What are the social issues of Seattle?

Seattle is grappling with significant social problems including rising homelessness, lack of affordable housing, increasing inequality, and a history of racial segregation. The city has large tent encampments and rampant drug use among the unhoused population. Economic growth has driven up housing costs, pricing out many residents. Racial minorities face wide income gaps compared to white Seattleites. In the past, racist policies like redlining and restrictive covenants created segregated neighborhoods that persist today. Seattle also has concerning crime rates, especially property crime, car thefts and homicides in recent years. Solving these complex, intersecting issues remains an ongoing challenge.