A new survey of 700 registered voters in Seattle, commissioned by the Seattle Metro Chamber of Commerce and conducted by EMC Research, found that the overall sentiment about the city is more positive than it was two years ago. 48% of respondents believe the city is “going in the right direction,” which is an increase from 30% in the previous survey. The quality of life index calculated from the responses has also improved, reaching 4.66 on a scale from 1-10. This shift in perception indicates a notable change in attitudes compared to a few years ago when the city was recovering from the impacts of the pandemic.
The top concerns facing Seattle, according to the survey, include “crime/drugs/public safety,” “homelessness,” and “cost of living/affordable housing.” However, more residents feel safe about visiting downtown, despite concerns about the future of the downtown core where office vacancies are increasing due to remote work policies among tech firms. Seattle Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Rachel Smith emphasized the importance of improving public safety in downtown Seattle to attract more workers and companies. Encouraging employees to return to their offices, as seen with companies like Amazon, is also crucial for the city’s economic recovery.
Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell’s administration has taken steps to increase in-office work for executive branch employees from two days to three starting in the fall, impacting over 13,000 workers. This move aligns with efforts from other regional public and private employers to adjust their in-person work policies. While flexibility for employees remains important, bringing workers back to offices is seen as essential for the city’s economic success. The survey also revealed that about two-thirds of respondents believe the city should not consider tax increases to address its $230 million deficit, with Mayor Harrell planning to divert funds from the city’s payroll tax on big businesses to cover budget shortfalls.
The survey results indicated that registered voters in Seattle tend to be younger, progressive, renters, new to the city, and people of color. The data was weighted based on key demographic variables to accurately reflect the registered voter population. Seattle Chamber of Commerce President Rachel Smith highlighted the importance of quality of life in attracting and retaining employees and businesses to the city. Improving public safety, addressing homelessness, and ensuring affordable housing options are key factors that impact the overall perception of Seattle among its residents and potential residents.
With concerns about the future of the downtown core and the impact of remote work policies on office vacancies, city leaders are focused on strategies to bring workers back to their offices. Amazon’s decision to return corporate workers to the office full-time starting in January, along with initiatives from other employers to increase in-office work, indicates a shift towards re-establishing a sense of normalcy in Seattle’s business community. The survey results provide valuable insights into how Seattleites view their city and the challenges that need to be addressed to foster a thriving and inclusive community for all residents.
