Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell delivered his State of the City Address, sharing his One Seattle vision for the year ahead and detailing his administration’s actions to drive progress in the community over the past three years. The Mayor is focused on public safety, housing, economic development, infrastructure, tourism, and more.
Public safety remained a top focus, with notable success in police recruitment. Seattle hired more officers than it lost for the first time in five years, with over 4,300 applications to join the police force. Mayor Harrell highlighted an over 50% reduction in priority 1 calls and a 14% decrease in violent crime downtown since the launch of the Downtown Activation Team. Expanding the Community Assisted Response and Engagement (CARE) department has strengthened crisis response efforts, providing behavioral health support to over 1,400 individuals.
On homelessness and housing, the administration has seen a dramatic reduction in unsheltered encampments, with a 58% decrease in tents and a 35% drop in RV encampments compared to 2023. In 2024, 1,800 individuals accepted shelter referrals, helping move people indoors and connect them with supportive services. Mayor Harrell underscored record housing investments, with 5,161 new affordable housing units built over three years.
Mayor Harrell announced a forthcoming executive order to update Seattle’s Climate Action Plan, focusing on emissions reduction, green economy growth, and climate resilience. He also reaffirmed his commitment to education, with the Seattle Preschool Program now serving 2,500 children in 98 classrooms citywide. Additionally, he will propose a renewal of the Families, Education, Preschool, and Promise Levy to expand childcare, youth violence prevention, and mental health support.
Watch the Mayor’s full remarks here.
