Ursula: Downtown Seattle needs to clean up before inviting people back

The Downtown Seattle Association is rolling out a new campaign because after a year and a half of feeling the pain of the pandemic, they want all of us to come visit the heart of the city.

The campaign highlights Seattle’s attractions and the special summer events. The Downtown Seattle Association hopes to encourage us to check out all of the nearly 300 businesses that have reopened since last year.

Even the mayor has been highlighting how we need to “bring everyone back.”

I want to support the businesses, but I drove through downtown Seattle last Saturday because I wanted to see it for myself. I had heard about the stretch of Third Avenue that had been cleaned. I heard there were promises of something happening at City Hall Park.

Nothing has happened. In fact, it was the saddest sight.

I like taking light rail into downtown Seattle and then I might go to Pike Place Market because that’s still a lot of fun. And you know I love Seattle. I love our International District.

I do love downtown, but not right now. Before you bring everyone back, can we get it fixed up first?

It’s so sad to see people sleeping on the ground. I tried counting the tents — there were over 40 of them at City Hall Park. Nothing has happened. I wouldn’t feel safe walking around there. Go walk around downtown Seattle at night.

Before you try to do the big promotion, try to clean it up first. That might help.

It’s the city I love, the city I want to return to its former self.

Taken from Tuesday’s edition of the Gee and Ursula Show on KIRO Radio. Edited for length and clarity.

Listen to the Gee and Ursula Show weekday mornings from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. on KIRO Radio, 97.3 FM. Subscribe to the podcast here.