Muni News
VOLUME 90, ISSUE 2  - FEBRUARY 2000

PARKS DISTRICT IN SEATTLE'S FUTURE?
By Lucy Steers, Trustee

For the last several years the City of Seattle has attempted to get legislation adopted in Olympia to amend the Metropolitan Parks District (“MPD”) statute of 1907 in order to provide greater flexibility to meet Seattle's unique parks needs. These proposed amendments have not succeeded in making it through both houses to the Governor's desk.

This year a citizens group has recommended creating a Local Parks Authority to serve as a new mechanism for funding parks needs. It would somewhat resemble the original MPD enabled under state law and would utilize some of the features in Seattle's proposed amendments. It would, however, include significantly more protections and limitations, to be set at the local level. And, like an MPD, its creation would require a vote of the people. The legislation that would amend state law to make this option possible is Senate Bill 6566.

This improved mechanism, crafted and supported by concerned citizens, has some chance of success, even in the current post-I-695 climate of this legislative session. Should it be enacted, the action will move to the local level, where further public involvement will be sought in the creation of a ballot measure.

For more information, contact Lucy Steers 206-725-8691