(The Center Square) – Seattle expects to have an upcoming city council vacancy filled by July 28 as council members prepare for more budget challenges this fall.
Earlier this month, Seattle City Councilmember Cathy Moore announced that she was resigning from her position as the District 5 representative, citing health and personal reasons, which she considered “over the past several months.”
Moore’s last day on the job will be July 7 after serving District 5 for a year and six months. She was part of the Seattle City Council’s major overhaul in 2024 with five new city council members that represent a more politically-centered dais.
Moore’s upcoming resignation leaves the Seattle City Council to appoint a new representative for the third time since January 2024.
Applications for Moore’s replacement will begin on July 2 through July 9. According to the city, applicants must be a citizen of the U.S. and a qualified Washington voter who can read and write in English. Applicants must also be an active registered voter and resident of Seattle’s district 5 for at least 120 days prior to the date of the application.
A candidate will be appointed after receiving at least five votes. If the city council fails to appoint an applicant to the vacant seat by July 28, council members will have to meet and vote every business day afterwards until an appointment is made.
Seattle City Council Chair Sara Nelson warned interested applicants at the task ahead for the council, including city estimates revealing that revenues over the next two years are expected to be $241.5 million less than previously thought.
“The council has a full plate in the months ahead – addressing the major budget gap, finishing the Comprehensive Plan process, and tackling our ongoing public safety needs. I look forward to working with the successful candidate in addressing these challenges facing Seattle,” Nelson said in a statement.
Applications must be sent and received by the city clerk by 5 p.m. on July 9 in order to be accepted.
