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WCC May 2026 Newsletter — Phase 2 Comp Plan Update & New Board

Dear Neighbors,

📝 President’s Message

Thank you to all who attended the Tuesday, May 5, 2026 7 PM WCC Annual Board Election Meeting. It was a pleasure to hear from our keynote speaker, Assistant Police Chief Tyrone Davis. We had a large crowd, including Wallingford Chamber of Commerce business owners who connected directly with the Seattle Police Department after recent burglaries along 45th.

A/C Davis took a wide range of questions. Among the highlights:

  • The Community Service Officer program is restarting, with 24 CSOs assigned across the five Seattle precincts (no badges, no guns) to handle a variety of non-emergency police business.
  • 103 police recruits are in training (one-year program), though A/C Davis acknowledged the ongoing shortage of officers in Seattle.
  • The Seattle motorcycle police force is preparing to escort dignitaries and athletes for the FIFA World Cup (mid-June to mid-July), with help from other jurisdictions to absorb the expected 800,000 visitors.
  • A new community engagement program, “Our City, Our Safety,” will rotate monthly between precincts. The next session is Monday, July 7, 6:00–7:30 PM at Bitter Lake.

More info: SPD Blotter — Our City, Our Safety 2026

Assistant Police Chief Tyrone Davis at WCC meeting
Assistant Police Chief Tyrone Davis addresses WCC members at Good Shepherd Center, May 5, 2026.

🗳️ Board Election Results & Transition

Thank you to our dedicated outgoing board from the past two years: Ted Hunter, Mark Johanson, Matt Hallett, Mary Hodder, Margaret Holt, Jen Ring Perez (one year), and Bonnie Williams (President). Bonnie is the only member leaving the board after two terms as President and ten years of WCC involvement. She will help with the summer transition to incoming President Alexis Chartouni and prepare the board for the fall.

Alexis brings significant Building and Land Use knowledge to the role. Thank you also to Miranda Berner (past President), who remains involved year-round and served as Nominating Committee Chair for the May 5 election.

Newly elected board, joining President Alexis Chartouni:

  • Mark Johanson — Treasurer
  • Matt Hallett — Secretary / Tech & Communications
  • Margaret Holt — Vice President
  • Jen Ring Perez — At Large
  • Larry Bush — At Large (begins September 2026)
  • Michelle Hamilton — At Large (begins September 2026)

At the May 20 board meeting, the President will appoint the Shoreline Committee Chair and the Gasworks Park Committee Chair. No WCC meetings are scheduled in July or August.

Outgoing 2025-2026 WCC Board
Outgoing 2025–2026 WCC Board. Back row (L–R): Mark Johanson, Mary Hodder, Matt Hallett. Front row (L–R): Jen Ring Perez, Bonnie Williams, Margaret Holt, Ted Hunter.
Incoming 2026-2027 WCC Board
Incoming 2026–2027 WCC Board. L–R: Matt Hallett (Secretary), Mark Johanson (Treasurer), Larry Bush (At Large), Alexis Chartouni (President), Jen Ring Perez (At Large), Margaret Holt (Vice President), Michelle Hamilton (At Large).

🏙️ Comp Plan Phase 2 — Where Things Stand

When can you expect final decisions on future land-use map rezoning by City Council district under Phase 2 “Corridors and Centers” of the Comprehensive Plan? What are the remaining opportunities to use your voice and influence the Council before the scheduled August 5 final vote?

Join us Wednesday, June 3 at the WCC meeting for the latest news from the May 14 and May 28 Select Committee (Full Council) meetings, and to prepare for the Public Hearing scheduled for Thursday, July 23 at 9:30 AM.

The City Council has a revised Select Committee schedule for May–August (see below). The Council will review maps by neighborhood and decide zoning categories for thousands of individual Neighborhood Residential (NR) lots citywide. The controversies center on the massive proposed change from NR (3-story / 32-foot maximum) to Lowrise 3 / 5-story apartment heights — a plan that has been contested by many neighborhoods since the online map proposals first appeared in October 2024.

In Wallingford and Tangletown, NR lots targeted for rezoning to LR3 / 5-story are either on a local bus route (“corridor”) or within the boundary of one of 30 new neighborhood “centers”. Specific locations include:

  • Wallingford: #31, #32 bus routes along N 40th, Wallingford Ave N to N 35th, and N 35th to Stone Way
  • Tangletown: #62 bus corridor from N 50th to N 56th on Meridian

OPCD and Council have purposely excluded neighborhood voices by voting down a 2025 amendment that would have required mailing rezone notifications to property owners by address. Each neighborhood is unique — different street widths, historic properties, layouts, and density already absorbed from 2019 upzones. OPCD is short on customer service to its property-owner tax base. Seattle is now more dependent on residential property tax payers than on its commercial property tax base, as so many commercial properties remain vacant (especially downtown, per King County Tax Assessor John Wilson in 2025). OPCD priorities — and Mayor Katie Wilson’s (see Seattle Times editorial on closed-door meetings) — appear to favor developers and newcomers without real concern for preserving the character of family neighborhoods like Wallingford, or for scaling back the predominantly LR3 / 5-story one-size-fits-all approach.

Double-check your property’s proposed zoning category: One Seattle Plan Zoning Map

Background on Wallingford and Tangletown rezoning: April 2026 WCC Newsletter

📅 Phase 2 Council Meeting Schedule (Revised)

Public Hearing moved from May to July; June meetings cancelled.

Date / TimeMeeting
Thursday, May 14 — 2:00 PMSelect Committee
Thursday, May 28 — 2:00 PMSelect Committee (amendments may be published before this date)
Thursday, July 23 — 9:30 AMPUBLIC HEARING (morning + afternoon sessions)
Thursday, July 30 — 9:30 AMSelect Committee
Wednesday, August 5 — 9:30 AMPossible Final Vote on Phase 2

Council contacts, background, and how to make your voice heard: seattle.gov/council/topics/comprehensive-plan

Seattle Times editorial on Mayor Wilson’s April 22 closed-door meeting (“Taller, Denser, Faster”): No more closed-door City Hall meetings on Seattle growth strategies

📅 Upcoming WCC Events

  • Tuesday, May 26 — 4:00 PM · Waterway 20 Grant Community Meeting #2 · Ivar’s Salmon House (4:00–5:30 PM)
  • Wednesday, June 3 — 7:00 PM · WCC Monthly Meeting · Room 202, Good Shepherd Center · Topic: Phase 2 “Corridors and Centers” map update ahead of the July 23 Public Hearing
  • Sunday, June 14 — 2:00 PM · Annual Shoreline Waterway Walk · Meet at Wallingford Steps · ~1 hour, optional happy hour at Ivar’s Salmon House after

🙋 Join or Renew Your Membership

Your membership powers WCC’s work on land use, transportation, public safety, and shoreline stewardship. Join or renew at wallingfordcc.org.

See you Wednesday, June 3 at 7 PM in Room 202 at Good Shepherd Center.

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WCC Annual Meeting & Board Election – May 5th

Join us for the WCC Annual Board Election and a special keynote presentation by Assistant Chief Tyrone Davis of the Seattle Police Department.

📅 Tuesday, May 5, 2026
🕖 7:00 – 8:30 PM (Check-in begins at 6:30 PM)
📍 Good Shepherd Center — Chapel (Top Floor)
4649 Sunnyside Avenue North (elevator available)

🎤 Keynote Speaker: Assistant Chief of Police Tyrone Davis

Assistant Chief Davis is a 25-year veteran of the Seattle Police Department. He leads the Special Operations Bureau, which includes SWAT, Hostage Negotiations Team, Arson/Bomb Squad, Harbor Unit, and the Canine Unit. His career has spanned investigations for the Office of Police Accountability, police reform, and training on patrol tactics including intervention and de-escalation.

A/C Davis is passionate about community engagement and building trust — and WCC is grateful to him and his willingness to meet with and share his expertise with the Wallingford community.

Topics may include: The city safety plan for the FIFA World Cup (June–July), Wallingford crime statistics (misdemeanors and felonies), burglaries (homes and businesses), car thefts, retail theft, arsons, community policing, integration of the Care Team and 911 crisis response, surveillance use in Seattle, behavioral health, drug use, etc.. There will also be a chance to ask questions.

📋 Meeting Agenda

  • 6:30 PM — Member check-in at the Chapel (elevator to top floor). Everyone is welcome — paid and unpaid members alike.
  • 7:00 PM — Welcome and election of the board. One ballot per person for those with 2026 dues paid.
    • The proposed slate for the 2026–2027 Board:
    • President: Alexis Chartouni
    • Vice President: Margaret Holt
    • Treasurer: Mark Johahnson
    • Secretary: Matt Hallett
    • At Large: Jenny Ring Perez
    • At Large: Larry Bush
    • At Large: Michelle Hamilton
  • 7:20 PM — Assistant Police Chief Tyrone Davis — presentation and Q&A
  • 8:00 PM — Closing remarks and thank you to Chief Davis and the WCC Board

⚠️ Voting Eligibility: To vote in the board election, you must have paid your 2026 WCC membership dues by April 19, 2026. Not a member yet? Visit wallingfordcc.org to join or renew today.

🙋 Volunteers needed! We need help setting up and putting away chairs before and after the meeting. Contact pres@wallingfordcc.org if you can lend a hand.

💬 Have a specific question or topic for Chief Davis? Email pres@wallingfordcc.org in advance.

🗓️ Save the Dates
Tuesday, May 26th, 2026 – 4P – Waterway 20 Community Meeting at Ivar’s
Sunday, June 14th, 2026 – 2P – Waterway Walk

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May 5: WCC Annual Board Election Meeting — Keynote by Assistant Police Chief Davis

🗳️ Annual Board Election Meeting

Join us for the WCC Annual Board Election and a special keynote presentation by Assistant Chief Tyrone Davis of the Seattle Police Department.

📅 Tuesday, May 5, 2026
🕖 7:00 – 8:30 PM (Check-in begins at 6:30 PM)
📍 Good Shepherd Center — Chapel (Top Floor)
4649 Sunnyside Avenue North (elevator available)

🎤 Keynote Speaker: Assistant Chief Tyrone Davis

Assistant Chief Davis is a 25-year veteran of the Seattle Police Department. He leads the Special Operations Bureau, which includes SWAT, Hostage Negotiations Team, Arson/Bomb Squad, Harbor Unit, and the Canine Unit. His career has spanned investigations for the Office of Police Accountability, police reform, and training on patrol tactics including intervention and de-escalation.

A/C Davis is passionate about community engagement and building trust — and WCC is grateful to host him to share his expertise with the Wallingford community.

Topics may include: Wallingford crime statistics (misdemeanors and felonies), burglaries (homes and businesses), car thefts, retail theft, arsons, integration with the Care Team and 911 crisis response, surveillance use in Seattle, business burglaries, behavioral health, drug use, and the city safety plan for the FIFA World Cup (June–July). Plus a chance to ask your questions.

📋 Meeting Agenda

  • 6:30 PM — Member check-in at the Chapel (elevator to top floor). Everyone is welcome — paid and unpaid members alike.
  • 7:00 PM — Welcome and introduction of board candidates. One ballot per person for those with 2026 dues paid.
  • 7:20 PM — Assistant Police Chief Tyrone Davis — presentation and Q&A
  • 8:00 PM — Closing remarks and thank you to Chief Davis and the WCC Board

🗳️ Board Election

Candidate list for Board positions to be announced prior to May 5 meeting.

Interested in running? Send a message describing your interest and involvement with the neighborhood and WCC to communications@wallingfordcc.org no later than Saturday, April 25, 2026.

⚠️ Voting Eligibility: To vote in the board election, you must have paid your 2026 WCC membership dues by April 19, 2026. Not a member yet? Visit wallingfordcc.org to join or renew today.

🙋 Volunteers needed! We need help setting up and putting away chairs before and after the meeting. Contact pres@wallingfordcc.org if you can lend a hand.

💬 Have a specific question or topic for Chief Davis? Email pres@wallingfordcc.org in advance.

🏟️ Reminder: Lincoln Athletic Field Meeting — This Saturday

📅 Saturday, April 25, 2026
🕙 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM (or via livestream)
📍 Hamilton International Middle School, 1610 N 41st Street

Community meeting on Lincoln Athletic Field Options A and C — including the Friends of Lower Woodland Park Option C proposal.

Livestream info: www.seattleschools.org/lincoln-field
More on Option C: actionnetwork.org/petitions/lwp

🗓️ Save the Dates

Saturday, April 25 — Lincoln Athletic Field Community Meeting (see above)
Tuesday, May 5 — WCC Annual Board Election Meeting, 7 PM at Good Shepherd Center Chapel

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Help Shape the Future of Waterway 20 — Take the Community Survey

Your input matters! The Wallingford Community Council is working with the State of Washington to expand public access to Lake Union at Waterway 20, just west of Gas Works Park. We want to hear from you about how this space should serve the community.

Take a few minutes to fill out the Waterway 20 Community Survey and help shape the future of our waterfront. Whether you kayak, paddle board, walk the shoreline, or just want more green space — we want to hear from you.

Take the Survey Now

Want to learn more about Wallingford’s shoreline initiatives and how we got here? Visit our Shorelines page for background on Waterway 20, the history of Lake Union’s public waterways, and how to get involved with the Shoreline Committee.

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This Wednesday: Waterway 20 Kickoff at Gasworks Brewing — Help Reopen Lake Union Access

⚠️ Date Correction: An earlier version of this announcement listed the wrong day. The Waterway 20 kickoff is Wednesday, April 8 — not Thursday, April 9. We apologize for the confusion!

💧 This Wednesday — Waterway 20 Kickoff!

Hi Neighbors,

There’s a stretch of Lake Union shoreline on the west side of Gas Works Park in Wallingford that’s been closed to the public for decades — fenced off and awaiting environmental cleanup — that most people don’t even know about. That’s about to change!

The Wallingford Community Council has been awarded a 2-year grant from the Washington State Department of Ecology to bring the community into the investigation and cleanup of Waterway 20 — and to chart a path toward reopening public access to this priceless public waterfront.

Join us for the kickoff meeting to learn where things stand now, what’s planned for next steps, and how you can shape the outcome of this site.

📅 Wednesday, April 8, 2026

🕖 7:00 – 8:30 PM

📍 Gasworks Brewing
     2441 N Northlake Way (Waterway 17)

This is the first of two public meetings this year. Your voice is needed as a part of the grant — literally! Come be heard. The future of Lake Union is calling you!

See you Wednesday!
— Wallingford Community Council, Shorelines Committee

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We Want Housing That Works for Families — City Council Needs to Hear From You

Growing Our Neighborhoods — and Getting It Right

What proposed zoning near Neighborhood Centers & Transit Corridors could mean for Wallingford & Tangletown

Seattle is growing, and neighbors broadly agree: we need more housing.

But the decisions being made now will shape what kind of housing gets built — and whether Seattle continues to support family‑sized homes alongside studios and one‑bedroom apartments.

Why family‑sized housing must be part of the plan

Many neighbors support adding housing, including increased density near transit and shops. What’s missing from current proposals is a clear commitment to encouraging family‑sized housing — both rental and ownership.

  • No requirements or incentives for family‑sized homes in proposed Lowrise 3 (LR3) zoning
  • LR3 zoning most often results in studios and one‑bedroom units, because these maximize financial return under unlimited density
  • When zoning strongly favors small units and removes limits on unit count, larger homes with multiple bedrooms are less likely to be built

Seattle invests heavily in schools, parks, libraries, and neighborhood amenities. Residents want zoning choices that align with those investments by making room for households with children and multi‑generational families — not just smaller households.

What’s already been approved — Phase 1

On December 16, 2025, Seattle City Council passed CB 120993, permanently implementing Washington State’s HB 1110 Middle Housing law as Phase 1 of the One Seattle Plan.

This already added substantial housing capacity across Neighborhood Residential (NR) zones (formerly “single‑family”):

  • 4–6 homes on most residential lots
  • Duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, townhouses, cottage housing, and stacked flats
  • Increased flexibility near major transit
  • Subdivision options that allow ownership or shared land ownership

Seattle already has citywide opportunities for modest‑scale, family‑oriented housing growth.

What’s being decided now — Phase 2

City Council is now considering Phase 2 zoning legislation (March 19 – June 18, 2026) focused on:

  • Neighborhood Centers (30 citywide)
  • Frequent transit corridors
  • Expanded Lowrise and Neighborhood Commercial zoning

Two public hearings:

  • Monday, April 6
  • Thursday, May 29

Why Wallingford & Tangletown neighbors are concerned

Wallingford transit corridors

Along frequent bus routes 31, 32, and 62, proposals would rezone over 30 blocks of current Neighborhood Residential streets currently zoned NR — those facing Meridian Ave N, N 40th Street, Wallingford Ave N, and N 35th Street — from NR to Lowrise 3 (LR3) zoning.

These blocks currently support 1–2 story homes, duplexes, small 2–3 story apartments, courtyard‑scale housing, and sixplexes. Under proposed LR3 zoning, these same lots could be redeveloped with:

  • 5‑story apartment buildings
  • No limit on number of units
  • 80% lot coverage
  • 5‑foot front setbacks

The concern is that existing family‑sized homes and apartments could be replaced with predominantly studio and one‑bedroom units, without encouraging 3-4 bedroom units, reducing opportunities for families to live along these corridors.

Tangletown Neighborhood Center

In Tangletown, Phase 2 proposals would:

  • Eliminate all Neighborhood Residential zoning within the proposed Neighborhood Center
  • Rezone roughly 400 residential lots from NR to LR3
  • Allow 5‑story buildings adjacent to 1–2 story homes
  • Remove unit caps and significantly reduce shared outdoor space

The result could be the loss of existing family‑sized housing without creating comparable family‑friendly replacements.

This isn’t about saying “no” to growth

It’s about aligning growth with community needs. Residents across Wallingford and Tangletown support more housing near shops and transit, reducing sprawl and car dependence, and welcoming new residents citywide.

What they’re asking for is intentional zoning that supports both smaller households and families, rather than zoning that strongly encourages studios and one‑bedroom apartments by allowing unlimited units per lot to maximize building yield.

Is there a middle path? Yes.

Neighborhood Residential (NR) zoning offers a balanced approach — designed to add housing while supporting everyday neighborhood life:

  • Encourages stacked flats and family‑sized homes
  • Allows 3–4 story buildings (height cap at 3 stories, with a stacked‑flat exception up to 42 feet / approx. 4 stories)
  • Maintains front setbacks and 50% lot coverage for daylight, trees, gardens, and social space
  • Includes unit caps, making family‑sized homes more feasible
  • Supports growth while keeping neighborhoods welcoming and livable

Community members support retaining NR zoning in Neighborhood Centers like Tangletown and along neighborhood‑scale transit corridors where buildings are currently 1–3 stories. This approach allows Seattle to add homes without losing family‑friendly housing choices.

Why speak up

These decisions are being made now. Hearing from residents who support housing growth thoughtfully helps the City Council make better choices.

A short email, phone call, or public comment makes a difference!

How to make your voice heard

1. Show up

Attend the Monday, April 6 City Council meeting at City Hall and sign up to speak.

  • Online public comment sign-up begins at 8:30 AM
  • In-person public comment starts at 2 PM and typically runs past 6:30 PM
  • Arrive as early as you can to get in line for public comment

2. Email and call your councilmember

Emails matter — as do phone calls. Share your street and your story. We recommend CC’ing all of City Council and the Mayor.

District / SeatNameEmailPhone
District 4 — WallingfordMaritza RiveraMaritza.Rivera@seattle.gov(206) 684‑8804
District 6 — TangletownDan StraussDan.Strauss@seattle.gov(206) 684‑8806
Citywide Position 8Alexis Mercedes RinckAlexisMercedes.Rinck@seattle.gov(206) 684‑8808
Citywide Position 9Dionne Fosterdionne.foster@seattle.gov(206) 684‑8809
All Council Memberscouncil@seattle.gov

Mayor Katie Wilson: Contact form | (206) 684‑4000

3. Share this message with your neighbors

Post this on your block’s message board. Forward it. Hand it to a neighbor.

Suggested message to send to elected officials

Feel free to personalize this — even a few sentences in your own words make a stronger impact than a form letter.

Subject: Support Family‑Friendly Housing in Neighborhood Centers & Corridors

Dear Councilmember [Last Name],

I am a resident of Wallingford, and I’m writing about the proposed zoning changes in Neighborhood Centers and along corridors like Meridian Avenue N, N 40th Street, Wallingford Avenue N, and N 35th Street.

I support building more housing in Seattle, including near neighborhood‑serving business districts. The question is what kind of housing gets built, where, and at what scale — especially now that state law already creates substantial opportunities for new homes citywide. I want our neighborhoods to remain welcoming to both current residents and the next generation of families.

Family‑sized homes, including family‑sized rental homes, are increasingly hard to find in Seattle. Without intentional zoning, families can be priced out — even though access to Seattle’s schools, parks, and neighborhood amenities is a major reason families want to live here.

I’m concerned that the proposed expansion of Lowrise 3 (LR3) zoning extends beyond Neighborhood Center cores into surrounding residential streets, while not requiring or encouraging family‑sized homes, meaningful front setbacks, or gradual height transitions. LR3 zoning allows 5‑story buildings, up to 80% lot coverage, 5‑foot front setbacks, and no limits on units per lot — which strongly incentivizes studios and one‑bedroom units, and results in open space being pushed to private rooftop decks instead of shared, street‑level green space.

I encourage the Council to consider a more balanced approach by prioritizing Neighborhood Residential (NR) zoning in and around Neighborhood Centers and along neighborhood‑scale corridors. NR zoning already allows 4–6 homes per lot, encourages stacked flats and family‑sized units, and preserves setbacks for daylight, trees, and shared outdoor space.

Seattle can add housing and remain a place where families can live, grow, and stay. Thank you for considering this perspective.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address or Neighborhood]

For more information

Attend the WCC Meeting — Wednesday, April 1, 2026 at 7 PM, Good Shepherd Center, Room 202

WCC website: wallingfordcc.org

Interactive zoning map: One Seattle Plan Zoning Map

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WCC April 1 Meeting – Phase 2 Zoning Returns

📝 President’s Message

Dear Neighbors,

April brings the wonderful colors of spring flowers along with fresh challenges to be addressed on citywide rezone proposals with the restart of Phase 2 Comp Plan legislation. There is a compressed timeline with only 2 meetings left and two public hearings between March 19–June 18. There will be amendments by Council representatives and voting in June.

It is now a reality that EVERY Neighborhood Residential (NR) lot—formerly single family—due to passage of the permanent Middle Housing legislation CB 120993 on December 16, 2025 in Phase 1, has increased capacity to allow building of 4–6 housing units on 5,000 square foot lots citywide. Phase 2 proposals under Council review include changes to Lowrise 1, 2, 3 zones, Neighborhood Commercial, and Midrise zones add more zoning layers to increase housing unit capacity per lot.

The most important contribution you can make is to use your voice at Public Hearings—either remotely or in person—and by contacting City Council representatives directly to advocate for your neighborhood.

WCC is excited to announce our Annual Board Meeting Election night will be held Tuesday, May 5. Our keynote speaker will be an Assistant Police Chief from the Seattle Police Department. To be eligible to vote for Board positions, you must pay your WCC 2026 membership dues before the April 12–13 deadline at wallingfordcc.org. Thank you to those of you who support us with new and renewed memberships and donations.

If you would like to be considered for a board position, please contact our nominating committee at pres@wallingfordcc.org.

Warm regards,
Bonnie Williams, President — Wallingford Community Council

📅 Upcoming WCC Meeting

Next General Meeting

📅 Wednesday, April 1, 2026 | 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
📍 Good Shepherd Center, Room 202 | Seattle, WA 98103

Agenda:

  • Phase 2 Zoning Update: Preview ahead of April 6 Public Hearing
  • WCC Board Updates & Community Announcements
  • Waterway 20 Kickoff — April 8 at Gasworks Brewery
  • Dan Strauss Community Meeting — March 25 (Wed). Contact Dan.Strauss@seattle.gov or 206-684-8806.
  • Wally Home Resource Fair — April 25, 10 AM–3:30 PM at Wallingford Center

🚨 Phase 2 Comprehensive Plan — It’s Back

City Council has restarted Phase 2 of the Comprehensive Plan with a compressed schedule running March 19 through June 18, 2026. This process will determine rezoning for Neighborhood Residential lots facing frequent transit bus corridors and 30 new neighborhood centers citywide—including Wallingford and Tangletown.

Key Phase 2 Dates

DateTimeEvent
March 19, 20262:00 PMSelect Committee Meeting (completed — video available)
April 6, 20269:30 AMPublic Hearing #1 (2 sessions)
May 29, 20269:30 AMPublic Hearing #2 (2 sessions)
June 4, 20261:00 PMSelect Committee Meeting
June 18, 20261:00 PMSelect Committee Meeting — potential vote

March 19 Recording: Skip to 39 min for OPCD overview.
Watch on Seattle Channel
View presentation slides
Sign up for testimony

🏙️ Key Issue: One Seattle Plan Zoning

Background: State Zoning Compliance (HB 1110) — Phase 1

The City Council passed Permanent State Zoning Compliance legislation CB120993 on December 16, 2025, effective January 21, 2026. The legislation comprehensively updates Seattle’s Neighborhood Residential (NR) zones—formerly single-family zones—to comply with Washington State HB 1110.

HB 1110 requires cities to allow a wider variety of “middle” housing types, including duplexes, triplexes, and stacked flats, in single-family zones. The state mandates that the densest housing be located near major transit (light rail and Rapid Ride). Middle housing is defined as buildings compatible in scale, form, and character with single-family houses that contain two or more attached, stacked, or clustered homes—including duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, sixplexes, townhouses, stacked flats, courtyard apartments, and cottage housing.

NR zones now have a density limit of 4–6 units per 5,000 square foot lot and a 32 foot / 3 story height maximum, with the exception of stacked flats at 42 feet / 4 stories.

What Phase 2 Proposes

Mayor Harrell’s One Seattle Plan has been controversial since its introduction in October 2024. Key concerns have focused on the scale of proposed housing growth—330,000 units, far beyond the Environmental Impact Study requirement of 80,000–120,000 units over 20 years—and questions about affordability and adequate public outreach.

OPCD has primarily proposed Lowrise 3 (LR3) zoning of 5–6 stories for NR lots facing bus corridors and NR lots surrounding 30 proposed neighborhood centers. Critics argue LR3/5–6 stories is out of scale with existing neighborhoods unlike NR zone 3 story heights and goes beyond what HB 1110 requires.

The March 19 meeting introduced additional proposals for changes to Lowrise 1–3 categories and Midrise zones, including a new 6-story Midrise zone. The proposed development standard changes to Lowrise 1 and 2 for greater heights, if passed, will change lowrise zones across the city—including the 2019 conversions of 750 lots from single family to Lowrise 1, 2, 3 inside the Wallingford Urban Village (now Center). In 2019, 45th and Stoneway were upzoned to 4–8 stories, which has led to significant apartment development around Stoneway in just 7 years.

Key Areas Impacted in Wallingford

Bus Corridor Map - Wallingford zoning impact areas
Bus Corridor Map – Wallingford zoning impact areas
  • Wallingford Ave & N. 40th St. (Routes 31/32): LR3 proposed from I-5 along 40th to Wallingford Ave N., south to N. 35th St. and across to Stoneway.
  • Tangletown Business Core: NC-40 → NC-55–65 (5–6 stories).
  • Surrounding Tangletown: ~400 NR homes proposed for LR3 (5-story).
  • Meridian Avenue N. (Route 62): NR corridor from N. 50th to N. 56th proposed for LR3 (5-story).

Online Maps:

How to Stay Informed & Take Action

  • Attend Public Hearings (next: April 6 at 9:30 AM)
  • Contact your representatives directly

📂 Key Contacts — City of Seattle

RoleNameContact
MayorKatie Wilsonseattle.gov/mayor/contact · 206-684-2000
D4 – WallingfordMaritza RiveraMaritza.Rivera@seattle.gov · 206-684-8804
D6 – Tangletown/NDan StraussDan.Strauss@seattle.gov · 206-684-8806
At-LargeDionne FosterDionne.Foster@seattle.gov · 206-684-8809
At-LargeAlexis Mercedes RinckAlexisMercedes.Rinck@seattle.gov · 206-684-8808
D1Rob SakaRob.Saka@seattle.gov · 206-684-8807
D2Eddie LinEddie.Lin@seattle.gov · 206-684-8802
D3Joy HollingsworthJoy.Hollingsworth@seattle.gov · 206-684-8803
D5Deborah JuarezDeborah.Juarez@seattle.gov · 206-684-8805
D7Robert KettleRobert.Kettle@seattle.gov · 206-684-8807
All Council—council@seattle.gov
OPCD Lead Comp PlanMichael HubnerMichael.Hubner@seattle.gov
OPCD Lead Zone Codes Phase 2Brennon StaleyBrennon.Staley@seattle.gov
OPCD Phase 2—OneSeattlePlan.zoning@seattle.gov

💧 Waterway 20 Grant Project Update

Public Meeting #1: Wed April 8, 7–8:30 PM at Gasworks Brewery
Public Meeting #2: Tentatively Thu May 26, 7 PM, Venue TBD

The WCC’s two-year grant from the WA Dept of Ecology (2026–2028) is moving forward. Two public outreach meetings are scheduled to reopen access to Lake Union through the fenced-off area just west of Gas Works Park known as Waterway 20.

Committee chaired by Ted Hunter is hiring consultants for soil contamination analysis.

🗳️ May 5 Annual Meeting & Board Elections

Tue May 5, 7–8:30 PM
Good Shepherd Center Chapel (Top Floor)

Special Speaker: Assistant Police Chief, Seattle PD

Membership dues must be paid by April 12–13 to vote. wallingfordcc.org or mail check to 4108 Midvale Avenue North, Seattle 98103.

Community Updates — Seattle Neighborhood Alliance

WCC President Bonnie Williams attended the first meeting of a new networking organization for Seattle Community Council leaders, held at Doric Lodge in Fremont in mid-March. This coalition is a support group for strengthening operations of Community Councils citywide. There is no political alignment at this time. Members are encouraged to seek help and share expertise on website design, recruitment of members, and more effective neighborhood outreach.

🗓️ 2026 Meeting Schedule

April 1 (Wed)General Meeting, Good Shepherd Room 202
May 5 (Tue)Annual Meeting & Board Elections, Good Shepherd Chapel. Police speaker.
June 3 (Wed)General Meeting
Jul–AugSummer break

🙋 Volunteer

Secretary: Needed urgently to take meeting minutes through May election

Gasworks Park Monitor (2–3 volunteers): Help track event impacts this summer

Legislative Liaison: Track state bills through the legislative session

To volunteer: pres@wallingfordcc.org

🌿 Join/Renew Membership

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