What's Happening at SMC—January 2026

City of Seattle, Washington sent this bulletin at 01/15/2026 06:30 PM PST

SMC Presiding Judge Anita Crawford-Willis

New City Leaders' Impacts on the Court

Our city government has seen significant change following the November election, with a new mayor, city attorney, city council president, several new councilmembers, and new department leadership since the start of 2026.

For Seattle Municipal Court, what’s most important is what has not changed. Our court leadership remains the same and we remain firmly committed to our mission and values.

SMC has been intentional about early outreach to new officials, congratulating them before they were sworn in and emphasizing the importance of strong working relationships and regular communication. So far, we have had productive meetings with City Attorney Evans and members of Mayor Wilson’s transition team, and we expect ongoing collaboration with the Mayor’s Office, City Council, and City Attorney’s Office.

City Attorney Evans has expressed strong support for community court, and we’ve begun conversations about helping restart it. She is also taking a new approach to drug possession and public use cases, including diverting some individuals to the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion program for treatment, housing, and support. We will continue to share updates as this work moves forward.

SMC Faces and Places

Legal Pathways interns pose with SMC judges

Fatoumata Diallo and Halima Mohamed recently wrapped up a monthslong job shadowing opportunity with court employees. They were participants in Legal Pathways at UW-Tacoma, a new initiative funded by the Washington State Legislature, that aims to help students interested in pursuing legal careers. Read more.

SMC Presiding Judge Anita-Crawford-Willis gives opening remarks to newly and re-elected municipal court judges

SMC's Presiding Judge and District and Municipal Court Judges' Association (DMCJA) President Anita Crawford-Willis gave opening remarks and introduced Washington Supreme Court Justice Debra Stephens at the DMCJA swearing-in ceremony for newly elected and re-elected municipal court judges on Dec. 8, 2025, at the Temple of Justice in Olympia.

SMC judges dish up a holiday breakfast for staff

Every December, SMC judges and magistrates trade the bench for the breakfast table, hosting a holiday spread for court staff. While the work of the court is serious, the season is for gratitude, good cheer, and recognizing the people who keep justice running all year long.

SMC employee Kevan Johnson with Mayor Katie Wilson

Long-time Court Operations Specialist Kevan Johnson (30+ years of City of Seattle service) was at Mayor Katie B. Wilson's swearing-in ceremony on Jan. 2, 2026. He wanted to be there as Wilson is a strong advocate for employees with disabilities.

Happenings at SMC

Washington Supreme Court Chief Justice Visits SMC

Last month, Washington State Supreme Court Chief Justice Debra Stephens paid a visit to SMC. During her time at the court, she met with Presiding Judge Anita Crawford-Willis, Executive Judicial Assistant Teresa Miller and several staff members of the Community Resource Center (CRC). Staff and PJ took her on a tour of the court and presented her with SMC swag to take home. PJ talked about SMC's case types, volume, and the work done in SMC's therapeutic courts.

Kudos to SMC staff members Jennifer Goodwin, Leah Pastrana, and Maketa Brazier who took time out of their day to explain their roles in the CRC and talk about the important work they do to serve our community.

What Do You Want to Read in this Newsletter in 2026?

This newsletter is for our community, and your voice matters. If there’s a court topic that you’re curious about or would like to see explained, email us and let us know.