The document discusses the seismic hazards facing the city of Seattle and recommendations for improving the safety of unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings. It notes that Seattle is located in a seismically active region and outlines the damage that could occur from a M6.7 earthquake on the Seattle Fault. Specifically, it recommends that Seattle mandate seismic retrofits for its over 1,000 URM buildings to reduce injury and loss of life. The policy goals are to improve life safety, preserve historic character, and increase earthquake resiliency and the recommended timeline is 7-13 years to complete retrofits depending on building risk level.