Seattle Business Leaders Demand Public Safety Improvements Amid Growing Concerns

A coalition of 38 Seattle-area business leaders, including Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith, Starbucks Chairman and CEO Brian Niccol, and Costco CEO Ron Vachris, has called on Mayor Katie Wilson and the City Council to adopt a public safety action plan.

The letter, addressed to Wilson, City Council President Joy Hollingsworth, and other council members, urges the city to reactivate CCTV cameras in high-event areas, implement regular police patrols, and prioritize drug diversion programs.

The business leaders point to an August poll of Seattle voters that found only 34% were confident in the city's public safety plan. The coalition argues that a credible public-safety plan and a budget that protects investments are inseparable, citing data from Nordstrom's downtown flagship store, which received an officer response to only 29% of its 911 calls.