Seattle Land Use Committee Meeting – April 29, 2026

The Seattle City Council Land Use and Sustainability Committee held a special meeting on April 29, 2026, from 9:38 a.m. to 12:07 p.m. in the Council Chamber. The committee addressed three main items: the appointment of Lylianna Allala as Director of the Office of Sustainability and Environment (OSE), an overview of OSE’s work and the Climate Action Plan update, and a discussion of Council Bill 121195 to expand transitional encampment capacity. Thirteen members of the public provided testimony, largely supporting the appointment and the shelter expansion bill. The committee voted unanimously to recommend Allala’s confirmation and held extensive debate on seven amendments to the shelter bill, with a final vote scheduled for the following week.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Sean Watts (SM Watts Consulting) expressed enthusiastic support for Lylianna Allala as OSE Director, citing her qualifications, emotional intelligence, and ability to inspire.
• Paulina Lopez (Duwamish River Community Coalition) offered strong support, highlighting Allala’s experience with the Green New Deal and collaborative approach.
• Cindy Wilson (Headwater People) spoke in support, noting Allala’s leadership and trust-building at OSE.
• Peter Hasegawa (IBEW Local 46) supported Allala, emphasizing the need for good green jobs and preparedness for extreme weather.
• Hannah Lindell Smith (Green New Deal Oversight Board youth representative) strongly urged confirmation, praising Allala’s five-step implementation plan.
• Fatima Fido supported Allala, highlighting representation in climate justice and participatory democracy efforts.
• Kara Williams (Low Income Housing Institute) supported CB 121195, calling for expanded shelter with wraparound services and stating the city receives daily calls for shelter.
• Marta Kitane (Low Income Housing Institute) supported the bill but asked the committee to reconsider Amendment No. 5 (neighborhood grouping), suggesting it could be too prescriptive for providers.
• Ryan Talon (registered nurse, Harborview Medical Center) supported the bill, describing patients medically ready for discharge but with no safe place to go, and urged avoiding red tape.
• Margaret Shields (Lake City) strongly supported rapid shelter expansion, cautioning against adding bureaucratic requirements that delay implementation.
• Steve Ribslow raised concerns about individual encampments becoming crime centers and also asked about tree removal notices on Fremont.
• Ruth Date (Friends of Queen Anne) argued for housing supply realism, questioning the effectiveness of mass upzoning and advocating for speculation taxes and other tools.
• David Haynes criticized encampment siting near train tracks and roadways, called for redevelopment removing asphalt, and accused the city of favoring politically connected nonprofits.

Discussion Items

Appointment of Lylianna Allala as OSE Director

Mark Ellerbrook (Mayor’s Office) introduced Allala, noting her seven years at OSE, including service as Seattle’s first Climate Justice Director and as Interim Director. Allala responded to questions from Councilmembers Foster, Rinck, and Hollingsworth. She emphasized the role of OSE as a convener using “soft power,” collaboration across departments, and a systems-oriented approach. On building emissions performance standards, she stated the policy is projected to reduce building sector emissions 27% by 2050 (nearly 10% of citywide emissions). She also discussed tribal partnerships through the First People’s Climate Fund and community assemblies. The committee voted 4-0 to recommend confirmation.

OSE Overview and Climate Action Plan Update

Allala and Climate Justice Director Sarah Kuvios presented an overview. Key statistics: OSE has ~60 staff; Seattle’s emissions decreased 12% since 2008 while population grew 26%; the city needs to move 10 times faster to meet 2050 goals; buildings account for 40% of emissions; transportation for 58%; OSE has convened 18 city departments generating over 250 climate-related actions; the Clean Heat Program has converted over 2,000 homes since 2017. Kuvios outlined the 2026 Climate Action Plan update timeline: community assemblies held in 2024, prioritization underway, first draft for public comment in October 2026, final plan expected early 2027. Councilmembers Foster and Rinck asked about incorporating building performance standards and low-pollution neighborhoods; Chair Lin raised concerns about new energy demand from data centers and the need for renewable generation.

Council Bill 121195 – Transitional Encampment Capacity Expansion

Council Central Staff (Ketil Freeman and Jennifer LaBrecque) reviewed seven amendments to the bill, which would expand the citywide limit for transitional encampments (tiny houses and RVs) from 100 to 150 occupants, and allow up to 250 at select sites. The bill also includes a public safety plan requirement. The committee discussed each amendment in detail:

• Amendment 1 (Foster/Juarez): Incorporates public safety plan standards from the budget bill, requiring monthly reports from the Mayor’s Office to Council.
• Amendment 2 (Hollingsworth): Strengthens good neighbor agreements for new or expanded encampments, requiring a posted point of contact, 72-hour response time, and attendance at community meetings.
• Amendment 3 (Rinck): Requires at least two staff on site 24/7 at encampments with over 100 occupants.
• Amendment 4 (Rinck): Sets a goal (not mandate) of one case manager per 15 residents with high-acuity needs.
• Amendment 5 (Strauss): Requires encampments over 100 occupants be divided into “neighborhoods” of no more than 50 people with controlled access.
• Amendment 6 (Rivera/Hollingsworth): Requires 24-hour security personnel (distinct from case managers) at encampments over 100 occupants.
• Amendment 7 (Rivera/Hollingsworth): Prohibits new or expanded encampments within 750 feet of schools, child care centers, or playgrounds, and within 500 feet of parks over two acres, with exceptions for encampments exclusively serving families with children or those in recovery. Concerns raised included cost implications, prescriptiveness, and the message of isolation from Amendment 7. Sponsors noted intent to set up shelters for success and avoid unintended consequences. No vote was taken; discussion will continue.

Key Outcomes

• Appointment of Lylianna Allala: Committee voted 4-0 to recommend confirmation to the full City Council at its May 5, 2026 meeting.
• OSE Briefing and Climate Action Plan: Received as information; no formal action taken.
• CB 121195: Discussion of seven amendments held; no final vote. The committee plans to vote on amendments and the bill at a future meeting (likely the following week). Several amendments require further refinement based on sponsor feedback and operational feasibility.
• Adjournment: Meeting adjourned at 12:07 p.m.