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At his campaign kickoff this morning, Peter Steinbrueck said the mayor’s race will be a chance for robust dialogue, but two of the city’s hottest topics will lose his direct involvement now that he’s running for office.

Steinbrueck said he ended his consulting contract Tuesday with the Port of Seattle, where he was helping with the Port’s opposition to a planned NBA arena in Sodo. He also resigned from his work for a citizens group in South Lake Union, opposing taller buildings in the neighborhood.

Steinbrueck has been vocal in both debates, appearing at public meetings and registering as a lobbyist to the City Council. He helped both groups with land-use rules and, he said, gave them technical and strategic advice.

During his speech at Pike Place Market and in an interview with KUOW radio this morning, Steinbrueck was quick to criticize the mayor’s proposal for South Lake Union and the site of a new arena in Sodo. But as of today, Steinbrueck said he was speaking for himself.

“I can’t continue to have those types of dual roles,” he said.  ”I think both of these issues will defining issues for our city.”

Steinbrueck said he still has to make a living, so he will continue doing work for the Washington State Department of Transportation, helping with the tunnel corridor, and for a coalition of businesses in the University District.