Erica Barnett

Sep 27, 2024 | publicola.com | Erica Barnett

By Erica C. BarnettI filled in as a guest host on this week’s “News, Views, and Brews” podcast hosted by Brian Callanan, and I highly recommend it if you’re looking for a high-level look at Mayor Bruce Harrell’s proposed budget for the next couple of years. The budget proposal represents a wholesale change in how the JumpStart employer payroll tax—which taxes large tech and other businesses to pay for affordable housing and programs to boost equity in Seattle—is used by the city.

Sep 26, 2024 | publicola.com | Erica Barnett

By Erica C. BarnettUS District Court Judge Richard A. Jones dismissed a lawsuit by the King County Sheriff’s Office against the city of Burien over the city’s recently adopted ban on sleeping in public spaces, finding that the county, along with Sheriff Patti Cole-Tindall herself, lacked standing to bring the case to federal court.

Sep 25, 2024 | publicola.com | Erica Barnett

By Erica C. BarnettMayor Bruce Harrell announced a 2025-2026 budget proposal on Tuesday that avoids major cuts (and adds funding for Harrell’s priorities, like police and homeless encampment removals) by repurposing a majority of the JumpStart payroll expense tax to fill what would have otherwise been at least a $260 million budget deficit. The budget will cut 159 positions, including 76 that are currently filled.

Sep 23, 2024 | publicola.com | Erica Barnett

By Erica C. BarnettThis week’s “Seattle Nice” offers a preview of the upcoming campaigns for and against the initiative to fund social housing, I-137, which will go on the February ballot next to a competing measure from the city council that would provide a much smaller amount of funding for traditional affordable housing.

Sep 23, 2024 | publicola.com | Erica Barnett

Mayors often take on staff from other departments, but Harrell has taken the practice to a new level, with 27 staff on “loan.”By Erica C. BarnettOn Tuesday, Mayor Bruce Harrell will release a 2025-2026 budget proposal that will likely include significant cuts to close a budget deficit of more than $250 million. As preparation, Harrell asked most departments (except the Seattle Police Department and other public safety departments) to come up with potential cuts of 8 percent.