Seattle Business Leaders Demand Urgent Action on Public Safety
Seattle business leaders are calling on Mayor Katie Wilson and the City Council to adopt a 100-day public safety action plan, restore surveillance cameras in high-event areas, and set clear benchmarks for police response times.
The letter, signed by 38 leaders including Microsoft Vice Chair Brad Smith, Starbucks Chairman Brian Niccol, and Alaska Air Group CEO Ben Minicucci, cites an August poll that found only 34% of Seattle voters were confident the city has an effective public safety plan.
The business coalition argues that cameras can deter crime and help identify offenders. They also call for a public safety action plan within 100 days with measurable goals and monthly progress reports.
Other demands include regular foot and bicycle patrols in areas with ongoing public safety problems, recommitting to the city's seven-minute 911-response-time standard, and prioritizing a plan from Seattle police and the city attorney to shut down open-air drug markets.