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Governance and Utilities Committee

Thursday, July 9, 2026 · 9:30 AM AM · Council Chamber, City Hall 600 4th Avenue Seattle, WA 98104

TL;DR

The Governance and Utilities Committee approved changes to Seattle's utility discount program by raising income thresholds, making assistance available to more low-income households. The committee also discussed but did not vote on proposed water rate changes and expansions to emergency bill assistance programs for both Seattle Public Utilities and City Light customers.

Key Decisions

  • Zahoor Ahmed appointment to Washington State Convention Center Public Facilities District Board Confirmed
  • Utility Discount Program income threshold increase for water, wastewater, drainage, solid waste, and electric services Passed as amended
  • Water rates and charges revision with utility discount program updates Discussed (no action taken)
  • Emergency bill assistance expansion for Seattle Public Utilities customers Discussed (no action taken)
  • Emergency bill assistance program expansion for City Light Department customers Discussed (no action taken)
Agenda PDF Minutes PDF

Agenda

  1. This meeting also constitutes a meeting of the City Council, provided that the meeting shall be conducted as a committee meeting under the Council Rules and Procedures, and Council action shall be limited to committee business.
  2. Please Note: Times listed are estimated
  3. Call To Order
  4. Approval of the Agenda
  5. Public Comment
  6. Items of Business
  7. 1. Appointment of Zahoor Ahmed as member, Washington State Convention Center Public Facilities District Board, for a term to July 30, 2030.
    Appointment (Appt)
    Action: confirm Passed

    The Committee recommends that City Council confirm the Appointment (Appt).

  8. 2. Audit Recommendation Updates
    Information Item (Inf)
    Action: heard in Committee

    The Information Item (Inf) was heard in Committee.

  9. 3. An ordinance relating to the Utility Discount Program; amending the income threshold for the utility discount program for water, wastewater, drainage, solid waste, and electric utility services; and amending Sections 21.49.040 and 21.76.030 of the Seattle Municipal Code.
    Council Bill (CB)
    Action: pass as amended Passed

    The Committee recommends that City Council pass as amended the Council Bill (CB).

  10. 4. An ordinance relating to rates and charges for water services of Seattle Public Utilities; revising water rates and charges; revising qualification requirements for the utility discount program; revising credits to low-income customers; and amending Sections 21.04.430, 21.04.440, 21.76.030, and 21.76.040 of the Seattle Municipal Code.
    Council Bill (CB)
    Action: discussed

    The Council Bill (CB) was discussed.

  11. 5. An ordinance relating to emergency assistance for Seattle Public Utilities customers; amending Section 21.76.065 of the Seattle Municipal Code to adjust program terms and conditions and expand eligibility guidelines for emergency bill assistance.
    Council Bill (CB)
    Action: discussed

    The Council Bill (CB) was discussed.

  12. 6. An ordinance relating to the City Light Department’s emergency bill assistance program; amending Section 21.49.042 of the Seattle Municipal Code to adjust program terms and conditions and expand eligibility guidelines for emergency bill assistance.
    Council Bill (CB)
    Action: discussed

    The Council Bill (CB) was discussed.

  13. Adjournment