Seattle City Council vacancy leaves an opportunity for community members to apply for the job

Seattle City Councilmember Joy Hollingsworth address council chambers after being sworn in on January 2nd. Hollingsworth is encouraging community members who feel they are up to the job of Seattle City Councilmember to apply to fill the vacant seat. (Photo: Jordan Somers)

By Lorcan Stokes

On Tuesday, January 2, the Seattle City Council swore in five new members. After reciting oaths in front of a live audience, Joy Hollingsworth, Rob Saka, Cathy Moore, Maritza Rivera, Bob Kettle, and Cathy Moore joined the council. Dan Strauss and Tammy Morales returned to their previous positions as council members. In contrast, Sara Nelson, a council member who's been in office since 2022, was elected president. Teresa Mosqueda, a council member serving since 2017, effectively stepped down to join King County Council after winning her campaign in that election, leaving open an appointment for a new Seattle City Council member. The council has 20 days to appoint someone as Mosqueda's equivalent, with this countdown beginning on January 3. If the council does not appoint someone after this period, they must convene every weekday, except for holidays, to vote until the appointment is filled.

"I encourage anybody who has an interest in getting involved civically, in getting involved in helping improve our city, to consider applying. We have the minimum criteria to be a council member in Seattle," Nelson said.

To be a part of the council, the criteria one needs to fulfill are to be at least 18 years old, a United States citizen, a Seattle resident, a state voter, and be registered to vote in Seattle 120 days before filing for this appointment.

Seattle City Council President Sara Nelson. Nelson is encouraging those who want to be involved civically to apply for the vacant position. (Photo: Jordan Somers)

"I encourage everybody. It does not matter what your qualifications [are]. Whatever it is," Hollingsworth said. "Submit a resume and cover letter because you will be able to go through the process to see if you can get appointed to the Seattle City Council."

This role allows for creating more representation in Seattle politics and investing interest in community issues and problems in Seattle's vulnerable communities. Hollingsworth highlighted the importance of running for office to make positive changes for Seattle.

"I do know that city council is the front doorstep of city hall and our government and [to] be able to have a voice, have a platform. Representation matters significantly, so get involved," Hollingsworth said. "Put your resume together, get your cover letter together, go ahead and go online, and upload your resume and be considered for this appointment."

Get your applications in by 5 p.m. next Tuesday, January 9, to be a potential candidate for this appointment. You can learn more information by visiting: www.seattle.gov/cityclerk/council-vacancy

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Community Organization Participation and Input Submission Period:

Closes: Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at 5:00 p.m.

Anticipated Special Public Meeting for Public Comment on Candidates:

Special City Council Meeting, Monday, January 22, 2024

Anticipated City Council Vote on Appointment:

City Council Meeting, Tuesday, January 23, 2024