Seattle Land Use and Sustainability Committee Meeting – May 20, 2026

The Land Use and Sustainability Committee of the Seattle City Council met on May 20, 2026, to hold a public hearing on the Housing Opportunities Legislation (CB 121196), discuss a proposed moratorium on large data centers (CB 121214), and begin deliberations on legislation to change SEPA appeal processes (CB 121215). The meeting included extensive public testimony and concluded with a committee vote to recommend passage of the housing bill.

Public Comments & Testimony

• General Public Comment (39 speakers: 18 in-person, 21 remote): Speakers addressed items on the agenda, particularly the data center moratorium and CB 121215. Many spoke in support of the data center moratorium, citing concerns about energy and water consumption, environmental justice, lack of job creation, and the speculative nature of AI investments (e.g., speakers Emily Johnson, Jake Douglas of Unite Here Local 8, Ben Jones of U50 Seattle, Neil Patel of Georgetown Business Association). Several speakers urged rejection of CB 121215, arguing it would eliminate a critical avenue for residents to challenge environmental impact statements (e.g., speakers Rachel, Dave Gloger, Sandy Shatler, Irene Wall). A few speakers supported the housing opportunities legislation (e.g., Andrea Breakout, who owns property in the Fremont rezone area). One speaker requested reopening the Russian embassy. Councilmember Lin noted that a related resolution on data center rates would be heard in another committee later that day.
• Public Hearing on CB 121196 (23 speakers): The majority of speakers supported the Housing Opportunities Legislation, including representatives from For Seattle, residents of affected neighborhoods, and advocates for affordable housing. They argued the upzones and removal of code barriers are necessary to address the housing crisis and meet state mandates. Several speakers (e.g., Ian Morrison, Marta, Bob Aylward) said the bill would enable thousands of new homes, reduce displacement, and support sustainable building methods. A minority of speakers opposed the bill, raising concerns about insufficient community engagement, lack of a racial equity analysis, and the possibility that upzones would primarily produce market-rate housing that does not serve low-income residents (e.g., David Gloger, Susan, Bonnie Williams). Some called for delaying the bill until a more thorough process is completed.

Discussion Items

• CB 121196 – Housing Opportunities Legislation: Committee members discussed the bill after the public hearing. Councilmember Rinck expressed frustration that she could not bring forward amendments to expand the definition of affordable housing and add green building incentives due to SEPA constraints, but stated her support. Council President Hollingsworth noted concerns about outreach in the Madison/Miller area and said she would abstain on the committee vote while she verified that affected community institutions (YMCA, church) were aware of the changes. Vice Chair Strauss said he would vote yes but reserve comments for full council. Chair Lin emphasized the need to make decisions despite imperfect engagement. The committee then voted 4–0–1 (Lin, Strauss, Foster, Rinck in favor; Hollingsworth abstained) to recommend passage to the full council, where it is scheduled for the June 2, 2026 meeting.
• CB 121214 – Data Center Moratorium: This item was briefed and discussed but no vote was taken. Council Central Staff Eric McConaghy explained that the moratorium would define a “mega data center” (initially based on a 20 MVA threshold used in state legislation) and pause approvals for one year while the city studies impacts. Councilmembers Foster and Rinck asked about scoping and terminology; Chair Lin noted the need for a workable definition for the moratorium and permanent regulations later. Council President Hollingsworth praised the coordinated approach with a resolution on data center impacts being heard in the Parks and City Light Committee. The item will return to the Land Use Committee for a future vote.
• CB 121215 – CEPA Process Reform: Council Central Staff Lish Whitson presented the bill, which would remove the hearing examiner appeal process for SEPA determinations related to comprehensive plan amendments and development regulations (type 5 actions), and remove the automatic requirement for a director’s report on council-sponsored land use actions. Councilmember Rinck asked about state requirements versus city expansions; Whitson noted that many large jurisdictions (King County, Bellevue, Everett, Tacoma) already have no such hearing examiner appeal. Councilmember Foster sought clarification on the scope of type 5 actions. Vice Chair Strauss requested a formal presentation and raised the issue of incorporating tribal notification alongside the SEPA changes. Chair Lin stressed that the bill does not alter substantive environmental standards or the obligation to analyze impacts. No vote was taken; the schedule includes further briefings on June 3 and June 17, a public hearing on July 1, and a possible vote after that.

Key Outcomes

• Committee recommended passage of CB 121196 (Housing Opportunities Legislation) by a vote of 4 in favor (Lin, Strauss, Foster, Rinck) to 0 opposed, with 1 abstention (Hollingsworth). The bill will be on the June 2, 2026 City Council agenda.
• CB 121214 (Data Center Moratorium) was discussed; no vote was taken. The committee plans to take it up again at a future meeting.
• CB 121215 (CEPA Process Reform) was briefed; no vote was taken. Upcoming meetings are scheduled for June 3, June 17, and a public hearing on July 1, with a possible vote thereafter.