As the final Public Safety Committee meeting of 2025 concluded today, Councilmember Bob Kettle (District 7), the Committee’s chair, offered reflections on the City’s coordinated work over the past two years. In 2023, Seattle voters sent a clear message to City Hall: public safety needs to be a priority. Nearly two years later, I’m proud...
Category: Councilmember Kettle
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Reclaiming Seattle: Public safety progress is no accident
By: Councilmember Bob Kettle, District 7 In 2023, Seattle voters sent a clear message to City Hall: public safety needs to be a priority. The city returned to its basic charter responsibility of “protecting and enhancing the health, safety, environment, and general welfare of the people.” Nearly two years later, I’m proud to say we’ve...
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Councilmember Kettle secures funding for key District 7 and public safety priorities in 2026 budget
Today Councilmember Bob Kettle (District 7), chair of the Public Safety Committee, announced a number of critical public safety priorities included as part of Seattle’s 2026 budget, adopted by the City Council. “Our work on this budget cycle has wrapped up, but my strategic priorities remain steadfast: advancing public safety, port and maritime investment, and advocating for constituents,”...
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Seattle Councilmembers welcome Mayor-elect Katie Wilson, commend Mayor Harrell for years of service
Today, following Katie Wilson’s projected election as Seattle’s next mayor and Mayor Bruce Harrell’s concession address, city councilmembers issued the following statements. Councilmember Rob Saka (District 1) “The voters have spoken, calling for change and a renewed focus on affordability, community, and fighting back against a resurgent Trump agenda. I want to express my...
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Public Safety Chair Kettle on President Trump’s latest remarks on use of troops in our cities, including Seattle
Following Monday’s press conference with Mayor Bruce Harrell, State Attorney General Nick Brown, and other city officials, President Trump again inflamed tensions today by claiming he’d use Seattle and other “dangerous” cities as “training grounds” for the military. Over the past two years Seattle crime rates have trended downward, police hiring is dramatically up, and...
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Councilmember Kettle: Ongoing ICE operations endanger public safety progress
Today, Councilmember Bob Kettle (District 7) released the following statement in response to continued actions of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Seattle, and the agency’s recent recruitment video that specifically attempts to persuade Seattle Police Department (SPD) officers to work for ICE. I am incredibly concerned by the latest ICE actions – not...
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Councilmember Kettle voices strong support for public safety plan in Little Saigon, Chinatown International District
Earlier today Councilmember Bob Kettle (District 7), chair of the Public Safety Committee, made the following statement in support of a community-led 15-Point Plan aimed at addressing crime and enhancing public safety in Little Saigon, Chinatown International District. “I fully support the work that is happening in Little Saigon right now to help make their...
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Council approves pair of public safety technology bills
Amended legislation includes added data and privacy safeguards Today the City Council voted 7-2 in favor of two crime prevention bills which authorize the installation of cameras in three new public places (Capitol Hill, the Stadium District, and areas near Garfield High) and allow Seattle Police to access Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) traffic management...
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Public Safety Chair Kettle and Council President Nelson on protecting Seattle from federal public safety threats
Councilmember Bob Kettle (District 7), Chair of the Public Safety Committee, and Council President Sara Nelson (Position 9) released the following statements in response to unprecedented actions by the federal government involving ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) and the Army National Guard. “Seattle is facing many challenges from the federal government with respect to public...
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VIDEO: Public Safety Chair Kettle on federal intervention and negative impacts on Seattle communities
Councilmember Bob Kettle (District 7) made the following opening remarks at the July 22 and Aug. 12, 2025 Public Safety Committee meetings. He has consistently voiced his concern about the unprecedented actions of the federal government and their potentially negative impact on Seattle’s public safety progress. # # #