With Seattle’s mayoral election rapidly approaching, incumbent Mayor Bruce Harrell is making his final pitch to voters by defending his administration’s record on some of the city’s most pressing challenges: public safety, homelessness, and economic recovery. During a recent interview on “The Gee and Ursula Show” on KIRO Newsradio, Harrell addressed these critical topics and laid out the accomplishments and ongoing efforts of his leadership.
Support for Small Businesses Amid Post-Pandemic Recovery
Harrell began the conversation by acknowledging the economic strain many small businesses continue to face due to rising commercial rents and the lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Drawing from personal experience, Harrell stated:
“You’re talking to a person who owned a small business for many years in downtown Seattle. Also, an attorney who represented literally close to 100 small businesses in my career.”
To help mitigate damage from vandalism and theft, Harrell reaffirmed his commitment to restoring the Storefront Repair Fund, which provides grants to small business owners impacted by property damage.
“When there’s a broken window or a broken door, we actually give grants to these people experiencing this kind of senseless crime,” he said.
In addition to the repair fund, Harrell’s administration has proposed reforms to the city’s business and occupation (B&O) tax, aiming to relieve financial pressure on smaller enterprises.
Tackling Homelessness: A Data-Driven Defense
When asked about the continued visibility of homeless encampments in public spaces, Harrell stood firm on his administration’s accomplishments.
“I have removed under our leadership, 80% of the encampments in areas where people cannot get past sidewalks, and in areas where we don’t think encampments are appropriate—always complying with the rule, always offering shelter first,” Harrell explained.
Harrell positioned his administration’s work as solutions-focused and humane, emphasizing adherence to legal procedures and prioritization of shelter services.
In addressing housing affordability, Harrell pointed to significant investments and voter-backed initiatives. One of the most notable achievements he cited was the $970 million housing levy (Proposition 1), approved by Seattle voters.
“We’ve put over a billion dollars into affordable housing,” he said. “We’ve built over 33,000 units, 6,000 of which are designated as affordable.”
Confronting Crime and Gun Violence
With five shootings reported in one week, Harrell acknowledged public concern about rising crime rates, particularly gun violence. He reassured listeners that the city is taking substantial steps to address public safety through both staffing increases and firearm removal.
“We have a hundred new officers this year, and that’s huge,” he said. “The number of applications we’re getting, the number of officers we’re hiring—this is unprecedented in terms of the trajectory we’re on.”
He also highlighted the city’s success in seizing illegal firearms:
“You’re getting almost five and a half guns off the streets a day—thousands of guns per year. We are very aggressive in trying to keep people safe.”
Harrell linked the surge in new police hires to a broader strategy to restore public trust in law enforcement and reduce crime in neighborhoods hit hardest by violence.
A Call for Context and Continuity
As criticism mounts from challengers and activists who claim his administration has fallen short on delivering real change, Harrell asked voters to reflect on the conditions he inherited upon taking office.
“Just remember the condition of the city four years ago,” he said. “I lost over 300 police officers—almost one-fifth of the police staff.”
Harrell framed his efforts as part of a long-term recovery strategy, rather than a short-term fix, urging residents to judge him on the trajectory of improvement rather than unrealistic expectations of instant results.
Election Context and Challenges Ahead
Seattle’s mayoral race has been shaped by competing visions of how to tackle long-standing issues like housing instability, public safety, and economic inequality. Harrell’s main opponents have launched criticisms targeting his pace of change and response to crises—including one candidate launching a website focused specifically on Harrell’s handling of sexual assault allegations within city government.
Despite the controversies, Harrell maintains that his record reflects action, not inaction—a blend of policy implementation, community engagement, and strategic investments aimed at long-term solutions.
“We have a lot of work to do, and I’m up for it,” Harrell recently stated in a separate interview. “Seattle is growing, and we need leadership that understands that growth and can lead us through it with compassion and strength.”
What’s Next for Seattle?
As election day nears, the decision rests with Seattle voters: whether to renew Harrell’s mandate and continue on the current path—or choose an alternative vision for the city’s future. With critical issues like crime, homelessness, and economic recovery still dominating the local discourse, the outcome could have a lasting impact on the city’s direction in the coming years.
Regardless of the result, Harrell’s recent media appearances suggest he plans to remain a vocal advocate for his policies and record, reminding the public that “progress takes time, but leadership makes it possible.”
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