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Auburn mayor touts arrests and hiring as residents press city on crime, enforcement and language rights
Summary
Mayor Nancy Backus told the council that Auburn has hired 18 officers this year, violent crime is down 36% year‑to‑date and the city has housed 121 people; residents countered with complaints about business losses, rising theft and concerns over treatment of non‑English speakers and accountability for past partnerships.
Mayor Nancy Backus told the Auburn City Council on Sept. 15 that the city has hired 18 police officers this year, invested about $120 million in public‑safety related programs and that violent crime is down 36% compared with this time last year.
The statements came during the mayor’s report, which also noted that the city has spent roughly 42% of its general fund operating budget on policing, prosecution and related safety programs and that city efforts have housed 121 people so far this year. Backus said new tools such as Flock Safety cameras and expanded traffic cameras have helped investigators and traffic enforcement.
The mayor framed the spending and hires as part of a broader public‑safety strategy that includes prosecution support and community programs: "Public safety is our top priority, and we continue to invest significant resources to ensure Auburn is a place where residents, businesses, and visitors feel secure," she said.
At the same meeting, several residents disputed the mayor’s characterization of public safety and economic conditions. Ronnie Morgan, an Auburn resident, said crime has worsened in commercial areas and that long‑time businesses are closing. "It's doubled and you have no explanation as to why," Morgan told council members, adding he had run for office because he said the city had failed on public safety.
Another resident, Kobe Clark, urged the city to defend constitutional rights and said people who speak other languages are being treated unfairly. "These rights aren't privileges ... they are inalienable rights memorialized in our constitution," Clark said during audience participation.
Council members and the mayor pointed to specific initiatives and upcoming forums intended to address public concerns. Backus announced a series of public‑safety town halls beginning Sept. 23 at Evergreen Heights Elementary School and said council members and city directors will attend. The mayor also highlighted a recent officer ride‑along and described de‑escalation efforts by officers.
Discussion vs. decision: The mayor reported statistics and announced community meetings (discussion/direction). The council did not adopt new public‑safety ordinances or budget adjustments at this meeting.
Context: Backus said the city has invested heavily in policing and related services and credited technology and prosecution support with reducing several crime categories. Residents called for additional outreach to businesses and stronger protections for non‑English speakers and immigrant communities.
What’s next: The city will host town halls this fall to solicit public feedback; no formal policy changes or new budget votes were taken at the Sept. 15 meeting.
