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Today was a National Day of Action and Healing to #StopAsianHate.
In Seattle and across our nation, our Asian American neighbors, places of worship, and businesses have been deliberately targeted by acts of violence related to racism, xenophobia, misconceptions of COVID-19.
Following the tragic events in Atlanta, and even events in Seattle, we have been working to take action and to stand together with our Asian American communities.
Seattle has come together to stand against this hatred towards Asian Americans. Governor Locke so clearly said ‘hate is a virus.’ And through our acts, we must each be the cure.
Last week, I joined a number of community leaders in a virtual roundtable, and yesterday, Chief Diaz and I joined leaders in the CID to further discuss how the City can increase safety and stop Asian Hate. Seattle must stand together to support our Asian American friends, neighbors, family, and community members. Violence and harassment driven by toxic racism has no place in our city.
Mayor Durkan walks through the CID with community members. (Photo credit: NW Asian Weekly)
Individuals who commit these crimes must be held accountable. We are also taking additional steps to protect our Asian American neighbors – that includes increasing outreach to the Asian American community and community-based organizations across Seattle, as well as additional presence by SPD and our Community Service Officers to ensure we are doing all we can for them during this painful time.
Listening to community organizations, we have heard additional actions that our community partners want the City to take to keep our residents and workers safe. Working with City Council, we will be soon announcing new measures to support community safety, lift up our businesses, and address bias crimes and discrimination.
The Seattle Police Department encourages anyone who feels unsafe or witnesses suspicious activity to call 911. Language access and assistance are available. A number of local organizations have produced resources for community members to counter misinformation, racism, and discrimination. Chinese Information Service Center (CISC) has produced a number of translated handouts and videos to help individuals report bias incidents.
Stay safe and healthy,
Mayor Durkan speaks with participants in the Ironworkers Apprenticeships Program
This week, I was given a tour and spoke to participants in the Ironworkers Apprenticeships. This program is a great opportunity for many to start earning a higher wage to provide for their families. Opportunities they would not have otherwise gotten – especially for some who are formerly incarcerated. Additionally, the Urban League provides support and wrap around services for apprentices.
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A note of thanks to West Seattle and Duwamish Valley Communities
Dear West Seattle and Duwamish Valley communities,
It’s been a tough year. Just as the COVID-19 pandemic began to take its toll around the globe, your communities suddenly faced another major challenge: the emergency closure of the West Seattle High-Rise Bridge on March 23, 2020.
Here we are. One year later.
While closing the bridge was a necessary step for public safety, the effects of the closure have been widespread and undeniable. All of you have been affected. Your trips have taken more time; your routines have been disrupted. Traffic patterns have changed, with detours sending people driving onto neighborhood streets that weren’t intended for so many cars.
We’ve taken steps – and will continue to do so – to help ease some of the strain. Later this week, we’ll talk more about where we’ve been over the past year and where we’re headed. We remain laser-focused on repairing and reopening the High Bridge in mid-2022 so the closure no longer weighs heavily on your day-to-day life.
But this message today isn’t about what we at the City have done. It’s about what you and your neighbors have endured. Today, we simply want to thank you for your perseverance over the past year.
More than 200 units to support individuals experiencing homelessness will come online over the next week
The City of Seattle announced the opening of a temporary hotel shelter as part of the surge of investments first announced by Mayor Jenny A. Durkan on October 1, 2020 and passed by City Council on November 23, 2020. A second hotel, with a focus on serving unhoused American Indian and Alaskan Native people, will open next week. The City is using one-time federal funding to launch this program with a goal of moving hundreds of individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness into shelter and on to permanent housing.
Clay Apartments
This week, the Seattle Office of Housing, the Low Income Housing Institute, and several other partners helped with opening the Clay Apartments! I am proud of this affordable hosing option that has been created, especially for vulnerable homeless veterans. Surging housing resources and finding unique opportunities allow our most vulnerable residents to have access to housing.
The Clay Apartments, located at 602 E Howell St. on Capitol Hill in Seattle, features 76 apartments, including 70 studios and 6 lofts. There are 20 apartments for homeless veterans and 55 apartments for homeless singles and couples. There is also a live-in manager’s unit. Residents will pay 30% of their income for rent, thanks to rent subsidies from the VA and HUD.
All Eligible King County Residents Can Register for Open Appointments This Week By Signing Up Online Or Calling the City of Seattle
Seattle Fire Department to Host Pop-Up Vaccination Clinic at South Park Community Center
Mayor Jenny A. Durkan announced the City of Seattle’s vaccination plan for the week of March 15 through March 20. With nearly 14,000 doses of both the Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, the City will vaccinate Washington State Department of Health (DOH) eligible residents across its three fixed vaccination sites at the Lumen Field Event Center, Rainier Beach, and West Seattle, as well as continue to vaccinate vulnerable older adults living in affordable housing through the Seattle Fire Department (SFD) Mobile Vaccination Teams (MVT).
Seattle has unveiled a comprehensive plan to move towards greener transport in the city, including the introduction of ‘Green and Healthy Streets’ and aiming for 100 per cent of shared mobility trips to be zero emissions.
The City of Seattle has released a city-wide plan, which it says outlines how the city will move towards a more sustainable transportation system in order to reduce climate emissions and air pollution, increase electric mobility options, and create a pipeline of green jobs and workforce diversity.
“Right now, as our city and residents recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, we have the opportunity to build our city back better to prioritise our residents’ health, safety, and quality of life,” said Mayor Jenny A Durkan.
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