West Seattle residents gathered on September 23, 2026 for the Highland Park, Riverview, and South Delridge community coalition’s inaugural fall meeting. The event, organized by the High Park Area Coalition (HPAC), brought together neighborhood members, local officials and police representatives to address growing concerns about crime rates and housing stability in the three adjoining districts.
Capt. Krista Bair, commander of the Southwest Precinct, opened the session by acknowledging the recent uptick in criminal activity reported across the area. She outlined the precinct’s current response efforts and invited community input on how law‑enforcement resources could be better aligned with local needs. The captain’s remarks set the tone for a dialogue that emphasized collaboration between residents and police.
Participants from Highland Park, Riverview and South Delridge took turns sharing observations of the challenges they face. Many expressed anxiety over a perceived rise in property crimes, disturbances and other safety issues that have affected daily life. Housing concerns also featured prominently, with residents highlighting the strain of limited affordable options and the impact of housing instability on neighborhood cohesion.
The meeting provided a structured forum for the coalition to collect feedback, document specific incidents and identify priority areas for future action. HPAC officials noted that the gathering marks the first public assembly of its kind for the fall season, signaling a renewed commitment to transparency and community engagement.
While no concrete policy changes were announced at the session, the coalition pledged to compile the input received and work with the Southwest Precinct to develop targeted strategies. Attendees were encouraged to stay involved in upcoming planning efforts and to maintain open lines of communication with both HPAC leadership and law‑enforcement partners.
The September 23 gathering reflects a broader trend of neighborhood coalitions seeking proactive solutions to intertwined public safety and housing issues, aiming to foster a safer and more stable environment for all residents of West Seattle.