Michael.McGinn@GreatCity.org
206-979-1461

Michael McGinn, the founder of the Seattle Great City Initiative, has experience as a lawyer, an environmental advocate, and as a neighborhood leader. He has been frequently selected to represent neighborhood and environmental concerns on City of Seattle advisory boards and commissions.

Experience:

, 2006 to present

present

• Michael remains an active Sierra Club volunteer. He has been chair of the state chapter, and chair of its Political Committee, overseeing the Club’s work on state and local issues. In Seattle, he advocated for the City to take a lead on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. He also serves on the Sierra Club’s national “Cool Cities” committee, which is supporting a nationwide campaign to urge cities to lead on climate change issues. He has also served on its National Political Committee.

, 1998 to present

• As President of the Greenwood Community Council until 2006, Michael worked on enhancing Greenwood for residents and businesses. He worked on a long term project with business owners, property owners, residents and city staff to develop a vision for mixed use redevelopment of the neighborhood business district. See www.heartlandllc.com/greenwood.html. Other projects include obtaining funding from the city and homeowners to build low cost alternative sidewalks in Greenwood, working with Sustainable Seattle and City Repair Seattle on streetscape improvements, and working with city agencies and the community on policies to protect Pipers Creek headwaters. He remains active with the community council, and the Northwest District Council.

, 1993 to 2006 — Stokes Lawrence P.S., Seattle, Washington

• Before starting the Seattle Great City Initiative, Michael was a partner at the law firm of Stokes Lawrence. He has trial and litigation experience representing businesses and individuals, including contract disputes, class actions, intellectual property, land use and environmental cases.

, 1990-92

• During law school, Michael was employed as head of the University’s graduate student association, where he successfully advocated for health benefits for TA’s and RA’s, protection of student housing, and other interests of graduate and professional students.

,1983-87

• Prior to law school, Michael worked as a legislative assistant for a U.S. Congressman for three years, worked for one session as a legislative liaison to the Oregon Legislature for Oregon’s Insurance Commissioner

Education:

Michael obtained his law degree from the University of Washington School of Law in 1992. He received his Bachelor's degree, in Economics, from Williams College in 1982.

Citizen Commissions:

Because of his involvement in neighborhood and environmental issues, he has been asked to serve on a number of advisory committees in the City of Seattle including:

• Mayor’s Green Ribbon Commission overseeing Seattle’s goal of meeting Kyoto Protocol targets for reduction in global warming gases.
• Mayor’s Urban Sustainability Advisory Panel, providing overall guidance on city environmental policy.
• Mayor’s Advisory Committee tasked with rewriting Commercial Land Use Code in Seattle. (Also involved in discussions with DPD regarding Downtown Zoning Changes.)
• City Transportation Advisory Committee, which reviewed financing options for local street improvements.
• Citizen’s Advisory Panel to recommend a ballot measure for Fall 2006 to finance local street improvement.
• Mayor’s Restore Our Waters Committee, reviewing city policy affecting the health of creeks, lakes and Elliott Bay.
• Port of Seattle Environmental Cabinet

• Mayor Greg Nickels’ Transition Team.
• DPD Director Hiring Committee.
• Sea DON Director Hiring Committee

Recent Presentations

, May 12, 2005. Presentation focused on obstacles to high quality urban growth.

, July 2005. The panel featured leaders of local groups working to preserve green space and the environment by directing growth in urban areas. Speakers: Aaron Ostrom, Futurewise, Gene Duvernoy, Cascade Land Conservancy, Michael McGinn, Sierra Club.

, a neighborhood forum featuring Ron Sher, Milenko Matanovic, Diane Sugimara and Jim Diers.

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Press:

, THE STRANGER, May 12, 2005

, THE SEATTLE TIMES, April 4, 2003

, THE SEATTLE TIMES, September 10, 2002

, THE SEATTLE TIMES, April 17, 2000

, SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER, Wednesday, March 22, 2006