Downtown Seattle Association Calls for Increased Police Budget

Notes to Decolonize SAM from Titmouse: 

Sorry to make this more work! The more I read the letter and try to figure out a summary for this post, I really think it'd be best to use this time to provide a list of alternate proposed city budgets (i don't know of any that are particularly based, but i know there are some out there!) and solutions that omit investment in policing. I worry that most folks will read this letter and think that criticism (without context or comparison) is exaggerated or unfounded.

I'm wondering if orgs like DivestSPD etc, or any of the abolitionist candidates for the upcoming election have or have endorsed some? (side note - have y'all considered doing a little endorsement post?? happy to help with that if you wanna :) 

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Draft:

In an October 7 letter, the Downtown Seattle Association pressed Seattle City Council "to urge immediate action and investment by the City and County Councils to address the mental health and substance use crisis in downtown Seattle and improve safety and security for all who live, work and visit here."

The Seattle Art Museum is among 54 businesses and organizations, and 3 residents of Downtown Seattle, who signed the letter. While lack of resources and support for people navigating houselessness, mental health crises, and substance dependency is acknowledged, the letter overwhelmingly centers concerns surrounding damage to property and capital rather than the people who are suffering first hand from lack of resources and support.

Refusal to prioritize the wellbeing of our city's most marginalized residents contributes to harmful misconceptions and stigmatization about people navigating mental illness, substance dependency, and houselessness -- as well as the impacts of increased policing in these communities.

[ short paragraph summarizing how the following solutions stand out against DSA's demands and endorsed proposed budget]

[ list of alternative proposals/solutions - maybe 3 at least? ]

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Downtown Seattle Association businesses and residents who signed the October 7 letter: 

[ titmouse to add those logos here ]