Seattle City Council adopts resolution backing first responders, formally repudiates 2020 "defund" pledges

Seattle City Council on April 1 adopted Resolution 32,167 by a 6-0 vote, affirming the council's support for first responders and formally reversing prior city-level pledges to "defund" the Seattle Police Department. The resolution, introduced as agenda item 1, was approved by Councilmembers Kettle, Rivera, Saka, Solomon, Hollingsworth and Council President Sarah Nelson; Councilmember Rink was excused.

The resolution recognizes and affirms the roles of the Seattle Police Department, Seattle Fire Department and the Community Assisted Response and Engagement (Care) Department; supports continued reforms under the federal consent decree overseeing SPD; and commits the city to a diversified public safety response that includes social workers and behavioral-health crisis teams. Councilmember Saka, the resolution sponsor and vice chair of the public-safety committee, told colleagues the measure is intended to "support our public safety professionals" while advancing reforms and accountability…