Seattle Councilmember Saka Reverses Police Defunding Commitments

Seattle councilmember Rob Saka has introduced Resolution 32167, which aims to reverse the city council's previous commitments to defund the police, a movement that gained traction after George Floyd's death in 2020. The resolution expresses support for first responders and a diversified public safety approach, acknowledging the negative impacts of the defund movement, which has resulted in significant police staffing losses. Saka emphasized that these past commitments were divisive and led to the resignation of hundreds of officers. The resolution passed in the public safety committee with four votes in favor and none opposed, and will now be presented to the larger city council. Fellow councilmember Maritza Rivera noted constituents' desires for a stance against past defund rhetoric. The council's focus is now on improving public safety and community trust in law enforcement.