Harrell did not mince words during his speech Tuesday, stating his office has great concerns for the potential impacts the Trump administration may have on the city’s revenue sources and marginalized communities.

“We are a polarized country right now – the actions and the rhetoric coming from the White House take aim at parts of our community that we value central as to who we are,” Harrell said in his speech. “Unconstitutional executive orders and bad economic policies will mean revenue impacts and fewer resources to invest in local resources that truly make a difference.”

Seattle joins Washington state in making their concerns about the Trump administration clear. Within the past month, state Attorney General Nick Brown joined multi-state lawsuits against Trump’s executive orders that ban gender reassignment procedures and put a hold on federal funding for areas like DEI – diversity, equity and inclusion.

Harrell said DEI means giving every person a fair shot and that Seattle and Washington voters recognize this. He mentioned the state’s voters consistently electing two women to the U.S. Senate – Democrats Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell – as examples of voters valuing DEI.

“The antidote to the toxicity of polarization is a united effort – Seattle has the spark to do it,” Harrell said.

Last month, before President Joe Biden left office, Seattle was able to receive a “significant portion” of funding approved for its 2025 Fort Lawton Redevelopment Plan. The plan aims to redevelop Fort Lawton, a former military site, and build as many as 500 new units of housing. It would also add 22 acres of open space.

Harrell said the project will be the single largest expansion of green space and parkland in Seattle’s history over the last 25 years.

Harrell’s office will submit an updated Fort Lawton plan to the city council for approval sometime this spring.