Seattle (March 11, 2025) – Today, Seattle City Attorney Ann Davison announced her plan to add staff positions to the Seattle City Attorney’s Office (CAO) in response to increased workload caused by federal executive orders and other Trump Administration directives with potential impacts to Seattle.
“It’s critical that we add these positions as soon as possible,” said City Attorney Davison. “In just a few short weeks since the inauguration, dozens of executive orders have been issued. Whenever there is potential negative impact to Seattle from any Trump Administration action, I will take every measure to respond appropriately and within the bounds of law.”
The requested positions will give the internal CAO Federal Response Team more support. The team is the result of a workflow strategy that organizes existing CAO staff into subject matter areas focusing on federal actions impacting Seattle. The team also monitors related litigation occurring throughout the country.
Last week, City Attorney Davison made the decision to join a multi-jurisdictional lawsuit against the Trump Administration after the White House threatened to withhold federal funding from some jurisdictions and coerce cities into directing their police forces to carry out federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement duties.
City Attorney Davison said she will transmit a formal request to the Seattle City Council President, asking the full Council to authorize these positions.
“Seattle can’t be caught flat-footed as the Trump Administration unleashes its chaos campaign through executive actions that target our institutions, communities, and funding,” said Council President Sara Nelson. “Expanding the City Attorney’s Federal Response Team helps push back against federal overreach and defends Seattle. I fully support City Attorney Davison’s strategy and will work to make these positions permanent.”
Said City Attorney Davison: “I stand ready to defend against any unlawful Trump Administration action that affects Seattle. My job is to protect Seattle’s interests while continuing the effective functioning of my office for the rest of our work. And that’s what I will do.”
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