Kirsten Grove, the interim director of the Department of Finance and Administrative Services, appeared before the Seattle City Council Select Budget Committee on March 5 for an informational briefing ahead of her formal appointment process.

The presentation, introduced by Marco Lowe, chief operating officer in Mayor Bruce Harrell’s office, summarized Grove’s 13 years with the city, her five years in FAS leadership (including serving as deputy director and acting director since 2023), and a portfolio of FAS responsibilities from facilities and fleet management to customer service centers and the city’s animal shelter. Grove told the committee, “FAS plays a key role in almost every aspect of city service,” and described several ongoing programs including the citywide women- and minority-owned business program, outreach to small businesses, and recent steps on fleet electrification.

The appearance was a short, introductory session; Chair Dan Strauss said the item was allotted 10 minutes and that committee members must submit any formal questions for Grove’s appointment packet by 5 p.m. the same day. Grove said she will return to the committee for a fuller Q&A and confirmation discussion at the March 19 meeting.

Committee members used the briefing to highlight items they expect to probe during the confirmation process and to offer brief praise. Vice Chair Teresa Rivera said she had previously worked with Grove and called her “a diligent, highly capable and dedicated public servant.” Councilmember Dan Strauss and others thanked FAS staff for work at neighborhood customer service centers and for programs such as passport processing and recent free pet vaccination clinics. Grove told members FAS has a team of “almost 500 employees” and referenced accomplishments including placing the city’s 500th electric vehicle into service and reducing fuel use by “over 500,000 gallons.”

Members asked for follow-up on several items raised in the briefing. Council President Nelson asked Grove to describe how FAS helps women- and minority-owned businesses secure city contracts; Grove said FAS runs office hours with community partners such as Tabor 100 and organizes meet-and-greets with sister departments to connect small businesses to prime and subconsultant opportunities. Councilmember Andrew Kettle asked about memorial and security issues at Benaroya Hall; Grove said the department would follow up. Several members requested updates on the city’s community service centers and welcomed continued coordination with FAS on local office operations.

No committee vote was taken on the nomination during this informational session. The committee record notes that formal questions for the appointment packet were due by 5 p.m. on March 5 and that Grove will return on March 19 for additional questioning and the confirmation process.