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Governance and Utilities Committee

Wednesday, July 29, 2026 · 9:30 AM AM · Council Chamber, City Hall 600 4th Avenue Seattle, WA 98104

TL;DR

The Governance and Utilities Committee met to discuss utility assistance programs and rate changes for Seattle residents. The committee considered expanding emergency bill assistance eligibility for both Seattle Public Utilities and City Light customers, and reviewed proposed adjustments to water service rates and the utility discount program.

Key Decisions

  • Emergency Bill Assistance Expansion for Seattle Public Utilities Considered for approval
  • Emergency Bill Assistance Expansion for City Light Department Considered for approval
  • Water Rates and Low-Income Customer Credits Revision Considered for approval
  • AI Investment and Usage Reports Response Information item reviewed
  • Technology Matching Fund Program Overview Information item reviewed
Agenda 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. 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)
  8. 2. 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)
  9. 3. 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)
  10. 4. Response to Statement of Legislative Intent (SLI) ITD-010S-A-2: Artificial Intelligence Investment and Usage Reports
    Information Item (Inf)
  11. 5. Technology Matching Fund Program Overview
    Information Item (Inf)
  12. Adjournment