Seattle City Council Overrides Mayor's Veto, Cuts Nearly $4 Million from Police Department Budget

The Seattle City Council voted 7-2 to override Mayor Jenny Durkan's veto of a $4 million cut from the police department's budget, citing the need for a public safety investment in harm reduction rather than policing. The mid-year changes will take effect immediately, reducing the police department's budget by $11 million annually. The decision comes in the wake of protests following George Floyd's death and the economic crisis brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Key Takeaways:

• The Seattle City Council voted 7-2 to override Mayor Jenny Durkan's veto of a $4 million cut from the police department's budget.
• The budget cut will reduce the police department's funding by $11 million annually, far less than the initially proposed 50% cut.
• City Council President Lorena González stated that the cut is necessary to invest in harm reduction and community programs.
• Councilman Alex Pedersen opposed the budget cut, arguing it will not improve public safety and contributed to the early retirement of Police Chief Carmen Best.
• Best announced her retirement on August 10, effective September 2, after the budget cut was initially approved.
• Deputy Chief Adrian Diaz became interim chief of police after Best's retirement.

Statistics:

• The police department's budget will be reduced by $11 million annually due to the budget cut.
• The city council approved a 50% budget cut, but ultimately settled on a $4 million reduction.
• The budget cut is a response to the economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and calls to redistribute funds from policing to community programs.
• The city council voted 7-2 to override Mayor Durkan's veto of the budget cut.

Sources:

• CNN
• City Council President Lorena González statement
• Councilman Alex Pedersen statement
• Police Chief Carmen Best's letter to members of the police force