surveys (which have not yet been received). - DPP will share the draft structure of the loan forgiveness program for engineers with Councilmember Kia Aina. - DPP will continue backlog cleanup and aim to reduce idle permits to near zero within a month. - The commercial CivCheck rollout is expected by November 1, 2026, and DPP will report back on progress. - The committee received the update and encouraged DPP to continue pursuing external funding and improving permitting processes. The meeting was adjourned at 2:06 PM (HST).