Downtown resident Leslie Buker speaks for many other Seattle residents. Will it take another tragedy to get the Mayor and Council to address rampant crime in this neighborhood?

A group of downtown residents and commercial property owners felt like collateral damage in an unbalanced plan to reimagine policing and public safety. They are temporarily hiring full time security to see if it will help their troubled street. Will this do-it-yourself crime prevention effort succeed, is it sustainable and could it become a norm?

Seattle protesters aren’t the only ones feeling rage these days. After months of plywood, graffiti and ongoing violence, some weary downtown residents have lost hope and patience. One shared the message he sent recently to the Mayor and Council claiming their silence and tepid responses are part of the problem:

Seattle residents are voicing increased concerns for their safety - even before City Council’s proposed SPD budget decreases

Seattle City Council members: Take the ride-along challenge!

“We must be headlights and not taillights.” - John Lewis