🪧 Locals protest US action in Venezuela

Katie Wilson Is Now Officially Mayor

Mayor Wilson was sworn into office on Jan. 1, 2026, by Pauline Van Senus, who is known as Seattle’s “transit fairy” for riding the bus from White Center to clean and beautify bus stops. This was the first swearing-in that was open to the public in more than a decade. [KUOW]

A Word From Cynthia A. Green: One of the speakers at Wilson’s ceremony was City Cast contributor Marcus Harrison Green’s mother. Cynthia A. Green has lived in Seattle for 80 years and works to support caregivers. She said:

• “Today is … a victory for the people who refuse to disappear from this city,” she said. “For young people chartering a future clouded by decisions they did not choose, for elders who stayed when staying itself became an act of courage, for mothers and kinship caregivers keeping families together with too little support, for artists who gave Seattle its voice even as they struggle to keep a roof over their heads.” [KUOW]

Mayor Wilson on Building a Broad Working-Class Coalition: Ahead of her swearing in, Mayor Wilson spoke with Jacobin about her administration’s plans to confront Seattle’s affordability crisis.

Seattle City Attorney Erika Evans Sworn In: Attorney Evans was sworn in on Jan. 5 (which also happens to be her birthday) with “quite a crowd in attendance, including SPD Chief Shon Barnes,” according to The Urbanist’s Amy Sundberg. Evans is Seattle’s first Black city attorney. Read the Seattle Times’ Q&A about her goals for leadership.

Seattleites Protest US Military Action in Venezuela 🪧

Hundreds of protestors gathered at the Seattle waterfront following the U.S. military operation in Venezuela on Jan. 3. Many in attendance said the Trump administration's invasion and capture of Maduro was illegal. Rep. Pramila Jayapal, Rep. Emily Randall, and Senator Patty Murray released statements denouncing the U.S.'s actions. Washington State Republican Party Chair Jim Walsh claimed the situation "called for it." [KOMO]

Breaking Down Gov. Ferguson’s 2026 Budget 💰

In total, Ferguson’s budget proposal raises the state’s total expenditures by $1.2 billion. The governor had to bridge a new $2.3 billion budget deficit that had developed since the end of 2025’s legislative session. At the end of the year, Ferguson signaled support for instituting an income tax on millionaires, but his proposed tax would not go into effect until 2029. For more, check out this breakdown of the 2026 budget. [The Urbanist]

Friends of Cyclist Killed in Hit-and-Run Seeking Public's Help 🚲

In December, we reported on the fatal hit-and-run of cyclist and beloved community member Alley. Seattle Police are seeking assistance in locating the suspect vehicle. It is described as a “1997-1999 white Toyota Camry with gold emblems and damage to the windshield, hood, and right (passenger side) headlight.” Alley’s friends are asking the public to assist SPD in this search. [SPD Blotter]

Get Ready for Snow in Western WA This Week ⛷️

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for the Cascades from last night through Thursday morning. Western Washington could see as much as 4 feet of snow and 35mph wind gusts! Stay safe, as there is potential flooding along the Skokomish. On the plus side, maybe ski season has finally arrived. [Seattle Times]

Future Public Schools Superintendent Says ‘Safety’ First Priority 🏫

New SPS superintendent Ben Shuldiner will be sworn in on Feb. 1 and wants to focus on safety throughout the district by figuring out what’s best for students and teachers alike. He also plans to address graduation rates and budgetary woes. SPS is facing a deficit of approximately $100 million. [KIRO 7]