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Seattle Mayor

Cherrypicking Data, Harrell Paints Misleading Picture of Seattle’s Traffic Safety Progress

While Bruce Harrell is touting a drop in the number of pedestrian deaths in Seattle last year, that number has shot up again in 2025. And despite his promotion of safety spending in a newly approved transportation levy, his legacy on the issue of traffic safety likely won't be known for years.
Harrell stands at a lectern with a grin. His deputy mayors and Burgess wear masks.

Harrell’s Office Buries Records Pertaining to Investigation into Chief of Staff

Mayor Bruce Harrell’s office appears to have deleted or is withholding a contract used to make a crucial legal decision regarding the Mayor’s newly-minted Chief of Staff, Andrew Myerberg. Harrell’s office appears to be violating the terms of the settlement agreement reached with the Seattle Times in 2023 over the widespread deletion of text messages in the Durkan administration.

Sunday Video: Harrell and Wilson Square Off in KOMO Mayoral Debate

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell and progressive challenger Katie Wilson have debated many times over the course of the general election, and one of the...

Lake Washington Boulevard Safety Upgrades Fully Designed Before Mayor Pulled Plug

A major intersection redesign near Seward Park was ready to go to construction with a Mayor's Office review the only impediment, records show. The exchanges reveal what was happening behind the scenes as the public was kept in the dark about the future of upgrades on the high-profile corridor.
Officials including Bob Kettle and Debora Juarez and SPD top brass stand on the steps of Seattle's US Courthouse with a reporter outstretching an arm holding a mic to interview them

Harrell Pledges Police Contract by Year End – Adding Election Wrinkle

Mayor Bruce Harrell has pledged to complete labor negotiations with the Seattle Police Officers Guild before the end of the year. But facing a tough reelection fight, he might not be around to sign the deal, which challenger Katie Wilson may want to renegotiate anyway.

Katie Wilson Earns MLK Labor Endorsement, Harrell Touts Buttigieg Nod

The race for Seattle Mayor is heating up, with progressive challenger Katie Wilson securing new labor support and incumbent Bruce Harrell ramping up fundraising and attacks on his opponent. Harrell also called in an endorsement from a national Democratic Party leader via Pete Buttigieg.
Harrell weather a pink button up shirt with pedestrians on the Overlook Walk in the background.

Harrell Budget Doubles Down on Police Spending

In Mayor Bruce Harrell’s 2026 budget proposal unveiled Tuesday, the Seattle Police Department was the big winner, seeing a $34.5 million increase. The mayor would use a new 0.1% “public safety” sales tax increase and a business tax overhaul to close a $122 million deficit and fund new investments.
Wearing a white polo Harrell stands at a lectern gesturing with a pen in his hand.

Harrell Pledges Seattle Will Be AI Leader, Plan Fuzzy on Details

Last week, Mayor Bruce Harrell announced the City’s new AI Plan, which looks to harness the current artificial intelligence boom in the tech sector by integrating AI into the City’s operations, public services, and civic engagement. But critics worry about the ethical implications of AI use in public services, as well as its potential impacts on workers and environmental harms.