Council committee reappoints and names members to Sweetened Beverage Tax advisory board; members flag declining revenue

The Finance, Native Communities and Tribal Governments Committee on June 18 approved eight appointments and reappointments to the Sweetened Beverage Tax (SBT) Community Advisory Board and heard board candidates describe how SBT-funded programs support food access, early learning and senior services across Seattle.

The advisory board appointments passed on a 5-0 roll call vote after candidates introduced themselves and summarized their program work and experience. Chair Dan Strauss moved the block of appointments; the motion was seconded and the clerk recorded ayes from Councilmembers Kettle, Sacca, Rivera, Council President Nelson and Chair Strauss.

The advisory board advises the mayor and city council on how SBT funds—currently described in the presentation as raising about $21,000,000 per year—should be directed to programs that increase access to healthy food, alleviate hunger and support child health and early learning. Bridget Igoe, food policy advisor at the Office of Sustainability and Environment, told the committee the ordinance…