July 13, 2026

Scheereen Dedman

Seattle City Clerk

600 4th Avenue, 3rd Floor

Seattle, WA 98124

Dear Ms. Dedman,

I have signed and am returning Council Bill 121232, which advances three purposes:

Affirmation of the City's intent to provide teams of qualified behavioral health professionals who can provide support and resources to people experiencing clinical crisis and/or behavioral health challenges in situations where there is no active threat of violence or medical emergency;

Clarification that the role of the Community Assisted Response and Engagement (CARE) Department in unifying and aligning Seattle's community-focused, non-police public safety investments includes provision of oversight, monitoring, and accountability for City contracts related to diversion and reentry services for those involved, or at risk of involvement, with the criminal justice system, such as the current LEAD and CoLEAD contracts held with Purpose. Dignity. Action. (PDA); and

Unification and alignment of the City's work to identify, document, and develop plans to address potential and actual public safety impacts of King County programs and initiatives related to clinical crisis and/or behavioral health challenges.

Diversification of Seattle's emergency and crisis response teams allows the City to send the right team to match the need. Diversification promotes efficacy, cost efficiency, and reduced response times. To achieve the maximum benefits of a diversified response system, the City needs clear alignment on roles and responsibilities, and strong coordination across teams and partners.

I believe the amendments passed by Council support this need for clarity and coordination. I understand that CB 121232 does not require shifting contracts related to diversion and reentry services that may currently be administered by other departments. Instead, the legislation provides guideposts for breaking down siloes and achieving greater alignment in public safety investments moving forward.

Thanks to Chair Kettle and the committee for updating the CARE Department's description in the Seattle Municipal Code. CARE fills a crucial and complementary role to police and emergency medical responses. We will continue to evaluate its programs and structure, and pledge to continue work with the Council to best position CARE for long-term success.

Sincerely,

Katie B. Wilson

Mayor of Seattle