Safe Neighborhoods

Public safety is one of the most important issues we face in Seattle, and it’s crucial that everyone in our community feels secure and protected. To achieve this, we need to fully staff our police and fire departments to ensure rapid response times in emergencies. However, that shouldn’t come at the cost of needed reform.

• Fully staff Fire and Police departments. Seattle’s population is growing fast, but in recent years, we’ve lost hundreds of first responders. We’re on-track to face a police hiring crisis. I believe vulnerable people need fast, effective 911 responses. As your Councilmember, I’m working to reverse the past City Council’s inconsistent commitment to community safety.
   

• Reform the Seattle Police Department. Updating policies and improving training will help build a stronger and more trustworthy police force. We need police accountability in Seattle to help foster trust between the SPD and our communities. I am committed to balancing the need for effective law enforcement with ensuring civil rights and preventing excessive use of force.
   

• More alternative response programs. More alternative response programs are essential to addressing the diverse needs of our community. Many calls do not require a traditional police response. I support initiatives that involve sending social workers, mental health experts, and other specialized professionals to handle specific situations, ensuring that individuals receive the appropriate type of assistance. We should expand the CARE teams, which include behavioral health specialists, to provide targeted help for those experiencing crises. This approach not only ensures better outcomes for individuals in distress but also allows police officers to focus on issues that truly require their expertise. Additionally, integrating these alternative response programs with community-based services will create a more holistic support network for residents, fostering a safer and more compassionate Seattle.
   

• Enforce reasonable restrictions on public disorder. We need policies that address disruptive behaviors while respecting individual rights and freedoms. This includes ensuring clear guidelines for law enforcement on handling public disturbances, prioritizing de-escalation techniques, and promoting non-violent interventions. By working with community leaders and organizations, we can develop strategies that prevent disorder and support those in need of assistance. Additionally, we should provide adequate resources for outreach programs that address underlying issues such as homelessness, addiction, and mental health challenges, which often contribute to public disorder. Seattle should be a city where everyone feels safe and respected, and where public spaces can be enjoyed by all residents.
   

• Expand community policing initiatives to build trust between law enforcement and neighborhoods.
  Expanding community policing is key to building trust between law enforcement and neighborhoods. By having officers work closely with the same communities, we can create better relationships and understanding. I support more funding for programs where officers regularly meet with residents and attend community events. Training for officers will focus on cultural awareness and communication. We'll also set up advisory councils with community members to provide feedback to the police. This approach will help make our neighborhoods safer and more connected.
   

• Increase funding for mental health and substance abuse response teams. These teams can provide the right care for people in crisis, reducing the need for police intervention. With more resources, we can ensure that mental health experts and social workers are available to help those in need, making our community safer and healthier.
   

• Comprehensive de-escalation and bias training for all officers. Training officers to handle situations calmly and fairly is crucial. By teaching them how to defuse conflicts and recognize their own biases, we can prevent unnecessary violence and build trust between the police and the community.
   

• Foster partnerships with local organizations for community-led safety programs. These organizations, like the one I have led for the last four years, understand the unique needs of their neighborhoods and can offer valuable insights and support. Working together, we can create safety initiatives that reflect the community's values and priorities, leading to a safer and more connected city.
   

• Economic development opportunities. We need to close the wealth gap in our communities. That starts with ensuring our neighborhood small businesses are successful so there will be more living wage jobs produced, which has a positive impact on crime.
   

• Expand youth activities. We need to focus on activities for our youth, which include expanding community center and library programming. Afterschool sports and art programs that will help our young people to find their passion.

Cost of Living & Housing

Seattle's rising cost of living is a pressing issue that demands our attention. By increasing the availability of housing, we can help ease the pressure on the market and lower costs for everyone. Affordable housing programs, including workforce housing, are also essential to success.

• The Comprehensive Plan update is an essential step, but we need to go further. As our city rapidly grows, we must prioritize the creation of 100,000 new housing units over the next 20 years. This includes expanding housing options in our Regional Centers, such as Downtown, Uptown/Lower Queen Anne, South Lake Union, First Hill/Capitol Hill, University District, Northgate, and Ballard, where we see the densest neighborhoods with apartment and condo towers, office high-rises, hotels, and vibrant retail and entertainment hubs. Furthermore, Urban Centers, the commercial and housing cores of Seattle’s neighborhoods, will feature 4-8 story apartment and condo buildings with ground-floor shops, grocery stores, and restaurants, enhancing community living.

• Neighborhood Centers will also play a crucial role by incorporating changes required by 2023’s statewide missing-middle housing law. This law allows for two- to six-unit homes in areas currently zoned for single-family homes, facilitating diverse housing options. Every lot can host four-unit projects, including stand-alone townhomes, row houses, and cottage apartments, while lots within a quarter-mile of frequent transit can accommodate up to six units. Additionally, developers can build six units if two are subsidized affordable housing. These comprehensive strategies aim to create inclusive, affordable, and diverse housing solutions to meet the needs of all Seattle residents.
   

• Build more workforce housing. As our community grows, so should the housing our city is able to provide. Seattle needs more housing that fits the varied needs of our community. I know firsthand what this looks like. My family transformed the historical Louisa Hotel in the Chinatown-International District into apartments that serve Seattle’s workforce. Here, residents pay only what they can afford. We need more housing like the one my family built, housing that is more affordable and geared towards those that need it most. I will try to find more opportunities to build such housing and bring forth creative ideas on how we can meet Seattle’s housing needs.
   

• Fighting gentrification. I grew up in Beacon Hill, and have watched the next generation get priced out of their neighborhood. We must actively confront gentrification and displacement to ensure long-time residents can remain in their neighborhoods. I also support efforts to keep neighborhood businesses in new-construction buildings, like we’ve seen in Little Saigon, Central District/Africatown, and Othello. We must find a way to allow Seattle to continue to thrive and grow while preserving our existing neighborhoods.
   

• Ensuring Seattle is a great place to do (small) business. Promoting policies that incentivize small business growth and local hiring will strengthen our economy and create job opportunities within the community. By addressing these key areas, we can make Seattle a more affordable and inclusive place to live and work. I’m especially passionate about supporting minority-owned businesses, which often face additional barriers.

Addressing Homelessness

I will continue to advocate to increase support for transitional housing programs to assist individuals in moving from homelessness to stable living situations. We need to ensure our homelessness programs tailor approaches to specific communities, such as veterans, families, and LGBTQ+ individuals, to address their unique challenges.

• Set performance expectations for service providers. Despite significant funding to agencies like the King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA), Seattle has seen a 23 percent increase in homelessness since 2022. This shows that current approaches are not meeting the needs of our community. By setting specific goals and regularly evaluating the impact of service providers, we can ensure that resources are used efficiently and effectively. We need accountability and transparency to make sure that every dollar spent is making a positive difference in reducing homelessness and supporting our most vulnerable residents.
   

• Invest in treatment. Providing access to mental health and substance abuse treatment is essential for helping individuals get back on their feet and reducing homelessness in our community. Programs like SoundHealth have proven effective; I’ll invest in them.
   

• Support crisis response programs. Crisis response programs can provide immediate assistance to individuals in crisis, offering shelter, medical care, and other critical services to help stabilize their situations and connect them with long-term support. I support expanding Care Teams and the HealthOne program.
   

• Expand access to affordable housing and low-barrier shelters and wraparounds services.
  By increasing the availability of affordable housing options and shelters that have fewer barriers to entry, we can provide essential stability and support for individuals experiencing homelessness, helping them transition towards long-term stability and independence. Solutions like tiny home villages can help provide increased stability, and begin the transition to housing. Finally, we need to ensure that wraparound services are offered, and that residents can build trust with case managers and service providers.
   

• Enhance job training and placement services for homeless individuals. Providing access to skills training and employment opportunities is crucial for empowering individuals to secure stable income and regain independence. By partnering with local businesses and vocational programs, we can create pathways to sustainable employment, giving homeless individuals the tools they need to rebuild their lives.
   

• Increase support for transitional housing programs. Transitional housing programs offer a vital bridge for individuals transitioning from homelessness to stable living situations. For example, programs like Plymouth Housing provide not only temporary shelter but also comprehensive support services, including job readiness training, childcare, and financial counseling. This holistic approach addresses the root causes of homelessness and has shown to significantly increase the chances of long-term housing stability.
   

• Invest in programs geared toward specific communities. Homelessness affects different groups uniquely, such as veterans, families, and LGBTQ+ individuals, who often face intersecting challenges. Tailoring support services to their specific needs, such as trauma-informed care for veterans or culturally competent services for LGBTQ+ youth, is essential. By collaborating with community organizations and advocates, we can ensure that these programs are inclusive and effective in addressing the diverse needs of all individuals experiencing homelessness in Seattle.
   

• Support case managers. We need to pay our case managers a living wage and make sure there are services to take care of those who take care of others.

Important Issues

• Transportation: Expanding multi-modal transportation options to ensure our city is accessible and convenient for all residents, reducing reliance on single-occupancy vehicles and promoting sustainable transit solutions.
   

• Climate and environmental justice: Committing to bold climate action and environmental justice initiatives that address the disproportionate impact of environmental hazards on marginalized communities while fostering a sustainable future for all Seattle residents.
   

• Arts and culture: Promoting and preserving Seattle’s vibrant arts and culture scene, ensuring that local artists and cultural institutions are supported and thrive as integral parts of our community.
   

• Supporting our distinct neighborhoods: Championing the unique cultural identities of areas like Chinatown-International District, Little Saigon, Beacon Hill, Othello, Lake City, and the Central District, and advocating for policies that protect and enhance these vibrant neighborhoods.
   

• Supporting our diverse populations: Seattle is a haven for people from all backgrounds who are looking for tolerance, acceptance, and joy. I believe in supporting all our neighbors, regardless of their race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, ability, age, immigration status, or any other characteristic that makes them unique.
   

• Education: Prioritizing quality education for all children by supporting schools, teachers, and educational programs that provide equitable opportunities and resources for every student in Seattle.
   

• Senior services and elder care: Our seniors deserve dignity, respect, and quality care. I will work to expand access to senior services and support programs that help older adults live independently and with dignity. This includes advocating for affordable housing options for seniors, improving healthcare access, and ensuring that community centers and social services are well-funded and accessible to all residents.
   

• Removing language and cultural access barriers to local government: Ensuring that all residents, regardless of language or cultural background, can access and engage with local government services, fostering an inclusive and responsive city administration.  Translation and interpretation services to engage communities should be at the forefront.
   

• Willing to Re-Prioritize City Budget: Adopting a “do more with what we have” approach, I am committed to re-prioritizing the city budget to match the sentiments of our community, ensuring efficient use of resources to meet the needs of all residents.
   

• Ensuring Fair Wages and Worker Protections: Seattle's workforce is the backbone of our city's success. I am dedicated to advocating for fair wages, safe working conditions, and robust worker protections across all industries. This includes supporting initiatives to raise the minimum wage to a livable standard, ensuring equal pay for equal work, and promoting unionization efforts to empower workers in negotiating fair contracts. Additionally, I will work to enforce labor laws rigorously, holding employers accountable for wage theft and workplace discrimination. By prioritizing the rights and well-being of our labor force, we can build a stronger, more equitable city where every worker can thrive.