Seattle's food landscape may soon experience a significant shift, courtesy of Mayor Bruce Harrell. In a bid to combat the emerging crisis of food and pharmacy deserts, the Mayor has proposed a new legislation to Seattle City Council that targets restrictive covenants. These covenants, historically used by businesses to block competition, prevent new grocery stores and pharmacies from setting up shop in locations where such services are sorely needed. Harrell's move is seen as a pushback against practices that threaten food accessibility for Seattle residents.
"My proposed budget increases the City’s food investments by 20%; however, affordable food and medicine are inaccessible for too many Seattleites," Mayor Harrell stated, focusing on the urgent need to address the issue. Explaining the detriment caused by restrictive covenants, Harrell posited that when companies close a store, they can impose a covenant in the property's deed or lease that bars a subsequent grocery or pharmacy from opening in the same spot, thus creating a vacuum of essential services, according to the Seattle Government.
According to the Seattle Government, the proposed emergency legislation aims to take immediate effect after Harrell's signature, underscoring the urgency of the situation. The concern is amplified by store closures, like the Fred Meyer in Lake City, which is slated to shut down later in October. Reflecting on the necessity of action, Seattle City Council President Sara Nelson said, "Everyone deserves convenient access to grocery stores and pharmacies." Nelson highlighted the intention of the legislation to prevent more areas from being deprived of equitable access to food and essentials.
Initiatives to counteract the negative impact of business closures and their legacy on community health are part of a broader effort by the Mayor. Mayor Harrell has taken steps beyond legislation, including a nearly $12 million investment in his 2026 budget proposal to increase food access. He also supports tax relief for these essential businesses, recommending the exemption of grocery stores and pharmacies from the state's Business & Occupation tax, and allocates funds to address retail-related crimes. Both the City's Comprehensive Plan and the Food Action Plan underscore the importance of ensuring that residents can access food and medicine with ease.
The sense of urgency is echoed by Council President Nelson, who is set to schedule a Council consideration of the proposed legislation later this month.
