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Dear friends and neighbors,
June was a month full of celebration and reflection—from Pride celebrations, Juneteenth, and graduations across the city, we honored the diversity, resilience, and future of our communities. These moments remind us why we continue working to make Seattle a safer, more equitable, and inclusive city for all.
June also served as a stark contrast to our priorities versus those of the Trump administration – while the other Washington was working to pass a budget bill with draconian spending cuts toward services that support our most vulnerable, we’ve worked to forge a different path. Working with Councilmember Rinck, we announced a new proposal that would reduce taxes for 90% of Seattle businesses and raise $90 million to backfill funding threatened by Trump and maintain the City’s essential services and critical housing investments.
Similarly, supporting our youth and families is one of the most important investments we can make in Seattle’s future. That’s why we advanced legislation to place the renewal of the Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise (FEPP) Levy on this November’s ballot.
I'm also proud to share that the City Council has unanimously confirmed Chief Shon Barnes as Seattle’s permanent Chief of Police. Chief Barnes’ leadership and vision for public safety, rooted in compassion and trust-building, will be instrumental in creating a safer and stronger city for all. We continue to see real progress to recruit more police officers, moving the department forward.
I’m thrilled that our 4th annual One Seattle Day of Service is returning this weekend on Saturday, July 12th with over 100 volunteer events around the city. This is our chance to come together as a community, roll up our sleeves, and make a tangible difference in the city we all call home. There is still time to sign up for a volunteer shift at seattle.gov/dayofservice.
I hope you’ll join in this effort and be part of the positive change we are trying to drive in our city.
Together,
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Bruce A. Harrell
Mayor of Seattle
Working Together to Build One Seattle
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  This month has included multiple announcements driven by Mayor Harrell and his administration to build a vibrant, inclusive, and equitable city. Announcements include:
- Mayor Bruce Harrell and Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck announced a new proposal to lower city taxes for approximately 90% of Seattle businesses that currently pay the Business & Occupation (B&O) tax and raise needed new progressive revenue to protect funding to essential services and programs threatened by the Trump administration.
- To make housing development faster and more predictable, Mayor Bruce Harrell proposed interim legislation and upcoming permanent reforms to Seattle’s Design Review program.
- Through a new executive order, Mayor Harrell established the Permitting and Customer Trust (PACT) Team – a citywide initiative dedicated to making it faster and easier to build housing and open small businesses across Seattle.
- Mayor Bruce Harrell joined Councilmember Maritza Rivera, the Seattle Department of Education and Early Learning (DEEL), and education, labor, and community partners to sign legislation that will place the Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise (FEPP) levy on Seattle voters’ ballots in November 2025.
- Mayor Bruce Harrell announced new legislation to strengthen the usability and effectiveness of Seattle’s chronic nuisance properties ordinance. The proposed changes will improve public safety by addressing frequent criminal behavior in and around specific properties.
- The City of Seattle announced a series of seven community safety forums being held in neighborhoods throughout the summer. The forums will feature Police Chief Shon Barnes sharing his vision for Seattle-Centric policing, provide progress updates on the One Seattle Restoration Framework, and engage community in discussions with departments about what public safety means to them and their concerns.
- Supporting climate resilience and livability, Mayor Bruce Harrell and Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) announced a new expansion of the Trees for Neighborhoods programto support the planting and maintenance of more trees, helping grow a healthy tree canopy throughout the city.
 Throughout the month, Mayor Harrell took part in several events celebrating Seattle’s vibrant sports culture and the countdown to the FIFA World Cup 2026, now just one year away. From honoring local sports legends who have inspired generations to breaking world records that showcase Seattle’s athletic excellence, these moments reflect our city’s deep-rooted passion for sports and community pride.
Continuing this momentum, the One Seattle Day of Service is happening this upcoming weekend on July 12! With the World Cup just around the corner, neighbors across the city will come together to roll up their sleeves, work as a team, and give back to the neighborhoods we love. It’s a celebration of community spirit, teamwork, and civic pride—on and off the field.
Registration is now open for volunteer shifts throughout the city! More shifts and events will be added until the day of the event. Volunteer opportunities include a variety of options for people across ages, abilities, and interests.
Sign up to volunteer
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 Mayor Harrell delivered keynote addresses to Seattle University’s graduate class and the University of Washington School of Law Class of 2025 – honoring their achievements and reminding them that they are the bold leaders who will shape a stronger, more just future.
 Mayor Harrell celebrated the reopening of the Devonshirein Belltown with Community Roots Housing—highlighting the City’s commitment to preserving and expanding affordable housing in accessible, vibrant neighborhoods.
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 Mayor Harrell celebrated the kickoff of the Oodalalee concert series at Pier 62, highlighting the power of music and inclusive spaces to bring Seattleites together.
 Mayor Harrell joined City leaders and community members to raise the Pride flag at City Hall, celebrating Seattle’s LGBTQ+ community and reaffirming the City’s commitment to inclusivity and acceptance.
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 Mayor Harrell joined neighbors at the Waterfront 5Kto celebrate the redeveloped Pier 62—a vibrant space bringing together community, culture, and connection along Seattle’s waterfront.
 Mayor Harrell marked the completion of the Pike Pine Streetscape and Bicycle Improvements Project, celebrating a more connected, accessible, and welcoming downtown corridor.
 Mayor Harrell joined partners to break ground on the future Memorial Stadium, transforming this historic site into a modern space for youth, arts, sports, and community events.
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 Mayor Harrell visited Catharine Blaine K-8 Schoolto meet students and thank educators for a successful school year filled with learning, growth, and school pride.
 Mayor Harrell joined MoPOP to celebrate its 25thanniversary, recognizing the museum’s cultural impact and enduring role as a cornerstone of Seattle’s creative identity.
 Mayor Bruce Harrell attended the 40th Independence Day Naturalization Ceremony, welcoming 501 new citizens and honoring Alma Franulovic Plancich for her 40 years of dedication to this inspiring tradition.
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Stay connected with all of the latest news from Mayor Harrell's office on social media.
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