Council authorizes Seattle Public Utilities to join regional Chinook salmon recovery interlocal agreements for 2026–2035

The Seattle City Council voted unanimously on July 1 to authorize the general manager and CEO of Seattle Public Utilities to enter two interlocal agreements implementing Chinook salmon conservation plans for several regional watersheds covering 2026–2035.

Council Member Sara Hollingsworth, chair of the Parks, Public Utilities and Technology Committee, summarized the committee recommendation and emphasized the city’s role in regional salmon recovery work for Lake Washington, the Cedar River, the Sammamish watershed and the Green/Duwamish/Central Puget Sound watersheds. She thanked Council Members Teresa Saka and Alex Rivera for representing the city on watershed and salmon recovery efforts.

Council Member Rivera said the interlocal agreements are collaborative efforts that include tribal partners, and he expressed strong support: ‘‘Salmon recovery is really important to our city and our region,’’ he said.

The clerk called the roll and the bill passed 9–0. The legislation authorizes SPU to sign the agreements and continue Seattle’s participation in regional recovery planning between 2026 and 2035.

Decision vs. discussion: the council’s action was an authorization (contract action) for SPU to enter the regional agreements; no funding figures or detailed project plans were discussed on the council floor at this meeting. Council members framed the authorization as a stewardship action for future generations and emphasized the long-term nature of salmon recovery work.

Next steps: SPU will finalize interlocal agreements and continue coordination with regional partners and tribes as outlined in the agreements.