Council approves City Light interlocal agreement with Kalispel Tribe to fund training center

The Seattle City Council passed Council Bill 121,025 on July 22, authorizing Seattle City Light to enter a five-year interlocal agreement (ILA) with the Kalispel Tribe of Indians to continue workforce and community investments related to the federally licensed Boundary Hydroelectric Project.

Councilmember Dan Rink, chair of the Sustainability, City Light, Arts and Culture Committee, presented the committee report and recommended passage. Rink said the ordinance renews previously approved council ordinances from 2016 and 2021 (ordinance numbers read into the record) and continues the city’s long-term relationship with the Kalispel Tribe under Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) arrangements for Boundary.

According to Rink’s committee report, under the ILA City Light will support the Kalispel Career Training Center with a $500,000 investment in 2026, with annual inflationary increases of 3.1% per year through 2030. Rink told the council the expenditure is already included in City Light’s budget and that central staff raised no concerns.

The bill was considered on the consent calendar and passed by roll call. The clerk recorded the vote as eight in favor and none opposed. The chair signed the ordinance and directed City Light to execute the agreement and follow the ILA’s reporting provisions.

The Council directed City Light to complete execution of the ILA and to follow reporting and implementation steps contained in the agreement. No additional amendments or conditions were made on the council floor during the July 22 session.