Press Release
The latest Index shows an uptick in overall optimism while economic anxiety takes center stage
“The message from voters is clear: they want to see results when it comes to tackling homelessness, building more housing, and hiring more police officers.”
SEATTLE – Today, the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce released the latest findings from The Index, showing most Seattle voters continue to be aligned on key concerns and want immediate action on public safety, homelessness, and housing affordability.
The fourth installment of this research on quality-of-life indicators also shows voters are aligned on solutions, including closing encampments and allowing more housing and housing types to be built in more neighborhoods. Consistent with public opinion research on public safety recently released by the Seattle Metro Chamber and Downtown Seattle Association, strong majorities of voters believe addressing violent crime and gun violence (82%), addressing property crime (79%), and addressing organized retail theft (70%) would improve quality of life in Seattle. Public safety issues continue to be the top reason why Seattle voters have considered moving.
“Like the voters, I am proud of this city and optimistic about the future of our region, so it is no surprise to me to see that quality-of-life measures are improving,” said Rachel Smith, President and CEO of the Seattle Metro Chamber. “The message from voters is clear: they want to see results when it comes to tackling homelessness, building more housing, and hiring more police officers. I have no doubt The Index will rise more quickly if more progress is made on these issues.”
The results also showcase opinions about downtown Seattle, and voters are walking the walk: while most Seattle voters are still making fewer non-work visits to downtown, for the first time, the percentage of voters visiting downtown is the same or more than pre-pandemic has increased. Additionally, 72% of voters say they would feel safe visiting downtown Seattle during the day, up 7 points from September 2022.
Economic concerns are emerging: 90% of respondents agree that a thriving downtown Seattle is critical to the region’s economy, but only 13% are optimistic about downtown Seattle’s economy. Eighty-two percent of voters said helping local businesses deal with public safety concerns would improve quality of life, and 77% said making Seattle a good place to do business would also help. Additionally, over 60% of voters are concerned about their financial situation given the current economic environment.
“This new data paints a clear picture about the personal economic anxieties that voters are feeling,” Smith said. “The good news is there are many actions that our government partners can take. In fact, it’s critical that our elected officials – and new candidates for office – come to the table with ideas intended to create growth and opportunity across the local and regional economy. At the same time, politicians pushing policies that create barriers to downtown recovery, or increase financial uncertainty, need to put those ideas back on the shelf. Now is not the time.”
Nearly 6 in 10 think taxes are too high for the levels of service the city provides, and 82% don’t trust that the city has an effective plan to address the critical issues facing our city like homelessness, affordability, and public safety.
Polling was conducted by EMC Research, which interviewed 700 Seattle voters between March 28 and April 3. In-depth data and crosstabs can be found at The Index.
About the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce
The Seattle Metropolitan (Seattle Metro) Chamber of Commerce is the regional business advocacy organization that engages the innovation and entrepreneurship of its 2,500 members to promote inclusive economic prosperity. Founded in 1882 by local business leaders, the Chamber today is an independent organization representing a regional workforce of approximately 750,000. For more information, visit www.seattlechamber.com.