A new bipartisan citizens group is taking on the crisis of homeless encampments that King County politicians have allowed to spiral out of control. The Quality of Life Coalition launched its campaign Tuesday, filing a new ordinance to restore safety and compassion to a region that has lost its way.
The initiative, called the “Compassionate Public Safety Act,” would ban unauthorized public camping across the county and require that individuals be directed to available shelter space. The effort is being spearheaded by Saul Spady, founder of the Quality of Life Coalition and a former KTTH host. And it’s apolitical, taking the concern from King County residents of all backgrounds and turning it into a solution to clean up our streets and get the homeless the help they so desperately need.
“Whether we’re Republicans, Democrats, independents, artists or business owners, we all see the same thing,” Spady explained on “The Jason Rantz Show” on KTTH.
Will King County voters take lead on homeless encampment ban?
The ordinance is the epitome of a grassroots movement, backed by community leaders, artists, business owners, and fed-up voters. The coalition isn’t guessing about public support; internal polling shows an overwhelming 77% of King County voters—a majority that crosses all political lines—favor a public camping ban when it’s tied to the availability of shelter.
Spady notes the urgency, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup looming as an international showcase for the region. And while the city of Seattle is dealing with a worsening homelessness crisis courtesy of a disinterested Mayor Bruce Harrell, the rest of the county shouldn’t be subject to inaction.
“The entire world coming to Seattle looking for a great city, a culturally vibrant city, a safe city, and instead, they’re going to find tents,” Spady explained. “They’re going to find the world’s greatest graffiti collection. They’re going to find the ‘fenty bend’ being performed on the street. And what we need to do is we need to get those who are on the street into shelter.”
The proposed ordinance amends the King County Code to prohibit camping on any public property, including parks, sidewalks, and streets. A violation would be a misdemeanor. However, a citation can only be issued if an individual has been offered a space at an available overnight shelter and refuses it.
The measure also makes it immediately unlawful to camp in any way that “poses a substantial danger to any person,” creates an “immediate threat” to public health or safety, or disrupts “vital government services,” regardless of shelter availability. The policy is modeled after similar accountability-based ordinances passed in cities like Burien and San Diego.
Forcing action on homelessness
The initiative is designed to force the King County Council to finally act. If the coalition gathers the necessary 50,000 signatures, the council must either pass the ordinance into law or place it on the ballot for the voters to decide.
The campaign has attracted a broad range of supporters, including Krist Novoselic, founding member of the legendary band Nirvana.
“As an avowed independent and music fan, I know the world is coming to Seattle looking for the soul of our music scene and quite often they find graffiti, addiction and in-action,” said Novoselic via a press release. “I support the Quality of Life Coalition because this is the first step toward making King County safe, livable, and worthy of our incredible cultural legacy I’m proud to be a part of.”
Former Democratic State Representative Jesse Johnson also endorsed the measure. “This initiative gives King County an on-ramp toward real solutions-housing, shelter, and ultimately healing,” Johnson stated. “I support this coalition because they’re willing to act where others stall.”
This isn’t the end
This ordinance is just the first step. The coalition is also preparing for a 2026 push for a “Three Strikes = 6 Months Mandatory Rehab” initiative, which would mandate treatment for those who repeatedly break public safety laws due to addiction.
“This ain’t rocket science. It’s civic science, and our politicians have failed,” Spady said.
To gather the required 50,000 signatures, the coalition is building a volunteer and paid signature-gathering effort. Spady expects to begin signature gathering efforts after Independence Day.
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