#nick licata

[arctic-hands]

So I found the book "becoming a citizen activist" by Nick Licata in the little free library, which sounds good, but he's a politician, albeit one on the local level. And there's a chapter called "disrupt the status quo, gently" which raised an eyebrow. Is it worth my time reading or is it just centrist stuff masquerading as revolutionary?

[universitybookstore]

From Black Lives Matter to Occupy Wall Street—the rising tide of grassroots activism in America shows that not only are people becoming empowered to speak out, they are following through. In his new book, Becoming a Citizen Activist, longtime Seattle City Council member (and champion for political and social change since the 1960s) Nick Licata presents a clear path to achieving the kind of activism that delivers results. At this discussion and signing, Licata relates numerous examples drawn from throughout his career to explain how those searching for justice can get organized, congregate power, and master the tactics for change.

Produced by GoodSide Studio

[marktaylor-canfield]

Seattle's Longtime Progressive City Council Member Retires

Nick Licata’s Book: How To Become A Citizen Activist

[seattlish]

If you liked Council Member Nick Licata, you’ll love Nick Licata, Author!

With the 2016 City Council Inauguration Day comes an end to Nick Licata’s 18-year run (!!) on the Council. And while we’re bummed to see a bona fide Progressive Honor Roll member step down, this clears up so much time in his schedule to… well, continue the awesome work he was doing on Council empowering citizen activists and championing progressive values, only not on Council.

Cover image via Sasquatch Books

FIRST UP: Licata’s first nonfiction book, Becoming a Citizen Activist, comes out tomorrow on Sasquatch Books. Council Licata was a diplomatic voice from the left end of the council; Author Licata takes that experience and empowers you organize, team up with local government, and drive change.

Author Licata: Intersectional activist.

We said first nonfiction book because did you know that Licata is a published children’s author?! In 2003 he published the chapter book Princess Bianca and the Vandals: A Post Modern Tale of Two Kingdoms, which, if the Amazon reviews are any indication, is beloved by Actual Children.

FRIENDS ARE MORE IMPORTANT THAN JEWELS. <3 <3

Licata wrote both Princess Bianca and Becoming a Citizen Activist while serving on Council—so we’re looking forward to see what he’s able to churn out as a full-time badass. Perhaps a guide to becoming a kid activist?! (Please?)

[urbanistorg-blog]

Licata Proposes Alternative Funding for Move Seattle Levy

Licata is proposing an increased commercial parking tax, a new employee hours tax, and transportation-related impact fees on new development while the size of the property tax levy would be reduced.

[songsforsquid]

Samar Abulhassan reads for Words’ Worth Poetry Series, Seattle City Hall 5/13 2PM

The tremendous lyrical wonder Samar Abulhassan will read an original poem to kick off a Seattle City Council Culture & Finance meeting this Wednesday, May 13th, 2:00 P.M. at Seattle City Hall (600 4th Ave, btwn Cherry & James: enter on 5th Ave, go up grand staircase to 2nd floor, hang a left): free & open to the public! You can slip out right after the poem, or stay for the whole meeting.

To learn more about the Words' Worth Poetry Program and listen to archived readings by past guest poets (including most recently Ed Skoog, Sarah Galvin, Ann Teplick, Janie Elizabeth Miller, and Rachel Kessler): http://www.seattle.gov/council/licata/poetword.htm

[seattlish]

The rent is too high. Help Kshama Sawant and Nick Licata figure out what to do about it.

Rent has been escalating out of control for years now, and contrary to what we keep getting told, more apartments, more development, and the free market hasn’t done shit to keep a roof over anyone’s head. (And rent control? It’s still illegal!) Councilmembers Kshama Sawant and Nick Licata are hosting a town hall so you can help ‘em figure it out. From the Facebook event:

The lack of affordable housing has become a crisis. Rents are rising faster in Seattle than in any other major U.S. city and the annual One Night Count showed a 21% increase in homelessness, with 3772 people living without shelter. The market has failed to solve this crisis, and big developers and corporate politicians have systematically stood in the way of serious solutions. Come hear Kshama Sawant and housing justice activists discuss rent control, tenants’ rights, and public investment in affordable housing. Bring your rent hike stories and ideas for how to expand tenant rights.

The first step to making our housing crisis better is figuring out how to fix it. Get involved! Go do that thing.

[seattlish]

It's a risky path to take. But I know I could not pursue this effort while remaining on the City Council and still do justice to performing the duties of a councilmember.

Nick Licata on his decision not to seek reelection. 

Licata, who was instrumental in the passage of Seattle’s monumental Safe & Sick Leave ordinance, has had a long career as a progressive voice on City Council and, before that, as an activist in the city. He supported the arts through programs for literature and poetry, he listened to Occupy activists (actually listened), and he remained an ally of women, families, and people of color, even when it was not particularly popular to do so.

Licata often made unpopular decisions; he rallied against public funding of sports stadiums, which many people attributed in part to the departure of the Sonics (though let’s be honest, there were a lot of richer dudes that Nick who made that happen), and, initially, he sided with McGinn against the tunnel (though he initially ended up pro-Bertha, as did basically everyone else). 

He also lived in a commune for 20 years and is the author of a children’s book. 

Since the election of Kshama Sawant, Nick Licata has become increasingly more progressive, joining her side in the fight for $15 and backing Jean Godden in the expansion of family leave.

We’ll be sad to see him go.