For Immediate Release 
Sept. 15, 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  

SEATTLE – Today, Councilmember Maritza Rivera (District 4) urged Mayor Katie Wilson to act after her sponsored resolution (Res 32217) was approved by the City Council. The resolution calls for the City to enter into a two-year partnership with the National Network for Safe Communities (NNSC), to strategically guide Seattle in implementing a focused deterrence action plan addressing gun violence. 

Under the results-driven strategy, NNSC will facilitate an analysis of gun violence dynamics in Seattle; unite law enforcement, social services and community organizations; and provide ongoing strategic guidance and an evaluation of the results after two years. The partnership would cost about $418,000.   

“This is not a choice between focused deterrence and community-based violence prevention,” Councilmember Rivera said. “We can add this proven, evidence-based strategy at the same time we invest in community and strengthen accountability. That’s what this resolution does.” 

In the coming biennium, Seattle is expected to invest almost $30 million dollars in its community safety portfolio alone. The proposed NNSC partnership would add roughly $418,000, one-time, over the same two-year period.  

Rivera’s resolution builds on findings from the Seattle City Auditor’s 2015 and 2025 reports. The auditor has pointed to focused deterrence as an evidence-based strategy for reducing gun violence and noted that Seattle was still not using the strategy, despite the auditor having identified that gap in a 2015 street outreach audit. The mayor’s public safety plan, released today, largely makes the same investments brought by prior administrations and councils.  

“The mayor’s plan shows she is trying to appease her activist supporters who do not want to work with police. We know that making progress on public safety includes working with law enforcement. This is a concerning blind spot for the mayor. 

“There is nothing in the mayor’s plan that would prevent the City from partnering with NNSC, as City Council requested. I hope she will act on council’s request, and I am committed to working with her to make this a reality. Seattleites are rightfully demanding meaningful results – now,” concluded Councilmember Rivera. 

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 800,000 constituents — seven selected by districts and two through citywide positions. For the latest news and information, please visit seattle.gov/council.