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On Wednesday, Mayor Katie B. Wilson announced details of a new shift in strategy to rapidly reduce homelessness in Seattle. Joined by Seattle business and neighborhood leaders, members of the Seattle City Council, the Seattle Human Services Department, and community organizations, Wilson outlined how the plan will shift the city’s approach by drawing on an established framework pioneered by Community Solutions. This framework has seen success in cities like Denver and Houston.

In Seattle, these best practices were piloted in Pioneer Square ahead of the 2026 World Cup to great effect, placing 70 out of 80 people into sustained shelter or housing. They were previously used in the JustCARE program pioneered in Seattle during the pandemic, and in the Washington Transportation Right of Way Encampment Resolution Program. That program effectively resolved 40 large encampments impacting Seattle neighborhoods, achieving a 95% shelter/housing acceptance rate.

Speakers:
Mayor Katie B. Wilson, City of Seattle
Dionne Foster, Seattle City Council, Citywide/Position 9
Bob Kettle, Seattle City Council, District 7
Jon Scholes, President and CEO, Downtown Seattle Association
Chloe Gale, REACH VP of Policy & Strategy, Evergreen Treatment Services
Noah Fay, Director of Housing Programs, Downtown Emergency Service Center