Seattle City Council Meeting - August 11, 2026

The Seattle City Council met on August 11, 2026, at 2:06 PM in Council Chamber, City Hall. The meeting included two proclamations, extensive public comment (over 100 speakers), adoption of the consent calendar, and debate on several bills, including a major rental junk fee ban and the mid-year supplemental budget. Key actions included passing the junk fee ban with amendments, approving the mid-year budget with amendments for neighborhood outreach and CCTV, and affirming support for trans refugee funding.

Consent Calendar

• Adopted unanimously. Items included: approval of minutes from August 4, 2026; payment of claims (CB 121271); two ordinances from Parks and City Light Committee (updating Voluntary Green Power Programs, CB 121261; and authorizing the Boundary Hydroelectric Project Relicensing Settlement Agreement, CB 121269); a resolution authorizing Parks and Recreation to act as authorized representative for state grants (Res 322135); and five reappointments to the Indigenous Advisory Council and seven appointments to the Central Waterfront Oversight Committee and Seattle Center Advisory Commission.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Over 100 speakers registered (75 in-person, 30 remote). Public comment was limited to one minute per speaker due to the large number.
• Rental Junk Fee Ban (CB 121254): Numerous tenants, advocates from Stay House Stay Healthy Coalition, Seattle Humane, and community organizations expressed strong support for the ban on hidden fees, pet rent, and other charges. Many urged the council to reject amendments C and D, which they argued would weaken protections. Speakers shared personal experiences of paying pet rent, technology fees, and other surprise costs.
• Trans Refugee Funding: Many trans individuals and allies testified in support of the $300,000 amendment (to CB 121253) for services for displaced trans people. They described fleeing hostile states and the urgent need for housing, food, and medical care. A few speakers opposed the funding, arguing it was unnecessary or that it diverted money from other priorities.
• Neighborhood Safety and Outreach: Residents of North Beacon Hill, North Rainier, and Little Saigon urged support for Councilmember Lynn's amendment (Amendment A to CB 121253) to fund two neighborhood outreach positions and provide $500,000 for crisis response. They cited ongoing crime, drug use, and safety concerns.
• Other Items: A speaker from the King County Republican Party criticized the trans funding and called for a focus on law enforcement. A representative from Woodland Park Zoo supported coyote coexistence funding. A street performer raised First Amendment concerns about Seattle Center operations.

Discussion Items

• CB 121254 - Rental Junk Fee Ban (Sponsored by Councilmember Foster): The bill prohibits fees for paying rent via check or ACH, mail/package fees, in-unit appliance fees (with exceptions), pet rent, and requires disclosure of all fees in advertisements and leases. It also allows opt-in fees. The committee had recommended passage as amended.

  • Amendment A (Lynn): Strengthened enforcement by allowing tenants to demand refunds plus double damages, with a 30-day cure period for landlords. Amendment adopted 8-0-1 (Rivera disqualified).
  • Amendment B (Kettle): Sought to replace the term "junk fees" with "rental fees" in the ordinance. Failed 3-5-1.
  • Amendment C (Kettle): Originally would have allowed pet rent up to $25/month plus inflation. A successful oral amendment (by Kettle) changed the fee to apply only to dogs (removing "a cat or"), but the underlying amendment then failed 1-7-1.
  • Amendment D (Kettle): Would have encouraged tenants to obtain renters insurance, but not required it. Failed 1-7-1.
  • Amendment E (Foster): Clarified that the SDCI director can seek voluntary compliance for full reimbursement to all tenants when a violation is found, limited to two times in three years. Adopted 8-0-1.
  • Final Vote: Councilmember Rivera recused herself due to owning rental property. The bill as amended passed 8-0-1.

• CB 121252 - Acceptance of Funding from Non-City Sources (Mid-Year Grant Acceptance): Authorized the Mayor to accept grants, private funding, and loans for various departments. Passed unanimously (9-0).

• CB 121253 - 2026 Mid-Year Supplemental Budget (Sponsored by Councilmember Strauss): Adjusted appropriations, created/modified positions, lifted provisos, and added funding for multiple priorities including universal school meals, trans refugee support ($300,000), and outreach workers.

  • Amendment A (Lynn): Added $500,000 from general fund to HSD for two neighborhood outreach positions in North Beacon Hill and North Rainier. Adopted 8-1 (Rivera opposed on procedural grounds).
  • Amendment B (Kettle, Version 2): Added funding for CCTV and safety technology programs, with a prohibition on expansion in Capitol Hill due to the city's contract with NYU to evaluate the program. Adopted 5-4 (Foster, Lynn, Rink, Rivera opposed).
  • Final Vote: Bill as amended passed unanimously (9-0).

• CF 314550 - Alley Vacation Modification for Swedish Health Services: Request to delay construction of a building on First Hill. The committee recommended approval with conditions requiring delivery of public benefits (street improvements, park funding, streetscape improvements). Passed unanimously (9-0).

Key Outcomes

• CB 121254 (Rental Junk Fee Ban) passed as amended (8-0-1). The ban prohibits pet rent, payment processing fees, and hidden fees, and mandates upfront disclosure.
• CB 121252 (Grant Acceptance) passed (9-0).
• CB 121253 (Mid-Year Supplemental Budget) passed as amended (9-0). The budget includes $300,000 for trans refugee support, $500,000 for neighborhood outreach in District 2, funding for CCTV technology, and other adjustments.
• CF 314550 (Swedish Hospital alley vacation) granted as conditioned (9-0).
• The next council meeting is scheduled for August 18, 2026, followed by a recess until September 8, 2026.