Seattle votes to end police defunding promises

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Seattle City Councilmember Rob Saka has put forward a resolution aimed at formally severing all connections to previous commitments regarding police defunding.

The initiative comes years after the 2020 death of George Floyd, an unarmed resident of Minneapolis, which sparked nationwide protests and gave rise to the “Defund the Police” movement.

However, as cities across America report increasing crime rates, political figures, including those in traditionally Democratic strongholds, have begun distancing themselves from the defunding concept.

During Tuesday’s public safety committee meeting, Saka presented Resolution 32167, which outlines various public safety improvements. The resolution encompasses recognition of first responder contributions, progress on the consent decree, police accountability measures, and a more diverse approach to public safety response, while also addressing the reversal of previous defunding commitments.

NEW: Seattle city councilmember introduces resolution to acknowledge 'failure' of defund the police movement. Courageous move.
That's because the cop-hating far-left activists will now target him.
The city must stand with @CMRobSaka.https://t.co/wl9nqAc4hx

— Jonathan Choe (@choeshow) March 30, 2025

“This resolution reverses any prior commitment or pledge by past councils to defund or abolish the police. We know that these statements were routinely cited by departing police personnel as a reason for leaving. We also know that they are very divisive,” Saka explained.

“This is finally the time to acknowledge the lessons of the past and pivot decisively toward a better, future-focused public safety model,” he continued.

Council colleague Maritza Rivera voiced support, mentioning that constituents had expressed desires for council members to oppose previous defunding rhetoric.

The resolution gained approval from four council members, with no opposition and one absence, and will proceed to the full city council meeting scheduled for April 1.

According to an official council press release, the resolution “Reiterates support for first responders, acknowledges failure of defund movement and embraces focus on underserved communities.”

Seattle Councilmember Rob Saka introduced a resolution to end the city's failed defund the police experiment @CMRobSaka said Resolution 32167 "…reverses any prior commitment or pledge by past councils to defund or abolish the police. We know that these statements were… pic.twitter.com/LTvtEfSRS7

— Ari Hoffman 🎗 (@thehoffather) March 30, 2025

“This Council, in collaboration with the Mayor’s Office, has made improving public safety an absolute priority,” Saka stated in the announcement. “This is finally the time to acknowledge the lessons of the past and pivot decisively toward a better, future-focused public safety model. We are committed to making everyone in our community feel safe and to enhancing our accountability system.”

Mayor Bruce Harrell weighed in on the matter, highlighting the city’s efforts to strengthen rather than defund law enforcement.

“Seattle has made significant progress on reimagining policing since we agreed to the federal consent decree over a decade ago. We have created one of the most robust police accountability systems in the country. We hired more police officers last year than we lost for the first time in years, and applications are soaring,” Harrell stated.

“To help our police officers focus on what they do best, we have diversified our response options by expanding the Fire Department’s capabilities and we successfully launched our third public safety department and the CARE Crisis Response Teams,” the mayor added.