Mayor Bruce Harrell's One Seattle Newsletter

Dear friends and neighbors,

Spring has been an exciting time for me and my administration as we continue to drive progress that will shape the future of our city. And true to our One Seattle values of collaboration, listening, and partnership, we?re looking for community input and participation for several of our efforts.

Earlier this month, I announced my proposal for the Seattle Transportation Levy. This proposal will keep Seattle moving and modernize our critical infrastructure like roads, sidewalks, and bridges to build a safer future for all. Now, we are seeking community feedback on the draft plan to ensure every Seattleite is set up for success when they use our transportation system.

In March we also announced the draft One Seattle Plan, which takes a thoughtful approach to growth to build a more affordable, equitable, and sustainable Seattle. The draft plan is rooted in a commitment to ensure all voices are heard, and we invite community members to learn more and give feedback on the plan.

I am also excited to announce that volunteer registration is now open for the One Seattle Day of Service, which will return for a third year on Saturday, May 18! With over 110 service events throughout the city, this day of citywide action is an opportunity to come together as neighbors, turn common ground into common cause, and drive real improvements for our communities.

I hope you will join me in embracing the spirit of giving back on the Day of Service next month.

Bruce A. Harrell

Mayor of Seattle

Working Together to Build One Seattle

Sign Up for the Day of Service

Driving Progress to Shape Seattle's Future

Mayor Harrell, Councilmember Rivera, and preschool students at Causey's Early Learning Center

This spring has included multiple announcements driven by Mayor Harrell and his administration to build a vibrant, inclusive, and equitable city. Announcements include:

Surrounded by students and educators, Mayor Harrell joined Councilmember Maritza Rivera and the Department of Education and Early Learning (DEEL) to announce the expansion of the award-winning Seattle Preschool Program to include 16 new classrooms. The event also marked the opening of applications for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year.
Mayor Harrell joined the Seattle Fire Department (SFD) to announce the launch of a new pilot program in Seattle that allows SFD?s paramedics to administer buprenorphine in the field. Buprenorphine is given to patients who are being treated for an overdose, creating a window to engage in conversations around treatment and recovery.
To support the Downtown Activation Plan, Mayor Harrell submitted a new legislation to the City Council aimed at removing regulatory barriers for converting existing buildings from commercial to residential uses. The proposed changes aim to make it easier for property owners to convert existing structures into residential use, supporting more housing development in the city.
To help revitalize downtown's economy and activate vacant storefronts, Mayor Harrell submitted new legislation to expand street-level commercial uses to attract more diverse businesses and broaden the pool of eligible tenants.
Mayor Harrell joined the Seattle Office of Economic Development (OED), Grow America, and JPMorgan Chase to celebrate the opening of the first Business Community Ownership Fund (BCO Fund) participating business, La Union Studio. The BCO Fund is a first-in-the-nation small business funding model that puts business owners on a pathway to long-term control and ownership of their commercial spaces.

Creating a Safer Seattle

Mayor Harrell speaks to attendees at the public safety forum

Mayor Harrell announced in March upcoming public safety forums to discuss his vision for creating a safer Seattle and to hear directly from community members on this important issue. The first Creating a Safer Seattle discussion was held on Thursday, March 14 at the downtown Seattle Central Library.

The event included a conversation between Mayor Harrell and moderator Enrique Cerna, followed by a panel discussion with Seattle Police Department (SPD) Chief Adrian Diaz, Seattle Fire Department (SFD) Chief Harold Scoggins, Community Assisted Response and Engagement (CARE) Chief Amy Smith, and Human Services Department (HSD) Director Tanya Kim.

The forum was recorded and is available to watch on the Seattle Channel.

Building One Seattle Together

Mayor Harrell and Councilmember Hollingsworth pack up food donations.

To kick off volunteer registration for the 2024 One Seattle Day of Service, Mayor Harrell and Councilmember Joy Hollingsworth packed up food donations at Byrd Barr Place in the Central District.

Mayor Harrell and members of the Garfield Basketball teams pose at City Hall with the championship trophy.

As a proud Bulldog, Mayor Harrell hosted the Garfield High School basketball teams at City Hall to celebrate the girl?s team winning their fourth state championship.

Mayor Harrell and other leaders break ground on the East Marginal Way project with shovels.

Mayor Harrell joined the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) to celebrate the start of construction on the East Marginal Way Corridor Improvement Project which was funded by the Move Seattle Levy.

Mayor Harrell smiles with a small business owner.

In March, Mayor Harrell went on a Community Connection tour in Phinney Ridge and Greenwood to meet with small business owners, community leaders, and neighbors.

Mayor Harrell poses at the beginning of the St Patrick's Day parade in Downtown Seattle.

Mayor Harrell celebrated the city?s ties with Ireland by meeting the Mayor of Galway ? Seattle?s sister city ? and exchanging sports jerseys before walking in the St. Patrick?s Day parade.

Mayor Harrell speaks to City employees at the International Women's Day event.

Mayor Harrell joined City employees to celebrate International Women?s Day with empowering remarks from First Lady Joanne Harrell, Deputy Mayor Adiam Emery, and other inspiring Seattle leaders.

What We're Hearing From Constituents

?We appreciate ALL of the work you have been doing to protect all of the citizens of the city, and to continue to provide services to those experiencing homelessness and physical/mental health challenges.? ? Karen M., 3/6/2024

?I am writing to express my appreciation for the murals displayed on 4th Ave. As a 60-year-old artist I have an appreciation for the beauty and relevant culture of such tasteful street art. We?ve seen significant improvement in the cleanliness of the streets and we appreciate your hard efforts to raise Seattle?s vibrancy.? ? Ruby T., 3/6/2024

?I want to thank you for the reprieve and replanting of the cherry trees on Pike between 1st and 2nd. They are blooming adding pleasure to those of us who live close by, a lot of Japanese citizens and, of course our visitors. The 8 trees look good. THANKS!!! ? Carden J., 3/19/2024

?I just wanted to give you a quick shout out to the stellar job that you have done in your relatively short time in office. I just wanted to let you know that your new efforts haven?t gone unnoticed and to keep up the good work.? ? Brett B., 3/20/2024


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