75% support public CCTV cameras, 90% support increased police patrols in problem areas, and 86% support a public safety action plan with measurable goals within 100 days.

Seattle, Wash. – August 17, 2026 – A new poll released today by the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Challenge Seattle shows Seattle voters are united behind the need for a clear public safety agenda: Deploy proven crime-fighting tools now, increase visible law enforcement in areas experiencing persistent safety challenges, and establish a measurable public safety action plan with clear accountability.

At the same time, voters deeply questioned that City leadership has an effective plan in place that would adequately address these issues – with only 34% saying they were ‘confident’.

“Seattle voters have provided a clear roadmap for action. They support using cameras to investigate crime, maintaining a strong public safety presence where problems persist, and delivering a public safety action plan with measurable goals and regular accountability,” said Joe Nguyễn, CEO of the Seattle Metro Chamber. “At a time when policymakers are making budget decisions, the message is clear: don’t roll back investments in public safety. Focus on results, invest in what works, and act now.”

“The public isn’t asking for a debate on public safety. They want action now to solve it,” said former Gov. Chris Gregoire, CEO of Challenge Seattle, whose member companies employ hundreds of thousands of people who live, work, and visit Seattle. “Seattle residents are clear about their priorities: turn the cameras on now, increase visible police presence now, and provide a comprehensive, action driven public safety plan in the next 100 days. These are shared priorities for everyone, and we’re committed to working in partnership with our public leaders to advance solutions that make Seattle safer for everyone starting now.

PARTIAL POLL RESULTS

Deep Support for CCTV Program: 75% of Voters ‘Support’, With 45% ‘Strongly Supporting’
By overwhelming margins, Seattle voters support expanding public safety cameras to major event venues, areas affected by open-air drug markets and street disorder, and designated high-crime areas, according to new polling.

Each proposal is supported by more than two-thirds of voters.

•   74% support cameras at Seattle Center and other major event venues, including 53% who strongly support the proposal.
•   71% support cameras in areas affected by open-air drug markets and high levels of street disorder.
•   68% support real-time monitoring by civilian public safety officials in designated high-crime areas and during major events.

Voters Overwhelmingly Back Action Around Public Safety Investments, Results
Seattle voters shared a consistent action-oriented message across several public safety solutions, making it clear they want city leaders to improve safety today while also creating clear accountability and long-term results.

Every public safety proposal tested drew support from at least three in four voters and higher.

90% (with 74% strongly support)

Regular foot and bicycle police patrols in areas withpersistent public safety problems, like Little Saigon, which has open air drug and stolen goods markets

90% (with 74% strongly support)

Regular foot and bicycle police patrols in areas withpersistent public safety problems, like Little Saigon, which has open air drug and stolen goods markets

90% (with 56% strongly support)

Require the City to make it a top priority to meet its 7-minute response time standard for priority 911 calls. Publicly report when those standards are not met, and redirect spending and resources to meet that standard.

86% (with 58% strongly support)

Require the City to produce a public safety action plan within 100 days, with measurable goals and monthly
progress reports.

82% (with 54% strongly support)

Offer illegal drug users treatment and shelter first, but arrest and prosecute them if they repeatedly refuse help.

81% (with 61% strongly support)

Direct the Seattle Police Dept. and the City Attorney to make shutting down open-air drug markets a top law enforcement priority.

79% (with 66% strongly support)

Ban camping in City parks and within 250 feet of a playground or school and require the City to clear any encampments in these areas within 72 hours.

75% (with 58% strongly support)

Change the state law that says a juvenile can be arrested five times for illegally carrying a gun before they face jail time.

Polling was conducted by Fulcrum Strategy Group, which interviewed 500 Seattle voters from August 10–13, 2026. The margin of error is ±4.4 percentage points. Methodology of the survey can be found here.

About the Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce
The Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce (Seattle Metro Chamber) is the regional business advocacy organization that engages the innovation and entrepreneurship of its 2,600 members to promote inclusive economic prosperity. Founded in 1882, the Chamber represents a regional workforce of approximately 750,000.

About Challenge Seattle
Challenge Seattle is an alliance of 23 organizations that represent some of our region’s largest employers and most successful innovators. Led by former Washington State Governor Christine Gregoire, they harness their members’ bold thinking, committed leadership, unique resources, and world-class talent to tackle some of our region’s most pressing civic challenges.

Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce

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