Seattle Business Leaders Demand Urgent Action on Public Safety

Seattle business leaders are urging 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 and President Brad Smith, Starbucks Chairman and CEO Brian Niccol, Costco CEO Ron Vachris, and Alaska Air Group CEO Ben Minicucci, says voters want more urgent and measurable action from Seattle leadership.

An August poll of Seattle voters found that only 34% were confident the city has an effective public safety plan. The poll also showed broad support for specific steps including more police patrols in areas with persistent problems, a public safety action plan, and expanded use of cameras.

The business coalition is calling for regular foot and bicycle patrols in areas with ongoing public safety issues, a recommitment to the city's seven-minute 911-response-time standard, and clear policy for drug diversion. They also want a prioritized plan from Seattle police and the city attorney to shut down open-air drug markets.