Note: This was published in the Puget Sound Business Journal. This version has minor edits to acknowledge recent developments. There’s a narrative out there, in various circles, that West Coast Blue Cities are incapable of being run well. We must push back on that narrative, starting with prudence around how we budget and think about our spending and taxes. Every...
Robert Kettle
Posts from Councilmember Kettle
Public Safety Chair Kettle: Setting the record straight on misconceptions about technology used by Seattle Police Department for crime prevention
Ahead of Tuesday’s Public Safety Committee meeting Councilmember and committee Chair Bob Kettle (District 7) released this statement following recent news coverage about technology used by the Seattle Police Department (SPD) for purposes of community safety and crime prevention. These issues relate specifically to Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology, SPD’s Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) public space cameras program and the...
Public Safety Chair Kettle on second shooting death by federal agents in Minneapolis: ‘Stand-down at once’
By: Councilmember Bob Kettle, District 7 City Councilmember Bob Kettle (District 7) shared the following thoughts on the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, Minnesota. “A second tragic killing in three weeks by federal law enforcement in Minneapolis, and their indiscriminate heavy-handed operations against citizens and non-citizens alike, demand the need for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to cease operations in our city...
Public Safety Chair Kettle condemns ICE tactics, ongoing conduct of raids in Seattle
Today Councilmember Bob Kettle (District 7), issued the following statement after Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) actions this week in Seattle, the shocking killing of a bystander in Minneapolis by agents, and nationwide demonstrations last night in response to the agency’s unprecedented tactics. “Yesterday’s tragic killing by an ICE agent highlights our worst fears and confirms what I and others...
Councilmember Kettle statement on Seattle’s enforcement of public drug use laws
Discussion is an ‘opportunity’ to improve ordinance Today Councilmember Bob Kettle (District 7) released the following statement on erroneous reports that the City of Seattle was no longer making drug-related arrests beginning in 2026. The Mayor’s Office and Seattle Police Department responded to members of the media and online activists this morning stating that “there has been no policy change.”...
Chair Kettle: Maintaining collaborative approach critical to continued public safety success in 2026 and beyond
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 to say we’ve worked hard...
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 worked hard towards to achieving...
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,” said Councilmember Kettle. “I want to...
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 heartfelt gratitude to Mayor Bruce...
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 the City Council has passed...
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 only the indiscriminate targeting of...
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 neighborhood safer for everyone. As...