Seattle City Council Proceeds with Nomination Process for District 5 Vacancy

The Seattle City Council held a special meeting on July 17, 2025, to address the appointment of a new council member for District 5. The meeting began with public comments supporting various candidates for the vacant position, highlighting the importance of diversity and representation in the council.

Ooni Sumner opened the public comment period, advocating for Dr. Julie Kong's appointment. Sumner shared her personal background as a daughter of Korean immigrants and emphasized the significance of representation in Seattle's leadership. She noted that while the Asian American community makes up approximately 17% of the city's population, there remains a gap in council representation.

Following Sumner, Shannon Grimes expressed her support for Nilu Jenks, praising her dedication to democracy reforms and her ability to connect with diverse community members. Grimes highlighted Jenks' commitment to various issues, including elections, climate change, and housing.

Another speaker, Sean, voiced his support for Deborah Juarez, suggesting that her previous contributions during challenging times warrant her return to the council.

After the public comment period concluded, the council moved to adopt the agenda and proceed with the selection process for the District 5 vacancy. Council President Nelson outlined the voting procedure, which involved council members nominating candidates in order of a roll call. The procedure was unanimously adopted.

The council then began the nomination process, starting with Council Member Kettle, who confirmed that members could make general comments before nominating a candidate. The meeting progressed with council members discussing their preferences and the qualifications of the candidates.

Overall, the meeting underscored the council's commitment to ensuring that the new member reflects the diversity of Seattle and addresses the needs of the community. The selection process is set to continue in subsequent meetings, with the council aiming to finalize the appointment soon.