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Seattle Council Adopts 2026 State Legislative Agenda with Amendments on Housing, Food and Accountability
Summary
The council adopted a narrowed 2026 state legislative agenda and approved 11 amendments covering progressive revenue ideas, social housing support, universal school meals, food‑bank assistance, police accountability changes and a new Native communities section. Several amendments passed with abstentions noted during roll calls.
Seattle’s City Council on Dec. 9 adopted its 2026 state legislative agenda (resolution 32187) after voting on a package of 11 amendments that reprioritized the city’s Olympia lobbying list.
Members approved amendments addressing housing affordability and social housing authority, options for local revenue, universal free school meals and increased support for food banks, police accountability and arbitration reform, and a new section recognizing Native communities and tribal governments. The resolution passed as amended by recorded roll calls after debate; sponsors emphasized the need to narrow priorities so Office of Intergovernmental Relations staff can focus during the 60‑day state session.
Council member Lynn moved an amendment (E) to add healthy food access, food‑bank support and universal school meals. Lynn and others described universal meals as a proven policy that can destigmatize access and improve student outcomes. Council member Saka moved and later withdrew a related amendment before the body accepted Lynn’s approach.
The council also adopted amendments that asked the state to consider changes to arbitration and police accountability procedures and to explore revenue options that could support housing and traffic safety. Council member Juarez brought forward amendment K to create a Native Communities and Tribal Government section for the first time in the city’s legislative agenda; colleagues said they welcomed the inclusion.
Each amendment was taken by roll call; several councilmembers abstained on particular amendments to preserve flexibility, and a small number of votes were recorded as opposed. The final resolution passed with a unanimous recorded affirmation at the end of that sequence.
Councilmembers and staff said the agenda is only the first step — what matters is the work in Olympia during session, where the city will advocate, provide testimony and track legislation. The council set next steps for the Office of Intergovernmental Relations to brief members during session and to coordinate with state legislators on the prioritized items.
The council adjourned after brief personal remarks and scheduling the next meeting for Dec. 16 at 1 p.m.
