Seattle City Council recently passed a new law aiming to curb drug-related criminal activities across the city. They announced the adoption of the Stay Out of Drug Areas (SODA) ordinance, allowing courts to restrict individuals convicted of drug offenses from entering certain city zones known for illicit drug problems. Councilmember Bob Kettle highlighted the pain of local neighborhoods affected by such crimes, stating, "Our neighborhoods have been hurting for too long," according to a Seattle City Council report.
Together with City Attorney Ann Davison, the bill strives to reinforce community safety for "neighbors, residents, small business owners, and employees who have been suffering," Kettle said, expressing gratitude for the support the legislation has received from the community and colleagues, as reported by the Seattle City Council. Initially, the proposed SODA zones included Belltown and the International District. However, after a unanimous Public Safety Committee vote, additional zones were added, including parts of Capitol Hill, the University District, and Pioneer Square.
Councilmember Rob Saka emphasized the city's intolerance for criminal behavior, affirming that the new legislation is a response to public demands for stronger safety measures and the council's dedication to data-driven policies. This was shared in the document detailing the enactment of the legislation, reflecting the council's promise to address problematic spots where drugs like fentanyl are predominant. "This policy is narrowly tailored to address key hot spots in our city where we know dangerous drugs like fentanyl are especially prevalent in our communities," said Saka, as mentioned in the City Council report.
City Attorney Davison and security forces look to the newly adopted measures to counter the open drug markets and human trafficking issues, particularly those on Aurora Avenue North. Appreciating the council's action, Davison noted she looks forward to collaborating with the Seattle Police Department to help those neighborhoods in need. "For the past two years I have heard loud and clear from law enforcement that they need new legal tools to disrupt open-air criminal drug market activity," Davison shared as she welcomed the strategic partnership, as per the same news report.
The introduction of SODA comes alongside Councilmember Cathy Moore's Stay Out of Area Prostitution (SOAP) bill, marking a significant advancement in public safety initiatives by the council. These efforts are complemented by an expansion of police technology, such as license plate readers, and measures, including the quick razing of derelict buildings and combating illegal street racing. To support these endeavors, the council has also updated the police contract, focusing on recruitment and accountability while launching a pilot program to enhance jail services. For more detailed information on the SODA bill, the full text can be accessed through the council's materials packet.
