Seattle City Councilmember Tammy Morales is resigning

SEATTLE — Seattle City Council member Tammy Morales announced Wednesday that she will resign in January.

Morales, who represents District 2, said she came to the decision “after very careful consideration” and that she is “concerned about the future of this institution.”

“Over the last 11 months, this council has undermined our controls as a legislative branch and undermined my work as a policymaker,” Morales said. “This role has caused my mental and physical wellbeing to deteriorate and this is an unfortunate reality, particularly for many women serving in public office.”

According to Morales, the council compromised the ability of the council’s bipartisan staff to provide an objective policy analysis, suppressed voters by offering an alternative ballot measure that would exclude the Seattle Social Housing Developer, suppressed First Amendment rights during public comment, and intimidated Commentators sought to eliminate funding for an anti-displacement program that supported economic development, passed bills that would increase penalties without increasing law enforcement accountability, and passed finally, a budget that cut funding for social services and funding for increased incarceration, law enforcement, and camp clearances.

Morales highlighted several legislative accomplishments she is proud of, including passage of the Racial and Social Justice Initiative, the Tenants’ Bill of Rights and securing over $350 million in investments for her district and the citywide.

“I am so grateful to the community organizers, community leaders, students and advocates who have helped advance my council’s priorities over the last five years,” Morales said. “It has been my greatest honor to represent the people of Seattle, particularly South Seattle, and I will miss the opportunity to work with all of you on behalf of our neighbors.”

Morales was elected to the Seattle City Council in 2019. Her current term began in January of this year and would have lasted until December 2027.

The City Council has 20 calendar days to fill a vacancy