ORDER TO REMOVE ALL PERSONAL PROPERTY City announces sweep of 15-block area of First Hill

Seattle officials ordered a sweep of homeless encampments in a 15-block area of First Hill, effective October 30, citing safety hazards and ADA obstructions related to the planned Broadway Crisis Care Center. This clearance follows a disturbing rise in gun violence, with two recent shootings resulting in fatalities in the area. City leaders, including Mayor Bruce Harrell and District 3 representative Joy Hollingsworth, are committed to enhancing public safety measures surrounding the center, which will open in 2027. Hollingsworth has introduced a five-point plan advocating for immediate actions to counter safety concerns, alongside a push for increased funding in the city’s 2026 budget. The sweep area encompasses key locations, including the city’s CARE Department headquarters and the site of a recently shuttered Whole Foods.

Officials have pledged to implement initiatives like a “Good Neighbor Policy” and a citizen advisory committee to oversee the center's operations. As public safety discussions unfold, both Harrell and his challenger Katie Wilson emphasize the need for active collaboration with Seattle Police. The ongoing situation highlights the challenges of balancing homelessness services and community safety.