In response to Mayor Bruce Harrell’s announcement April 17 to revitalize downtown and address public safety and health, Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Rachel Smith issued the following statement.
“Today’s announcement is a down payment on the bold actions needed to address the devastating fentanyl crisis, revitalize downtown, and stimulate economic activity,” said Rachel Smith, president and CEO of the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce. “We want to thank Mayor Bruce Harrell and Councilmember Sara Nelson for their leadership, and we will continue to work as partners because there is more to do. Next week we will release the latest installment of the Chamber’s Index – which tracks quality of life indicators – and while it will show voters believe things are improving, only 13% are optimistic about downtown Seattle’s economy, with 51% saying they are pessimistic. As the region’s chief civic booster, we’re determined to turn that around – and we know what’s needed: sustained, meaningful action on public safety and homelessness, incentivizing more people to come downtown, and making it easier to do business and create jobs.”