News Release

For Immediate Release
May 19, 2026

FROM THE OFFICE OF: Councilmember Bob Kettle

CONTACT: Brad Harwood, Communications Director
206-798-7577 or brad.harwood@seattle.gov

Councilmember Kettle calls for a comprehensive shelter plan and additional study

‘I want this shelter expansion to succeed’

SEATTLE – Ahead of today’s City Council meeting, Councilmember Bob Kettle (District 7), called for a robust process to guide high acuity shelter capacity expansion in response to Mayor Katie Wilson’s proposed transitional encampment bill (CB 121195). The bill, as drafted, would expand the use of tiny homes and raise the allowable maximum capacity for sited encampments, but has raised many questions about the stakeholder process, standards of care for high service shelter, and lacks a fully thought-out plan on expansion.       

"I applaud Mayor Wilson and my Council colleagues for taking quick action to address the persistent homelessness and housing crisis in Seattle. I’m a strong supporter of tiny homes and of previous sites where they’ve been effectively utilized,” said Councilmember Kettle.

“To guarantee success, we must be more thoughtful than what we’ve seen at the regional level. We need only to look at the shortcomings of the King County Regional Homelessness Authority and its devastating audit in April. A successful model for Seattle must include clear performance measures, a guarantee of a high level of services with sufficient funding, public safety plans, and appropriate staffing levels. We must also listen to providers, the High-Acuity Work Group, and the neighborhoods where the shelters are sited, to inform how we support our most vulnerable neighbors. Given these gaps, this bill is but a first step.

“Effectively addressing the homelessness crisis is too important to get wrong. I want this shelter expansion plan to succeed, which is why I strongly urge my colleagues to collaborate on a more comprehensive bill that ensures long-term results and addresses the seam between public safety, public health, housing, and human services,” noted Councilmember Kettle.

This legislation is part of the mayor’s three-bill package designed to address homelessness. The first, CB 121184, accelerates shelter openings by allowing the Finance and Administrative Services department to sign leases directly with property owners, removing bureaucratic hurdles. The second, CB 121185, reallocates $4.8 million in existing City funds toward shelters and wrap-around services. Both measures were passed by the Council in April.

About the City Council
The Seattle City Council is the elected legislative branch of the city’s government. It’s comprised of nine councilmembers serving four-year terms and representing 800,000 constituents — seven selected by districts and two through citywide positions. For the latest news and information, please visit seattle.gov/council.

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