The Seattle Police Department is facing some serious staffing problems after 10 percent of its personnel quit last year — the fastest rate of turnover SPD has seen in six years.

Mayor Jenny Durkan announced a $1.6 million plan earlier this week to recruit and retain officers. The proposal includes referral bonuses for officers who direct successful candidates to the department, a change in work hours, and a new policy that would eventually wipe unfounded complaints from an officer’s record.

Seattle police officers have cited low morale and ongoing criticism from city leaders as key reasons for their dissatisfaction. As Crosscut reports, officers are also being called on to step in during crises tied to our city’s ongoing problems with mental health, substance abuse, and homelessness.

To ease the burden on commissioned officers, Durkan has recommended expanding the city’s civilian officer program and adding more mental health nursing positions at local homeless shelters.

In other news…

A city-sponsored pedestrian safety campaign on Rainier Avenue South called “Don’t Blend In” is being met with pushback from some neighbors. They say the message of encouraging people to wear bright colors blames the victim and detracts from SDOT’s responsibility to make safety improvements to the dangerous corridor. (Seattle Bike Blog, KUOW)

Green Lake is one of Seattle’s most popular public areas. And now, a new, fully accessible community boathouse is in the works to help more people connect with rowing and other activities available there. (Phinneywood.com)

Seattle’s best fried chicken sandwich is found in SoDo, according to Seattle Times food writer Tan Vinh. His latest roundup offers nine other top options around the city — none of which include the words “Popeyes” or “Chik-fil-A.” (The Seattle Times)

Who’s ready to Set the Table with us once again? Our next monthly dinner discussion is coming up next Wednesday, and we’ve got a stellar panel ready to lead us in a conversation about one of Seattle’s most pressing issues: gentrification and displacement.

If you’ve never been to Setting the Table and are wondering what all the fuss is about, check out this video our own Eric Keto put together from last month’s event.

To help seed the conversation, we dug into The Evergrey’s archives for some background info:

• Curious how the Central District became Seattle’s historically black neighborhood? Our explainer on redlining and racial covenants chronicles the neighborhood’s complex history.
• Gentrification isn’t inherently a bad thing, and this Q&A with panelist Donald King offers some interesting ideas about its economic potential.
• As co-owner of Northwest Vietnamese News, panelist Julie Pham has witnessed years of significant change in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District. Our video profile of her work with the Washington Technology Industry Association shows how she’s searching for community-based solutions to our city’s persistent problems.
• What does it mean to belong in Seattle? Our video of Seattle natives and transplants talking about the city’s economic challenges is packed with thoughtful insights.

Eager to dive in further? Go here for more info on Setting the Table and to grab your tickets.

🌶️ Could your Thursday use some spicing up? Join The Evergrey tonight at the Collective for the latest edition of our Modern Love Dating Game Show. We’re bringing you four rounds of questions and games to get to know our contestants, then it’s up to you to match them with their soulmate. Don’t miss out on the fun! (South Lake Union)

Want to unlock big discounts at Evergrey events? Support The Evergrey with a membership.

If you’ve been feeling a vague, ever-present sense of dread about the environmental crisis lately, you’re not alone. Now there’s a word for the feeling: Solastalgia.

Take care out there, folks. We’ll see you tomorrow. 💚

— The Evergrey