Committee approves emergency ordinance giving SDOT authority to close streets for public‑safety hotspots

The Public Safety Committee advanced CB 121233, an emergency ordinance that extends and clarifies the Seattle Department of Transportation’s authority to close streets when recommended by the police chief to address concentrated public‑safety threats.

Sponsor Councilmember Juarez told the committee the measure responds to community actions on Aurora Avenue and other hotspots, where neighbors temporarily blocked streets and reported reduced violent activity during those closures. “If we can have the authority to shut down a street for bullets flying and endangering the lives of those who live there,” Juarez said, the city should be able to act quickly to protect residents and schools.

Central Staff Calvin Chow summarized the bill’s changes, saying it extends prior code language that allowed SDOT to enclose alleyways to apply to streets and that the legislation is emergency‑level, requiring a three‑quarters council vote and taking effect upon the mayor’s signature.

Several councilmembers supported the proposal as a targeted tool for concentrated problems and emphasized responsible, limited use. The committee adopted the bill by voice/roll call with recorded votes: Juarez Yes; Lin Yes; Saka Yes; Kettle Yes. The measure will be transmitted to the June 30 City Council meeting for final action.

The sponsor and supporters said the ordinance is intended as a temporary tool to allow time for longer‑term solutions; they also described plans for shared positions with King County to focus on trafficking and related crimes in the Aurora corridor. Critics in public comment earlier in the meeting had urged more sustained services and prosecution capacity in addition to closures.

Next steps: The bill moves to the full council on June 30 and would take effect immediately upon mayoral signature if adopted as emergency legislation.