Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell is doubling down on community engagement in the city's fight against crime, announcing a series of public safety forums designed to incorporate resident feedback into the upcoming One Seattle Safety Framework. The initiative comes as the city grapples with public safety concerns and looks to redefine its approach to law enforcement.

Starting April 30, at Garfield High School, Seattleites will have five chances to voice their safety concerns and propose solutions directly to city officials. The first of the forums will run from 6-7:30pm, and those interested can sign up in the City of Seattle's Form Website. “Public safety is our highest priority – the One Seattle Safety Framework defines the outcomes we aim to achieve and the vision to help get us there, based on what we know works and, have put into effect, new approaches, and our shared values,” Harrell said according to an official press release.

Harrell’s plan focuses on six key areas, including reducing gun violence, improving 911 response times, and addressing the causes of violence with community-based solutions. It also emphasizes a public health approach to societal issues, like drug overdoses, while aiming to build public trust with stronger law enforcement accountability systems.

The upcoming community forums are slated to feature a lineup of city department representatives, from the Mayor’s Office to the Police and Fire Departments, each bringing a bevy of local knowledge and data to the discussion. The city administration is betting big on community input to shape their safety framework, aiming to avoid past mistakes of top-down decision making, and fostering a two-way conversation for better outcomes, according to a new promotional video.

Mayor Harrell's engagement efforts extend beyond the open forums, with a commitment to refining the One Seattle Safety Framework post-feedback. The initiative points to a more coordinated safety effort across the city's departments, one that not only responds to emergencies but also prevents them from happening through proactive measures.