FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SEATTLE – Just two days before Washington Policy Center’s (WPC’s) Young Professionals were to hold their “The City of Seattle… Dying or Thriving?” happy hour event, the venue cancelled due to outside pressure. The event had been scheduled since the end of March. The original venue, Peddler Brewing Company in Ballard contacted WPC saying,

We at Peddler believe in having open debates about important subjects, such as homelessness, but this business is also our livelihood. There are many people very passionate about this issue on all sides and many were directing that energy negatively at our business. While we were merely the venue, Peddler was incorrectly being perceived as organizing this event and aligning our business with a particular viewpoint. We felt it was best for the reputation of our business, and the safety and enjoyment of our customers and employees, to remove ourselves from hosting. We are encouraged by all the energy and passion our community has for ending homelessness.

The planned YP event was to feature a screening of portions of KOMO’s “Seattle is Dying” report followed by a panel discussion about the root causes of homelessness in Seattle and the best policies to address the problem. The screening portion of the event has been cancelled, but a new venue has already been found.

“It’s a truly sad commentary on the state of civil discourse that a business would be pressured to shut down a conversation about an important public issue,” said WPC Communications Director David Boze. “We sincerely wish the Peddler Brewing Company well and I think it’s a shame people would seek to punish a business for attempting to serve customers they might not agree with. We hope this situation sparks a self-reflection within the community that results in greater listening to those with differing views.”

A Tweet from Peddler Brewing stated that since they’d agreed to host the event two months ago, “the event has morphed into something that we are not comfortable being associated with and have cancelled.” However, the Young Professional’s event remains the same as it was originally designed, although the change in venue and a decision to provide for more discussion and networking time has led to the removal of the documentary screening portion.

Panelists reflect a diversity of views and include local film director Chris Rufo, CEO of Fire and Vine Hospitality Chad Mackay, Director of the Homeless Rights Advocacy Project at Seattle University, Associate Professor Sara Rankin and Amber Matthai, who was featured in the KOMO report.

Immediately upon learning of the venue cancellation, WPC staff set to work finding a replacement venue. Fortunately, SURF Incubator in the Wells Fargo Building downtown was able to offer space for the event.

“We are excited about our new venue and the event,” said Miranda Hawkins, WPC’s Young Professionals director. “We look forward to a constructive, informative conversation on an issue that is defining the city and the region.”

Who: Washington Policy Center’s Young Professionals

Event: City of Seattle:Dying or Thriving?” Panel discussion on Homelessness

When: Thursday, May 23rd 7:00-9:00pm

Where: SURF INCUBATOR

Wells Fargo Building

999 Third Ave Suite 700

Seattle, WA

ALL GUESTS MUST REGISTER IN ADVANCE at WashingtonPolicy.org/events

MEDIA CONTACT:

Miranda Hawkins, WPC Young Professionals Director

Phone: (509) 954-2449