Durkan, Seattle council engage in one final clash in closing days of mayoral term

As Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan prepares to leave office, she is engaged in a contentious dispute with the city council over tree protection policies. Councilmembers Dan Strauss and Alex Pedersen have publicly criticized Durkan for not completing promised work on tree protections, highlighting a lack of follow-through on commitments made since 2019. Strauss expressed disappointment, noting that another year would pass without meaningful action to protect Seattle's tree canopy. Environmental advocates have condemned Durkan's inaction as 'inexcusable,' stressing the urgency of implementing stronger tree protections to combat climate change. With her term ending, the responsibility for these policies will fall to incoming Mayor Bruce Harrell.

In response to the criticism, Durkan cited her focus on the COVID-19 pandemic and severe winter weather as justifications for her administration's shortcomings. This dispute reflects a broader pattern of conflict between Durkan and the council during her tenure, characterized by significant policy disagreements.