As part of its outreach into Seattle politics, Washington Retail is closely following City Council elections upcoming later this year.

All seven of the council’s districts seats are up for election. Incumbent Council President Bruce Harrell has announced that he will not run again.

Harrell is leaving City Hall with Rob Johnson and Sally Bagshaw, council incumbents who also have said they will resign after their current terms expire later this year

More than two dozen candidates were running across the seven districts as of the end of January. Interested candidates have until May to register their intention to run.

Incumbents Kshama Sawant and Debora Juarez have announced their intentions to seek re-election.

WR contact lobbyist John Engber, Director of the Retail Industry Coalition of Seattle, is paying close attention to movement on the council, which increasingly has been approving regulations that affect Seattle retailers. These range from scheduling requirements to minimum wage levels and personal and family leave rights.

The coalition’s efforts aim to advocate on behalf of the needs of Seattle retailers and to ensure that their collective voices are heard during City Council meetings and deliberations.

WR encourages Seattle retailers to join the coalition and become engaged in this year’s elections and the agendas and meetings of the City Council. Contact John Engber at 206-850-5517 or at [email protected]. Learn more about the council and its membership at its homepage.