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Seattle Council approves recycling contract with Waste Management and charter changes for Social Housing Developer
Summary
The council unanimously adopted Council Bill 121227 authorizing a recycling services contract with Waste Management (estimated $6.4 million in 2027) and unanimously passed Resolution 32209 approving charter changes to the Seattle Social Housing Developer to permit broader rent‑setting and use of property as collateral.
At its June 16 meeting the Seattle City Council approved two items from the consent and referral calendars by roll call: a recycling services contract for Seattle Public Utilities and charter updates for the Seattle Social Housing Developer.
Council Bill 121227 authorizes Seattle Public Utilities to enter a recycling contracting services agreement with Waste Management of Washington Corporation. The committee chair reported that Waste Management scored higher on the RFP’s technical and price evaluations. The city estimate for contract costs is approximately $6.4 million in 2027. The council recorded a unanimous vote in favor; the chair signed the bill.
Resolution 32209 adopts recommended changes to the social housing developer’s charter. Councilmember Foster, reporting as committee chair, said the changes were intended to help the developer deliver permanently affordable housing by allowing rental rates to be based on more than operating costs, facilitating condominium structures for certain properties and allowing the use of property to secure debt if needed. Foster acknowledged interim leadership and community partners involved in shaping the charter updates. The resolution passed unanimously by roll call.
Public comment preceding the votes included concerns that some charter amendments could allow private capital or financing approaches that might weaken permanent affordability; a public speaker cited the first project’s high application volume and cautioned about exemptions in amendment language.
Votes at a glance: - Council Bill 121227 (recycling contract with Waste Management of Washington Corporation) — Passed, vote: 7‑0 (Foster, Juarez, Kettle, Rinck, Saka, Strauss, Hollingsworth recorded yes). - Resolution 32209 (Seattle Social Housing Developer charter changes) — Passed, vote: 7‑0.
What’s next: The recycling contract proceeds through implementation by Seattle Public Utilities. The charter changes give the Social Housing Developer additional financing and structuring tools; opponents in public comment urged continued oversight and clarification of draft amendment language.
