Mayor Harrell is developing a One Seattle Safety Framework based on the feedback and experiences of our residents and community. The City hosted a total of five neighborhood forums as we co-create a future where everyone, in every neighborhood, is safe and feels secure.

The Safety Framework will build on key strategies including

1. Reduce gun violence and other violent crime with evidence-based solutions and enforcement strategies.
2. Respond to 9-1-1 calls efficiently and effectively by hiring more officers and diversifying response options.
3. Address the root causes and impacts of violence by investing in community-based solutions and upstream interventions.
4. Prioritize a public health and trauma-informed approach to reduce overdoses, reduce violence, and better support victims and survivors.
5. Coordinate community safety efforts to avoid duplication and inefficiencies by breaking down silos between departments.
6. Build and maintain community trust through strong accountability systems and community engagement on law enforcement priorities

The first citywide public safety forum with Mayor Harrell was held on March 14, 2024, at the Seattle Central Library, you can watch a recording of that forum on Seattle Channel’s website.

The City has already taken a number of actions to help reduce gun violence, one of our top priorities and biggest community concerns. Examples include:

Seattle’s Community Safety Initiative

A collaborative partnership between Community Passageways, The Boys and Girls Club of King County, Urban Family, and the YMCA of Greater Seattle. This initiative aims to advance effective, community-led, and culturally responsive programs and services, including critical incident response, hotspot remediation, safe school passage through outreach workers, and support services to stabilize young people, families, and the community at large

Public Health Interventions

The City of Seattle, Public Health – Seattle & King County, Harborview Medical Center, and community-based organizations have partnered together to disrupt cycles of violence using a public health framework centered on hospital-based violence intervention services. The city is investing in a comprehensive ecosystem focused on youth and young adult wellbeing and rooted in public health approaches that reflects an ongoing commitment to addressing underlying factors.

Responsible Gun Legislation

The City actively endorsed vital gun violence prevention bills during the last legislative session. These measures included an assault weapons ban, extended waiting periods, comprehensive background checks, and support for industry accountability. Mayor Harrell advocated for $30 million in funding for the Office of Firearm Safety and Violence Prevention, underscoring Seattle's commitment to addressing gun violence, particularly for those most directly impacted.

Individuals and families impacted by gun violence can learn more about the resources and supports available in the Regional Gun Violence Community-Based Resource Guide here.