They need talent, better pay, and less staff. Similar to teachers where quality outranks class size we need a competitive environment. I agree that $75K does not go far in Seattle.

The city has a legitimate issue with so many of their workers not actually being from the community they serve (be it the folks quoted in this article or SPOG leadership highlighted in others). Subsidizing housing for city workers should be examined. Not only would it help build a stronger connection between employees and residents, but it would also keep more of the city’s tax revenue within its boundaries (bonus, it would help mitigate the adverse environmental impacts of 60-90 minute commutes).

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The Stranger's favorite Councilmember must've been too busy podcasting or vlogging to demonstrate solidarity with the rank and file workers of these unions.

Or the city could just do what it needs to do and tax income, tax the obscenely wealthy more, and tax corporations like Amazon the most. This country has all of the money it needs to care for every single person who lives here AND who comes here. The problem is it is being hoarded by a tiny percentage of people. We have the means to solve every problem in this country. What we don't have, by anyone in any position of power, is the desire to do so. So you know what? Humanity gets what it deserves. And when we finally, completely, no longer exist. All of the hoarders will be just as dead and gone as everyone else. My only hope is that the planet is able to recover when humanity's gone, but even that's looking less and less likely.

Shame on Harrell. His parents were career public servants for the City and here he is nickel and diming them all with a bad faith "offer" of 1% for nearly a year all the while inflation has gone up 15%. This is outrageous. He obviously doesn't care about the backbone of the City. Why is he even the Mayor?