News Release
For Immediate Release
Oct. 26, 2026
FROM THE OFFICE OF: Councilmember Dionne Foster
CONTACT: Brad Harwood, Communications Director
206-798-7577 or brad.harwood@seattle.gov
Councilmember Foster announces proposal accelerating justice for victims among City’s 5,000 backlogged cases
One-time $1 million investment prioritizes more than 1,700 cases of domestic violence, elder abuse, stalking, and sexual harassment to deliver long-overdue accountability for survivors
SEATTLE – Councilmember Dionne Foster (Position 9) announced today that she has submitted a budget proposal in close partnership with City Attorney Erika Evans to address the ongoing backlog of criminal cases in the Seattle City Attorney’s Office. The amendment will make a $1 million one-time allocation to resolve an estimated 5,000 cases, beginning with 1,700 cases of domestic violence, elder abuse, assault, and stalking, via temporary staffing and contracting with local firms, under the City Attorney’s supervision.
“The public should be able to trust in our legal system to provide a timely, thorough and just response to criminal cases. The largest share of cases in our current backlog come from domestic violence, and when a survivor chooses to pursue a legal response, they are trusting that the system will act in a timely manner,” said Councilmember Foster. “Reviewing these cases is how we keep that promise. Every case deserves a thorough look, because justice for survivors depends on it. More than 1,700 cases involving domestic violence are currently sitting unreviewed, and no one should have to put their lives on hold while government catches up. When we fail to act, we erode the public's faith that government will protect our residents and stand behind them when it matters most. This investment gives our City Attorney’s Office the resources to review these cases and make clear that survivors' safety and dignity cannot wait another year. They deserved better yesterday, and we have a responsibility to deliver it today."
“Addressing the inherited backlog of criminal cases is critical to ensuring our justice system works effectively for victims, defendants, and the broader community,” said City Attorney Erika Evans. “No victim or survivor should have to wait up to two years for their case to be filed on. That is why I am grateful to Councilmember Dionne Foster for recognizing the urgency and proposing a budget investment that will improve public safety and provide swifter justice for the people of Seattle.”
Background
The current 5,000-case criminal backlog reflects a longstanding challenge that has persisted across three City Attorney administrations, despite serious efforts to reduce it. The high number is due to several factors, including an increased amount of evidence associated with each of these filings and a consistently high caseload for Assistant City Prosecutors. Many of the pending cases also involve crimes against individuals — an estimated 1,700 cases (33%) involve domestic violence allegations, 830 cases (16%) involve criminal traffic violations, and 715 cases (14%) involve harassment.
What’s next
The City Council is currently in the middle of the 2027-28 budget process. Councilmember Foster’s amendment will be discussed during a series of briefings that will take place beginning on Oct. 27. Members of the public are encouraged to voice their perspectives, including at the next public hearing on Nov. 5.
A full list of public comment opportunities, including an overview of the budget process, is available on the City Council webpage.
Additional quotes
"Not every survivor will seek the criminal legal system, but for those who do make that choice, they should not have to wait multiple agonizing years to know the final outcome of their case while they put the pieces of their lives back together. I am proud to co-sponsor this amendment to close the backlog and see this as complimentary work to the ‘Seattle Stands with Survivors, Every Step’ campaign. I appreciate the leadership and partnership of both Councilmember Foster and City Attorney Evans in supporting survivors and their families."
-Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck (Position 8)
“No one should have to wait years for their cases to be heard. This funding would make an enormous impact for survivors of domestic violence suffering in limbo. I am grateful to Councilmember Foster and City Attorney Evans for their commitment to closing the backlog and supporting survivors and their families.” -Councilmember Eddie Lin (District 2)
“Not all victims and survivors of gender-based violence seek recourse through the legal system, but when they do, they deserve timely decisions and meaningful communication on their cases. Expecting victims to wait years in limbo is unacceptable and is a risk to their safety. Addressing the backlog is an important step to ensure victims and survivors are given the dignity of a response for the harm they’ve experienced and the accountability they seek. We see and appreciate Councilmember Foster's leadership and effort to improve the legal system response for victims and survivors.” -Amarinthia Torres, Co-Executive Director, Coalition Ending Gender-Based Violence
“Not every sexual assault survivor chooses to report. Those who do come forward and engage in the criminal justice system deserve a system that works well, including timely resolution of their case. We work with thousands of victims a year who wait months and often even years for courts to resolve their cases. Long delays add to their distress, or may disengage from their own case, decreasing opportunity for healing, accountability and safety.” -Kate Garvey, CEO, King County Sexual Assault Resource Center
“If a survivor asks for a criminal response, they deserve a system that takes their concerns seriously. When prosecutors are well-trained, responsive, and work alongside civil legal aid and community services, survivors are better position to have their voices heard, their safety prioritized, and their choices respected.”
-Riddhi Mukhopadhyay, Executive Director, CEO, Sexual Violence Law Center
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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