#611 - ‘Compassion Seattle’ homelessness initiative turns in signatures, hoping for November ballot

The campaign to change Seattle’s city charter and force the city to deal with homelessness differently — called Compassion Seattle — has gathered more than 64,000 signatures, leaders say. That’s nearly double what they need to put the issue to voters on November’s ballot, but the signatures still have to be verified by the King County Department of Elections, which won’t happen for a few weeks.

If voters pass it, Charter Amendment 29 would force the mayor to create 2,000 shelter or housing spaces within a year, budget 12% of the city’s general fund for homelessness and human services, and when there is enough housing or shelter for people living outside in Seattle, keep public spaces such as parks and sidewalks free of encampments. The amendment would only be in the city charter until the end of 2027.

Join your host Sean Reynolds, owner of Summit Properties NW and Reynolds & Kline Appraisal as he takes a look at this developing topic.