Seattle’s Race and Social Justice Initiative ordinance, adopted in April 2023, places the initiative under the Seattle Office of Civil Rights and mandates all city departments to implement changes to end institutional racism. This unprecedented ordinance highlights the pervasive inequities faced by people of color in Seattle and sets a precedent for other cities seeking to address systemic racism. Seattle’s sustained commitment to racial equity through professional development trainings, step-by-step guides, and a racial equity toolkit offers valuable lessons for cities looking to create more equitable places.