🚘 Bigger threat: guns or cars?

Public Safety Is About More Than Just Guns

A letter from Seattle business leaders to Mayor Wilson and City Council urging the city to improve and fund public safety made headlines late last week, as discussion continues on the response and communication after the Bite of Seattle Shooting and in the aftermath of three separate shootings in Belltown. But beyond gun violence, Seattleites have shown concern for traffic safety as well.

• What’s in the letter? It calls for increased patrols in areas with public safety problems (Little Saigon is used as the example), a commitment to 7-minute 911 response times, arrests of repeat drug offenders, commitment to shutting down open-air drug markets, and also a ban on encampments within 250 feet of a park, playground or school. Likewise, any such encampments that appear must be cleared within 72 hours. It asks that the controversial CCTV cameras be turned on in Pioneer Square, Stadium District, and elsewhere. And finally, it asked for a safety action plan to be put together within 100 days.
• How did Wilson respond? In a statement to KOMO, Wilson pointed to increased police presence in Rainier Beach, the CID, Little Saigon, North Aurora, and Belltown. She mentioned receiving 3,500 police officer applications and the search for a new police chief being underway. She also pointed to the fact that, as we mentioned earlier this week, homicides are at their lowest in a decade. Finally, she plans to put forward a gun violence reduction strategy and update on how shelter development is growing. [KOMO]
• What constitutes public safety? Today on the podcast, guest host Brett Hamil, contributor Guy Oron, and producer Sam J. Leeds look at stats from 2025 and compare homicide numbers to traffic collisions. They also discuss Mayor Wilson’s plan to strengthen Seattle’s Vision Zero. The city is also installing 24/7 cameras at four corridors with high accident rates, according to KING5.

• Take the public safety survey next month: Seattle University runs a Public Safety Survey every year. It starts October 15 and will run through November 30. Be sure to take it! Last year’s top public safety concern was traffic safety.
• What are your public safety concerns? Let us know by e-mailing us at [email protected] or leave a voicemail or text 206-880-3931. We really want to hear from you, Seattle!‬

📰 McClatchy layoffs hit WA hard: Seven reporters at Bellingham Herald, The Olympian, Tacoma News Tribune, and Tri-City Herald (Washington) were laid off late last week as part of a much larger layoff affecting journalists and publications across the country. Tacoma was hit hard, and will no longer have a dedicated journalist covering city hall or local schools. To see if your local newsroom was affected, follow the link. [NewsGuild]

🦅 Endangered Species Act is in danger, says lawsuit: 21 states including Washington are suing the federal government for weakening the 50-year-old act that's credited with saving the bald eagle, humpback whale, and California condor. The lawsuit says that the administration is trying to narrow the law's ability to protect habitats and give less protection to threatened animals. [KUOW]

🏫 School Superintendent needs more money for schools: Chris Reykdal is asking for nearly $2 billion to fund public schools for 2027 - 2029. Reykdal cited the landmark 2012 McCleary V. State of Washington Supreme Court case, saying that Washington state is not meeting its constitutional obligation to fund schools. The funds will also be used to expand learning assistance and restore a Transition to Kindergarten program. [Washington State Standard]