SEATTLE — Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell outlined his vision and priorities for this year during his State of the City address on Tuesday at the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI).
Harrell previously released a report detailing what his office accomplished.
In January, Harrell's office highlighted that he worked with the city council on passing 187 bills, confirming eight department directors and approving the 2024 budget. He also attended 285 community engagement events, according to his office.
Harrell, in his second year as mayor, released a list of additional highlights from 2023 that include the action being taken to address the fentanyl crisis. That work included legislation to address the public consumption of drugs and making a $27 million investment toward facilities and treatment programs. Seattle Fire Department's post-overdose response team also launched.
According to Harrell, the Seattle Police Department (SPD) seized over two million deadly fentanyl pills in 2023. Officials diverted 150 people to case workers and service providers so they could get help for their drug addiction, Harrell said.
Harrell said he will announce details of a $7 million post-overdose treatment facility in March. The Mayor said that Seattle's drug treatment program is the most comprehensive plan in Washington state.
“This is why we developed a drug use ordinance rooted in accountability and a connection to services to get well," Harrell said. "These programs will save lives.
WATCH: Mayor Harrell's State of the City address
Additionally, the Seattle Police Department reached its highest applicant rate in more than two years, with an average of 200 per month by the end of the year, according to Harrell's office. Despite this, the Seattle Police Department still saw it's staffing numbers decrease in 2023, reaching the lowest staffing levels in at least five years.
“We are urgently recruiting police officers that share our values," Harrell said.
The Mayor said the City's CARE Department which launched at the end of October has responded to around 250 911 calls regarding behavioral health. He said in only three of those cases police had to assist.
"This work frees up our police officers to address emergencies and priority one situations, particularly where they are most needed, given the demands on their time," said Harrell.
Harrell's office highlighted the voter-approved $970 million Housing Levy to address the city's affordable housing needs, as well as new legislation to support efforts to increase housing production.
The mayor said 1,400 affordable housing units opened last year. Over 7,000 more affordable housing units "are in the pipeline."
“(Our) belief is rooted in compassion," Harrell said. "We believe those suffering deserve better than living outdoors and public spaces and sidewalks should be safe and accessible for everybody.”
Harrell touched on a record-breaking summer that drew over 11 million visitors to Seattle, including three million in July for the Major League Baseball All-Star festivities and Taylor Swift's Eras Tour concerts.
“If you think that was fun, wait until the 2026 FIFA World Cup gets here," Harrell said. "This is the equivalent of 6 Super Bowls played in our city over the course of three weeks. Seattle will welcome hundreds of thousands of visitors, with over a billion people watching around the world. We will be ready.”
Those highlights and others are part of Harrell's "One Seattle" initiative, which is focused on improving safety and making the city more equitable and more prosperous.
The Mayor also mentioned that bringing back the Sonics is a part of the City's Downtown Activation Plan. He said that the NBA is already holding preseason games at Climate Pledge for other teams and that the City stands ready to being back the green and gold.
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