“As mayor, it is my responsibility to ensure that city policies and programs are implementable, a cost-effective use of public resources, and have a reasonable likelihood of achieving their stated goals,” Wilson wrote in her veto letter (PDF) to the City Clerk.
The legislation’s sponsor Dan Strauss now has up to 30 days to rally an override vote.
In place of the permit program, Wilson is advancing an alternative executive order focused on immediate service deployment rather than administrative permitting. The order directs city departments to immediately release 2026 outreach funding, fast-track the opening and occupancy of two RV safe lots designed to accommodate 182 residents, and establish a cross-departmental and community working group to troubleshoot right-of-way conditions and address neighborhood impacts using existing laws.
The moves challenge the 6–3 majority that passed the RV bill last month. Backing the measure alongside sponsorStrauss (District 6) were Rob Saka (District 1), Maritza Rivera (District 4), Debora Juarez (District 5), Bob Kettle (District 7), and Council President Joy Hollingsworth representing Capitol Hill and the Central District in District 3.
Opposing the plan were councilmembers Dionne Foster, Eddie Lin, and Alexis Mercedes Rinck.
Hollingsworth, who typically takes to her social media accounts to make announcements or statements, has not yet spoken publicly about the RV legislation and the veto.
Meanwhile, the council’s makeup could be shifting. Tuesday’s election will bring a new leader for District 5 where progressive advocate Nilu Jenks and educator Julie Kang are facing off to take the North Seattle council seat vacated by Cathy Moore and currently filled by council veteran Juarez. The winner can take office as soon as the county certifies results which could come within the 30-day window.
As previously reported by CHS, the council designed the Vehicle Resident Assistance Program package to limit long-term vehicular encampments while expanding access to services and shelter. Under the vetoed bill, vehicle residents would have received permits to park in certain zones of the city provided they accepted supportive services.
Wilson, in her letter on the veto, warned against “practical enforcement issues related to towing vehicles that are occupied and increased reliance on SPD to implement a program that has high likelihood of legal liability and personal injury.”
Under the City Charter, council members have up to 30 days to decide to attempt an override. Six votes are needed to counter the mayor’s veto.
The veto is the first of Wilson’s tenure.
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