Please vote!



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Voting is one of our greatest rights and duties as Americans, and Election Day is an opportunity for us to shape the future of our communities. Were in the midst of a global public health crisis and an election cycle that has perpetuated fear, anxiety, and uncertainty for so many of us. Today and every day, its important to remember that Seattle, King County, and Washington state have a long history of leading the country in safe and secure elections. Washington voters know elections may take a number of days to count accurately, and Governor Inslee, Executive Constantine, and I are committed to ensuring every vote is counted both in Washington state and across the nation.

It is always important to remember: together and individually each of us is the best force for peace. I have confidence in the people of Seattle and our region. And people are showing that in huge numbers by showing up and exercising their right to vote.

If you havent already, please vote! As of noon today, 82.69% of Seattle residents have returned their ballots. Residents can return their ballot to a ballot drop box (no stamp required) [ [link removed] ] and must do so by 8 p.m. tonight. You can also mail your ballot today (no stamp required), as long as it is *postmarked *by today (not just put in a mailbox). Read more about returning your ballot [ [link removed] ].

I know many of you have questions about what could happen in Seattle on Election Day and the days following. In one of the most challenging years in our citys history, we have a president that has consistently incited hate, fear, and violence. This is why my office has been closely coordinating with the Governor, County Executive, and City departments for a safe and secure Election Day and planning for the days that follow.

While law enforcement agencies do not have any intelligence to indicate that there are any specific threats, the Seattle Police Department, Seattle Fire Department, and other law enforcement agencies have been planning for contingency purposes to prepare for a wide range of scenarios such as demonstrations. Our city departments have reached out to small business owners to provide proactive information on how to prepare and secure their employees and customers as well as their property. You can find more information about the Citys planning here [ [link removed] ].

Understanding COVID-19 cases are surging in King County, we are encouraging individuals to stay in their neighborhoods for a safe Election Day and Night. The Rock the Block program [ [link removed] ] allows residents stay close to home and keep moving on Election Day.

Please vote. Take care of one another, and please stay safe and healthy tonight.

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Stay Close to Home and Keep Moving on Election Day with Rock the Block Safe Streets

Across the City, Rock the Block safe streets will allow residents who want to be with their loved ones and neighbors on Election Day the opportunity do so while remaining in compliance with Phase Two of the GovernorsSafe Startplan. Like allStay Healthy Blocks [ [link removed]. ], maintaining social distance and wearing a face covering is required. Rock the Block is available for non-arterial streets and streets will be open for people walking and rolling from 12 9 p.m. on Election Day. For a full list of requirements,please visit SDOTs blog post [ [link removed] ].

Residents who would like to register their street must first make sure their block aligns with SDOTs eligibility criteria and alert their neighbors. Residents can thenregister their street online [ [link removed] ]and immediately set up their Rock the Block.

Visit SDOTs blog [ [link removed] ]for more guidance on how to easily and safely set up your Rock the Block street closure.

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Gov Inslee Issues Statement on Safe Voting and Secure Election Results

Gov. Jay Inslee issued a statement today ahead of Tuesday's elections.

"Record voter turnout in Washington state and around the nation is a powerful reminder of who's in charge as this tumultuous election reaches its final state: The people.

"That means elections are not final until all votes are counted. There may be instances where the outcomes aren't certain on election night. Washingtonians' commitment to civility, respect and nonviolence will be honored during that time. Nothing could be more important for the continuation of our democracy.

"State and county elections officers representing every region of our state are in charge of this process. I have every reason to be confident our state's election system will produce an outcome that represents the will of the voters. If you haven't voted yet, please do it now and know you can do it safely.

"We know elections take time to count accurately. We know how this works and we can be a model for the nation. Our government's power belongs to the people. It did before this election, and that will continue after this election."

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City Budget Office Releases Updated Economic Forecast Showing Better Than Expected Recovery and Additional Revenue For City Priorities in 2020 and 2021

The City Budget Office released an updated economic forecast and new revenue projections for 2020 and 2021. The City Budget Office now estimates an additional $57 million in net revenue from both the Real Estate Excise Tax, sales tax, and additional General Fund revenue. While some revenue sources increased following actual collection, some revenues fell below forecasts including the Commercial Parking Tax and Short Term Rental Tax. You can find theupdated forecast here [ [link removed] ].

In a letter to City Council, the Mayor detailed her priorities for these additional revenues, including increasing services for the individuals experiencing homelessness, a restoration of the strategic investment fund, a mitigation of City layoffs, and a citywide cleanup program to address litter and illegal dumping.

The Mayor also proposed restoring funding to the capital maintenance funding at the Transportation and Parks Departments. The Mayors letter to City Councilcan be found here [ [link removed] ].

Read more [ [link removed] ]
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GeekWire: Seattle-area health officials call for COVID-19 reboot as cases and hospitalizations rise
Screenshot of the GeekWire article showing graphs that indicate a COVID-19 resurgence

"In""King County" [ [link removed] ]", the number of new cases reported each day has increased 2.5-fold compared to what it was in mid-September. The region, which includes Seattle, Bellevue and Redmond, is averaging 170-190 new COVID infections daily, which is approximately 8 cases per 100,000 people."

"We clearly need a COVID-19 reboot, said Dr. Jeff Duchin, the top health officer for Public Health Seattle & King County. We expected it would be more challenging to manage COVID-19 during the fall and winter as we spend more time indoors and the environment changes, but the virus clearly has the home field advantage right now, and we need to step up our game big time."

Read more [ [link removed] ]
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Evening Read: Seattle Times: Setting the record straight on Mayor Jenny Durkans values
Photo of Mayor Durkan in a white blazer in front of the City of Seattle seal and flags

This evening, we encourage you to read the touching personal story from Charlene Strong, speaking to the Mayors extensive history standing up for LGBTQ+ civil rights. Charlene, a former Chair of the Washington Human Rights Commission and local LGBTQ+ leader, wrote this op-ed in the Seattle Times [ [link removed] ]:

"Fourteen years ago, I endured the unimaginable a storm for the record books produced rain the likes of which I had never seen in Seattle. Madison Valley, where I shared my home with my partner, Kate, was inundated by rising water that fatally trapped Kate in her audiobook studio in our little homes basement."

"That night I learned that our 10-year relationship had no legal recognition and thus barred me from being by Kates side when I arrived at the hospital to be with her in the last moments of her life. In 2006, there were no legal protections for same-sex couples in Washington state and our nation."

"Shortly after Kates death, I met Jenny Durkan, who took on the city of Seattle and sued it for neglecting the long-standing flooding issue in Madison Valley that tragically took Kates life. I respected Jennys leadership and compassion from the moment I met her. It was her encouragement that gave me the strength to testify in Olympia a month after Kates death, helping to pass the first of many LGBTQ civil rights victories in Washington state before finally securing marriage equality in 2012."

"At this critical moment in our city and nation, Jenny has been nothing but a strong leader for Seattle during truly unprecedented times a once in a lifetime pandemic, a civil-rights reckoning, and the worst economic crisis Seattle has faced in generations. She has continued to do so, all while being subjected to repeated intimidation, threats, and homophobic and misogynistic attacks."

Read more [ [link removed] ]





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*Phone: 206-684-4000*

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