CITY OF SEATTLE
RESOLUTION __________________
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A RESOLUTION modifying the October 30, 2025 Mayoral Civil Emergency Proclamation regarding the federal government shutdown and the disruption to SNAP benefits for Seattleites.
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WHEREAS, on October 30, 2025 the Mayor declared a civil emergency related to the impending disruption to the SNAP benefit program in Seattle as a result of the federal government shutdown; and
WHEREAS, the Proclamation of Civil Emergency noted that 50,000 Seattleites receive SNAP benefits to address food insecurity, amounting to $16 million disbursed each month; and
WHEREAS, the Council finds that the Mayor’s response was a prudent measure to anticipate local disruptions to food access and burdens on our vital food distribution systems; and
WHEREAS, the Council finds that while federal courts review the legality of SNAP benefit disruption and our state stands up a state-wide response to anticipated food shortages, it is our responsibility as a Council to join these efforts by utilizing our city funds to address this crisis; and
WHEREAS, Seattle Municipal Code 10.02.010.C governs the role of Mayor and Council during a declared emergency and states: “The Council may, by resolution, modify or reject the proclamation and, if rejected, it shall be void. If the Council modifies or rejects the proclamation, said modification or rejection shall be prospective only, and shall not affect any actions taken prior to the modification or rejection of the proclamation.”; and
WHEREAS, the Council affirms its role as the separately elected branch responsible for the appropriation of city funds and agrees that the Mayor’s use of certain emergency powers at this time will expedite resources and staffing to address a food shortage that may grow if not addressed with urgency; and
WHEREAS, given the potential scope of food insecurity, food bank mobilization alone may be inadequate; and
WHEREAS, the Council therefore modifies the Mayor’s Proclamation to direct that the Mayor not only distribute resources to food banks but also to the full spectrum of established food systems in Seattle, be it meal providers for children, seniors, and other vulnerable populations, community centers, food banks, and other diverse food distribution channels; NOW, THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEATTLE THAT:
Section 1. The proclamation declaring a civil emergency by Mayor Harrell related to the federal government shutdown’s disruption of SNAP benefits, dated October 30, 2025, and attached to this resolution as Exhibit A, is modified as shown in Exhibit B.
Adopted by the City Council the ________ day of _________________________, 2025, and signed by me in open session in authentication of its adoption this ________ day of _________________________, 2025.
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President ____________ of the City Council
Filed by me this ________ day of _________________________, 2025.
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Scheereen Dedman, City Clerk
(Seal)
Attachments:
Exhibit A - Mayoral Proclamation of Civil Emergency, October 30, 2025
Exhibit B - Modified Proclamation