Greetings, Seattle Metro Chamber members,
Like many of you, we are still tracking the results of yesterday’s election, and we expect another tranche of ballots to come online this afternoon. After spending many years in government and working on campaigns, I know a lot about counting votes and how important it is to let the process play out.
Elections have consequences, democracy matters, and voters should always have their voices heard. Kudos to our elections officials across the region who are making sure that happens, and congratulations to the elected officials who had decisive victories in their races.
As we reflect on this election cycle, and specifically the City of Seattle, we’re reminded that Seattle is a progressive city, and our residents care deeply for their families, neighbors, friends, and colleagues. They expect their public institutions to solve problems, help those in need, and make life better for everyone, and at the end of the day, the measure of our elected officials should not be what they’ve said, but what they’ve done. Our new project, The Index, surfaced Seattle voters’ attitudes and beliefs around this very idea in September and foreshadowed the election trends we are seeing today. A few highlights:
- Seattle voters are deeply concerned about the direction of the city and most believe quality of life is worse. That includes a real sense that we are on the wrong track (68%).
- Eighty-seven percent of voters agree that a thriving downtown Seattle is critical to our region’s economic recovery. The same proportion agrees that downtown cannot fully recover until the homelessness and public safety problems are addressed.
- Six in 10 voters have actively considered moving out of Seattle, citing affordability, public safety, and homelessness as their top reasons.
The people who live and work here want action – rooted in their progressive values – on the key issues that will create an inclusive, equitable future for everyone while also attracting new businesses and preserving what makes Seattle….Seattle.
There are going to be a lot of “takes” on what happened in this election when all is said and done. Here is my early take: the election of an individual is one very important barometer of voter choice, but what was true yesterday November 2 is still true today November 3. Voters are frustrated and want to see results on homelessness and safety, and they want to see their progressive values reflected in the policies coming out of City Hall. Those who will tell you those things are in conflict are wrong. I hope you will join me in believing we can do better.
In the coming weeks and months, we’ll be an active partner working with leaders at the local, regional, and state levels to tackle what we all know is a tough road ahead to achieve our goals. Stay tuned for more information, including summaries, breakdowns, and what the outcomes mean for the business community as the final tallies post.
For analysis and discussion of results, tune in to our Business Issues Forum at 8 a.m. on Nov. 16. Register today.
For the most up-to-date results from King County, click here.
Latest Election Clips:
A moderate start for Seattle’s 2021 Election Night count — Big leads for Harrell, Davison, and Nelson, Capitol Hill Seattle Blog
Seattle Now: The results are in, KUOW
5 take-aways from Seattle area’s election results as Harrell takes commanding lead, The Seattle Times
Always your champion,
Rachel Smith
Rachel Smith
President and CEO