Driving Progress

This month has included multiple announcements driven by Mayor Harrell and his administration to build a vibrant, inclusive, and equitable city, including:

• A monumental expansion of Seattle’s nation-leading CARE Department and diversified public safety response. Mayor Harrell’s vision will allow CARE to move from pilot to permanent, part of a tentative collective bargaining agreement (CBA) reached with rank-and-file Seattle police officers, allowing for the expansion and direct dispatch of CARE crisis responders, improving accountability with civilian investigators, and streamlining of disciplinary process.
• New legislation that prohibits the use of restrictive or negative covenants that block properties from being used as grocery stores or pharmacies – helping allow more stores to address food deserts.
• Taking on Trump’s federal overreach and unlawful actions via two Executive Orders to safeguard Seattle communities. Mayor Harrell’s first Executive Order protects local communities and control over law enforcement resources in the event that federalized National Guard troops are deployed to Seattle. The second Executive Order strengthens services to immigrant and refugee communities. The mayor proposed a new ordinance to prohibit the use of face coverings by law enforcement, and require all law enforcement officials to have visible emblems and badges that identify their agency while performing enforcement duties in Seattle, as well as an ordinance to prevent federal law enforcement from staging on or conducting immigration enforcement operations on City property.
• Focused on making the Emerald City even greener, Mayor Bruce Harrell signed a new Executive Order to increase tree preservation on private property and opened the City’s new tree nursery, building on efforts over the last three years to protect and grow Seattle’s urban forest and equitably distribute canopy cover throughout the city. 
• To address food deserts and ensure all residents have access to healthy, affordable groceries, Mayor Harrell issued an Executive Order to ensure adequate access to grocery stores in Seattle through a multipronged approach to addressing food deserts. These food deserts, which limit access to healthy affordable food or medicine, exist throughout Seattle, and many neighborhoods have only one full-service grocery store that would result in a food desert if closed.
• Mayor Bruce Harrell celebrated the two-year anniversary of the creation of the Community Assisted Response and Engagement (CARE) department, combining Seattle’s 911 Center with the new Community Crisis Responder (CCR) team.
• The City of Seattle’s Office of Housing (OH) is proud to announce investments of over $7 million to create 51 new, permanently affordable homeownership opportunities in the Central District and South Park neighborhoods. The funding, awarded through OH’s 2025 Homeownership Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA), supports two new developments that will provide pathways to homeownership for households earning up to 80% of the Area Median Income.
• Mayor Bruce Harrell and Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes announced a significant increase in drug trafficking case prosecutions through the first three quarters of 2025, an increase of 42% compared to the full-year 2024 total.
• In response to a potential lapse in federal funding for the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, Mayor Harrell proclaimed a limited civil emergency to prevent local food insecurity. Beginning November 1, the City will allocate up to $4 million per month to support food banks and assistance programs until federal benefits are restored. Use this search tool to find your nearest food banks and meal programs.

Sports City!

October was an energizing month for Seattle sports — not just in competition, but in community spirit. From the Mariners’ incredible postseason run to the Seahawks’ 50th anniversary celebration, the city was bursting with energy, pride, and connection through sports.

Mayor Harrell started off the month with Mariners announcer Rick Rizzs, Sports broadcaster Angie Mentink, and Seattle Sports Commission President Beth Knox at a special Mariners flag raising at City Hall, celebrating the team’s historic playoff run and proclaiming October as “Month of the Mariners.” Building on that excitement, fans came together for a community rally and march to T-Mobile Park and proclaimed October 16 as “Humpy Day” in honor of Humpy, the beloved underdog mascot whose victory captured the fun and heart of this unforgettable postseason.

Mayor Harrell also celebrated “Women in Sports Month,” recognizing the athletes, coaches, and leaders breaking barriers and shaping the future of sports. He joined the Seattle Sports Commission’s Women in Leadership Breakfast, celebrating the women whose achievements continue to inspire excellence both on and off the field.

To close out the month, Mayor Harrell declared October 20 as “Seahawks 50th Anniversary Day,” marking five decades of grit, passion, and unforgettable moments that have brought generations of fans together. He presented the proclamation at a Ticketmaster Tailgate event alongside Seahawks Legend Mario Bailey — a perfect kickoff to a milestone season.

Building One Seattle