Seattle Business Leaders Demand Action on Public Safety

Seattle business leaders have sent a sharply worded letter to Mayor Katie Wilson and the City Council, calling for immediate action on public safety. The letter, signed by 38 leaders including Microsoft's Brad Smith, Starbucks' Brian Niccol, and Costco's Ron Vachris, demands that the city adopt a 100-day public safety plan with measurable goals and monthly progress reports.

The group points to an August poll of Seattle voters, which found only 34% of respondents were confident in the city's effective public safety plan. The poll also showed broad support for specific steps such as more police patrols in areas with persistent problems, a public safety action plan, and expanded use of cameras.

The business coalition argues that Seattle needs to reactivate CCTV cameras in high-event areas, restore surveillance cameras in Pioneer Square and the Stadium District, and prioritize a plan to shut down open-air drug markets. They also want the city to protect and increase public safety spending during the budget process.

The letter highlights data from Nordstrom's downtown flagship store, which received an officer response to only 29% of its 911 calls. The group argues that Seattle has about 1.31 sworn officers per 1,000 residents, roughly 40% below Denver and 58% below Boston.