News Release

For Immediate Release
Aug.17, 2026

FROM THE OFFICE OF: Councilmember Maritza Rivera

CONTACT: Wendy Sykes, Chief of Staff to Councilmember Rivera
206-491-8125 or wendy.sykes@seattle.gov 

Councilmember Rivera brings Council resolution to implement new gun violence intervention strategy

National Network for Safe Communities is nationally recognized for results in reducing gun violence

SEATTLE – Today Councilmember Maritza Rivera (District 4) introduced a resolution that will declare the Seattle City Council’s commitment to implement an evidence-based, comprehensive gun violence reduction strategy. Councilmember Rivera’s proposal comes after a string of high-profile gun violence incidents, including last month’s mass shooting at Seattle Center.

“I strongly believe that Seattle needs to work with the National Network for Safe Communities (NNSC) to add a new strategy to reduce gun violence in our city,” said Councilmember Rivera. “The NNSC has had significant results in decreasing gun violence in cities like Baltimore, Boston, and Philadelphia — reductions of 40 to 60 percent. I want to see those kinds of results here in Seattle.”

“The residents of Seattle want a concrete plan for addressing gun violence in our city, they want action, and they want results, and so do I. This is why I have been working on bringing this gun violence intervention approach to Seattle for almost a year. We need everyone at the table to be successful — that is why I hosted a gun violence symposium in June, so city leaders, law enforcement, and community groups could all be in the same room, having the same conversation, and working together,” added Councilmember Rivera.

Councilmember Rivera’s resolution would be another step in bringing the focused deterrence strategy to Seattle. She has also stated her clear commitment to continue working with her colleagues and the mayor with the goal of entering into a two-year partnership with the NNSC. This would be in addition to the violence prevention work that community groups currently do.

In 2025, a City audit titled “Four Recommendations to Better Understand and Address Current Gun Violence Patterns in Seattle,” determined that Seattle needs a framework that will help improve data collection, collaboration in identifying individuals most likely to engage in gun violence, and foster an “all-hands-on-deck” approach in finding effective solutions for reducing gun violence, such as focused deterrence.

Previously in 2015, another City audit on street outreach found that focused deterrence is an effective strategy that Seattle could use to address violent crime.

“Focused deterrence is a model that has been recommended for Seattle for the last 10 years. It’s time. Let’s bring this approach to Seattle,” Councilmember Rivera concluded.

About the City Council
The Seattle City Council is the elected legislative branch of the city’s government. It’s comprised of nine councilmembers serving four-year terms and representing more than 800,000 constituents — seven selected by districts and two through citywide positions. For the latest news and information, please visit seattle.gov/council.

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