Sam Smith Records, 1977-1991

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Smith, Samuel J., 1922-1995
Title
Sam Smith Records
Dates
1977-1991 (inclusive)
Quantity
7.6 cubic ft., (20 boxes)
Collection Number
4682
Summary
Correspondence, memoranda, reports and studies, committee files, and other materials relating to Sam Smith's activities and interests on City Council, including but not limited to utilities, public safety, and social services.
Repository
Seattle Municipal Archives
Seattle Municipal Archives
Office of the City Clerk
City of Seattle
PO Box 94728
98124-4728
Seattle, WA
Telephone: 2062337807
Fax: 2063869025
archives@seattle.gov
Access Restrictions

Records are open to the public.

Languages
English

Biographical NoteReturn to Top

Sam Smith was born on July 21, 1922 in Gibsland, Louisiana, the son of a Baptist minister. In 1942, he was drafted and stationed in Seattle, prior to serving in the South Pacific theater during World War II. After his tour of duty, Smith returned to Seattle to attend college. He earned a bachelor's degree in social science from Seattle University and a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Washington; he also did graduate work in economics and political science at the University of Washington.

Smith went to work for the Boeing Company in 1952 where he was employed for nearly 17 years. He was elected to the Washington State Legislature in 1958, representing the 37th District for five consecutive terms. The high point of his legislative career was the State's passage of the Open Housing Act in 1967.

Smith ran for and was elected to the Seattle City Council in 1968; he was the first African-American to serve on the City Council. During his 24 years on the Council, Smith chaired the Public Safety Committee (1968-1973, 1978-1981), Housing and Human Services Committee (1982-1985), Labor Committee (1988-1989), and the Utilities Committee (1990-1991). He served as Council President in 1974-1977 and 1986-1989.

During Smith's years on the City Council, he championed causes such as local open housing; youth employment; juvenile crime prevention; and racial, religious, and economic equity. The outspoken Smith was less concerned with consensus than the construction of a legislative majority. He was often heard to remark of the nine-member City Council, "Five votes is policy."

Sam Smith was defeated for reelection in 1991 by Sherry Harris. Following a long battle with illness, he died in November of 1995.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

Smith's City Council records include correspondence, memoranda, reports and studies, Utility Committee records, and other materials relating to Smith's activities and interests on City Council. Primary subjects include utilities, public safety, social services, and issues of particular importance to the African-American community.

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Preferred Citation

[Item and date], Sam Smith Seattle City Council Records, Collection Number 4682, Series [number]. Box [number], Folder [number]. Seattle Municipal Archives.

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Arrangement

Records are organized in four series:

Constituent Correspondence (4682-01)

Subject Files (4682-02)

Departmental Correspondence (4682-03)

Utility Committee Records (4682-04)

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

The following section contains a detailed listing of the materials in the collection.

4682-01:  Constituent Correspondence, 1989-1991Return to Top

2.2 cubic feet, (6 boxes)

General correspondence and responses to and from constituents, covering a wide array of topics. The series generally includes complaints, requests to investigate issues and allegations, invitations, thank you letters, and marketing/lobbying correspondence. Many letters are from individuals and organizations seeking Smith's support for issues that are coming before the City Council, or asking his active support for issues taken up by other jurisdictions.

Container(s) Description Dates
Box/Folder
1/1
Constituent Correspondence (Jan-Feb)
 1989
1/2
Constituent Correspondence (Mar)
 1989
1/3
Constituent Correspondence (Apr)
 1989
1/4
Constituent Correspondence (May)
 1989
1/5
Constituent Correspondence (May)
 1989
1/6
Constituent Correspondence (June)
 1989
1/7
Constituent Correspondence (June)
 1989
2/1
Constituent Correspondence (July)
 1989
2/2
Constituent Correspondence (July)
 1989
2/3
Constituent Correspondence (Aug)
 1989
2/4
Constituent Correspondence (Aug)
 1989
2/5
Constituent Correspondence (Aug-Sept)
 1989
2/6
Constituent Correspondence (Sept)
 1989
2/7
Constituent Correspondence (Oct)
 1989
2/8
Constituent Correspondence (Nov)
 1989
3/1
Constituent Correspondence (Jan)
 1990
3/2
Constituent Correspondence (Feb)
 1990
3/3
Constituent Correspondence (Mar)
 1990
3/4
Constituent Correspondence (Mar)
 1990
3/5
Constituent Correspondence (Apr)
 1990
3/6
Constituent Correspondence (Apr)
 1990
3/7
Constituent Correspondence (May)
 1990
3/8
Constituent Correspondence (June)
 1990
4/1
Constituent Correspondence (July)
 1990
4/2
Constituent Correspondence (Aug)
 1990
4/3
Constituent Correspondence (Aug)
 1990
4/4
Constituent Correspondence (Aug)
 1990
4/5
Constituent Correspondence (Sept)
 1990
4/6
Constituent Correspondence (Oct)
 1990
4/7
Constituent Correspondence (Oct)
 1990
5/1
Constituent Correspondence (Nov)
 1990
5/2
Constituent Correspondence (Dec)
 1990
5/3
Constituent Correspondence (Jan)
 1991
5/4
Constituent Correspondence (Feb)
 1991
5/5
Constituent Correspondence (Mar)
 1991
5/6
Constituent Correspondence (Apr)
 1991
5/7
Constituent Correspondence (May)
 1991
5/8
Constituent Correspondence (June)
 1991
5/9
Constituent Correspondence (July)
 1991
6/1
Constituent Correspondence (Aug)
 1991
6/2
Constituent Correspondence (Sept)
 1991
6/3
Constituent Correspondence (Oct)
 1991

4682-02:  Subject Files, 1977-1991Return to Top

1.8 cubic feet, (5 boxes)

Correspondence, memoranda, reports, and studies relating to Smith's activities and interests on City Council, especially during his final six years in office. Primary subjects include public utilities, public safety, social services, and issues of particular importance to the African-American community.

Container(s) Description Dates
Box/Folder
1/1
African-American Heritage Cultural Center, Phase II (Myriad Consultants)
 1989
1/2
Animal Control
 1984
1/3
Arts. Seattle Independent Comedy Coop.
 1984
1/4
Black Prisoners Assistance Coalition
 1984-1988
1/5
Budget Issues, Department Reorganization Briefings
 1991
1/6
Budget Issues, Statement of Legislative Intent
 1977-1980
1/7
Cable TV Franchises, Renegotiations Processes
 1990
1/8
Central Area Motivation Program. I-90 Housing Displacement Issues.
 1989
1/9
Central Area Public Development Authority
 1985-1986
1/10
Central Area Public Development Authority
 1982-1984
1/11
Central Area Public Development Authority
 1989
1/12
Citizen Alternative Plan Initiative. Elected Officials Activity
 1989
1/13
Block Grants
 1985
1/14
Community Development Issues
 1982
1/15
Community Development Issues. Float Loans.
 1982
1/16
Crack House Legislation
 1989
1/17
Data Processing
 1989
1/18
Deebach vs. City
 1991
1/19
Deferred Compensation
 1991
1/20
Domestic Violence Needs Assessment and Plan
 1989
1/21
Downtown Plan: Interim Controls
 1989
2/1
Families and Education Levy, Agreement
 1991
2/2
Garbage Collection, Boyd Enterprises
 1988
2/3
Garbage Collection Contracts
 1989
2/4
Historic Seattle Preservation and Development Authority
 1991
2/5
Housing Issues.
 1989-1991
2/6
Housing Issues. Affordable Housing in Seattle
 1991
2/7
Housing Production Report
 1988
2/8
International District Preservation and Development Authority
 1990
2/9
Labor Policy
 1988-1989
2/10
Labor Relations Policy
 1988-1989
2/11
Lake City School Playground
 1985
2/12
Land Use. Multi-Family Remapping.
 1990
2/13
Leschi Center. Bailey Gatzert School Development.
 1985
2/14
Managing Future Health Care Costs for City Employees
 1991
2/15
Mayoral Executive Order, Discrimination Complaints Procedure
 1987
2/16
Minority Contractors, Richmond vs. Croson Company
 1989
2/17
Multi-Family Land Use Policy
 1989
2/18
Multi-Family Land Use Policy
 1989
2/19
Municipality of Metropolitan Seattle. Conditioning for Metro's Plan Level Permits
 1988
2/20
Municipality of Metropolitan Seattle (Metro). Regional Governance, Background Information
 1987
3/1
Municipality of Metropolitan Seattle (Metro). Secondary Treatment
 1987
3/2
Neighborhoods, Department of
 1991
3/3
Park Department Comprehensive Plan Proposal
 1988
3/4
Planning Reorganization. Decision Agenda and Central Staff Review.
 1991
3/5
Police Department. Diversity Training
 1991
3/6
Police Intelligence Ordinance Audit
 1987
3/7
Police Pension Fund
 1985-1986
3/8
Project Hire, Personnel Department
 1991
3/9
Save Our Schools Initiative
 1989
3/10
Seattle Center. Ackerley Communications. Arena Project.
 1990
3/11
Seattle Center. Ackerley Communications. Arena Project.
 1990
3/12
Seattle Center Disney Study
 1988
3/13
Seattle Counselling Services for Sexual Minorities
 1984
3/14
Seattle Indian Services Commission, Housing for Elders
 1986
3/15
Seattle Public Schools. Busing Letter.
 1989
3/16
Sewer Rates
 1987
4/1
Shoreline Master Program
 1986-1987
4/2
Solid Waste Collection Contracts
 1988
4/3
Solid Waste Management
 1986
4/4
Solid Waste Management. Discussion Groups, Disposal Options Project
 1987
4/5
South African Granite
 1989
4/6
South African Granite Issue. Metro Rules Committee (Folder 1)
 1989
4/7
South African Granite Issue. Metro Rules Committee (Folder 2)
 1989
4/8
Utility Financing
 1976-1991
4/9
Villa Retirement Center
 1983
4/10
Villa Retirement Center
 1983
4/11
Villa Retirement Center. Opposition
 1983
5/1
Villa Retirement Center. Support Correspondence.
 1983
5/2
Washington Retirement Parks, Planned Urban Development.
 1983
5/3
West Seattle Bridge, Phase II
 1987-1988
5/4
Youth Gang Prevention/Intervention Project
 1989-1990

4682-03:  Departmental Correspondence, 1984-1991Return to Top

3.2 cubic feet, (8 boxes)

Correspondence to and from City departments and regional agencies, including letters to Smith which he forwarded to relevant departments for their response. The largest body of material relates to utilities, public works, parks, and public safety. The vast majority of the correspondence comprises constituent regarding charges of racial discrimination, complaints against the Seattle Police Department, issues related to utility billing, and the discontinuation of utility services. In some cases, the original correspondence went to another official or directly to a specific department which in turn forwarded a response to Smith because it was felt that he would have a particular interest in the issue. Files are arranged alphabetically by department.

Container(s) Description Dates
Box/Folder
1/1
Department of Administrative Services.
 1984
1/2
Department of Administrative Services.
 1989-1990
1/3
Citizen Services Bureau.
 1984-1985
1/4
City Council.
 1984-1985
1/5
City Council.
 1989
1/6
City Council.
 1990
1/7
City Light.
 1982-1983
1/8
City Light.
 1984
1/9
City Light.
 1985
1/10
City Light.
 1988
1/11
City Light.
 1988
1/12
City Light.
 1988
1/13
City Light.
 1988
1/14
City Light.
 1988
1/15
City Light.
 1989
1/16
City Light.
 1990
1/17
City Light.
 1990
2/1
City Light.
 1991
2/2
City Light. Revenue Requirements Analysis.
 1988
2/3
City Light. Strategic Marketing.
 1988
2/4
Department of Community Development.
 1989
2/5
Department of Community Development.
 1990-1991
2/6
Department of Community Development. Matching Fund Proposal. Central Area Chamber of Commerce.
 1989
2/7
Office of the Comptroller.
 1989
2/8
Department of Construction and Land Use.
 1984
2/9
Department of Construction and Land Use.
 1984
2/10
Department of Construction and Land Use.
 1984
2/11
Department of Construction and Land Use.
 1985
2/12
Department of Construction and Land Use.
 1985
2/13
Department of Construction and Land Use.
 1989
2/14
Department of Construction and Land Use.
 1989
2/15
Department of Construction and Land Use.
 1989
3/1
Department of Construction and Land Use.
 1989
3/2
Department of Construction and Land Use.
 1990
3/3
Department of Construction and Land Use.
 1990
3/4
Department of Construction and Land Use.
 1991
3/5
Department of Construction and Land Use.
 1991
3/6
Department of Construction and Land Use.
 1991
3/7
Department of Construction and Land Use. Adult Cabaret Zoning. Public Hearing.
 1989
3/8
Department of Construction and Land Use. Appearance of Fairness Doctrine.
 1989
3/9
Department of Construction and Land Use. Music Hall Demolition.
 1989
3/10
Department of Construction and Land Use. Tree Removal Issue in Broadview.
 1989-1991
3/11
Engineering Department.
 1984
3/12
Engineering Department.
 1984
3/13
Engineering Department.
 1985-1986
3/14
Engineering Department.
 1989
3/15
Engineering Department.
 1989
3/16
Engineering Department.
 1989
4/1
Engineering Department.
 1989
4/2
Engineering Department.
 1990
4/3
Engineering Department.
 1991
4/4
Fire Department.
 1984
4/5
Fire Department.
 1989-1990
4/6
Health Department.
 1984-1985
4/7
Health Department.
 1989
4/8
Health Department.
 1990-1991
4/9
Office of the Hearing Examiner.
 1989-1990
4/10
Seattle Housing Authority.
 1984
4/11
Seattle Housing Authority.
 1984
4/12
Seattle Housing Authority.
 1985
4/13
Seattle Housing Authority.
 1988
4/14
Seattle Housing Authority.
 1989-1990
4/15
Seattle Housing Authority. Referendum 37 Report. Handicapped Housing.
 1984
4/16
Department of Human Resources.
 1989-1991
4/17
Human Rights Department.
 1984
4/18
Human Rights Department.
 1989-1990
5/1
King County.
 1984
5/2
Law Department.
 1988
5/3
Law Department.
 1989
5/4
Law Department.
 1990-1991
5/5
Law Department. Seattle-Daliwe Sister Community Project.
 1990
5/6
Licenses and Consumer Affairs.
 1984
5/7
Licenses and Consumer Affairs.
 1989
5/8
Licenses and Consumer Affairs.
 1990
5/9
Licenses and Consumer Affairs.
 1991
5/10
Licenses and Consumer Affairs. Animal Control.
 1984-1991
5/11
Licenses and Consumer Affairs. Cable Television.
 1990
5/12
Licenses and Consumer Affairs. Cable Television.
 1991
5/13
Licenses and Consumer Affairs. Vehicle Impound.
 1984
5/14
Office of Long Range Planning.
 1989-1990
5/15
Office of Management and Budget.
 1984-1989
5/16
Office of the Mayor.
 1984-1985
5/17
Office of the Mayor.
 1989
5/18
Office of the Mayor.
 1989
5/19
Office of the Mayor.
 1990-1991
6/1
Metro.
 1984-1985
6/2
Metro.
 1989
6/3
Metro.
 1990-1991
6/4
Metro. Bicycle Policies.
 1985
6/5
Metro. Sludge Management.
 1989
6/6
Municipal Court. Parking Violation Collection.
 1989-1990
6/7
Department of Neighborhoods.
 1990
6/8
Department of Neighborhoods.
 1991
6/9
Parks and Recreation.
 1983
6/10
Parks and Recreation.
 1984
6/11
Parks and Recreation.
 1984
6/12
Parks and Recreation.
 1981
6/13
Parks and Recreation.
 1984
6/14
Parks and Recreation.
 1985
6/15
Parks and Recreation.
 1989
6/16
Parks and Recreation.
 1989
6/17
Parks and Recreation.
 1989
7/1
Parks and Recreation.
 1990
7/2
Parks and Recreation.
 1991
7/3
Parks and Recreation. Green Lake Water Quality Improvement Project.
 1990
7/4
Parks and Recreation. Municipal Golf.
 1989-1991
7/5
Parks and Recreation. Samoan Cricket Play Field.
 1984-1989
7/6
Personnel Department.
 1984-1989
7/7
Pike Place Market Preservation and Development Authority. Urban Group.
 1990
7/8
Police Department.
 1984
7/9
Police Department.
 1984
7/10
Police Department.
 1984
7/11
Police Department.
 1985
7/12
Police Department.
 1988
7/13
Police Department.
 1989
7/14
Police Department.
 1989
7/15
Police Department.
 1989
8/1
Police Department.
 1989
8/2
Police Department.
 1989
8/3
Police Department.
 1990
8/4
Police Department.
 1990
8/5
Police Department.
 1990
8/6
Police Department.
 1991
8/7
Police Department.
 1991
8/8
Purchasing. Direct Voucher System.
 1989
8/9
Seattle Center.
 1984-1985
8/10
Seattle Center.
 1989
8/11
Seattle Center.
 1990-1991
8/12
Seattle Public Library.
 1990
8/13
Solid Waste Utility.
 1988-1989
8/14
Solid Waste Utility.
 1990
8/15
Solid Waste Utility.
 1991
8/16
Water Department.
 1984-1985
8/17
Water Department.
 1989
8/18
Water Department.
 1990-1991
8/19
Women's Commission.
 1989

4682-04:  Utility Committee Records, 1991Return to Top

0.4 cubic foot, (1 box)

Correspondence, reports, notes, and agendas of the City Council Utilities Committee. Smith chaired the committee during his final term on City Council.

Container(s) Description Dates
Box/Folder
1/1
Utilities Committee (Feb. 6).
 1991
1/2
Utilities Committee (Feb. 20).
 1991
1/3
Utilities Committee (Mar. 6).
 1991
1/4
Utilities Committee (Mar. 20).
 1991
1/5
Utilities Committee (Apr. 3).
 1991
1/6
Utilities Committee (May 1).
 1991
1/7
Utilities Committee (May 15).
 1991
1/8
Utilities Committee (June 5).
 1991
1/9
Utilities Committee (June 19).
 1991
1/10
Utilities Committee (July 3).
 1991
1/11
Utilities Committee (July 17).
 1991
1/12
Utilities Committee (Aug. 7).
 1991
1/13
Utilities Committee (Aug. 21).
 1991
1/14
Utilities Committee (Sept. 4).
 1991
1/15
Utilities Committee (Sept. 18).
 1991
1/16
Utilities Committee (Dec. 4).
 1991

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • African Americans--Washington (State)--Seattle
  • Discrimination in housing--Washington (State)--Seattle
  • Public utilities--Washington (State)--Seattle
  • Social services--Washington (State)--Seattle

Geographical Names

  • Seattle (Wash.)--Politics and government

Occupations

  • City council members--Washington (State)--Seattle

Other Creators

  • Corporate Names
    • Seattle (Wash.)--City Council (creator)

Finding aid prepared by Scott Cline
2006

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