The Seattle Public Safety Committee of the Seattle City Council convened on April 28, 2026, to address what Chair Robert Kettle described as the "alarming" lack of progress in resolving the public safety crisis in Little Saigon. During the meeting, committee members and the public grappled with new data showing a sharp rise in law enforcement activity alongside a decline in social service diversions.

See the YouTube video of the meeting here.

Police Data Shows Sharp Rise in Arrests

According to data presented by central staff, Seattle Police Department (SPD) arrests for drug use and possession have increased significantly. In 2024, there were 633 such arrests, a figure that climbed to 942 in 2025—a 47% increase. While arrests rose, the number of individuals diverted to the Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) program post-arrest fell by 30%.

Roughly half of these arrests involved "simple possession" or personal use, while the other half targeted intent to sell or distribute. Chief of Police Shaun Barnes noted that the department is increasingly focusing on those "praying on people who are vulnerable" by supplying drugs to the street market.

We Heart Seattle Founder Calls for Law Enforcement Accountability

Andrea Suarez, founder of We Heart Seattle, provided pointed testimony regarding what she called the city’s "enabling culture". Suarez argued that a lack of accountability in law enforcement and social services has led to a "drug-friendly" environment.

"My mantra is here we have cheap drugs and free crime. That is what is creating the havoc we see in our community," Suarez stated.

Suarez specifically critiqued the lack of requirements for those receiving services and questioned the efficacy of tiny home models. "Last time I went into a tiny house I saw [a] designated tiny house to use fentanyl," she testified. "So help me understand how we are stabilizing somebody inside a tiny house village when there is a tiny house designated to smoke fentanyl". She advocated for a "recovery first" approach where law enforcement plays a central role in intervention, stating, "When people get arrested, [they get a] clear mind, and treatment, they get better".

Her comments come as the city begins preparation for the construction of a new RV Park and Tiny Home village (Glassyard Commons) at 7200 West Marginal Way SW. Thus far no indications or comments from city leaders have been offered that they will address these issues once the site is up and running by mid June.

While Suarez was critical, other speakers such as representatives from the Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI) and local residents, strongly advocated for the expansion of tiny home villages as a vital tool to address the housing crisis and improve public safety.

Community Frustration in Little Saigon

The hearing highlighted the dire conditions at 12th and Jackson, described as the "epicenter" of the crisis. Residents and business owners reported "open air drug use" and "stolen goods markets" that continue to flourish despite current city efforts. Chair Kettle reiterated that the city must stop "running the stand still" and move toward a more functional criminal justice system that addresses the "seam" between public safety and public health.