Seattle Mayor Vetoes Bill That Was Going to Ban Homeless People in RVs
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson announced Monday that she was vetoing a controversial bill that would have dramatically restricted homeless people living in RVs on the city's streets.
TL;DR
- Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson vetoed a bill designed to restrict RVs used by the unhoused.
- The bill, which passed the City Council 6-3, would have imposed new restrictions on RV parking and allowed for towing without advance notice.
- Mayor Wilson cited concerns over the program's projected cost, the fate of residents without alternative accommodation, and potential legal challenges.
- Councilmember Dan Strauss was blindsided by the veto, stating he believed they had agreed to work together.
- The mayor intends to issue an executive order directing funding towards additional outreach services and two new shelters for RV dwellers.
- The veto sets up a potential confrontation with the City Council, who have 30 days to override the decision.
- Critics of the bill warned it could leave vulnerable residents without homes and pointed to San Francisco's similar approach, which reportedly resulted in more RVs towed than households helped.
- Financial implications were a major sticking point, with estimates suggesting the permit program could cost over $10 million by the end of 2027.