Seattle – Today, Mayor Bruce Harrell made the following statement after the City Council unanimously approved legislation introduced by his administration to ban anti-competitive covenants that block new grocery stores and pharmacies: 

“Every neighborhood deserves convenient access to fresh, affordable, nutritious food and essential medicine. Period. 

"I applaud City Council’s quick emergency action today, unanimously passing legislation I introduced banning anti-competitive covenants in Seattle that prevent or restrict a property from being used as a grocery store or pharmacy – contributing to food and medicine deserts. Today’s action, paired with my recent Executive Order, will help ensure there is equitable access to food and medicine across the city, while also incentivizing the private sector to open more grocery stores and pharmacies where they are needed.  

"In the face of unthinkable federal funding cuts to food programs, my proposed budget increases food access investments by $12 million, expanding the successful Fresh Bucks program, supporting our critical food banks, and reinvesting in our neighborhood farmers markets. While we have partnered with King Country on contingency plans to prevent tens of thousands from losing their WIC benefits during the government shutdown, we can’t do it alone. That is why I am calling on Republicans in Congress to reopen the government, fully fund essential food benefit programs like WIC and SNAP, and fulfill their commitment to our most vulnerable neighbors."