May 6, 2019
Jesús S. Aguirre, Superintendent
Seattle Department of Parks and Recreation
100 Dexter Ave N
Seattle, WA 98109
Re: City Council Expectations for Jesús S. Aguirre, Superintendent of the Department of Parks and
Recreation
Dear Mr. Aguirre:
Congratulations on your appointment as Superintendent of the Department of Parks and Recreation
(Parks). This letter has been placed in appointment file No. 01306. It is imperative that the City Council
has a strong and positive working relationship with the Executive branch. It is our mission to meet the
needs and priorities of residents across Seattle as well as serve as a strong partner with Parks.
To that end, as part of the Council’s confirmation review process, we want to communicate to you our
expectations for your job performance, if you are confirmed. The Council expectations (listed below) are
intended to enhance your accountability to the Council. Council expectations are intended to add to the
Mayor’s expectations and your responsibilities established in Seattle Municipal Code.
I.

Communication
a. Open lines of communication that is responsive to the needs and priorities of Council;
b. Conduct inclusive and accessible community meetings to relevant stakeholders;

II.

Policy Management
a. Regular updates to the Chair of the Civic Development, Public Assets and Native
Communities Committee, and any other legislative body that has Parks in its jurisdiction;
b. Dependable implementation of formal policy direction provided by the Council;
c. Prioritize outcomes-based programs that provide equal access to high quality
recreation and leisure programming to all residents and visitors to the City of
Seattle;

III.

Commitment to Race and Social Justice
a. Advocate for communities of Color through policy that is aligned with the Race and
Social Justice Initiative to eliminate racial disparities and achieve racial equity in Seattle;
b. Include more voices of Color at the table when deliberating issues and policies that may
involve and/or directly impact communities of Color;

 IV.

Leadership
a. Affirm the independent voice of the commissions and provide support as practicable to
help them accomplish their missions;
b. Lead successful, comprehensive master planning processes that protect and
maintain our open green spaces, community centers and parks;
c. Maintain a responsible operating budget that reflects the values of our City
including but not limited to:
i. Stewardship
ii. Social equity
iii. Community outreach

The City Council looks forward to working cooperatively with you to ensure we collectively respond
to the needs and priorities of residents in and visitors to the City of Seattle.
Sincerely,

Debora Juarez, Chair
Civic Development, Public Assets and Native Communities Committee

Bruce Harrell, President
Seattle City Council

cc:
Jenny A. Durkan, Mayor, City of Seattle
Seattle City Councilmembers