1 00:00:10,076 --> 00:00:10,677 -It's wonderful 2 00:00:10,677 --> 00:00:13,713 to see such a large crowd on a Monday 3 00:00:13,713 --> 00:00:16,716 afternoon on a work day right after Easter weekend. 4 00:00:16,950 --> 00:00:19,419 So shout out to everyone here for showing up. 5 00:00:19,419 --> 00:00:20,820 For more housing, for connected 6 00:00:20,820 --> 00:00:22,389 communities, for climate action, 7 00:00:22,389 --> 00:00:24,157 give yourselves a round of applause. 8 00:00:24,157 --> 00:00:27,627 (cheering and applause) 9 00:00:27,627 --> 00:00:28,361 All right. 10 00:00:28,361 --> 00:00:29,529 My name is Jeff Paul. 11 00:00:29,529 --> 00:00:31,898 I'm the co-executive director of How Is Our Neighbors? 12 00:00:31,898 --> 00:00:34,667 We advocate for social housing in Seattle and beyond. 13 00:00:34,667 --> 00:00:35,735 We are proud. 14 00:00:35,735 --> 00:00:36,669 Coalition member 15 00:00:36,669 --> 00:00:39,672 of the Complete Communities Coalition who is here today 16 00:00:39,739 --> 00:00:41,207 and you all in this rally 17 00:00:41,207 --> 00:00:44,077 to talk about what we need in this comprehensive plan. 18 00:00:44,077 --> 00:00:46,146 I'm very excited to be with you all today 19 00:00:46,146 --> 00:00:47,814 and very excited for the amazing speakers 20 00:00:47,814 --> 00:00:50,817 that we have to show support for a bold vision 21 00:00:50,850 --> 00:00:52,685 for this stage of the comprehensive plan. 22 00:00:52,685 --> 00:00:53,920 Quick, raise your hands. 23 00:00:53,920 --> 00:00:56,156 Who here is familiar with the Centers and Corridors 24 00:00:56,156 --> 00:00:58,024 Legislation of Comprehensive Plan? 25 00:00:59,292 --> 00:00:59,626 Okay. 26 00:00:59,626 --> 00:01:02,195 Our people are here. Our people are here. 27 00:01:02,195 --> 00:01:02,662 All right. 28 00:01:02,662 --> 00:01:03,797 I'm glad to see that 29 00:01:03,797 --> 00:01:05,865 we all know what we're here to talk about. 30 00:01:05,865 --> 00:01:07,600 Just a quick little bit of information. 31 00:01:07,600 --> 00:01:08,735 We've got a table over here. 32 00:01:08,735 --> 00:01:10,036 It's going to have information about 33 00:01:10,036 --> 00:01:11,704 what we're advocating for in the plan. 34 00:01:11,704 --> 00:01:14,707 The amendments that this is proposing is pushing forward. 35 00:01:14,874 --> 00:01:16,142 You're going to hear about a bunch of stuff 36 00:01:16,142 --> 00:01:18,211 that we need today from our amazing speakers. 37 00:01:18,211 --> 00:01:19,112 But feel free to grab 38 00:01:19,112 --> 00:01:21,281 some talking points, grab those fliers, 39 00:01:21,281 --> 00:01:22,849 sign up for our volunteer list. 40 00:01:22,849 --> 00:01:23,917 This is just the beginning, 41 00:01:23,917 --> 00:01:25,618 really, of advocacy for this phase. 42 00:01:25,618 --> 00:01:27,087 This is the first public hearing. 43 00:01:27,087 --> 00:01:28,088 There's another one in June, 44 00:01:28,088 --> 00:01:29,889 and there's a whole bunch of work to be done between now 45 00:01:29,889 --> 00:01:32,892 and then to get the word out about a need for a bold, 46 00:01:33,126 --> 00:01:33,960 comprehensive plan. 47 00:01:33,960 --> 00:01:34,828 So we hope that 48 00:01:34,828 --> 00:01:37,831 you'll just think of this as the first step in a push 49 00:01:37,831 --> 00:01:41,101 for what Seattle really needs to plan for growth in a way 50 00:01:41,101 --> 00:01:43,236 that's going to bring about housing affordability, 51 00:01:43,236 --> 00:01:44,437 more connected communities 52 00:01:44,437 --> 00:01:46,840 in the kinds of neighborhoods that we want to see. 53 00:01:46,840 --> 00:01:47,941 All right. So with that, 54 00:01:48,942 --> 00:01:51,111 I'm going to hand it off to our first speaker, 55 00:01:51,111 --> 00:01:53,980 our YIMBY-in-Chief, Mayor Katie Wilson. 56 00:01:53,980 --> 00:02:00,854 (cheering and applause) 57 00:02:01,688 --> 00:02:02,155 Okay. 58 00:02:02,155 --> 00:02:04,324 Thank you, Jeff. 59 00:02:04,324 --> 00:02:06,292 How are you all doing this afternoon? 60 00:02:06,292 --> 00:02:07,327 (cheering and applause) 61 00:02:08,094 --> 00:02:10,964 Ready to build more housing? 62 00:02:10,964 --> 00:02:12,398 Okay. 63 00:02:12,398 --> 00:02:13,500 Well, thank you so much 64 00:02:13,500 --> 00:02:15,201 to the Complete Communities Coalition 65 00:02:15,201 --> 00:02:16,936 for bringing everyone together today 66 00:02:16,936 --> 00:02:17,637 to rally 67 00:02:17,637 --> 00:02:21,074 around these deeply important, if somewhat esoteric, topic 68 00:02:21,407 --> 00:02:21,941 of the day. 69 00:02:21,941 --> 00:02:24,244 Seattle's municipal zoning codes. Yes. 70 00:02:24,244 --> 00:02:26,012 (cheering and applause) 71 00:02:27,714 --> 00:02:30,283 So thank you to Jeff, Cecelia, Colleen, 72 00:02:30,283 --> 00:02:32,051 all our speakers, and thank you to Councilmember 73 00:02:32,051 --> 00:02:33,920 Rinck, great partner and champion 74 00:02:33,920 --> 00:02:36,122 in the push to build cities where every person, 75 00:02:36,122 --> 00:02:38,224 every family can make a thriving home. 76 00:02:38,224 --> 00:02:40,527 (applause) 77 00:02:40,827 --> 00:02:41,361 And a few. 78 00:02:41,361 --> 00:02:42,362 Thank you, Sierra. 79 00:02:42,362 --> 00:02:44,697 I also want to thank Council President Hollingsworth 80 00:02:44,697 --> 00:02:46,633 for her work to get the comprehensive plan 81 00:02:46,633 --> 00:02:48,835 update across the finish line. 82 00:02:48,835 --> 00:02:51,771 And to Councilmember Lin for assuming the role 83 00:02:51,771 --> 00:02:54,774 of Chair of the Comprehensive Planning Committee 84 00:02:55,175 --> 00:02:57,510 and for rolling up his sleeves on the work ahead. 85 00:02:58,578 --> 00:03:00,213 I am very eager to get to 86 00:03:00,213 --> 00:03:03,983 work to use our upcoming work to lay the groundwork. 87 00:03:03,983 --> 00:03:05,618 That's a lot of work for an affordable, 88 00:03:05,618 --> 00:03:08,621 welcoming Seattle now and long into the future. 89 00:03:09,189 --> 00:03:10,990 Our comprehensive plan establishes 90 00:03:10,990 --> 00:03:14,160 a once in a decade vision for more housing choices 91 00:03:14,160 --> 00:03:16,930 in more places across the city of Seattle. 92 00:03:16,930 --> 00:03:19,499 Taking big steps to implement that plan through zoning 93 00:03:19,499 --> 00:03:21,000 is the work that we need to do, 94 00:03:21,000 --> 00:03:23,970 and centers and corridors is an important first step. 95 00:03:24,103 --> 00:03:26,406 However, we need to do more sooner 96 00:03:26,406 --> 00:03:29,742 to fully meet the scale and urgency of our housing crisis. 97 00:03:30,810 --> 00:03:33,580 Last week you heard me announce my administration's 98 00:03:33,580 --> 00:03:36,349 taller, denser, faster housing growth plan. 99 00:03:36,349 --> 00:03:39,152 (cheering and applause) 100 00:03:39,152 --> 00:03:41,688 I guess that's the official name now. 101 00:03:41,688 --> 00:03:44,557 What that means is that we are going to start 102 00:03:44,557 --> 00:03:45,658 with a more inviting, 103 00:03:45,658 --> 00:03:48,661 optimistic assumption of our growth capacity. 104 00:03:48,661 --> 00:03:52,398 See, yes, Seattle is a great place 105 00:03:52,398 --> 00:03:55,401 to live and people are moving here in droves. 106 00:03:55,868 --> 00:03:57,837 That adds to the pressures of scarcity, 107 00:03:57,837 --> 00:03:59,806 and we are planning for a bright future. 108 00:03:59,806 --> 00:04:00,907 That increased housing 109 00:04:00,907 --> 00:04:02,475 capacity is the foundation 110 00:04:02,475 --> 00:04:05,044 to meet the scale of our housing crisis. 111 00:04:05,044 --> 00:04:06,045 We are going to plan 112 00:04:06,045 --> 00:04:09,282 to allow more housing in every neighborhood. Yes, 113 00:04:09,282 --> 00:04:11,651 (cheering and applause) 114 00:04:11,651 --> 00:04:13,486 creating an equitable distribution 115 00:04:13,486 --> 00:04:15,054 and meaningful housing choices. 116 00:04:15,054 --> 00:04:16,856 Every neighborhood should be an open, 117 00:04:16,856 --> 00:04:19,926 welcoming place for people and families to live. 118 00:04:21,094 --> 00:04:25,231 We I believe that every resident 119 00:04:25,231 --> 00:04:27,500 deserves the opportunity to live on peaceful, 120 00:04:27,500 --> 00:04:29,469 beautiful streets in places they love. 121 00:04:29,469 --> 00:04:30,069 Right now, 122 00:04:30,069 --> 00:04:33,840 we focus the densest housing on the busiest arterial roads 123 00:04:34,707 --> 00:04:37,310 that has the effect of putting housing on the main roads 124 00:04:37,310 --> 00:04:40,213 that can have air noise and safety impacts for residents. 125 00:04:40,213 --> 00:04:42,448 We intend to add more housing options 126 00:04:42,448 --> 00:04:43,950 in healthy, walkable neighborhoods 127 00:04:43,950 --> 00:04:46,819 with access to transit parks and open space, 128 00:04:46,819 --> 00:04:49,822 not just along the busy corridors. 129 00:04:52,358 --> 00:04:55,161 Now, here in Seattle, we love our public transit, 130 00:04:55,161 --> 00:04:55,895 and that means that 131 00:04:55,895 --> 00:04:58,898 we are also excited about transit oriented development, 132 00:04:59,432 --> 00:05:02,802 which is which is why my plan is going to lead the way 133 00:05:02,802 --> 00:05:05,905 on HB 1491 compliance. 134 00:05:06,172 --> 00:05:08,041 Who knows what that means? 135 00:05:08,041 --> 00:05:09,542 Okay. That's right. 136 00:05:09,542 --> 00:05:10,910 So we're not just going to meet 137 00:05:10,910 --> 00:05:13,079 the deadline of this new state legislation. 138 00:05:13,079 --> 00:05:14,213 We're going to be ambitious. 139 00:05:14,213 --> 00:05:15,481 We're going to beat that deadline. 140 00:05:16,649 --> 00:05:17,850 We are also going to 141 00:05:17,850 --> 00:05:20,853 we can plan for that. Yes. 142 00:05:21,688 --> 00:05:24,691 We're not dragging our feet here. 143 00:05:24,991 --> 00:05:27,794 We are also going to allow for more opportunities in 144 00:05:27,794 --> 00:05:30,830 and around our growth centers, including new and expanded 145 00:05:30,830 --> 00:05:33,199 neighborhood centers that will help us to meet 146 00:05:33,199 --> 00:05:35,301 the demands of the people who live here now 147 00:05:35,301 --> 00:05:37,236 and our growing, thriving city. 148 00:05:37,236 --> 00:05:38,671 This is urgent. 149 00:05:38,671 --> 00:05:41,541 Seattle's housing crisis cannot wait. 150 00:05:41,541 --> 00:05:44,811 There is no reason to delay providing homes 151 00:05:44,977 --> 00:05:46,879 while also protecting our environment, 152 00:05:46,879 --> 00:05:48,514 supporting small businesses. 153 00:05:48,514 --> 00:05:51,184 So we are acting with that urgency in mind. 154 00:05:51,184 --> 00:05:52,985 What was planned to take two or three years 155 00:05:52,985 --> 00:05:54,520 and touch only part of the city 156 00:05:54,520 --> 00:05:56,055 will now be completed in one year, 157 00:05:56,055 --> 00:05:59,058 reaching more neighborhoods and 158 00:06:01,394 --> 00:06:04,297 this accelerated timeline means housing and development 159 00:06:04,297 --> 00:06:06,999 and density can happen sooner in more places. 160 00:06:06,999 --> 00:06:08,534 I believe that every resident 161 00:06:08,534 --> 00:06:10,670 deserves the opportunity to find the housing 162 00:06:10,670 --> 00:06:12,705 they need in neighborhoods across the city 163 00:06:12,705 --> 00:06:14,907 with easy access by walking, rolling 164 00:06:14,907 --> 00:06:17,477 or taking transit to jobs, shops, 165 00:06:17,477 --> 00:06:19,645 cultural amenities and open space, 166 00:06:19,645 --> 00:06:20,613 and to live on peaceful 167 00:06:20,613 --> 00:06:22,882 and beautiful streets in the places they love. 168 00:06:22,882 --> 00:06:24,684 We, alongside all of you, intend 169 00:06:24,684 --> 00:06:26,786 to deliver on that vision. Thank you. 170 00:06:26,786 --> 00:06:35,261 (cheering and applause) 171 00:06:37,263 --> 00:06:38,898 -All right. 172 00:06:38,898 --> 00:06:39,132 All right. 173 00:06:39,132 --> 00:06:41,267 We're going to take a quick, positive speakers 174 00:06:41,267 --> 00:06:42,301 to ask the mayor to come and take a 175 00:06:42,301 --> 00:06:43,503 quick picture with the crowd. 176 00:06:43,503 --> 00:06:47,206 So everyone kind of scooch in, get close, get in here, 177 00:06:48,441 --> 00:06:51,444 take out, take a quick picture. 178 00:07:06,826 --> 00:07:12,331 -All right. Get ready. Say “housing” on three! One, two, three... 179 00:07:12,331 --> 00:07:15,401 (crowd in unison) Housing! 180 00:07:18,938 --> 00:07:25,077 (cheering and applause) 181 00:07:29,282 --> 00:07:31,918 Thank you so much. You. 182 00:07:31,918 --> 00:07:33,753 -All right, give it up 183 00:07:33,753 --> 00:07:34,987 one more time for Mayor Wilson. 184 00:07:34,987 --> 00:07:37,990 That is an enormous announcement. 185 00:07:38,658 --> 00:07:40,059 Understanding the need 186 00:07:40,059 --> 00:07:43,062 to move quickly and boldly on the comprehensive plan 187 00:07:43,229 --> 00:07:44,430 is so refreshing to hear. 188 00:07:44,430 --> 00:07:46,132 So I'm happy to hear that we have a mayor 189 00:07:46,132 --> 00:07:48,134 who is taking this seriously. 190 00:07:48,134 --> 00:07:51,971 Up next, we are going to hear from Coleen Echo Hawk. 191 00:07:52,271 --> 00:07:56,442 She is the CEO of Community Roots, is a long time 192 00:07:56,442 --> 00:07:57,710 community advocate. 193 00:07:57,710 --> 00:07:58,945 Give it up for Coleen. 194 00:07:58,945 --> 00:08:01,714 (cheering and applause) 195 00:08:02,348 --> 00:08:03,749 -Good afternoon, Seattle. 196 00:08:03,749 --> 00:08:05,451 I'm so glad to be here. 197 00:08:05,451 --> 00:08:09,222 I am six months into being the CEO at Community Roots Housing. 198 00:08:09,489 --> 00:08:12,492 We provide over 2500 units around the city. 199 00:08:12,758 --> 00:08:15,595 I'm really out on Capitol Hill was where we have 200 00:08:15,595 --> 00:08:18,030 most of our buildings. And I was recently. 201 00:08:18,030 --> 00:08:19,298 I'm with our team. 202 00:08:19,298 --> 00:08:21,267 We're doing a food pantry. 203 00:08:21,267 --> 00:08:23,536 And this elder came through our line. 204 00:08:23,536 --> 00:08:24,537 She went to our line. 205 00:08:24,537 --> 00:08:25,738 She prepared some potatoes, 206 00:08:25,738 --> 00:08:28,741 she picked out some apples, some onions, some pasta, 207 00:08:28,941 --> 00:08:31,944 and then one of our team said, Would you like some chicken? 208 00:08:32,144 --> 00:08:34,247 And her eyes lit up 209 00:08:34,247 --> 00:08:35,448 and she 210 00:08:35,448 --> 00:08:37,149 we gave her the package of chicken 211 00:08:37,149 --> 00:08:38,084 and she clutched it 212 00:08:38,084 --> 00:08:41,087 to her chest and she said, I feel so rich 213 00:08:41,854 --> 00:08:43,756 over a package of chicken. 214 00:08:43,756 --> 00:08:45,791 And the reason I share that with you 215 00:08:45,791 --> 00:08:48,628 is that we know that Seattle is becoming more 216 00:08:48,628 --> 00:08:50,429 and more expensive for some of the most 217 00:08:50,429 --> 00:08:52,365 important people in our city. 218 00:08:52,365 --> 00:08:56,335 We are talking about senior citizens, teachers, 219 00:08:57,003 --> 00:08:58,704 people who have worked in our bars 220 00:08:58,704 --> 00:09:01,707 and our restaurants who are hungry for protein. 221 00:09:01,807 --> 00:09:03,009 They're not getting it. 222 00:09:03,009 --> 00:09:06,012 We have hunger in this in this city that is 223 00:09:06,312 --> 00:09:08,748 just absolutely unbelievable. 224 00:09:08,748 --> 00:09:10,449 And we have to take action now. 225 00:09:10,449 --> 00:09:11,317 That's why we're here. 226 00:09:11,317 --> 00:09:13,052 That's why so many of you have come out 227 00:09:13,052 --> 00:09:14,487 on this beautiful day. 228 00:09:14,487 --> 00:09:17,690 We know that housing is crucial and essential 229 00:09:17,823 --> 00:09:19,091 for people stability. 230 00:09:19,091 --> 00:09:20,793 We know we have to build faster 231 00:09:20,793 --> 00:09:23,729 with intent in protecting and preserving the heart 232 00:09:23,729 --> 00:09:24,697 and soul of Seattle. 233 00:09:24,697 --> 00:09:27,800 And the heart and soul of Seattle is our people. 234 00:09:28,067 --> 00:09:31,103 It's that it's that elder who I was speaking to. 235 00:09:31,837 --> 00:09:34,640 We are the heart and soul Seattle. 236 00:09:34,640 --> 00:09:37,643 And we deserve every single one of us to live 237 00:09:37,843 --> 00:09:39,679 and to be housed. 238 00:09:39,679 --> 00:09:42,114 We have to tell the truth about why we got here. 239 00:09:42,114 --> 00:09:43,849 We have to recognize the history 240 00:09:43,849 --> 00:09:45,451 that Seattle did not become 241 00:09:45,451 --> 00:09:49,021 segregated and affordable and exclusionary by accident. 242 00:09:49,322 --> 00:09:51,757 This city was shaped by policy. 243 00:09:51,757 --> 00:09:53,426 It was shaped by decisions 244 00:09:53,426 --> 00:09:56,195 about who belonged and who did not belong. 245 00:09:56,195 --> 00:09:59,665 In 1865, the city passed an ordinance 246 00:09:59,832 --> 00:10:04,203 that displaced native tribal people, Coast Salish people 247 00:10:04,503 --> 00:10:07,173 that was not just one act from the distant past. 248 00:10:07,173 --> 00:10:08,908 It set a pattern. 249 00:10:08,908 --> 00:10:12,311 It told a story about land, power and belonging. 250 00:10:12,511 --> 00:10:14,146 It said that Native people, 251 00:10:14,146 --> 00:10:17,450 the first people of this place, could be pushed aside 252 00:10:17,683 --> 00:10:19,285 for someone else's vision of the city. 253 00:10:19,285 --> 00:10:22,722 And that story did not, in their later redlining 254 00:10:22,955 --> 00:10:25,891 and racist housing policies, took that same logic 255 00:10:25,891 --> 00:10:27,660 and embedded it into neighborhoods 256 00:10:27,660 --> 00:10:29,729 lending, zoning and opportunity. 257 00:10:29,729 --> 00:10:31,931 Entire communities were locked out. 258 00:10:31,931 --> 00:10:33,766 Native people, black families 259 00:10:33,766 --> 00:10:35,334 and other communities of color 260 00:10:35,334 --> 00:10:37,470 were denied access to homeownership, 261 00:10:37,470 --> 00:10:40,473 denied access to wealth, denied access to safe 262 00:10:40,473 --> 00:10:43,476 and stable neighborhoods, and denied the chance 263 00:10:43,509 --> 00:10:46,512 to stay rooted in a city that they helped build. 264 00:10:46,779 --> 00:10:49,949 So when we talk about housing time, we talk about the plan. 265 00:10:49,949 --> 00:10:52,018 We are not just talking about more units, 266 00:10:52,018 --> 00:10:55,454 we are talking about repair, healing, reconciliation. 267 00:10:56,522 --> 00:10:57,423 That's right. 268 00:10:57,423 --> 00:10:58,991 We can plan for that. 269 00:10:58,991 --> 00:11:01,761 We are talking about justice and giving opportunity 270 00:11:01,761 --> 00:11:04,263 for everyone to belong in the city. 271 00:11:04,263 --> 00:11:06,999 We are talking about whether Seattle will keep 272 00:11:06,999 --> 00:11:10,269 protecting the map that exclusion created 273 00:11:10,503 --> 00:11:13,339 or whether we will finally have the courage to change it. 274 00:11:13,339 --> 00:11:15,741 (cheering and applause) 275 00:11:17,009 --> 00:11:18,844 Every time we delay more housing, 276 00:11:18,844 --> 00:11:20,079 when we delay density, 277 00:11:20,079 --> 00:11:22,882 we are not preserving neighborhood character. 278 00:11:22,882 --> 00:11:25,951 We are preserving the outcomes of exclusion. 279 00:11:26,218 --> 00:11:28,988 Every time we say housing should go somewhere else. 280 00:11:28,988 --> 00:11:32,191 We repeating the old story that some people belong 281 00:11:32,291 --> 00:11:33,726 and some people do not. 282 00:11:33,726 --> 00:11:36,162 Every time we refuse to build and wealthy neighborhoods, 283 00:11:36,162 --> 00:11:37,630 high opportunity neighborhoods, 284 00:11:37,630 --> 00:11:40,633 neighborhoods close to jobs and transit and good schools, 285 00:11:40,633 --> 00:11:43,469 we are saying that access should be rationed 286 00:11:43,469 --> 00:11:44,770 by race and income. 287 00:11:44,770 --> 00:11:47,773 And this is what makes this moment so important. 288 00:11:48,007 --> 00:11:50,943 We are citizens and voters who have said no more. 289 00:11:50,943 --> 00:11:52,078 We know the history. 290 00:11:52,078 --> 00:11:53,779 We know the stories of redlining, 291 00:11:53,779 --> 00:11:56,549 exclusionary zoning and unjust housing systems. 292 00:11:56,549 --> 00:11:57,049 The current 293 00:11:57,049 --> 00:12:00,152 plan is not just about growth, it's about justice. 294 00:12:01,087 --> 00:12:01,654 What's right? 295 00:12:03,656 --> 00:12:04,023 It is 296 00:12:04,023 --> 00:12:06,992 about whether every neighborhood will do its part. 297 00:12:07,093 --> 00:12:08,961 It's about whether we will create room for what 298 00:12:08,961 --> 00:12:11,664 Martin Luther King Jr. called the beloved Community. 299 00:12:11,664 --> 00:12:13,499 And when I say beloved community, 300 00:12:13,499 --> 00:12:16,302 I mean the real people that I'm meeting every day, 301 00:12:16,302 --> 00:12:18,738 the residents in our units, community 302 00:12:18,738 --> 00:12:20,906 housing, the teachers, the elders 303 00:12:20,906 --> 00:12:23,743 that server at your bar and restaurant, the parent 304 00:12:23,743 --> 00:12:25,611 who's healing from trauma, the artist, 305 00:12:25,611 --> 00:12:28,080 the service worker, the family trying to stay close 306 00:12:28,080 --> 00:12:30,549 to school, to community and to opportunity. 307 00:12:30,549 --> 00:12:34,053 These are not the people on the margins of Seattle. 308 00:12:34,386 --> 00:12:37,389 These are the people at the heart of Seattle. 309 00:12:37,523 --> 00:12:40,359 They are the heart and soul of our communities. 310 00:12:40,359 --> 00:12:42,962 They are the people who make our neighborhoods vibrant, 311 00:12:42,962 --> 00:12:44,830 who keep our small businesses open. 312 00:12:44,830 --> 00:12:46,398 They ride transit, they shop, 313 00:12:46,398 --> 00:12:48,300 They are drivers of our economy, 314 00:12:48,300 --> 00:12:51,537 and they are an asset to every neighborhood. 315 00:12:51,537 --> 00:12:55,040 (cheering and applause) 316 00:12:55,775 --> 00:12:56,942 If this city 317 00:12:56,942 --> 00:12:57,877 is serious about 318 00:12:57,877 --> 00:12:59,879 living out our progressive values, 319 00:12:59,879 --> 00:13:02,214 and I would remind everyone is around us right now, 320 00:13:02,214 --> 00:13:05,217 we are the coolest, best city ever. 321 00:13:05,351 --> 00:13:07,052 We can do this. 322 00:13:07,052 --> 00:13:09,421 We have progressive values 323 00:13:09,421 --> 00:13:11,824 that ensure that social housing would be passed, 324 00:13:11,824 --> 00:13:14,894 that our Mayor Wilson has been voted in. 325 00:13:14,894 --> 00:13:16,729 Like amazing, spectacular things 326 00:13:16,729 --> 00:13:18,164 are happening right now. 327 00:13:18,164 --> 00:13:19,064 And as we 328 00:13:19,064 --> 00:13:22,168 we bring that into our heart, into our minds. 329 00:13:22,434 --> 00:13:24,870 We know that the people who live in affordable 330 00:13:24,870 --> 00:13:26,639 housing cannot be an afterthought. 331 00:13:26,639 --> 00:13:29,108 They cannot just be talked about in public meetings, 332 00:13:29,108 --> 00:13:31,177 policy papers and planning documents. 333 00:13:31,177 --> 00:13:33,879 They need to be at the table. They need to be heard. 334 00:13:33,879 --> 00:13:36,715 They need to help shape the future of the city. 335 00:13:36,715 --> 00:13:39,652 The Seattle plan has had the most extensive outreach 336 00:13:39,652 --> 00:13:41,086 to every part of the city. 337 00:13:41,086 --> 00:13:43,422 It's historic, the outreach that has been done. 338 00:13:43,422 --> 00:13:45,424 And this is our moment, 339 00:13:45,424 --> 00:13:48,260 our moment to break with the history of redlining. 340 00:13:48,260 --> 00:13:51,263 Our moment to break with the legacy of native displacement. 341 00:13:51,263 --> 00:13:53,833 Our moment to say that we will not keep courting 342 00:13:53,833 --> 00:13:57,269 opportunity behind zoning, delay and fear. 343 00:13:57,603 --> 00:14:01,140 Our moment is to choose welcome over exclusion. 344 00:14:01,440 --> 00:14:05,911 Our moment is to choose courage over comfort. 345 00:14:06,512 --> 00:14:09,415 Our moment is to choose justice over delay. 346 00:14:09,415 --> 00:14:11,450 Let's support this plan. 347 00:14:11,450 --> 00:14:15,020 Corridor East Center is everything about this plan. 348 00:14:15,120 --> 00:14:16,422 Let's accelerate it. 349 00:14:16,422 --> 00:14:17,523 Let's do it faster. 350 00:14:17,523 --> 00:14:17,957 Let's do it 351 00:14:17,957 --> 00:14:20,526 with greater intensity and with love 352 00:14:20,526 --> 00:14:22,127 for our beloved community. 353 00:14:22,127 --> 00:14:24,363 Let's build the housing our people need. 354 00:14:24,363 --> 00:14:26,165 And let's build Seattle 355 00:14:26,165 --> 00:14:27,333 with neighborhoods that make room 356 00:14:27,333 --> 00:14:28,701 for every community 357 00:14:28,701 --> 00:14:30,936 shares opportunity, especially those 358 00:14:30,936 --> 00:14:32,538 who've been pushed out for far too long. 359 00:14:32,538 --> 00:14:33,939 Let's welcome them in 360 00:14:33,939 --> 00:14:36,242 and let them know that they belong here as well. Thank you. 361 00:14:36,242 --> 00:14:41,480 (cheering and applause) 362 00:14:43,549 --> 00:14:46,552 -Wow. Thank you so much for that grounding and really 363 00:14:46,685 --> 00:14:47,386 why we're here 364 00:14:47,386 --> 00:14:50,422 beyond just the policy wonk of the comprehensive plan 365 00:14:50,522 --> 00:14:52,191 and really why this is so important. 366 00:14:52,191 --> 00:14:53,425 Can we just give it up one more time 367 00:14:53,425 --> 00:14:55,261 for Colleen Echohawk. That was a 368 00:14:55,261 --> 00:14:58,964 (applause and cheering) 369 00:14:59,899 --> 00:15:02,201 I know I talked with different folks 370 00:15:02,201 --> 00:15:04,770 about the comprehensive plan, and it's pretty easy 371 00:15:04,770 --> 00:15:06,538 for people to be like, what is that? 372 00:15:06,538 --> 00:15:07,773 What are you talking about? 373 00:15:07,773 --> 00:15:09,008 And I just really 374 00:15:09,008 --> 00:15:11,243 I just want us to all hold for a second 375 00:15:11,243 --> 00:15:12,778 what we're actually talking about 376 00:15:12,778 --> 00:15:14,847 when we're talking about these policy changes, 377 00:15:14,847 --> 00:15:16,282 when we're talking about rezoning, it's 378 00:15:16,282 --> 00:15:18,284 everything that Colleen just mentioned. 379 00:15:18,284 --> 00:15:19,919 So I just hope we can all sit with that 380 00:15:19,919 --> 00:15:21,553 and recognize the importance of this work 381 00:15:21,553 --> 00:15:25,057 and why we're here today and to keep that moving forward. 382 00:15:25,057 --> 00:15:27,493 I'm going to introduce our next speaker. 383 00:15:27,493 --> 00:15:28,727 Cecelia Black. 384 00:15:28,727 --> 00:15:32,131 Cecilia is a very long time, amazing community advocate 385 00:15:32,264 --> 00:15:35,267 who is here to speak today about why she is so motivated 386 00:15:35,267 --> 00:15:37,336 to see changes in the comprehensive plan. 387 00:15:37,336 --> 00:15:38,938 Give it up for Cecilia. 388 00:15:38,938 --> 00:15:47,746 (applause and cheering) 389 00:15:50,049 --> 00:15:51,116 -Cool, is it working? 390 00:15:51,116 --> 00:15:54,119 Can you hear me do this? 391 00:15:56,789 --> 00:15:59,491 Very good, 392 00:15:59,491 --> 00:15:59,725 folks. 393 00:15:59,725 --> 00:16:01,894 I think 394 00:16:01,894 --> 00:16:02,962 the mic. Mic. 395 00:16:02,962 --> 00:16:05,864 Test for a quiet person. 396 00:16:05,864 --> 00:16:08,867 Thank you so much for having me. 397 00:16:09,134 --> 00:16:13,172 I was knowing that I would be speaking alongside 398 00:16:13,305 --> 00:16:17,476 Mayor Wilson, Colleen Echohawk, Councilmember Rinck. 399 00:16:17,476 --> 00:16:19,211 I was really trying to think about what 400 00:16:19,211 --> 00:16:22,982 can I add to this conversation on the comprehensive plan. 401 00:16:23,682 --> 00:16:26,819 And what I really want to share with you 402 00:16:26,819 --> 00:16:29,421 is how I think about so much of my advocacy, 403 00:16:29,421 --> 00:16:32,424 and that is through a lens of accessibility. 404 00:16:34,593 --> 00:16:39,765 My wish for Seattle is for it to be a city 405 00:16:39,765 --> 00:16:42,901 where people with disabilities can call it their home. 406 00:16:43,602 --> 00:16:45,237 And I say this 407 00:16:45,237 --> 00:16:49,041 not just because we make up over 20% of the population, 408 00:16:49,475 --> 00:16:50,843 not only because we will 409 00:16:50,843 --> 00:16:52,044 all hopefully live 410 00:16:52,044 --> 00:16:54,480 long enough to where we experienced disability 411 00:16:54,480 --> 00:16:56,281 at some point in our life. 412 00:16:56,281 --> 00:16:58,317 But because time and time again 413 00:16:58,317 --> 00:17:01,587 we know that inclusive city benefits everyone. 414 00:17:01,587 --> 00:17:05,357 (applause and cheering) 415 00:17:06,091 --> 00:17:07,993 An accessible city 416 00:17:07,993 --> 00:17:10,996 is first and foremost an affordable city, 417 00:17:11,196 --> 00:17:14,199 it means that there are stair free options and buildings 418 00:17:14,233 --> 00:17:16,001 with elevators. 419 00:17:16,001 --> 00:17:20,606 It is multigenerational housing and 420 00:17:22,875 --> 00:17:25,844 is multigenerational housing and options 421 00:17:25,844 --> 00:17:28,614 and housing options for parents with disabilities 422 00:17:28,614 --> 00:17:31,617 and families with disabled children. 423 00:17:32,451 --> 00:17:35,287 It is 424 00:17:35,287 --> 00:17:36,755 accessibility meets housing 425 00:17:36,755 --> 00:17:38,991 where aging in place is possible, 426 00:17:38,991 --> 00:17:40,526 as well as options for people 427 00:17:40,526 --> 00:17:43,529 who can no longer safely navigate their homes. 428 00:17:43,595 --> 00:17:46,165 It's supportive housing and is quality based. 429 00:17:46,165 --> 00:17:49,168 Can quality community based housing options 430 00:17:49,168 --> 00:17:52,171 for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities 431 00:17:52,604 --> 00:17:55,374 An accessible city means 432 00:17:55,374 --> 00:17:57,376 means people who are immunocompromised 433 00:17:57,376 --> 00:17:58,477 and have chronic health 434 00:17:58,477 --> 00:17:59,912 conditions have the opportunity 435 00:17:59,912 --> 00:18:03,482 to live in housing and neighborhoods that do not risk 436 00:18:03,782 --> 00:18:08,087 their lives by being exposed to chemicals on a daily basis. 437 00:18:09,254 --> 00:18:12,257 Accessibility. 438 00:18:12,458 --> 00:18:14,660 Accessibility means non- drivers 439 00:18:14,660 --> 00:18:18,130 can not only live near fast and frequent transit, but have 440 00:18:19,698 --> 00:18:20,799 services. 441 00:18:20,799 --> 00:18:24,636 And to those third places that make our communities 442 00:18:25,304 --> 00:18:26,438 that build our community 443 00:18:26,438 --> 00:18:29,441 and also are so essential to addressing 444 00:18:30,409 --> 00:18:32,244 the isolation that can be felt when you're 445 00:18:32,244 --> 00:18:35,247 trapped in your home without a car. 446 00:18:36,381 --> 00:18:39,384 And just for a little context, 447 00:18:40,052 --> 00:18:42,988 less than 5% of the housing stock 448 00:18:42,988 --> 00:18:45,390 nationwide is accessible. 449 00:18:45,390 --> 00:18:47,493 We know that people with disabilities face 450 00:18:47,493 --> 00:18:50,329 some of the highest levels of housing insecurity. 451 00:18:50,329 --> 00:18:51,897 We know that the majority of people 452 00:18:51,897 --> 00:18:54,633 that are living on our streets have a disability. 453 00:18:54,633 --> 00:18:58,570 And in Washington State, there are 37,000 adults 454 00:18:58,570 --> 00:18:59,204 with intellectual 455 00:18:59,204 --> 00:19:02,374 and developmental disabilities that are housing insecure. 456 00:19:03,775 --> 00:19:05,511 Before we passed 457 00:19:05,511 --> 00:19:08,514 this comprehensive plan last year, 458 00:19:10,082 --> 00:19:13,085 the type of housing that is required to be accessible by 459 00:19:13,318 --> 00:19:14,753 federal and state law, 460 00:19:16,054 --> 00:19:19,591 as well as the businesses that make our communities 461 00:19:19,591 --> 00:19:23,195 walkable, were banned in 70% of our city. 462 00:19:24,396 --> 00:19:27,900 A like a exclusionary city 463 00:19:28,133 --> 00:19:31,236 is completely incompatible with an accessible city. 464 00:19:32,504 --> 00:19:34,840 But we have made progress. 465 00:19:34,840 --> 00:19:37,910 We have replaced a single family zoning 466 00:19:38,243 --> 00:19:40,279 with a new neighborhood residential zones 467 00:19:40,279 --> 00:19:42,080 that allow for stacked flats 468 00:19:42,080 --> 00:19:45,384 with incentives for developers to build accessible units. 469 00:19:46,285 --> 00:19:49,354 We have these neighborhood residential zones 470 00:19:49,354 --> 00:19:51,156 allow for corner stores 471 00:19:51,156 --> 00:19:54,159 that will slowly make our cities more walkable, 472 00:19:54,359 --> 00:19:57,329 and we have allowed for 30 new neighborhood centers 473 00:19:57,329 --> 00:19:59,431 that allow for six story developments. 474 00:19:59,431 --> 00:20:00,165 Those are developments 475 00:20:00,165 --> 00:20:03,001 that are most likely to be accessible, 476 00:20:03,001 --> 00:20:05,370 as well as create small 477 00:20:05,370 --> 00:20:06,972 commercial corridors. 478 00:20:06,972 --> 00:20:10,909 (applause) 479 00:20:12,177 --> 00:20:16,014 But we know that this is not nearly enough 480 00:20:16,848 --> 00:20:19,685 to meet that housing crisis and is not enough to meet 481 00:20:19,685 --> 00:20:21,987 the diverse needs of the disability community. 482 00:20:23,155 --> 00:20:24,856 So what can we do right now? 483 00:20:24,856 --> 00:20:27,859 As city council considers phase two of the comp plan 484 00:20:27,960 --> 00:20:31,363 and prepares legislation for phases three and four? 485 00:20:32,564 --> 00:20:36,435 First, we need more density and a vision for complete, 486 00:20:36,435 --> 00:20:39,738 walkable communities, not just for the handful of blocks 487 00:20:39,738 --> 00:20:42,741 in the neighborhood centers, but for the entire city. 488 00:20:43,375 --> 00:20:46,378 And we can start this with our transit corridors 489 00:20:48,046 --> 00:20:50,983 by vastly expanding proposed corridor up zones 490 00:20:50,983 --> 00:20:53,385 beyond the parcels adjacent to arterials 491 00:20:53,385 --> 00:20:55,621 to create ten minute walk sheds. 492 00:20:55,621 --> 00:20:58,857 These extended corridors must include more mixed 493 00:20:58,857 --> 00:21:01,860 residential zoning with commercial opportunities. 494 00:21:02,327 --> 00:21:05,264 Family, families and renters deserve 495 00:21:05,264 --> 00:21:08,267 to have options beyond busy arterials, 496 00:21:08,300 --> 00:21:11,303 as well as access to fast and frequent transit. 497 00:21:12,971 --> 00:21:15,240 Second, we have to make sure 498 00:21:15,240 --> 00:21:18,677 that when we own areas like neighborhood centers, 499 00:21:20,479 --> 00:21:22,547 our zoning regulations align with market 500 00:21:22,547 --> 00:21:25,550 realities to support our stated goals. 501 00:21:25,651 --> 00:21:28,987 The bottom line is that six story buildings are essential 502 00:21:28,987 --> 00:21:30,922 to addressing our housing crisis. 503 00:21:30,922 --> 00:21:32,758 They are more economically feasible 504 00:21:32,758 --> 00:21:35,193 and more likely to have elevators 505 00:21:35,193 --> 00:21:36,628 and meet the threshold that triggers 506 00:21:36,628 --> 00:21:38,497 accessibility standards. 507 00:21:38,497 --> 00:21:41,800 And not to get too into the weeds, but 508 00:21:42,534 --> 00:21:45,370 we need to maximize mixed 509 00:21:46,338 --> 00:21:49,074 mixed residential zoning and neighborhood centers. 510 00:21:49,074 --> 00:21:51,910 And we need to replace all low rise 511 00:21:51,910 --> 00:21:54,980 L1 L2 zones that we know are not going to 512 00:21:55,781 --> 00:21:58,750 materialize in the excess in the density 513 00:21:58,750 --> 00:22:01,320 and accessible housing we need to replace them 514 00:22:01,320 --> 00:22:02,521 with more 515 00:22:02,521 --> 00:22:05,524 high rise zoning for five and six story buildings. 516 00:22:05,791 --> 00:22:08,794 And lastly, 517 00:22:08,927 --> 00:22:11,930 lastly, we need to expand housing opportunities 518 00:22:12,297 --> 00:22:16,668 and in high opportunity areas with low displacement risk, 519 00:22:17,436 --> 00:22:19,905 almost all of the up zones who got scaled back 520 00:22:19,905 --> 00:22:20,839 in the current centers 521 00:22:20,839 --> 00:22:23,842 and quarters proposal are in wealthy neighborhoods. 522 00:22:24,710 --> 00:22:27,546 And while policies 523 00:22:27,546 --> 00:22:30,549 can change and comp plans get updated every ten years, 524 00:22:30,716 --> 00:22:34,653 what we build between now and then will last generations. 525 00:22:35,320 --> 00:22:37,089 We have an obligation 526 00:22:37,089 --> 00:22:39,891 to future Seattleites to pass a comp plan 527 00:22:39,891 --> 00:22:40,959 that considers the needs 528 00:22:40,959 --> 00:22:45,597 of entire communities and not just individual homeowners. 529 00:22:49,034 --> 00:22:53,605 We also owe it to our past to understand that communities 530 00:22:53,905 --> 00:22:55,073 who have 531 00:22:55,073 --> 00:22:58,143 been excluded and harmed by decades of exclusionary 532 00:22:58,377 --> 00:22:59,878 land use policies 533 00:22:59,878 --> 00:23:02,914 and have a duty not to repeat, repeat those same patterns. 534 00:23:03,749 --> 00:23:06,952 I know that most of us have been working on this comp 535 00:23:06,952 --> 00:23:08,920 plan for seems like years. 536 00:23:08,920 --> 00:23:11,356 We even filled out all of the surveys. 537 00:23:11,356 --> 00:23:12,090 We've showed up 538 00:23:12,090 --> 00:23:15,260 to all the council meetings and we've worked hard to get, 539 00:23:16,161 --> 00:23:19,164 we've hard to get, we've worked hard to get elected, 540 00:23:19,631 --> 00:23:22,367 voted in that represent our values. 541 00:23:22,367 --> 00:23:25,370 And so I just want to close by saying that right now. 542 00:23:26,204 --> 00:23:29,207 we have not only we have Councilmember Rinck 543 00:23:29,508 --> 00:23:30,842 who is still on City council 544 00:23:30,842 --> 00:23:33,812 and still a huge housing ally, but we have, 545 00:23:34,713 --> 00:23:37,382 Mayor Wilson and we have Councilmember Lin. 546 00:23:37,382 --> 00:23:39,851 And so as we continue to advocate, 547 00:23:40,819 --> 00:23:41,353 we have 548 00:23:41,353 --> 00:23:45,023 more, more possibility than ever before to pass 549 00:23:45,357 --> 00:23:48,193 a comprehensive plan that includes everybody. 550 00:23:48,193 --> 00:23:53,331 (applause and cheering) 551 00:23:53,765 --> 00:23:57,702 (crowd talking and chatter) 552 00:24:00,372 --> 00:24:03,375 -Okay. 553 00:24:04,443 --> 00:24:07,412 Thank you so much. 554 00:24:10,048 --> 00:24:12,350 All right, camera guys, How did you come again? 555 00:24:12,350 --> 00:24:13,251 All right. 556 00:24:13,251 --> 00:24:13,618 All right. 557 00:24:13,618 --> 00:24:16,388 One more time for Cecilia. 558 00:24:16,388 --> 00:24:21,059 (applause and cheering) 559 00:24:21,693 --> 00:24:23,695 It's just so wonderful to have such amazing 560 00:24:23,695 --> 00:24:25,163 advocates in our community 561 00:24:25,163 --> 00:24:28,166 who are so deeply aligned with our city's values. 562 00:24:28,233 --> 00:24:31,236 Seattle is a city that values accessibility. 563 00:24:31,269 --> 00:24:34,039 Seattle is a city that values climate action, 564 00:24:34,039 --> 00:24:35,440 that values affordability, 565 00:24:35,440 --> 00:24:36,641 that wants to make sure 566 00:24:36,641 --> 00:24:39,644 that all of our families, regardless of ability, 567 00:24:39,711 --> 00:24:43,381 income, background, race, class, all of the things 568 00:24:43,582 --> 00:24:45,350 can be welcomed within our city. 569 00:24:45,350 --> 00:24:46,551 That's who we want to be. 570 00:24:46,551 --> 00:24:49,688 And this plan is how we put those values into action 571 00:24:49,721 --> 00:24:50,822 through legislation. 572 00:24:50,822 --> 00:24:53,725 So I'm so glad that we have so many wonderful speakers 573 00:24:53,725 --> 00:24:55,527 and so many wonderful folks here in the audience 574 00:24:55,527 --> 00:24:58,530 who also can all come up and share incredible things 575 00:24:58,730 --> 00:25:00,632 about why we need this in a comprehensive plan. 576 00:25:00,632 --> 00:25:01,633 Fortunately, you're all going to get 577 00:25:01,633 --> 00:25:02,801 an opportunity to do that 578 00:25:02,801 --> 00:25:05,704 right up there and just a few hours, 579 00:25:05,704 --> 00:25:07,172 but it's around this out here 580 00:25:08,406 --> 00:25:08,707 actually. 581 00:25:08,707 --> 00:25:09,307 Really quick before 582 00:25:09,307 --> 00:25:10,742 our last speaker, I want to give a quick 583 00:25:10,742 --> 00:25:13,712 shout out to Jesse and Jazmine. 584 00:25:13,745 --> 00:25:16,748 There are two co-chairs, 585 00:25:17,616 --> 00:25:19,784 the co-chairs of the Complete Communities Coalition 586 00:25:19,784 --> 00:25:22,320 with the housing development associated with Utah Wise. 587 00:25:22,320 --> 00:25:24,623 They have done so much to make this a reality. 588 00:25:24,623 --> 00:25:27,459 So just like huge hats off to them and really shout out 589 00:25:27,459 --> 00:25:28,627 to the entire steering committee. 590 00:25:28,627 --> 00:25:30,061 Raise your hand if you're on the steering committee. 591 00:25:30,061 --> 00:25:31,429 You're in the crowd today. 592 00:25:31,429 --> 00:25:33,298 All the folks in the steering 593 00:25:33,298 --> 00:25:35,500 committee, all the folks in the outside working group, 594 00:25:35,500 --> 00:25:37,802 the inside working group raise those hands. 595 00:25:37,802 --> 00:25:39,237 This really has been a community effort 596 00:25:39,237 --> 00:25:41,306 to kind of think through what this policy 597 00:25:41,306 --> 00:25:43,141 is going to look like, make this rally happen 598 00:25:43,141 --> 00:25:44,576 and make sure that we're set up for success. 599 00:25:44,576 --> 00:25:46,344 So just so much gratitude, whoever 600 00:25:46,344 --> 00:25:47,812 everyone who's been a part of this coalition. 601 00:25:49,080 --> 00:25:50,882 For our last speaker, I'm going to bring in 602 00:25:50,882 --> 00:25:52,851 someone who needs no introduction. 603 00:25:52,851 --> 00:25:54,386 She is our champion on council, though. 604 00:25:54,386 --> 00:25:56,688 Now, fortunately, we've given her a few more. 605 00:25:56,688 --> 00:25:58,356 It is Councilmember Alexis Mercedes 606 00:25:58,356 --> 00:26:00,191 Rinck here to talk about what we need 607 00:26:00,191 --> 00:26:02,494 this phase and next phase of the comprehensive plan. 608 00:26:02,494 --> 00:26:05,297 (applause and cheering) 609 00:26:07,933 --> 00:26:09,568 - Well, 610 00:26:09,568 --> 00:26:10,502 good afternoon. 611 00:26:10,502 --> 00:26:13,505 Housing champions. 612 00:26:14,539 --> 00:26:15,440 This is a rally, right? 613 00:26:15,440 --> 00:26:17,409 I'm going to bring on my rally voice and I want to show you 614 00:26:17,409 --> 00:26:20,412 a little bit of good afternoon housing it champion. 615 00:26:21,012 --> 00:26:23,448 That's right. Hi, everybody. 616 00:26:23,448 --> 00:26:24,549 My name is Alexis. 617 00:26:24,549 --> 00:26:27,686 I'm one of the only renters on city council. 618 00:26:27,819 --> 00:26:31,189 Despite being in a majority renters city. 619 00:26:32,724 --> 00:26:34,326 I'm also the only council member 620 00:26:34,326 --> 00:26:37,862 who doesn't own a car, proudly representing the 20% 621 00:26:37,862 --> 00:26:41,666 of Seattle households who live car free. 622 00:26:42,834 --> 00:26:46,004 And last year we stood together to build a city 623 00:26:46,004 --> 00:26:49,007 that works for all of us and we force. 624 00:26:49,307 --> 00:26:50,408 I fought for amendments 625 00:26:50,408 --> 00:26:53,478 to allow expanded neighborhood commercial across the city. 626 00:26:53,478 --> 00:26:56,481 So corner stores not just on corners, 627 00:26:58,383 --> 00:26:59,684 expanded flexibility 628 00:26:59,684 --> 00:27:04,789 for ADUs removing harmful parking mandates 629 00:27:04,956 --> 00:27:06,958 and together 630 00:27:06,958 --> 00:27:09,260 alongside the Complete Communities Coalition, 631 00:27:09,260 --> 00:27:10,695 we dared to add 632 00:27:10,695 --> 00:27:14,599 eight additional neighborhood centers across our city, 633 00:27:14,733 --> 00:27:16,635 opening up housing opportunity 634 00:27:16,635 --> 00:27:19,037 in neighborhoods that have historically locked 635 00:27:19,037 --> 00:27:21,906 people out from owning homes. 636 00:27:21,906 --> 00:27:24,042 (applause and cheering) 637 00:27:24,442 --> 00:27:25,844 We fought together. 638 00:27:25,844 --> 00:27:27,045 We won on some things. 639 00:27:27,045 --> 00:27:28,546 We didn't quite get there on some things, 640 00:27:28,546 --> 00:27:30,348 but I know that that will not slow down. 641 00:27:30,348 --> 00:27:33,351 The work of the Complete Communities Coalition. 642 00:27:35,520 --> 00:27:36,988 None of that work 643 00:27:36,988 --> 00:27:39,190 we were able to accomplish last year in the Phase 644 00:27:39,190 --> 00:27:41,159 one legislation would have been possible 645 00:27:41,159 --> 00:27:43,361 without the Complete Communities Coalition. 646 00:27:43,361 --> 00:27:46,464 And now here we are kicking off phase two 647 00:27:46,665 --> 00:27:48,433 and already the Complete Communities 648 00:27:48,433 --> 00:27:49,834 Coalition has brought forward 649 00:27:49,834 --> 00:27:52,203 a number of amendments to pass this year 650 00:27:52,203 --> 00:27:55,173 to support mass timber, passive house, low 651 00:27:55,173 --> 00:27:59,277 rise commercial and to create a new courtyard block bonus. 652 00:27:59,277 --> 00:28:03,281 (applause and cheering) 653 00:28:05,216 --> 00:28:06,451 You all might know 654 00:28:06,451 --> 00:28:09,621 this, but land use is wonky. 655 00:28:10,422 --> 00:28:12,824 It's a little complicated, it's a little technical. 656 00:28:12,824 --> 00:28:15,760 I mean, there is floor area ratio, there are setbacks. 657 00:28:15,760 --> 00:28:16,761 And I mean, what really 658 00:28:16,761 --> 00:28:19,764 is the difference between LA one and LA two? 659 00:28:20,665 --> 00:28:22,534 There's not actually that much of a difference. 660 00:28:22,534 --> 00:28:23,101 The real ones. 661 00:28:23,101 --> 00:28:26,304 No, but underneath all that jargon, 662 00:28:26,538 --> 00:28:29,474 we know what this is really about. 663 00:28:29,474 --> 00:28:31,976 This is about whether a waitress, a bus driver, 664 00:28:31,976 --> 00:28:33,845 a teacher can live in the city. 665 00:28:33,845 --> 00:28:36,848 They make run. 666 00:28:37,348 --> 00:28:37,949 This is about 667 00:28:37,949 --> 00:28:41,086 confronting our city's racist history of redlining 668 00:28:41,086 --> 00:28:44,089 and making a different choice This time. 669 00:28:45,156 --> 00:28:46,791 This is about building the housing 670 00:28:46,791 --> 00:28:48,793 we need for our unhoused neighbors, 671 00:28:48,793 --> 00:28:51,096 our new neighbors who are fleeing other states 672 00:28:51,096 --> 00:28:53,898 right now to come to this welcoming city. 673 00:28:53,898 --> 00:28:55,867 But how welcoming are we truly, 674 00:28:55,867 --> 00:28:57,802 if you can't afford to live here 675 00:29:00,839 --> 00:29:01,339 and this 676 00:29:01,339 --> 00:29:04,342 is about taking the climate crisis seriously 677 00:29:04,342 --> 00:29:05,376 and building a city 678 00:29:05,376 --> 00:29:06,044 where you don't 679 00:29:06,044 --> 00:29:08,413 have to own a car because you can walk, roll 680 00:29:08,413 --> 00:29:10,181 and take transit to your work, your school, 681 00:29:10,181 --> 00:29:13,184 and wherever you go to have fun. 682 00:29:15,086 --> 00:29:16,688 And I'll close with this 683 00:29:16,688 --> 00:29:17,922 because over the weekend 684 00:29:17,922 --> 00:29:19,891 I joined Family Works at the opening 685 00:29:19,891 --> 00:29:22,093 of their food bank in the heart of Wallingford, 686 00:29:22,093 --> 00:29:22,894 co-located 687 00:29:22,894 --> 00:29:26,331 alongside the Wallingford Seattle Public Library branch. 688 00:29:26,765 --> 00:29:30,435 And to get home, I hopped on the Route 44 689 00:29:31,069 --> 00:29:33,571 and then very easily transferred to light rail. 690 00:29:33,571 --> 00:29:35,306 And as you can guess, because now with the opening 691 00:29:35,306 --> 00:29:37,509 of the Crosley connection, I didn't have to wait for that 692 00:29:37,509 --> 00:29:40,512 light rail train very long. 693 00:29:41,279 --> 00:29:42,781 And I was back home 694 00:29:42,781 --> 00:29:46,684 in my apartment on Capitol Hill and less than 30 minutes 695 00:29:49,020 --> 00:29:51,689 and it was on that very short, remarkably short for me. 696 00:29:51,689 --> 00:29:52,791 Can you back home? 697 00:29:52,791 --> 00:29:54,692 I took a moment to take in 698 00:29:54,692 --> 00:29:57,295 what I had seen during that commute. 699 00:29:57,295 --> 00:30:00,799 Diversity in every sense of the word abilities, 700 00:30:00,799 --> 00:30:04,936 ages, race, gender, expression and more and more than that, 701 00:30:05,170 --> 00:30:06,738 I saw something that I believe 702 00:30:06,738 --> 00:30:09,741 the Complete Communities Coalition embodies 703 00:30:09,941 --> 00:30:12,777 the genuine care for our neighbors, 704 00:30:12,777 --> 00:30:14,279 because whether it's graciously 705 00:30:14,279 --> 00:30:14,979 giving up your seat 706 00:30:14,979 --> 00:30:17,282 for someone else on the bus who needs it, 707 00:30:17,282 --> 00:30:20,285 or fighting for a zoning change so a family can live 708 00:30:20,318 --> 00:30:22,020 in a neighborhood with clean air 709 00:30:22,020 --> 00:30:24,255 and not on a polluted arterial. 710 00:30:24,255 --> 00:30:27,258 That's community care. 711 00:30:29,694 --> 00:30:32,030 So together 712 00:30:32,030 --> 00:30:34,432 we choose housing, we choose each other, 713 00:30:34,432 --> 00:30:38,636 and we choose a future with complete communities. 714 00:30:38,703 --> 00:30:39,971 So thank you, everyone. 715 00:30:39,971 --> 00:30:41,539 I can't wait to hear your voices in 716 00:30:41,539 --> 00:30:42,774 council chambers shortly. 717 00:30:42,774 --> 00:30:44,475 Continue to make your voice heard. 718 00:30:44,475 --> 00:30:46,244 Tell your neighbors, tell your friends 719 00:30:46,244 --> 00:30:49,414 now let's create a plan that truly works for our city. 720 00:30:49,514 --> 00:30:50,248 Thank you. 721 00:30:50,248 --> 00:30:56,187 (applause and cheering) 722 00:30:57,922 --> 00:30:59,324 -And one more time for 723 00:30:59,324 --> 00:31:00,992 Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck. 724 00:31:00,992 --> 00:31:04,028 (applause and cheering) 725 00:31:05,463 --> 00:31:05,830 Thank you 726 00:31:05,830 --> 00:31:08,833 for always being our long time champion on council. 727 00:31:08,967 --> 00:31:11,202 I want to shout out I saw Councilmember Lin here. 728 00:31:11,202 --> 00:31:12,670 Raise your hand. Are you still here? 729 00:31:12,670 --> 00:31:15,273 Probably inside doing work, although there is. 730 00:31:15,273 --> 00:31:16,307 Okay. 731 00:31:16,307 --> 00:31:19,410 Thank you so much for also just really stewarding 732 00:31:19,410 --> 00:31:20,245 this work 733 00:31:20,245 --> 00:31:21,913 as the chair of the land Use Committee 734 00:31:21,913 --> 00:31:23,882 and being really committed to working with us 735 00:31:23,882 --> 00:31:25,783 to figure out a bold plan for the future. 736 00:31:25,783 --> 00:31:26,784 We really appreciate you 737 00:31:26,784 --> 00:31:29,520 that goes shout out to Councilmember Foster as well 738 00:31:29,520 --> 00:31:31,356 and many other folks, Councilmember Holloway 739 00:31:31,356 --> 00:31:34,726 and others who are working with us on these amendments. 740 00:31:34,726 --> 00:31:36,561 That'll mean that our comprehensive plan 741 00:31:36,561 --> 00:31:39,163 can get closer to aligning with our city's values. 742 00:31:39,163 --> 00:31:40,765 And thank you all again. 743 00:31:40,765 --> 00:31:41,599 One more round up. 744 00:31:41,599 --> 00:31:44,402 Lots of you are showing up and getting engaged 745 00:31:44,402 --> 00:31:45,436 and making sure 746 00:31:45,436 --> 00:31:48,439 that we have an affordable, inclusive, welcoming city 747 00:31:48,773 --> 00:31:49,807 in the decades to come. 748 00:31:51,009 --> 00:31:51,876 I'm just getting close. 749 00:31:51,876 --> 00:31:54,879 Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. 750 00:31:56,614 --> 00:31:58,249 I'm going to close by saying I think we still do. 751 00:31:58,249 --> 00:32:00,418 We sell pizza over there? 752 00:32:00,418 --> 00:32:01,519 Yeah, we still got pizza. 753 00:32:01,519 --> 00:32:03,354 Go get some pizza if you have it. 754 00:32:03,354 --> 00:32:05,290 We've got some info over here. 755 00:32:05,290 --> 00:32:07,258 There's emails that you can send to council. 756 00:32:07,258 --> 00:32:09,294 We have some ability to make some signs. 757 00:32:09,294 --> 00:32:09,661 We have 758 00:32:09,661 --> 00:32:11,129 a little bit of time between now 759 00:32:11,129 --> 00:32:11,763 and when 760 00:32:11,763 --> 00:32:13,531 we're actually going to be getting public comment, 761 00:32:13,531 --> 00:32:15,833 but who here has been to one of these before? 762 00:32:15,833 --> 00:32:17,435 Our public hearing Before. Yeah. 763 00:32:17,435 --> 00:32:20,238 So you all know this line can be really, really long. 764 00:32:20,238 --> 00:32:22,240 So we really wanted to get here early 765 00:32:22,240 --> 00:32:24,542 so that our people can get in, get their comments, 766 00:32:24,542 --> 00:32:26,177 make their voices heard without 767 00:32:26,177 --> 00:32:27,979 maybe having to be here until 9:00 at night, 768 00:32:27,979 --> 00:32:29,280 as I'm sure some of you have been. 769 00:32:31,449 --> 00:32:32,216 Yeah, yeah, yeah. 770 00:32:32,216 --> 00:32:33,584 Get in there first. 771 00:32:33,584 --> 00:32:35,586 Make your voices heard, get some pizza, 772 00:32:35,586 --> 00:32:36,621 make a sign, 773 00:32:36,621 --> 00:32:37,422 send out an email, 774 00:32:37,422 --> 00:32:39,958 talk with each other, sign up for our mailing list 775 00:32:39,958 --> 00:32:41,359 and get plugged in in future stuff. 776 00:32:41,359 --> 00:32:43,561 Thank you all so, so much for coming out here. 777 00:32:43,561 --> 00:32:44,729 We're going to go in and we're going 778 00:32:44,729 --> 00:32:47,065 to make it known that we need more housing. Thanks, y'all.