Seattle Mayor Vetoes RV Permit Program for Homeless Residents
Mayor Katie Wilson vetoed a citywide RV parking restriction program, instead issuing an executive order to fund new shelters and outreach services.
Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson vetoed a permit program on Monday that would have restricted homeless residents from living in recreational vehicles on city streets. The legislation, passed by the City Council in October with a 6-3 majority, sought to prohibit overnight parking and limit daytime parking to two hours to effectively ban vehicle-dwelling. Wilson cited a projected $10 million cost by 2027, potential legal challenges under state law, and the risk that residents would lose their vehicles before securing shelter.
To address the issue, Wilson issued Executive Order 2026-09, which funds additional outreach services and the opening of the Glassyard Commons RV safe lot in West Seattle. The order also establishes a multi-department workgroup tasked with recommending alternative strategies within 60 days.
Councilmember Dan Strauss, the bill's primary sponsor, accused the mayor of breaking a commitment to implement the rules and plans to request a vote to override the veto. However, the success of an override, which requires six votes, is uncertain. Councilmember Rob Saka, who previously supported the legislation, indicated he may now vote against an override to allow the mayor's workgroup time to develop its recommendations.
