Seattle Business Leaders Call for Urgent Public Safety Action

Seattle business leaders are calling for improved public safety measures in the city. A group of 38 executives, including Microsoft's Brad Smith and Starbucks' Brian Niccol, signed a letter urging Mayor Katie Wilson and the City Council to adopt a 100-day action plan to address public safety issues.

The letter highlights an August poll that found only 34% of Seattle voters were confident in the city's public safety plan. The business leaders point out that voters support specific steps such as more police patrols, surveillance cameras, and a clearer policy for drug diversion.

The group is also calling for increased funding for public safety measures during the budget process. They argue that Seattle has about 1.31 sworn officers per 1,000 residents, which is roughly 40% below Denver and 58% below Boston.