Seattle Mayor

Harrell Ousts Police Chief Diaz Amid Allegations, Appoints Sue Rahr Interim Chief

Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz is out as the allegations against him pile up. Mayor Bruce Harrell announced Sue Rahr would be his interim replacement. Diaz faces numerous investigations for an alleged pattern of gender and racial discrimination in his office and sexual harassment.

Seattle Council, Mayor Not Asking the Hard Questions about Police Recruitment

City leaders are weighing laxer hiring standards rather than improving SPD's culture and accountability systems. But SPD's bad reputation could be the bigger drag on hiring – not to mention safety outcomes.
Bruce Harrell wears a suit and stands at a podium with a group of people standing behind him.

Seattle Leaders Eye JumpStart Housing Funds to Close $230 Million Budget Hole

Mayor Harrell and the city council are contemplating budget cuts and raiding JumpStart payroll tax revenue to address a $230 million budget deficit. But nonprofit leaders are warning of the impact of reducing affordable housing funding.

$230 Million Deficit Hangs Over Annual Harrell Speech

In his state of the city speech Tuesday, Harrell eschewed new taxes and promised yet-to-be identified budget cuts. He pledged a long-delayed draft of the Seattle Comprehensive Plan and an incentive package for office-to-housing conversions will be released in March.
Mayor Harrell at a podium with people behind him. He is talking about funding programs for the homeless.

Harrell’s 2024 Budget Leaves Big Questions on Safety and Looming Shortfall

Durable solutions to police accountability, public safety, drug treatment, and homelessness all remain elusive and vaguely defined. On Tuesday, Mayor Bruce Harrell released his 2024...
Harrell stands at a lectern with a grin. His deputy mayors and Burgess wear masks.

Is Harrell Drifting to the Right Amidst Deputy Mayor Shakeup?

Mayor promotes Burgess to deputy mayor following Monisha Harrell's departure. Mayor Bruce Harrell is parting ways with Senior Deputy Mayor Monisha Harrell, the Seattle Times...

Downtown Recovery Takes Center Stage in Harrell Speech Light on Details

The mayor has coined splashy acronyms from DAP to CARE, but the programs themselves are lagging behind. Mayor Bruce Harrell titled his state of the...

Harrell Pledges SPD Staffing Surge in State of City Speech

The Mayor asked for budget cuts from other city departments to close an anticipated $150 million funding gap next year. Mayor Bruce Harrell delivered his...