Seattle Residents Express Concerns About Public Safety and Quality of Life A new survey from the Seattle Metro Chamber highlights concerns about public safety and quality of life in Seattle, with two-thirds of respondents feeling less safe visiting downtown and nearly eight in 10 wanting city leaders to prove existing spending works before increasing taxes. Seattle's Public Safety and Quality of Life Concerns Rise Amid Economic Struggles. Despite 75% of respondents expressing pride in calling Seattle home, a new survey from the Seattle Metro Chamber reveals concerns about public safety and quality of life. Key findings include two-thirds of respondents feeling less safe visiting downtown, especially at night, and nearly eight in 10 wanting city leaders to prove that existing spending works before increasing taxes. This lack of trust is reflected in the 96% of respondents who agree it's difficult for middle-class families to afford living in Seattle.The city lost the momentum it gained leading up to and during the World Cup last summer, with three-quarters of respondents worried about downtown Seattle's future and a significant decline in perceived safety.