9560-00. Public Works Committee

The Public Works Committee was established in June 1933 by City Council resolution, with the Mayor concurring, in response to Depression-era state and federal legislation designed to help local jurisdictions fund public works and provide jobs. The Committee was responsible for assembling all available data necessary for securing federal funds through the National Industry Recovery Bill, as well as state aid through the Emergency Relief Bond Act. The Committee included the chairs of the City Council Finance Committee and the Streets and Sewers Committee, the president of the City Council, the chair of the Board of Public Works, and the City Engineer. The Committee was also charged to cooperate with other local jurisdictions in coordinating public works programs, including King County, the Port of Seattle, the Seattle School Board, the King County Welfare Board, and other agencies in the region. Committee representatives lobbied in the State Legislature, coordinated public works proposals for potential funding, and worked closely with the City Council and Mayor in establishing priorities.