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Dear friends and neighbors,
As we reach the halfway point of the year, I am reflecting on the progress we have achieved and the work that is still ahead. This year, we have focused on important initiatives to build a well-staffed police department, enhance community safety, and support our youth.
This spring, we took a significant step forward for our police recruitment and retention efforts with the signing of a new police contract, which includes enhanced accountability measures and wage increases, making Seattle police officers among the most competitively paid in the state. Since the contract passed, we have seen applications grow 250% as we seek to bring new, qualified officers to our department. Under the leadership of Interim Chief Sue Rahr, a nationally recognized leader in police recruitment, I am confident that we can build a strong police service that represents the highest values of our city.
The contract also expands civilian response options, a critical component as we seek to diversify our public safety system along with new investments in the Community Assisted Response and Engagement (CARE) department. Last week, I announced my plan to expand CARE citywide, seven days a week, hiring more behavioral health responders to safely assist community members in need and free up police resources for higher priority calls.
As a father and grandfather, the health and safety of our youth remain a top priority. Following the tragic gun violence at Garfield High School, my administration announced a new investment strategy for supporting youth mental health and improving school safety. This plan will significantly expand telehealth therapy access to 2,000 students, invest in afterschool and late-night programming that keep kids out of harm, and take immediate and long-term steps to address the gun violence epidemic affecting our schools and communities.
As we look ahead to the second half of the year, we will continue to drive progress on our One Seattle vision of a safe, welcoming, and thriving city for all.
Thank you,
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Bruce A. Harrell
Mayor of Seattle
Working Together to Build One Seattle
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Last week, Mayor Harrell announced his proposal to expand the Community Assisted Response and Engagement (CARE) department behavioral health responder team, hiring 21 new positions and expanding citywide, seven days a week following the success of the dual dispatch pilot. Mayor Harrell will also nominate CARE Acting Chief Amy Smith to serve as the department’s permanent Chief.
Since launching last fall, the CARE team safely responded to over 500 dispatch calls, with an average response time of less than ten minutes and an average time on scene of 39 minutes.
88% of calls came from police officers requesting assistance for behavioral health interventions, crisis de-escalation, resource navigation, and assistance connecting with services like shelter.
An analysis of 9-1-1 calls from 2023 found approximately 8,000 calls which could be appropriate for the CARE Community Crisis response team under expansion plans – allowing police to focus where they’re most needed.
This spring has included multiple announcements driven by Mayor Harrell and his administration focused on maintaining and modernizing Seattle’s transportation system, addressing the fentanyl crisis, remediating dangerous vacant buildings, and providing mental health support for Seattle youth. Announcements include:
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Mayor Harrell unveiled his 8-year transportation levy proposal, reflecting the City’s commitment to a building safe, reliable, and connected transportation system through investments and improvements to transportation infrastructure and services citywide. The levy proposal is currently in the Council amendment process.
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Following its passage by the City Council, Mayor Harrell signed a new contract with rank-and-file police officers into law. The agreement is important to addressing Seattle’s police staffing crisis, expanding civilian public safety responses, and strengthening police accountability.
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New legislation proposed by Mayor Harrell will allow the Seattle Fire Department (SFD) to order and complete remediation or demolition of dangerous vacant buildings.
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Announcing a new investment strategy, Mayor Harrell aims to support a coordinated approach to youth mental health and safety where families and students have easy access to care and upstream support for overall wellbeing. The mayor’s investment strategy is coupled with an Executive Order to address gun violence and improve youth safety, including an investment of $2 million toward violence prevention, intervention, and interruption and other steps to promote short- and long-term safety.
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 On May 18th, we celebrated the tremendous success of One Seattle Day of Service, where thousands of volunteers and community partners came together to make a tangible difference in our neighborhoods and communities.
 Mayor Harrell joined labor leaders to celebrate 10 years of Seattle’s groundbreaking $15 minimum wage proposal.
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 As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Seattle Pride, Mayor Harrell joined LGBTQ+ community leaders and City Councilmembers to raise the Pride Flag at City Hall.
 Mayor Harrell and Bellevue Mayor Robinson joined the Seattle Orcas as they welcomed the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup trophy at the Space Needle.
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Mayor Harrell joined the Oath of Office Ceremony for Seattle City Light General Manager and CEO Dawn Lindell, celebrating a new member of his One Seattle team with staff.
 To support business development and strengthen Seattle’s economic ties with South Korea, Mayor Harrell signed a memorandum of understanding between the City of Seattle and Korea SMEs and Startups Agency (KOSME).
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 Mayor Harrell joined local and state leaders in welcoming President Joe Biden to Seattle on his most recent trip.
 Mayor Harrell joined leaders from the United Nation and community to celebrate World Environment Day and unveiled two new murals on the waterfront – including the largest mural in North America.
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 Stay connected with all of the latest news from Mayor Harrell's office on social media.
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