As the first major US city to be impacted by COVID-19, Seattle created a COVID-19 response template for the rest of the country, which led with establishing one of the first in the nation moratorium on evictions to keep families safe. This swift and early action saved countless lives as we’ve maintained the lowest infection rate, hospitalizations, and COVID-related deaths of the top American cities while also reaching key vaccine milestones.
Today, I announced that I am extending the residential and commercial eviction moratorium through September 30, 2021. In recent months, Congress and the Washington State Legislature have passed significant funding for rental assistance for tenants and landlords – in many cases this direct relief has not been distributed yet. In the coming weeks, we expect additional rental assistance from King County, which is currently open for applications. The Seattle City Council will also consider an additional $28 million in rental assistance directly allocated from the American Rescue Plan Act to the City of Seattle. In total, throughout the pandemic, city-funded rental and housing assistance totaled approximately $75 million for tenants, landlords, and city-funded affordable housing providers, in addition to significant State and County resources.
With this extension, we must also recognize that the economic impact of the pandemic forced many businesses to close, left far too many without jobs, and we are still responding to the fallout. While we continue to be in a state of emergency, this three-month extension will ensure we can provide the cash rental assistance and housing support that is critical to stabilizing the community as we reopen.
You can find more information and resources as a renter or landlord available on the City’s Renting in Seattle website. Residential tenants who receive an eviction notice during the moratorium should contact the Renting in Seattle hotline at 206‐684‐5700 or go online to submit a complaint. The moratorium on eviction of nonprofit and small business commercial tenants applies to independently-owned businesses with 50 employees or fewer per establishment, state nonprofits, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits. For additional questions please see the Office of Economic Development’s COVID-19 Lease Amendment Tool Kit.
While the City is reaching vaccination milestones and working to recover, and build back better, and more equitably – this extension will allow urgently-needed rental assistance and additional housing resources to reach further into the tenant and landlord community.
Officer Alexandra B. Harris
On Sunday, June 13, 2021 Officer Alexandra B Harris was driving home after finishing her shift when she came upon a multi-vehicle collision on Interstate 5, near South Forest Street.
Even out of uniform Officer Harris remained committed to the Seattle Police Department’s mission of community caretaking and pulled over to check on the motorists involved in the collision. As Officer Harris was outside of her vehicle, another passing motorist struck and killed her.
Officer Harris—known as Lexi by her friends and colleagues— served at SPD’s West Precinct, in the department’s Wellness Unit, and mostly recently with the Community Response Group. She grew up in North Seattle and came from a family dedicated to public service in Washington State.
Lexi leaves behind a tight-knit family, including her fiancé and his daughters. One colleague said Lexi adored the girls and referred to them as her “bonus daughters.”
Lexi will be remembered for her commitment to her colleagues, wellness and physical training, and as a co-host of the podcast The Leaderist, focused on improving the relationships between police and the communities they serve.
Mayor Durkan helps to cut the ribbon at the opening od the Occidental Square Pavilion
King County Executive Dow Constantine announced this week that 70% of King County residents have completed their COVID-19 vaccine series - the largest county in the nation to reach 70% among adult residents. The first vaccines were administered in King County six months ago on Dec. 16, and King County initially set a goal to vaccinate 70% of its eligible population by the end of June. With more than 1.3 million residents over age 16 completing their vaccine series, the community vaccination level will also end the Local Health Officer mask directive in two weeks on June 29.
The City of Seattle will be hosting pop-up vaccinations in multiple neighborhoods to ensure that small businesses, workers, and community members can easily receive a COVID-19 vaccine. Seattle Fire Department (SFD) will host the vaccination pop-ups and partner with the Seattle Office of Economic Development (OED) and neighborhood partners to connect residents and workers in the surrounding neighborhoods to the thousands of available COVID-19 vaccines for individuals that are 12 years of age and older. A parent or guardian must be present in order for a minor to receive the Pfizer vaccine. These vaccination pop-ups are low barrier, and do not require advanced registration to participate. Walks ups are encouraged and welcomed!
NAACP Pop-up at The Christ Spirit Church
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Date and Time: Friday, June 18, 4:00PM – 7:00PM
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Location: The Christ Spirit Church, 6115 Beacon Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108
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Vaccines: Pfizer; second dose are also available. Walk-ups All three vaccines offered, second dose provided with proof of first vaccination.
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Special: The first 30 vaccinated will receive a $5 gift card to The Station
NAACP Pop-up will return on Friday, July 9 for patients to receive their second dose.
One Medical on-site to answer any questions families may have – vaccine or otherwise.
Second dose will be available July 17.
Pike Place Market Vaccine Pop-up
This Saturday, is Juneteenth. Whether you celebrated Juneteenth growing up or you learned about Juneteenth recently, it is a moment to celebrate, reflect, and think about how we can make our community and country more just.
Read more in the South Seattle Emerald about many opportunities to join events.
There are several in-person, and online, Juneteenth events happening this weekend:
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Date: Friday, June 18
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Time: 7–8:30 p.m.
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Cost: Free
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Date: Saturday, June 19
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Time: 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
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Location: Othello Park, 4351 S Othello Street, Seattle, WA 98118
For more information about the It Takes a Village Juneteenth Festival, please visit the It Takes a Village — AMSA Facebook event page.
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Date: Saturday, June 19
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Time: 12–6 p.m.
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Location: Judkins Park, 2150 South Norman Street, Seattle, 98144
For more information, to RSVP, or to register as a vendor for the Juneteenth Jamboree, please visit the NAAM website
Jackson’s Catfish Corner Grand Opening
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Date: Saturday, June 19
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Ribbon Cutting Time: 10 a.m.
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Location: Jackson’s Catfish Corner, 2218 South Jackson Street, Seattle, WA 98144
Celebrate June 19 as Jackson’s Catfish Corner returns to community! With live music, special guest appearances, and a merchandise giveaway! For more information about Jackson’s Catfish Corner’s Grand Opening, follow on Facebook and Instagram.
Following the 2020 passage of Seattle Mayor Jenny A. Durkan’s “Fare Share” proposal, the City of Seattle announced the launch of the first in the nation Driver Resolution Center (DRC). The Driver’s Union will provide representation to drivers in arbitration hearings and outreach and education on driver’s rights, including those granted by the TNC Driver Deactivation Rights Ordinance (DRO), Seattle Municipal Code (SMC) 14.32. The Drivers Union was selected through a Request for Proposals process that was announced in March. The contract for $5 million will be for 18-months from July 1, 2021 to December 31, 2022. The Drivers Union collaborative will work with Teamsters 117 as a contracted partner.
Click the image to watch Mayor Durkan on Good Morning America
Mayor Jenny Durkan talks about reaching the important milestone, rebuilding the local economy post-pandemic and more.
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