Councilmember Morales’ Statement on the passage of SODA/SOAP legislation

Councilmember Tammy J. Morales (District 2) made the following remarks regarding the passage of CB 120835 (SODA) and CB 120836 (SOAP) at the meeting of the City Council this afternoon:

"The City of Seattle had both SODA and SOAP zones for over 20 years and research has proven these orders did not reduce drug use or human trafficking.

"We need real solutions to address the public health and safety crises on our streets. That's why my office has been urging the Council to follow the recommendations detailed in our City Auditor's report which provides a road map on how we can take an evidence-based approach to address where overdoses and crime are concentrated. Instead, this legislation will intentionally make it more difficult for people to access critical services across the City.

"I am truly disheartened that we are having these conversations again as a city when there are documented solutions that we could be working toward implementing to address the root causes of violence."

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