Seattle Business Leaders Demand Public Safety Action Plan

Thirty-eight Seattle business leaders are calling on Mayor Katie Wilson and the City Council to adopt a public safety action plan within 100 days. The plan, which includes restoring surveillance cameras in high-crime areas and setting clear benchmarks for police response times, is supported by 86% of poll respondents.

The letter, signed by executives from companies such as Microsoft, Starbucks, Costco, and Alaska Airlines, points to a August public-opinion poll that found only 34% of Seattle voters were confident the city has an effective public safety plan. The group argues that Seattle needs to protect and increase public safety spending during the city's budget process.

The business leaders also call for regular foot and bicycle patrols in areas with ongoing public safety problems, including Little Saigon, as well as a recommitment to the city's seven-minute 911-response-time standard. They argue that Seattle needs to prioritize a plan to shut down open-air drug markets and provide treatment and shelter to those struggling with addiction.

The Mayor's Office responded to the letter, stating that many of the requested measures are already underway, including increased police presence in several neighborhoods and investments in crisis care responders' hours.