Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Land Disposition topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council approves sale of Seattle Public Utilities parcel in SeaTac
Summary
The council unanimously passed Council Bill 121166 to declare a Seattle Public Utilities parcel in SeaTac surplus and authorize sale to King County Water District 125; councilmembers debated tribal consultation practices for land disposition.
Seattle City Council on March 17 voted to approve Council Bill 121166, authorizing the sale of a Seattle Public Utilities parcel identified by King County parcel number 1623049405 (South 138th Street area in SeaTac) and permitting the general manager and CEO of Seattle Public Utilities to execute sale documents.
Councilmember Juarez, reporting for the Governance and Utilities Committee, said the property was excess to city needs, will continue to be used for utility purposes by King County Water District 125, and that the committee passed the recommendation unanimously in committee.
Councilmember Strauss raised concerns that transfers of land should involve government-to-government consultation with federally recognized tribes rather than simple dispossession, asking the council to begin such consultation in future land dispositions. Strauss said, “as we continue to dispossess of land, we need to begin by engaging in a government to government consultation with our federally recognized tribes.” Councilmember Juarez acknowledged the point, discussed land-back context and the importance of meaningful consultation, and both members asked colleagues to listen and act on those considerations going forward.
The bill passed on roll call, 8–0, and the chair will sign the legislation.
Why it matters: The sale involves city utility property that will remain in utility use but raises larger policy questions about the city’s approach to land disposition and tribal consultation. Councilmembers requested discussion and possible policy review of consultation practices where land is transferred.
Next steps: The chair will sign the bill. Councilmembers suggested future policy work on government-to-government consultation and land-back practices when disposing of city property.
