Office of the Mayor

City of Seattle

Bruce A. Harrell, Mayor

Executive Order 2022-04: Providing Support to the Ukrainian Community in Seattle and in Ukraine

An Executive Order to provide support for the Ukrainian people

WHEREAS, the latest attack by the Russian government against Ukraine is a violent act of aggression against a democratically elected government that has disrupted global peace and stability, and is already creating a humanitarian crisis of tremendous proportions; and

WHEREAS, our hearts break for the innocent lives irreparably harmed by this premeditated and unprovoked military invasion, and we condemn the Russian government's aggression in the strongest possible terms; and

WHEREAS, we applaud the people of Ukraine as they stand their ground in fighting for their cities, their country, and their freedom in the face of military aggression, and we stand with the people of Russia, and people around the world, who are protesting this attack in the streets of their own cities; and

WHEREAS, Seattle's Ukrainian immigrant and Ukrainian-American community is witnessing the terrible loss of life and destruction of cities and villages; and

WHEREAS, the City of Seattle, as a beacon of hope and freedom, has committed to liberty, security, peace-building, equity, and prosperity for generations of immigrants and refugees; and

WHEREAS, Seattle is home to many immigrants and refugee communities and the City is committed to strengthening the relationship between government and constituent communities; and

WHEREAS, the City of Seattle's strength has always been building and establishing welcoming communities where every person can thrive and contribute to our shared success; and

WHEREAS, our city and nation are strengthened by the diversity of our immigrant and refugee populations who add tremendous diversity to the local economy, workforce, and social fabric; and

WHEREAS, immigrants and refugees are important contributors to the economy, as they drive innovation, start businesses, serve in civic roles, and enhance the cultural richness and diversity of Seattle; and

WHEREAS, the people of Seattle join in offering support, resources, legal, and policy advocacy to our Ukrainian friends and neighbors; and

WHEREAS, the City of Seattle is committed to citizen diplomacy by forming international exchanges and engaging in people-to-people relationships as the basis for creating a more peaceful, secure, and just world;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Bruce A. Harrell, Mayor of Seattle, hereby order:

1. The Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs to present to the Mayor a report which addresses the following:

a. Ways in which the City of Seattle can connect Ukrainian immigrants and refugees resettling in Seattle, including, but not limited to access to immigration legal assistance and access to Seattle-King County Public Health wellness services addressing the trauma from the conflict in Ukraine;

b. A culturally relevant casework service, outreach, and engagement plan that includes language access and whose audience includes, but not limited to, both long-term Ukrainian American residents and recent arrivals from Ukraine; and

c. Opportunities for the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs to partner with the Office of Economic Development, and others as appropriate, so that the City of Seattle can identify community-based organizations that can best connect arriving refugees with job opportunities.

2. The Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs to:

a. Advise the Mayor's Office on how the City of Seattle can best advocate on federal policy that impacts Ukrainian refugees in the U.S. and internally displaced peoples;

b. Work with the Honorary Consul of Ukraine in Seattle and Seattle's Congressional Delegation to provide resources and facilitate communication with family members who have vulnerable relatives in Ukraine, including, but not limited to people of African, Asian, and Mideast ancestry;

c. Establish ongoing coordination with representatives from similar immigrant and refugee-focused municipal offices from other cities to share and determine best practices during this ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine;

d. As needed, continue to meet with Ukrainian community members, advocates, and leaders to ensure that the City of Seattle's efforts are community-informed and accountable; and

e. Utilize all available media channels to express the City of Seattle's support for the people of Ukraine, condemn Russia's invasion, and urge the cessation of hostilities and the pursuit of a diplomatic agreement for Russian military forces to return to Russia.

3. The Office of Intergovernmental Relations to:

a. Facilitate connections between local Ukrainian community organizations and regional and federal partners to assist with arranging the transfer of medical and humanitarian supplies to humanitarian organizations in Ukraine and European nations serving Ukrainian refugees;

b. Support the Deputy Mayor of External Relations in convening regional cities for information sharing and coordination around providing support for Ukrainian refugees and identifying ongoing needs as the situation develops; and

c. Partner with the Office of Economic Development to explore opportunities for future sister city connections, trade and business partnerships, and relationships of city diplomacy for engagement with the people of Ukraine.

4. Seattle Human Services Department and Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs to expedite and prioritize providing mental health services to Ukrainian refugees and those with Ukrainian ties living in Seattle to address the trauma being precipitated by the conflict in Ukraine.

5. The Department of Finance and Administrative Services to:

a. Identify whether the City of Seattle has any contracts or other business connections with Russian state institutions or major corporations with the intention of ending those connections, if found.

6. All relevant departments involved in initiating these efforts to monitor the situation and identify areas for appropriate action to be taken by the City of Seattle as the situation develops.

Any questions regarding this Executive Order should be directed to Dan Eder, Director of Policy, Office of the Mayor.

Dated this 7th day of March, 2022.

Bruce A. Harrell

Mayor of Seattle