Banishment Zones and Loitering Law Pass Seattle City Council
On September 17th, Seattle City Council voted 8-1 in favor of passing multiple drug and prostitution banishment zones including a new prostitution loitering law. We fought hard against these laws because we believe that people in the sex trades who experience violence and exploitation need to be able to access community-based support and services, not to be arrested, criminalized, or incarcerated.
While we are extremely disappointed in the outcome, it has been incredibly moving to see such widespread support from all of you and so many organizations, community leaders, and individual citizens who joined us in speaking out against these harmful bills. We heard from member and allied organizations such as ACLU of WA, Seattle/KC Coalition on Homelessness, Sexual Violence Law Center, MLK Labor, OPEIU Local 8, the Alliance for Gun Responsibility, UTOPIA, and Strippers are Workers. Thank you for showing up and sharing powerfully on behalf of victims and survivors.
Learn more at Publicola, Seattle Times, The Stranger, and the Urbanist
Budget Time is Here
The end of September means the budget season is upon us! King County Executive Constantine released his proposed 2025 budget on Monday, September 23rd and Seattle Mayor Harrell released his proposed 2025-2026 budget on Tuesday, September 24th.
We will continue to ensure that gender-based violence and the priorities of our membership are heard and engaged with from our elected leaders. We will be reviewing the budget and attending budget briefings for now, but in the meantime, mark your calendars for upcoming public hearings, learn about Seattle’s budget process and be sure to check out the policy section of our website for the most up-to-date information.
City of Seattle Public Budget Hearings
- October 16th at 5pm
- November 12th at 5pm
King County Evening Town Halls
- October 10th at 6pm | Bellevue City Council Chambers
- October 24th at 6pm | Kent Senior Center
- October 30th at 6pm | New Holly Gathering Hall
Save the Date: Free Budget Advocacy Trainings
Do you feel nervous about giving public comments to elected officials? Do you struggle to figure out how to squeeze the things you want to share into 2 minutes or less? So relatable!
If you want to learn more about engaging in the budget process and feel more confident in doing so, then consider joining these free Budget Advocacy Trainings hosted by our colleagues at Seattle/King County Coalition on Homelessness and Seattle Human Services Coalition.