The Seattle City Council held its first meeting of the new term on January 6, 2026, where Councilmember Joy Hollingsworth was elected as Council President for the 2026-2027 term in a 9-0 vote. Council President Pro Tem Dan Strauss nominated Hollingsworth, which was seconded with no opposing nominations. Hollingsworth is the first Black woman to be elected president of the Seattle City Council. 

Erika J. Evans was sworn in as Seattle’s new City Attorney during an oath of office ceremony at City Hall on Monday. Her inauguration marks not only a transition in leadership, but a historic moment as she becomes the first Black person to hold the position in the city. 

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell recently joined "The Big O Show" to reflect on his term, the challenges he faced in office, and his vision for the city in light of the upcoming shift in power in January. 

The Seattle News, Views, and Brews (SNVB) podcast recently hosted its first-ever Patrons Appreciation Year-End event at City Hall, celebrating their patrons and extending their commitment to local independent journalism in Seattle. Set up in City Grind Espresso in City Hall, the event saw hosts Brian Callanan and David Kroman record the 50th SNVB episode of 2025 in front of a studio audience of patrons.

In a recent press release, Mayor-elect Katie Wilson announced decisions regarding the leadership of the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), the Seattle Human Services Department (HSD), and the Department of Education and Early Learning (DEEL). These decisions are meant to align with Wilson’s top three priorities: addressing the homelessness crisis, reducing childcare costs, and improving the transportation system.

Last night, The Big O joined Seattle News Tonight to discuss his recent conversation with Mayor-elect Katie Wilson on “The Big O Show.” Salisbury shared his post-interview reflections, offered insight into the new administration's structural changes and its strategy for tackling chronic issues in the Chinatown International District (CID), including Little Saigon. 

By Elizah Lourdes Rendorio, Journalist Intern, The University of Washington - Seattle’s Mayor-elect Katie Wilson held her first transition meeting team Tuesday, Dec. 9 at El Centro De La Raza. Her 60-member team, which includes a group of student and youth advisors, convened to set the administration's initial agenda and priorities before taking office in January. 

Mayor-elect Katie Wilson recently appeared on “The Big O Show” to discuss her transition into office and her administration's priorities, including homelessness and public safety. Wilson announced for the first time that she will keep Shon Barnes as Seattle Police Chief. "I've had several conversations now with Chief Barnes and I will be retaining him as our police chief,” she said. 

By a narrow margin, Katie Wilson is projected to win the 2025 Seattle mayoral race against incumbent Bruce Harrell. In light of her win, Converge looks back on Wilson’s first interview with Trae Holiday on The Day With Trae on April 6, 2025. Wilson, a self-described community organizer of 14 years and founder of the Transit Riders Union, spoke about her decision to run for mayor and what she planned to prioritize in office. 

In this segment of The Day With Trae, host Trae Holiday sat down with Councilmember Rob Saka, who stepped into his role representing District One of the Seattle City Council in January 2024. District One comprises the neighborhoods of West Seattle, South Park, SoDo, Georgetown, and Pioneer Square, all communities in which Saka underscored his dedication to building up through engagement, such as small business listening sessions and walking tours. 

Alexis Mercedes Rinck, who recently announced her candidacy for the Seattle City Council's Position 8 citywide seat, recently appeared on The Day with Trae to discuss her candidacy and vision for the city. Rinck is challenging the newly elected Tanya Woo, who declared her intention to keep the seat earlier this month.