Seattle has lost one of its leaders. Former Mayor Gordon Clinton had a vision for our city and its future in the world. He led Seattle as we hosted the World’s Fair. And he established our sister city relationship with Kobe, Japan. Not only was Kobe Seattle’s first sister city, but it remains one of the strongest and most active. His remarkable work to build ties between our great city with the people of Japan and Asia extended beyond his time as a public servant, including helping to draft legislation to end the Alien Land Law in 1966.

I express my deepest condolences to his family and friends. I have directed all flags on city property to be lowered to half staff to honor his life and passing.