Seattle (Aug. 1, 2024) – Today, Seattle City Attorney Ann Davison announced the introduction of public safety legislation to further build on the protection of public spaces, making them safer and more accessible for all. The legislation provides additional ways to reduce the continued incidence of drug-related criminal activity in specified public areas in Seattle.
The legislation – Stay Out of Drug Area (SODA) – authorizes the court to prohibit a defendant from entering a designated zone if they commit a drug-related criminal offense in that zone. SODA orders may be issued by the court as either as a condition of pre-trial release, or a condition of sentence if convicted.
“The Stay Out of Drug Area legislation is a mechanism to reduce illegal drug use so our public spaces can be safer and more accessible for everyone,” said City Attorney Davison. “It focuses on specific areas in the city where there is known, established drug-related activity. We must address the safety needs of residents, visitors, and businesses – both their employees and customers – who live, shop, and work in zones that are overburdened with illegal, dangerous, public drug use and other criminal activity.”
City Attorney Davison’s proposed ordinance identifies and designates two SODA zones in Seattle where persistent public drug-related criminal activity is concentrated.
The proposed SODA zone boundaries were crafted to avoid locations that provide substance abuse treatment and permanent supportive housing.
Specific boundaries of each zone are listed below.
SODA Zone 1 – Downtown Seattle
SODA Zone 1 is established as the area of Downtown bordered on the north by Stewart Street; south by University Street; east by 6th Avenue; west by 1st Avenue.
SODA Zone 2 – International District
SODA Zone 2 is established as the area of the International District bordered on the north by S. Main Street; south by S. Dearborn Street; east by Boren Avenue to Rainier Ave. S.; west by westernmost edge of I-5 (including all off-ramps, under freeway, adjacent sidewalks).
“This ordinance addresses a serious gap in existing law and the persistent public drug use in our City,” said City Attorney Davison. “It is vital that illegal drug users get help. And it is also vital to protect our public spaces and the people who live, work, and visit these spaces.”
Several Washington cities have SODA ordinances that may be enforced in municipal courts. If approved, Seattle’s ordinance would be enforced in Seattle Municipal Court.
The proposed ordinance, sponsored by Seattle City Councilmember Bob Kettle, was transmitted to the Seattle City Clerk’s Office yesterday.
NEXT STEPS
The legislation will be introduced to the Seattle City Council’s Public Safety Committee on Tuesday, August 13, 2024.
The Public Safety Committee will vote to forward the legislation to the full City Council, or reject it.
If it moves to the full Council, it is likely a vote will be taken in late August or early September.
If the law is approved, it then requires the Mayor’s signature and would go into effect 30 days later.
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell: “I appreciate the focus of City Attorney Davison, Council President Nelson, and Councilmember Kettle on making Downtown safe and welcoming for all. As we address the public safety impacts of the fentanyl crisis, I look forward to the legislative process that I believe will inform how this proposal can complement ongoing efforts to reduce street disorder, hold those causing the most harm accountable, identify breakdowns in the health system, and help those in need access services and treatment to get well.”
Seattle City Council President Sara Nelson: “I applaud City Attorney Davison for putting this legislation forward, and Councilmember Kettle for sponsoring it,” said Council President Sara Nelson. “Establishing Stay Out of Drug Areas on Third Ave. and in the CID is consistent with the City Auditor’s recommendation to take a place-based approach to addressing concentrations of drug-related criminal activity and will enable us to target our limited police resources most effectively.”
Seattle City Councilmember Bob Kettle: “We continue to see areas in Seattle where the drug trade and crime are fueling each other and decimating neighborhoods. The time for meaningful strategic action is long overdue,” said Councilmember Bob Kettle (District 7), chair of the Public Safety Committee. “‘Stay Out of Drug Areas’ provide law enforcement, prosecutors and our courts a tool to not only protect our neighborhoods but give another incentive for individuals struggling with addictions to stay on the track to recovery. I appreciate hearing from those affected and City Attorney Davison’s partnership in moving this legislation forward.”
Downtown Seattle Association CEO Jon Scholes: “The City Auditor’s report makes clear that where you have significant public drug use you also have high incidence of crime. This reality has become more pronounced during the fentanyl crisis. Drug markets need to be disrupted before they claim more victims, ensnaring more people in a vicious cycle and bringing more impact to those who live, work, and visit downtown. Our community needs urgent action. I thank City leaders for their efforts on this critical issue.”