Committee recommends passage of ethics, SODO BIA, and employment ordinances; confirms three reappointments
At a glance
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On December 11, 2025 the Governance, Accountability, and Economic Development Committee met in Council Chamber and recommended City Council pass ordinances on the Ethics Code for political consultants (as amended), SODO Parking and Business Improvement Area assessment changes (as amended), civil service exemptions/returns, and a Deferred Compensation Analyst classification; the committee also recommended confirmation of three reappointments to advisory bodies. Meeting started at 2:03 p.m. and adjourned at 4:18 p.m.
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Key decisions
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- CB 121130 — Ethics Code: Committee recommends City Council pass as amended (In Favor: Nelson, Kettle, Rivera; Opposed: Hollingsworth; Abstain: Lin). Establishes reporting/disclosure for political consultants, prohibits concurrent city consulting, and adds a cooling-off period (new SMC 4.16.072; amends SMC 4.16.030).
- CB 121073 — SODO Parking and Business Improvement Area: Committee recommends City Council pass as amended (In Favor: Nelson, Kettle, Hollingsworth, Lin, Rivera; Opposed: None). Changes assessment rate and exemptions; amends prior ordinance 125678 (as amended by 126191).
- CB 121141 — City employment (civil service): Committee recommends City Council pass the bill (In Favor: Nelson, Kettle, Hollingsworth, Lin, Rivera; Opposed: None). Exempts positions from and returns positions to the civil service system; amends SMC 4.13.010 (requires 2/3 Council vote).
- CB 121142 — Deferred Compensation Analyst classification: Committee recommends City Council pass the bill (In Favor: Nelson, Kettle, Hollingsworth, Lin, Rivera; Opposed: None). Establishes classification series and pay rates in Seattle City Employees’ Retirement System.
- Appt 03107 — Reappointment of Thomas J. Kelly to Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (term to 12/31/2027): Committee recommends confirmation (In Favor: Nelson, Kettle, Hollingsworth, Lin, Rivera; Opposed: None).
- Appt 03108 — Reappointment of Lisa Reager to Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (term to 12/31/2027): Committee recommends confirmation (In Favor: Nelson, Kettle, Hollingsworth, Lin, Rivera; Opposed: None).
- Appt 03437 — Reappointment of Jonathan Schirmer to Seattle Ethics and Elections Commission (term to 12/31/2028): Committee recommends confirmation (In Favor: Nelson, Kettle, Hollingsworth, Lin, Rivera; Opposed: None).
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