Harrell’s concession speech (Image: City of Seattle)

In one of his final messages before handing over the keys to the mayor’s office to Katie Wilson, Bruce Harrell has tallied some of the major accomplishments during his administration by the numbers including a count of the outgoing mayor attending some 1,064 community events and producing 639 pieces of legislation over his four years in office.

“We have so much to be proud of in this city, and there’s much more work to do,” Harrell said in the message. “I wish Mayor-elect Wilson and her incoming administration all the best. Thank you for being part of this journey together. It has been the honor of my lifetime to serve as your mayor.”

Wilson, meanwhile, is busy putting together her cabinet and preparing to take office as she begins to make changes at Seattle City Hall while also maintaining continuity by retaining some of Harrell’s leadership team including Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes.

A portion of Harrell’s “four year review” is below:

During his four years in office, Mayor Harrell attended 1065 community events throughout all Council districts, hearing directly from constituents and community leaders about their top priorities. He attended 364 press and media engagements, demonstrating a commitment to open communication, transparency, and accountability.

Working to restore faith in local government, Mayor Harrell maintained an effective working relationship with the City Council. During his tenure, the Harrell Administration transmitted 639 pieces of legislation that were passed by the City Council, over 90% (578 bills) were unanimously approved by the Council, and none were voted down. Mayor Harrell appointed 29 department directors that were approved by Council, putting diverse, community-focused leaders at over half of the City’s 40 departments.

Over the course of four years, the Harrell Administration created, preserved, and funded 8,200 affordable homes; reduced unauthorized tent encampments in public spaces by 80%; hired over 350 police officers while reducing crime, including a 42% decline in homicides in 2025; and established and made permanent the CARE Department’s unarmed behavioral health responders – now a national model. Read more about the Harrell Administration’s record here.

In 2025 alone, Mayor Harrell attended 270 community engagements across Seattle to hear from residents, attended 95 press events, passed 182 bills, confirmed 4 department directors, and proposed and signed the City’s 2026 budget.

Read Building One Seattle: The Harrell Administration, 2022 – 2025 here.

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