Seattle's mayor, police chief, fire chief, and homelessness response director are among city leaders expressing serious concerns about legislation to stop "sweeps" in Seattle.
A memo, dated Wednesday, was sent to Seattle City Council in advance of a public meeting about the topic and measure sponsored by Council members Kshama Sawant, Mike O'Brien and Kirsten Harris-Talley. That proviso, as it is called, would restrict city spending on the removal of unauthorized homeless encampments.
However, the 10-page memo addresses several concerns from the department heads, including public health and safety risks and opening up the city to legal liability. The memo also includes a note from the State Recreation and Conservation Office, which indicates the city could lose state grants.