Residents along Seattle’s Aurora Avenue are planning a march Saturday night, saying ongoing violence and safety concerns have left them feeling unprotected and unheard by city leaders.
The march, organized by community members in the Greenwood neighborhood, is intended to call attention to what residents describe as persistent crime tied to human trafficking and a lack of clear action from the city. Former Seattle City Attorney Ann Davison and an Aurora resident identified as Jake discussed the issue during an appearance on “The John Curley Show” on KIRO Newsradio.
Community Concern
Jake, who lives near Aurora Avenue, said the issue became deeply personal after a shooting struck his home close to where his baby was sleeping.
“For me, it’s about urgency and the city actually doing something quickly, so that we can feel safe in our neighborhood,” he said. “So that my house doesn’t get shot.”
He emphasized that his experience is not isolated and said many neighbors share similar concerns about safety.
Frustration
Residents say they have grown frustrated with what they view as a lack of meaningful response from city leadership, particularly regarding human trafficking activity along the Aurora corridor.
“We recognize that this problem is not just going to go away,” Jake said. “I think oftentimes our city leadership just hopes and prays that it’s just going to go away, but we’ve lived here for a long time, and we know it’s not.”
He said the community is organizing in hopes of pushing for changes that target traffickers and buyers, while also providing help for victims.
Support
Davison said she joined the effort to support residents and offer guidance based on her legal experience.
“If I can provide any suggestions that might be of assistance, I have no personal agenda in it,” she said.
One idea Davison said she supports is asking Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson to contact Washington Governor Bob Ferguson to request National Guard assistance during major events, including the upcoming World Cup.
Resources
Davison questioned whether Seattle has adequate resources to manage both large-scale events and neighborhood safety at the same time.
“Why do we not have backup while we’re down with officers, and they’re going to be down at World Cup events?” she asked. “Why do we not have additional resources up in the North End while that’s happening?”
She said enforcement plays a key role in reducing crime.
“When we get the word on the street that we enforce our law, and we mean business, that is going to encourage those people to stop,” Davison said.
Police Meeting
Davison said she attended a North Precinct Police Advisory Council meeting earlier in the week and was concerned by what she heard. While some state lawmakers were present, she said no city elected officials attended.
According to Davison, residents left the meeting without clear answers about how the city plans to address ongoing violence along Aurora Avenue.
“There was no strategy, and I did not feel hopeful,” she said. “It was kind of frightening to hear a lot of speak, but really no concrete answers.”
Next Steps
Organizers say Saturday’s march is intended to demonstrate unity and press city leaders to outline a specific plan to address safety concerns along Aurora. Residents say they want clearer enforcement, more resources, and accountability from city officials.
FAQs
Why are residents marching on Aurora Avenue?
They want action to address ongoing violence and safety concerns.
Who spoke on KIRO Newsradio about the issue?
Former city attorney Ann Davison and a local resident named Jake.
What concerns do residents cite most?
Violence linked to human trafficking and lack of enforcement.
What suggestion did Davison make?
Requesting National Guard support during major events.
What did Davison say about the city’s plan?
She said there was no clear strategy presented.
Trump Says He Never Promised “No New Wars,” Rejecting Longstanding Campaign Framing