The first step to meaningful action is recognizing the problem. With mass deportations and political persecution looming, cities that provide protection will experience an influx of new residents, especially migrants and others who are politically oppressed. These newcomers may challenge our infrastructure, housing market, and public services. What can we do to ensure that our future neighbors thrive alongside us?

The response to these challenges must be to provide, not to exclude. To avoid conflicts about whose basic needs get met, we must create abundance: enough homes for everyone, a reliable public transit system, functioning social services, funded schools and libraries, and well-maintained parks. As one of the world’s wealthiest cities, Seattle can make these things happen. By embracing abundance we can overcome our greatest challenges, whether it be skyrocketing housing costs, displacement and homelessness, worsening traffic, or insufficient tax revenue.