>> GOOD EVENING. THIS MEETING
WILL COME TO ORDER. IT IS STILL
5:00 P.M. OCTOBER 16th 2024.
I'M DAN STRAUSS, CHAIR OF THE
SELECT BUDGET COMMITTEE . WILL
THE CLERK PLEASE CALL THE ROLE?
>> [ ROLL BEING CALLED ]
>> THANK YOU. GOOD EVENING,
EVERYONE WHO HAS COME HERE IN
PERSON AND WHO HAS CALLED IN
ONLINE. YOU HAVE COME TO THE
SEATTLE DASHED FIRST OF TWO
PUBLIC HEARINGS ABOUT THE 2025
AND 2026 PROPOSED BUDGETS. AS I
SAID, I'M CHAIR OF THE
COMMITTEE. FASHION SINCE 2020.
HAVE BROUGHT BACK CHILDCARE. IF
THERE'S ANYONE THAT NEED
CHILDCARE AVAILABLE WE ARE
TESTING IT OUT AGAIN. WE HAD
THIS AS A PRE-PANDEMIC OPTION
AND NOW THAT WE HAVE CALL IN,
WE WILL BE EVALUATING HOW WELL
THIS WORKS. WE WILL BE TAKING
TWO MINUTES PER PERSON AS LONG
AS WE GO AND HEAR THE CAVEATS.
OUR CHILDCARE IS AVAILABLE
UNTIL 7:00 P.M. . IF THERE ARE
PEOPLE USING CHILDCARE BEFORE
IT CLOSES DOWN WE WILL MOVE
THEM IN. SEE PARKING GARAGE
CLOSES AT 10:00 P.M.. THAT IS
SOMETHING TO BE AWARE OF. IF
YOU ARE PARKED IN C PARK YOU
CAN TELL THE ATTENDANT YOU CAME
HERE TO THE CITY COUNCIL BUDGET
HEARING AND PARKING IS FIVE
DOLLARS. WE DO HAVE A SPANISH
LANGUAGE INTERPRETER FOR ONE
SPEAKER. WE ARE GOING TO LINE
UP AT DIFFERENT LINES. I'LL BE
CALLING THE NAMES OR NUMBERS. I
ASK WE KEEP THIS PROCESS
MOVING. IF YOU APPRECIATE
SOMETHING, JAZZ HANDS. THAT'S
WHAT I'M ASKING FOR SO WE CAN
KEEP THINGS MOVING. WE HAVE A
COUPLE VOLUNTEERS IN THE ROOM
TO HELP LINE FOLKS UP . WE WILL
DO THIS AS EXPEDITIOUSLY AS
POSSIBLE. I DON'T HAVE A GOOD
SENSE. ABOUT 80 PEOPLE IN
PERSON SO FAR, 62 ONLINE. THAT
IS TWO HOURS ONLINE . I'M NOT
DOING THE MATH OFF THE TOP MY
HEAD BUT WE WILL BE HERE WHILE.
WE ARE HERE TO HEAR YOUR
VOICES. THIS EVENING WE ARE
HOLDING A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE
CITY'S 2025 GENERAL REVENUE
SOURCES INCLUDING POSSIBLE
PROPERTY TAX LEVY INCREASE, THE
MAYOR'S 2025 AND 2026 PROPOSED
BUDGET AND THE 2025 TO 2030
PROGRAM AND PROPOSED REVISIONS
TO THE CITY'S 2025 GENERAL
REVENUE SOURCES AND MAYORS
PROPOSED BUDGETS AND CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT PLAN. IF NO
OBJECTION THE AGENDA WILL BE
ADOPTED. HEARING NO OBJECTION
THE AGENDA IS ADOPTED. ANY
QUESTIONS , COMMENTS BEFORE WE
GET GOING? SEEING NONE, THE
SELECT BUDGET COMMITTEE WILL
NOW OPEN OUR PUBLIC HEARING. I
READ WHAT WE ARE HERE ABOUT AND
I'VE READ HOW MANY SPEAKERS WE
HAVE. EACH SPEAKER WILL HAVE
TWO MINUTES. WE WILL START WITH
IN PERSON FIRST. WE WILL DO
SETS OF 10, 10 IN PERSON AND 10
REMOTE BACK TO ATTEND IN
PERSON. SPEAKERS WILL BE CALLED
IN THE ORDER IN WHICH THEY
REGISTERED. SPEAKERS WILL
ALTERNATE. SPEAKERS WILL HEAR A
CHIME WHEN THERE IS 10 SECONDS
LEFT. WHEN YOU HEAR THAT CHIME
YOU HAVE A SECOND TO GO. PUBLIC
COMMENT PERIOD IS NOW OPEN. WE
WILL BEGIN WITH THE FIRST
SPEAKERS ON THE LIST. FROM LIST
A, ONE THROUGH 10 . LAURA,
CALEB , KARINA , HALEY WILLIS ,
JOE MALLOY AND THOMAS SCOTT. WE
HAVE ONE, TWO, IF YOU JUST
HEARD YOUR NAME PLEASE LINE UP
IN ORDER. WELCOME. GOOD TO SEE
YOU. YOU ARE THE FIRST ONE UP .
WE HAVE THE TIMER GOING. AT
YOUR CONVENIENCE TAKE IT AWAY.
>> GOOD EVENING. I AM A PROUD
RESIDENT OF DISTRICT 5, MEMBER
OF THE NEIL PARTNERSHIP
COALITION. I AM HERE TO URGE
YOU TO SUSTAIN A ONE
MILLION-DOLLAR INVESTMENT IN
THE MEAL PROGRAMS IN THE 2025
BUDGET. I WANT TO THANK
COUNCILMEMBER HOLLINGSWORTH FOR
TAKING THE LEAD ON THIS ISSUE.
I RUN A DAY TREATMENT PROGRAM
FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH SEVERE AND
PERSISTENT MENTAL ILLNESS AT
COMMUNITY HOUSE LOCATED IN
DISTRICT THREE. THE DAY PROGRAM
IS WHAT THE AGENCY CENTERS
AROUND. CLIENTS COME IN FOR
WHAT MAY BE THEIR ONLY HOT MEAL
OF THE DAY AND WHILE THEY ARE
THERE THEY ARE ABLE TO CONNECT
WITH THEIR CASE MANAGERS,
NURSING, GET MEDICATIONS,
ATTEND LIFE SKILL GROUPS. IT
PROVIDES OUR UNHOUSED CLIENTS
WITH A STABLE SAFE PLACE DURING
THE DAY AND CONNECTS WITH
SERVICES. THESE WRAPAROUND
SERVICES INCREASE CLIENT
ENGAGEMENT IN THE RECOVERY
PROCESS WHICH LEADS TO A
DECREASE AND ENCOUNTERS WITH
POLICE, FIRST RESPONDERS AS
WELL AS HOSPITALIZATION AND
INCARCERATION THUS SAVING MONEY
AS WELL AS LIVES. MEAL PROGRAMS
ARE MORE THAN A GOOD MEAL, THEY
PROVIDE AVENUES TO CONNECT
SEATTLE'S RESIDENCE WITH
SERVICES THAT LEAD TO LONG-TERM
STABILITY. AGAIN, I URGE YOU TO
SUSTAIN THE ONE MILLION-DOLLAR
INVESTMENT FOR THE MEAL PROGRAM
IN THE 2025 BUDGET. I WANT TO
THINK COUNCILMEMBER
HOLLINGSWORTH FOR HER SUPPORT
AND I HOPE ALL THE COUNCIL WILL
FUND THIS MODEST INVESTMENT IN
COMMUNITY SAFETY AND
WELL-BEING.
>> THANK YOU. UP NEXT . GOOD TO
SEE YOU. WELCOME.
>> HI. I NEED TRUCK WITH WHEEL
AND WOMEN IN BLACK. WOMEN IN
BLACK STOOD VIGIL AGAIN TODAY
FOR 25 MORE HOMELESS PEOPLE WHO
DIED WITHOUT SHELTER. SIX OF
THEM WERE WOMEN. WITHOUT
SHELTER DAY AND NIGHT WOMEN
DIE. FOR 25 YEARS THE DAY
CENTER HAS BEEN A LIFESAVER FOR
HOMELESS WOMEN PROVIDING WARMTH
, COMMUNITY, MEALS, SHOWERS,
LAUNDRY , NURSING SERVICES ,
CASE MANAGEMENT AND RESOURCE
INFORMATION. THIS WILL CLOSE
THE 28th OF MARCH 2025 AND THAT
IS A DEVASTATING BLOW. WE NEED
$500,000 IN THE 2025 BUDGET TO
FUND A NEW DAY CENTER AND HAVE
NO NET LOSS OF HOMELESS WOMEN
SERVICES . ALSO, STOP MORE
PEOPLE FROM BECOMING HOMELESS
BY DOUBLING THE FUNDING FOR
EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE AND
TENANT SERVICES AND PREVENT
MORE CUTS TO SERVICES BYPASSING
PROGRESSIVE TAXES. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU. UP NEXT IS CALEB.
THANKS FOR SETTING AN EXAMPLE.
TAKE IT AWAY. YOU'LL NEED TO
SPEAK CLOSER TO THE MICROPHONE.
GENERAL PUBLIC SERVICE
ANNOUNCEMENT, IF YOUR MOUTH IS
NOT NEAR THE MICROPHONE WE
CANNOT HEAR YOU.
>> GOOD AFTERNOON. BUDGET CHAIR
STRAUSS AND CITY COUNCIL
MEMBERS MY NAME IS CALEB . I
SERVE ON THE SEATTLE PLANNING
COMMISSION AND I'VE DONE SO
FOR OVER THREE YEARS. I
CURRENTLY CO-CHAIR THE LAND-USE
COMMITTEE AND I COME HERE TO
ASK FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION TO
MAINTAIN THE STAFFING OF THE
SEATTLE PLANNING COMMISSION AT
ITS CURRENT LEVEL AND REJECT
THE PROPOSED CUT OF A THIRD OF
POLICY STAFF. A CURRENTLY
FILLED FULL-TIME SENIOR
PLANNING ANALYST , PLANS,
POLICIES AND PROGRAMS HAS
OFFERED COMMENT AND ADVICE TO
THE BODY AS WELL AS THE MAYOR
AND CITY DEPARTMENT STAFF OVER
THE PAST 16 YEARS AND INCLUDE
ANNUAL PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO
THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN, MAJOR
UPDATES TO THE PLAN ONE SEATTLE
CURRENTLY UNDERWAY AND SEATTLE
2035 ADOPTED IN 2016. MANDATORY
HOUSING AFFORDABILITY AND
LIVABILITY AGENDA , MULTIFAMILY
TAX EXEMPTION , PROGRAM
RENEWAL, PERMANENT SUPPORTIVE
HOUSING, FAIR HOUSING,
ACCESSORY DWELLING UNITS, THE
SEATTLE TRANSPORTATION PLAN,
THE TRANSPORTATION LEVY ,
PREVIOUS MODAL PLANS, FREIGHT
MASTER PLAN AND PEDESTRIAN
MASTER PLAN. DISPLACEMENT RISK
INDICATORS EQUITABLE
DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE AND
EQUITABLE DEVELOPMENT
MONITORING PROGRAM AND COMMENTS
AND RECOMMENDATIONS ON
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENTS
AND THEIR SCOPE ASSOCIATED WITH
PROJECTS AND PLANS NOTED
EARLIER. I CANNOT THINK OF
ANOTHER INDEPENDENT ADVISORY
BODY WITH SUCH A DIVERSE
COMPETITION BY BOTH THIS BODY
AND THE MAYOR THAT HAS
UNDERTAKEN BOTH RESPONSIVE
REVIEW AS WELL AS INDEPENDENT
WORK. PLEASE CONTINUE TO
SUPPORT THE ADEQUATE STAFFING
OF OUR VOLUNTEER COMMISSION .
THANK YOU FOR YOUR
CONSIDERATION.
>> UP NEXT IS LOU. I SEE YOU
COMING.
>> FOUR MINUTES TOTAL IS THAT
CORRECT? GREAT. AT YOUR
CONVENIENCE, WELCOME.
>> [ SPEAKING NON-ENGLISH ]
>> I WILL TRANSLATE. I AM HERE
REPRESENTING THE IMMIGRANT
FAMILY CENTER AND SHE SAID
THANK YOU FOR THE
COUNCILMEMBERS LISTENING TODAY.
SHE'S HERE TO REPRESENT
IMMIGRANT FAMILY CENTER WHERE
THEY ARE LOCATED IN DELRAY
JUNTA 45 CHILDREN AND FAMILIES
WITH DIVERSE BACKGROUNDS.
THEY'VE BEEN IN THE COMMUNITY
FOR OVER 30 YEARS IN THE DEL
RIDGE CORE DOOR PROVIDING
SERVICES AND EARLY EDUCATION
MODEL. WE ARE HERE TO TALK OF
THE BARRIER PLACED IN 2021
WITHOUT THE CONSENT OF THE
COMMUNITY. THE PROGRAMMING WAS
NOT CONSULTED ABOUT THE ROAD
CURVE PLACED IN FRONT OF THE
PRESCHOOL THAT PREVENTS MANY
FAMILIES TO ENTER AND BEING
ABLE TO DROP OFF CHILDREN. WE
NEED THIS TO BE FIXED AS SOON
AS POSSIBLE, IT CREATES
CHALLENGES WITHIN THE
COMMUNITY. WE WANT THE CHANGE
TO BE SAFE FOR EVERYONE BUT OUR
FAMILIES NEED TO BE ABLE TO
DRIVE INTO THE PROPERTY COMING
FROM THE SOUTH AND. IN ORDER
FOR THIS TO HAPPEN WE NEED THIS
TO BE FIXED AND CHANGED AND
PLEASE ENCOURAGE TO WORK WITH
COMMUNITIES MORE IN THE FUTURE
AND SHE SAID THANKS TO
COUNCILMEMBER ROB SOCCER FOR
HELPING US WITH THIS MATTER.
>> THANK YOU FOR COMING DOWN
TONIGHT. WE WILL MOVE ON TO OUR
NEXT SPEAKER, KARINA . HERE WE
ARE. TAKE IT AWAY.
>> BY NAME IS KARINA. THANK YOU
FOR LETTING US KNOW ABOUT THE
MEETING AND COMING TO REPRESENT
OUR COMMUNITY. WE ARE HERE TO
ADDRESS A BARRIER PLACED
OUTSIDE OF OUR PRESCHOOL. THIS
IMPACTS MY CENTER BECAUSE I AM
A CENTER DIRECTOR SOUTHWEST
EARLY-MORNING BILINGUAL
PRESCHOOL LOCATED ON 65 AND 35
DELL RANGE WAY. THIS WAS PLACED
IN 2021 DURING COVID AND OUR
COMMUNITY WAS NEVER ASKED FOR
THE OPINION OR IF IT WILL
IMPACT HER CHILDREN OF COLOR
AND FAMILIES THAT DO NOT SPEAK
ENGLISH THE MAJORITY OF THEM.
THANKS TO COUNCILMAN ROB SAKA
WHO WAS IN THE PROCESS OF THIS
THERE DURING THE PROCESS OF
WHEN THIS ALL STARTED AND IN
REALITY WE ARE RUNNING A
PROGRAM WE DON'T HAVE TIME TO
DEAL WITH BARRIERS. THIS HAS
MADE A BIG IMPACT ON OUR
COMMUNITY AND I REPRESENT SWELL
AND THIS IS A BIG EQUITY ISSUE
BECAUSE WHEN YOU DON'T CONSULT
FAMILIES, EDUCATORS LIKE US AND
THE COMMUNITY TAKING ALL OF
THIS INTO CONSIDERATION THIS
IMPACTS HOW WE RUN OUR PROGRAM
ESPECIALLY IN THE DELRIDGE
COMMUNITY. IT CAUSES ACCIDENTS,
CAUSE MULTIPLE WITHIN OUR
COMMUNITY. THIS DELAYS ARE
MEALS THAT ARE SHAFT PREPS
EVERY DAY ORGANICALLY. IT
IMPACTS CHILDREN'S HEALTH AND
THE IMPACT THEY RECEIVE. IF YOU
CAN SEE THE CHALLENGE IN
EQUITIES WE FACE EVERY DAY I'M
SURE YOU WOULD WANT TO MAKE A
CHANGE IN THE COMMUNITY. WE ASK
THEY CONSIDER US BECAUSE WE
LIVE, WORK AND PLAY IN
DELRIDGE. THIS WILL HELP US
FIGURE OUT HOW TO NAVIGATE THE
BARRIER AND MORE BARRIERS BEING
PLACED IN DELRIDGE. WE WILL
CONTINUE TO SEE ACCIDENTS, AND
EQUITIES AND NOT CARING. THESE
GIVE OUR CHILDREN WHAT THEY
DESERVE.
>> UP NEXT . PLEASURE TO SEE
YOU. ANOTHER PUBLIC
ANNOUNCEMENT , IF YOU HAVE
SPOKEN WE ASK YOU GO DOWN TO
THE ROOM DIRECTLY BELOW US, WE
WILL HAVE IT STREAMING THERE.
WE HAVE MORE PEOPLE SIGNING UP
FROM THE VISUAL I CAN SEE NOW.
WE MIGHT ALREADY BE AT OR ABOVE
FIRE CODE. ONCE YOU'VE SPOKEN
IF YOU CAN GO DOWN . OVER TO
YOU MY FRIEND.
>> I AM FORMERLY HOMELESS AND
CURRENTLY IN A TRANSITIONAL
PROGRAM AND I'M HERE TODAY
REPRESENTING A GROUP OF
HOMELESS AND FORMERLY HOMELESS
MEN AND WOMEN. IT SUPPORTS THE
SOLIDARITY BUDGET AND I'M HERE
TO SPEAK AGAINST CUTS IN THE
MAYOR'S BUDGET. WE ARE PASSED
A HOMELESSNESS CRISIS. WE ARE
IN A COUNTLESS CATASTROPHE AND
WE CAN SEE REFUGEES EVERY DAY
WHEN WE STEP OUTSIDE. WE ARE
SAYING THERE SHOULD BE SPACE .
WE'RE ASKING YOU PLEASE ADD
$500,000 TO PROVIDE WOMEN WITH
A SAFE PLACE TO BE IN 2025. WE
ALSO NEED A LOT MORE SHELTERS
OF ALL KINDS . I READ AN
ARTICLE RECENTLY ABOUT 250 TINY
HOMES BUILT AND ARE SITTING AND
BEING WAREHOUSED WHEN WE
DESPERATELY NEED THOSE HOMES TO
BE IN USE. I CAN TELL YOU WHEN
I WAS IN A TENT I WOULD'VE
LOVED TO HAVE BEEN IN A TINY
HOUSE. THE BUDGET TALKS ABOUT
CUTTING FUNDING FOR LEGAL
SERVICES AND RENTER PROTECTION.
WE ARE ASKING YOU DOUBLE
FUNDING FOR LEGAL SERVICES AND
RENTAL PROTECTION AND WE ARE
AGAINST MORATORIUMS. WITHOUT
THESE PROTECTIONS WE NEED TO
STOP PEOPLE FROM BECOMING
HOMELESS. DON'T REMOVE THE
SUPPORTS TO REMAIN IN THEIR
HOME. WE NEED TO THINK ABOUT
SOURCES. IT'S NOT -- IT'S
HARD FOR ME TO SEE THAT MONEY
BEING PUT INTO SOMETHING ELSE
INSTEAD OF BUILDING AFFORDABLE
HOUSING WHICH I WOULD ENJOY
LIVING IN. IN QUEUE.
>> THANK YOU. UP NEXT . GOOD TO
SEE YOU.
>> HI. I'VE BEEN A RESIDENT OF
SEATTLE FOR A DECADE AND A HALF
AND I'M HERE TO OBJECT
STRONGLY TO THE INCREASED
FUNDING FOR SWEEPS IN THE
MAYOR'S PROPOSED BUDGET. I
DON'T WANT PEOPLE LIVING ON
THE STREET AND I DON'T WANT
THAT BECAUSE I CARE ABOUT THE
VALUE OF HUMAN LIFE. I CARE
ABOUT THE QUALITY OF EVERY
RESIDENT OF THE CITY INCLUDING
THOSE WHO ARE NOT FORTUNATE TO
CURRENTLY HAVE HOUSING. COUNCIL
SAYS THEY DON'T WANT PEOPLE ON
THE STREETS EITHER BUT I HAVE A
HARD TIME BELIEVING THIS FOR
THE SAME REASONS AS MYSELF .
WHAT I THINK COUNCIL CARES
ABOUT IS THE AESTHETIC OF THE
CRISIS . THEY SEE PEOPLE
SUFFERING AND THINK THIS MAKES
ME UNCOMFORTABLE SO I DON'T
WANT TO SEE THIS AND I DON'T
WANT HOME OWNING VOTERS TO SEE
THIS. THAT'S WHAT I THINK
COUNCIL CARES ABOUT AND WHAT I
KNOW COUNCIL CARES ABOUT IS
MONEY SO LET'S TALK ABOUT
RETURN ON INVESTMENT. WHEN IT
COMES TO THE CRISIS IN THE CITY
SWEEPS ARE THE WORST POSSIBLE
ROI YOU COULD IMAGINE. EVERY
DOLLAR SPENT ON SWEEPS DIGS A
HOLE WE ARE IN NOW DEEPER SO IT
WILL BE MORE EXPENSIVE TO GET
OUT OF IN THE FUTURE. ANYONE
WITH ANY LEVEL OF ACTUAL
EXPERIENCE IN THIS CRISIS WILL
TELL YOU THE SAME AND
EVENTUALLY COUNCILS HOME OWNING
VOTERS WILL REALIZE IT AS WELL.
THEY ARE GOING TO LOOK AROUND
AND REALIZE OBVIOUSLY THINGS
ARE NOT GETTING BETTER. SOONER
OR LATER THEY WILL LOOK INTO IT
AND SAY THAT IS THE OFFICIAL
POLICY? TAKING PEOPLE FROM ONE
BLOCK TO THE NEXT OVER AND OVER
WITHOUT ACTUALLY OFFERING ANY
MEANINGFUL SUPPORT THAT WOULD
HELP PEOPLE GET OFF THE STREET
AND THEY ARE SPENDING HOW MANY
MILLIONS OF OUR TAXPAYER
DOLLARS TO DO THAT? THE PEOPLE
OF SEATTLE DO NOT WANT AN
AESTHETIC BAND-AID FOR THE
CRISIS, THEY WANT A REAL
SOLUTION. THE SOLIDARITY BUDGET
LEAVES US MEANINGFULLY IN THAT
DIRECTION. THE PROPOSED BUDGET
ACTIVELY MAKES THINGS WORSE .
ADOPT THE SOLIDARITY BUDGET,
FUND ACTUAL SOLUTIONS NOT MORE
SWEEPS.
>> KAYLEE WILLIS UP NEXT.
>> GOOD EVENING. I AM THE
POLICY MANAGER FOR THE SEATTLE
KING COUNTY COALITION ON
HOMELESSNESS AND I LIVE IN
DISTRICT 6. I'M TESTIFYING IN
SUPPORT OF THE COALITION BUDGET
PRIORITIES . AS WELL AS THE
SEATTLE HUMAN SERVICES
COALITION'S BUDGET PRIORITY.
THERE IS DIRE NEED FOR
ADDITIONAL SELTZER , HOUSING
AND SERVICES FOR PEOPLE
EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS. MOST
ARE ROUTINELY FULL AND THERE IS
NOT NEARLY ENOUGH AFFORDABLE
HOUSING AND THERE IS NOWHERE
FOR THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE IN THIS
COMMUNITY TO GO. WE CAN'T
AFFORD TO LOSE ANY CAPACITY AND
HOUSING, SHELTER OR SERVICES.
THAT MEANS ENSURING ALL HUMAN
SERVICES GET INFLATION
ADJUSTMENTS. THERE IS NO LOSS
OF SHELTER OR DAY CENTERS AND
WE MAINTAIN SEATTLE'S
COMMITMENT TO SPEND 62% OF
JUMPSTART FUNDS ON HOUSING.
MAINTAINING AN UNDERFUNDED
SYSTEM WON'T END HOMELESSNESS.
THE COUNCIL ALSO NEEDS TO
PROMOTE A ROBUST HUMAN SERVICES
WORKFORCE AND ADJUST HUMAN
SERVICES WAGES BY AT LEAST 5%
IN 2025 AS RECOMMENDED BY THE
UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON WAGE
EQUITY STUDY. NOT INVESTING IN
THIS WORKFORCE UNDERMINES THE
CITY'S ABILITY TO PROVIDE
STABLE QUALITY SERVICES THAT
PEOPLE NEED. WE NEED ADDITIONAL
PROGRESSIVE REVENUE TO DO THIS
WORK. THANK YOU.
>> AGAIN, WE HAVE JOE FOLLOWED
BY THOMAS SCOTT AND THEN WE
MOVE ON TO ONLINE SPEAKERS.
PATRICIA SULLY, YOU ARE NOT YET
PRESENT SO CALL IN NOW.
>> MY NAME IS JOE. I'M HERE
TODAY AS A MEMBER OF CHER'S
BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND A FORMER
CONSTITUENT OF DISTRICT SIX.
TWO YEARS AGO I LEARNED I HAD A
PREVIOUSLY UNDIAGNOSED
NEUROLOGICAL CONDITION. WHEN I
ASKED MY THEN EMPLOYER FOR
ACCOMMODATIONS TO SUPPORT THIS
CONDITION I WAS LET GO FROM MY
JOB. I SPENT THE NEXT YEAR AND
A HALF SEARCHING FOR WORK THAT
WOULD ALLOW ME TO SUPPORT
MYSELF AND MAINTAIN MY HOUSING.
WHEN THAT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL I
ENTERED ONTO A LONG PATH. EIGHT
MONTHS OF EVICTION. DURING
WHICH I EXPLORED EVERY OPTION
FOR HELP AND RENTAL ASSISTANCE
AND THE ONLY THING I FOUND WAS
A $900 CHECK FROM THE BALLARD
FOOD BANK WHICH WAS RETURNED BY
MY APARTMENT BECAUSE IT DIDN'T
COVER MY FULL RENT OWED. I WAS
EVICTED FROM MY HOME AND IN
LESS THAN 24 HOURS I WAS
ASSAULTED . JUST TO BE CLEAR BY
MEMBERS OF OUR COMMUNITY THAT
LIVED INDOORS. THEY WERE JUST
SIMPLY UNHAPPY TO SEE SOMEBODY
FORCED TO LIVE AT A PARK. A
WEEK LATER I FOUND MYSELF IN A
SHARE SHELTER AND AMONGST A
COMMUNITY OF PEOPLE, AVERAGE
PEOPLE, WORKING TOGETHER TO
MAKE THIS NIGHTMARE OF A
CIRCUMSTANCE LIVING ON HOUSED A
LITTLE MORE MANAGEABLE. IT
AVERAGE PEOPLE THAT SEEM TO BE
G THIS WORAVERAGE PEOPLE
ACTIVELY BEARING THE BURDEN OF
BEING ON HOUSED THAT ARE DOING
THIS WORK. I'M STANDING HERE
TODAY ASKING YOU TO STAND WITH
US IN SOLIDARITY. THIS IS AN
UNFATHOMABLE CHALLENGE AND
GUTTING MONEY FROM THE
JUMPSTART PROGRAM IS NOT
ADDRESSING THIS CHALLENGE IT IS
TRYING TO SIDESTEP IT IN A WAY
THAT WILL ULTIMATELY HURT US.
ADOPT AS MUCH AS YOU CAN OF THE
SOLIDARITY BUDGET AND STAND
WITH --
>> THANK YOU. UP NEXT THOMAS
SCOTT. I WILL GIVE YOU ANOTHER
REMINDER CLAPPING IS NOT
HELPFUL.
>> MY NAME IS THOMAS SCOTT.
I'M HERE ON BEHALF OF OF LOW
INCOME HOUSING INSTITUTE.
THEY'RE ASKING FOR MONEY TO
OPEN UP TO MORE VILLAGES. I
WILL BE FRANK WITH YOU. I WILL
BE FRANK. YOU ARE LOOKING AT A
MAN THAT HAS BEEN TRANSFORMED.
THAT'S BECAUSE OF LOVE. I SAY
LOVE BECAUSE THAT'S THE NAME
OF THE VILLAGE I HAD AN
OPPORTUNITY TO MOVE IN ON SOUTH
LAKE UNION. I'M HERE WITH MY
WIFE AND DAUGHTER. WE LIVED IN
BALLARD. BECAUSE WE LOST OUR
HOUSE BECAUSE OF THE INCREASE
AND HOW MUCH HOUSING IS HERE IN
SEATTLE WE WERE PLUMMETED OUT
ONTO THE STREET SO THAT BROUGHT
ME BACK INTO AN ADDICTION AND
PRIOR TO THAT I WAS A PASTOR. I
HAD A MINISTRY. I CAN TELL YOU
TODAY I AM BACK PASTORING. WE
HAVE A MINISTRY WHERE WE HELP
HOMELESS ON 12th AND JACKSON.
I'M BEGGING YOU TO GIVE THEM
THIS MONEY THAT WILL ALLOW THEM
TO DO THIS. THE PEOPLE OUT ON
THE STREETS I ADMINISTER TO ARE
LOSING THEIR LIMBS . THEY HAVE
DRUG PROBLEMS BECAUSE WITHOUT A
PLACE TO BE SAFE AND WARM YOU
WILL STAY IN ADDICTION. THE
DRUGS ARE KEEPING PEOPLE ALIVE
AND WITHOUT AN OPPORTUNITY TO
HAVE A PLACE TO LIVE, A PLACE
WARM, A PLACE TO SLEEP THEY
WILL NEVER GET OFF THE STREET.
PLEASE. GIVE THEM THE MONEY.
GIVE THEM THE PLACE. PRAISE
GOD. HALLELUJAH.
>> THANK YOU. WE WILL MOVE ON
TO ONLINE SPEAKERS. WE HAVE THE
FIRST 10 REMOTELY PRESENT.
ALICE, PETER, CHRIS, DENNIS,
TRAVIS , PATRICIA AND TONYA.
ALICE, YOU ARE UP FIRST. WE
WILL PROMOTE YOU AND ONCE YOU
ARE PROMOTED STAR SIX TO
UNMUTE. WE SEE YOU PRESENT.
STAR SIX. THERE YOU ARE. TAKE
IT AWAY.
>> AT AFTERNOON. THIS IS THE
FOURTH CITY BUDGET. IT IS THE
FIRST THAT HAS SICKENED ME.
THIS CUTS $811,000 FROM TENANT
SERVICES EVICTION DEFENSE AND
RENTAL ASSISTANCE. IT REMOVES
MILLION FROM EMERGENCY RENTAL
ASSISTANCE. THAT WAS ONE TIME
BUT CLEARLY ELIMINATING IT WAS
A MISTAKE FOR NEWLY HOMELESS
PEOPLE AND HAVE BEEN DESCRIBED
ALREADY TONIGHT ARE NO LONGER
SERVED BY THIS PROGRAM WILL BE
HIGHER THAN THE PROGRAM EXPENSE
NOT TO MENTION THE MISERY.
THERE ARE CUTS TO FOOD
ASSISTANCE. THEY ARE BUDGET
ITEMS THAT READ ELIMINATED
FUNDING FOR USING CHILDREN,
ELIMINATE FUNDING FOR PUBLIC
BENEFITS AND ELIMINATE FUNDING
FOR UNITED TAX ASSISTANCE. THE
BUDGET INCREASES MONEY FOR
SWEETS AND WILL CONTINUE AND
CRUELLY DISPLACE NEWLY HOMELESS
PEOPLE IN ADDITION TO MANY
OTHERS SO FAR. BELIEVE IT OR
NOT THAT IS NOT THE WORST. IN
THE MIDDLE OF WHAT ONE
COMMENTOR CORRECTLY CALLED A
HOMELESSNESS CATASTROPHE CAUSED
BY A A HOUSING AFFORDABILITY
CRISIS THE MAYOR PLAN TAKES TH'
AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND ONLY
SOURCE FOR FUNDING THESE
PROGRAMS WHICH I CARE DEEPLY
AND REMOVES ALL RESTRICTIONS ON
HOW THESE CAN BE SENT CREATING
A MENU OF PRIORITIES BUT NO
REQUIREMENTS. IT CAN GO TO THE
GENERAL FUND AND COUNCIL
DISCRETION AND THE OVERSIGHT
WHICH THE MAYOR HAS FAILED TO
CONVENE AS PROPOSED TO BE
DISSOLVED. WE SAW THAT IN
TODAY'S BUDGET HESITATIONS. WE
ALSO HEARD CHAIR STRAUSS
SUGGEST A MORE BALANCED
APPROACH . I WOULD SUGGEST A
MORE BALANCED APPROACH. YOU
HAVE KNOWN YOU HAD THE
OPPORTUNITY TO SEEK PROGRESSIVE
REVENUE. DO SO AND PRESERVE
JUMPSTART. THANK YOU.
>> UP NEXT IS ALBERTO. *6 TO
UNMUTE.
>> WE DEFEND AFFORDABLE
HOUSING, BUILDING A COMMUNITY
FOR ALL. SAYING NO TO THE SCAM
, PUBLIC SAFETY IMPROVES WHEN
YOU HAVE A STRONG WORKING CLASS
TO FUEL OUR LOCAL ECONOMY.
PEACE OF MIND FOR AVERAGE
WORKING PEOPLE IMPROVES
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AS WELL AS
NEIGHBORHOOD VISUALS. FUNDING
THAT FOR STUDENTS AND YOUNG
ADULTS PREVENTS THEM FROM
FALLING INTO CRIMINAL HABITS.
CRISIS OUTREACH AND MENTAL
HEALTH PROGRAMS HELP ON HOUSED
PEOPLE BY LIFTING THEM UP AND
GIVING THEM THE CHANCE TO
BECOME PRODUCTIVE IN OUR
COMMUNITIES. HOWEVER THEY SEEM
READY TO TAKE A POLITICAL
NOSEDIVE WITH MAYOR HAROLD. HIS
DEMENTED BUDGET PROPOSAL CUT
SERVICES ACROSS THE BOARD YET
FINDS MILLIONS OF DOLLARS FOR
POLICE DEPARTMENT RIFE WITH
SEXUAL HARASSERS AND FINALLY.
COUNCILMEMBERS WU, KETTLE,
NELSON, RIVERA , SAKA AND
STRAUSS WOULD LIKELY HAVE VOTED
DOWN FOR WEEKEND JUMPSTART. A
GOAL IS TO BUILD AFFORDABLE
HOUSING ON SOCIAL SERVICES AND
WORK TOWARDS BUILDING STRONGER
COMMUNITIES . IT IS SHAMEFUL
THEY SPENT THIS YEAR MAKING
PROMISES TO THE SPD KNOWING THE
WHOLE THEY WERE DIGGING WOULD
NOT HAVE THE AVAILABLE FUNDS
UNTIL THIS DIRECT ATTACK WAS
PUT ON THE TABLE THIS IS THEFT.
RETHINK AND REDRAFT THE
MAYOR'S BUDGET. DO WHAT IS
RIGHT FOR ALL OF SEATTLE. THANK
YOU AND HAVE A GOOD DAY.
>> THANK YOU ALBERTO. UP NEXT
IS PETER. TAKE IT AWAY.
>> THANK YOU CHAIR STRAUSS.
GOOD EVENING. I AM A PARENT,
HOMEOWNER, SMALL BUSINESS
OWNER, SCIENTIST AND COMMUNITY
MEMBER. I'VE SEEN COMMENTS ON
THE MAYOR'S BUDGET THAT THE
COUNCIL IS CURRENTLY
CONSIDERING. IT DEFINES HOUSING
AND ADDS MONEY TO THE BUDGET
FOR COPS AND CAGES. THIS IS
BACKWARDS. SEATTLE SHOULD
DECRIMINALIZE POVERTY IN
ADDICTION COMMIT DEFUND THE
CRIMINAL LEGAL SYSTEM AND
INVEST IN SOLUTIONS LIKE
HOUSING AND OTHER NON-COP ITEMS
SUCH AS THOSE DESCRIBED IN THE
SEATTLE SOLIDARITY BUDGET. THE
BUDGET FOR SPD SHOULD BE LESS.
DEFUNDING THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
BY HALF OR MORE WOULD FREE UP
HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS THAT COULD
BE SPENT ON NONVIOLENT PROGRAMS
THAT ARE MORE EFFECTIVE. AS IT
STANDS THE BUDGET IS POSTERITY
WITH CUTS TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING
, NEW DEAL INITIATIVES AND
ITEMS AND SERVICES. DESPITE SO
MANY CUTS TO ESSENTIAL ITEMS
THE BUDGET GIVES THE POLICE
DEPARTMENT AN ADDITIONAL $10
MILLION OF OVERTIME IN ADDITION
TO ITS FUND AN EXISTING
OVERTIME BUDGET OF 38 MILLION
AND THE BUDGET ONLY GIVES
OFFICE OF LABOR STANDARDS 8
MILLION TO PROTECT WORKERS FROM
WAGE THEFT. THE BUDGET THERE'S
MILLIONS OF SPD FOR $50,000
HIRING BONUSES AND ADDITIONAL
SURVEILLANCE TECHNOLOGY WHILE
FAILING TO PAY HUMAN SERVICE
WORKERS A LIVING WAGE. SPD
SHOULD BE DEFENDED , THEY ARE
VIOLENT AND RACIST. IT ENDS 21
NEW POSITIONS TO STAFF A
REAL-TIME CRIME CENTER THAT NOT
ONLY DOESN'T EXIST THAT IS
SUPPOSED TO BE A PILOT ADDING
POSITIONS IN YOUR BUDGET MAKES
IT PERMANENT BEFORE IT STARTS.
THOSE SHOULD BE REMOVED. THE
MAYOR'S BUDGET INCREASES
SPENDING ON SUITES WITHOUT
GIVING PEOPLE A PLACE TO GO.
SWEEPS SHOULD BE DEFUNDED. THE
BUDGET DEFINES JUMPSTART BY
OVER HALF MEETING NEW
INVESTMENTS IN AFFORDABLE
HOUSING ARE CUT BY OVER $200
MILLION. THOSE SHOULD BE
RESTORED. I HOPE YOU WILL
ADDRESS THE ISSUES ABOVE AND
THE BUDGET YOU CREATE. THANK
YOU FOR LISTENING.
>> CHRIS, YOU ARE PRESENT. TAKE
IT AWAY.
>> AT AFTERNOON. MY NAME IS
CHRIS I REPRESENT THE ALLIANCE
IN DISTRICT 1. WE ARE WORKING
TO SUPPORT. THANK YOU TO THE
COUNCILMEMBERS FOR WORKING
TOGETHER ON THIS BUDGET.
PROVIDING SOME COMMENTS TO
GROWING THE BUDGET AS IT
RELATES TO NEEDS AND FINANCE
SQUARE. A COUPLE THINGS WE ARE
IN SUPPORT OF. ALLOCATIONS FOR
THE CARE TEAM EXPANSION. SPD CA
SEVEN-DAY COVERAGE. WE STRONGLY
SUPPORT THE ADMINISTRATIVE
SERVICE FUNDING REQUEST TO
MODERNIZE THE BILLING AND
MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR THE
BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
AS THE CITY EXPLORES ADDITIONAL
DISTRICTS AS WELL AS FUNDING
FOR ARTS AND CULTURE,
SPECIFICALLY THE ACTIVATION
PROGRAM. IN ADDITION TO THE
PROPOSED WE ALSO URGE YOU TO
CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING WHICH
WOULD BE ADDING FUNDING TO THE
25 TO 26 BUDGET WITHIN OED FOR
THE CONTINUATION OF THE
IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM THROUGH
BUSINESS DISTRICTS,
PARTNERSHIPS . THESE WILL
ENSURE PIONEER SQUARE IS SAFE.
>> UP NEXT IS DENNIS. *6 TO
UNMUTE. TAKE IT AWAY.
>> THANK YOU FOR THE
OPPORTUNITY TO PROVIDE PUBLIC
COMMENT. I WORK FOR PLYMOUTH
HOUSING. WE PROVIDE HOUSING FOR
MORE THAN 1400 INDIVIDUALS WHO
HAVE EXPERIENCED HOMELESSNESS.
IT IS GRATEFUL TO SEE RESIDENCE
. WE ARE THANKFUL THE JUMPSTART
HAS ENABLED THE MAYOR TO
INCLUDE A RECORD LEVEL OF
INVESTMENT AND HOUSING WITH HIS
BUDGET. WHAT DOES THE JUMPSTART
PLAN MEAN TO HOUSING IN OUR
CITY? IT MEANS 62% OF THE
SOURCE IS INTENDED TO GO
TOWARDS HOUSING. IT IS THE
SINGLE LARGEST SOURCE OF
SUPPORT FOR HOUSING IN OUR
CITY. IT'S ENABLED PLYMOUTH TO
DELIVER 16 BUILDINGS OVER THE
LAST SEVERAL YEARS. IT HAS
ALLOWED US TO MAINTAIN
DIGNIFIED HOUSING . IT'S
ALLOWED US TO HIRE FRONT-LINE
STAFF OR HOUSING CASE
MANAGEMENT AND PROVIDE
SUPPORTIVE SERVICES TO
RESIDENTS. IT'S HELP TO
STABILIZE OUR WORKFORCE AND
REDUCE STAFF VACANCIES. SEATTLE
NEEDS MORE THAN 112,000 HOUSING
UNITS IN THE NEXT 20 YEARS. WE
CANNOT MEET THAT NEED WITHOUT
SUSTAINED AND LONG-TERM
INVESTMENT FROM JUMPSTART. WE
CONTINUE CONVERSATION . THANK
YOU.
>> THANK YOU. UP NEXT IS TRAVIS
FOLLOWED BY PATRICIA . TAKE IT
AWAY.
>> HELLO. HI. I'M HERE TO
SPEAK BOTH AS AN EDUCATOR AND
CONCERNED CITIZEN OF SEATTLE.
EACH YEAR I TEACH MY STUDENTS
ABOUT THE ISSUES FACED BY THE
UNHOUSED COMMUNITY. THROUGH
THESE DISCUSSIONS IT'S CLEAR
EVEN CHILDREN CAN GRASP THE
IMPORTANCE OF SUPPORTING THOSE
IN NEED. THE DEFUNDING OF THESE
PROGRAMS THAT BENEFIT
SEATTLE'S MOST VULNERABLE
POPULATION IS TROUBLING. THESE
ARE PROGRAMS THAT MAKE A REAL
DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES AND
MIDDLE INCOME PEOPLE EVERY DAY.
IT FEELS LIKE A REVERSE ROBIN
HOOD SITUATION TAKING FROM MANY
TO GIVE TO A FEW. BUDGETS ARE
MORAL DOCUMENTS. THEY REFLECT
WHAT WE VALUE AND CARE ABOUT
AND THE KIND OF CITY WE WANT TO
BUILD. RIGHT NOW THIS BUDGET IS
SENDING A MESSAGE THAT BUSINESS
AND POLICING ARE PRIORITIZED
OVER SERVICES . THAT IS NOT THE
KIND OF CITY WE SHOULD STRIVE
TO BE. I ASKED MY THIRD-GRADERS
TO UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF
EMPATHY AND SHARED
RESPONSIBILITY. ONE STUDENT
SAID THE MONEY SHOULD GO TO
RESOURCES FOR THE UNHOUSED
BECAUSE THAT WILL SOLVE
PROBLEMS FOR THE UNHOUSED AND
PEOPLE. THE PROBLEM IS HELPING
. TODAY I ASK YOU TO REFLECT
DEEPLY ON WHAT TRULY BENEFITS
THE MAJORITY OF RESIDENTS. YOUR
DECISION SHOULD FOCUS ON
PROGRAMS THAT UPLIFT EVERYONE ,
ESPECIALLY THOSE WITH THE
GREATEST NEEDS. SUPPORT
INITIATIVES LIKE THOSE FROM LOW
INCOME HOUSING INSTITUTES WHICH
CONSISTENTLY DEMONSTRATE THE
SUCCESS OF SERVICES FOR THE
UNHOUSED. THESE WERE . I
THIRD-GRADERS ALONE CAN'T
BREAK THE CYCLE. WE NEED YOU TO
STEP UP TO TAKE THE LEAD.
LET'S ENSURE OUR BUDGET
REFLECTS CARE, COMPASSION AND
COMMITMENT TO JUSTICE FOR ALL
OF SEATTLE'S RESIDENCE. WE
MUST TREAT HOMELESSNESS AS A
HUMANITARIAN CRISIS, NOT AS AN
AESTHETIC ISSUE.
>> UP NEXT IS PATRICIA. TAKEN
AWAY.
>> MY NAME IS PATRICIA SALLY
AND I'M THE CHIEF CAMPAIGN
OFFICER . THE CITY ADJUSTMENTS
FOR HUMAN SERVICES OVER THE
LAST FEW YEARS WELL APPRECIATED
WERE FAR BELOW THE RATE .
PARTICULARLY IN OUR SECTOR
WHERE WAGES ARE SUPPOSED THEY
ARE THE LARGEST NUMBER OF
UNFILLED POSITIONS. TO PAY
PEOPLE ENOUGH TO RETAIN STAFF
THEY HAD TO CATCH UP FAR BEYOND
WHAT WAS PROVIDED FOR AND THAT
IS STILL TRUE. THESE FOLKS DO
SOME OF THE HARDEST WORK ON THE
HARDEST PROBLEMS WITHOUT
ADEQUATE PROVISION FOR THE REAL
IMPACT OF INFLATION HUMAN
SERVICES BUDGET FOR 2025 AND
2026 ARE BEING CUT. WE
APPRECIATE THE SEATTLE KING
COUNTY COALITION ON
HOMELESSNESS REQUEST FOR AN
INCREASE IN HUMAN SERVICES
WAGES AND BELIEVE ALL THAT DOES
NOT FULLY ADDRESS THE GAP IT'S
IMPORTANT IN THE RIGHT
DIRECTION. THANK YOU.
>> NEXT. WE GOT A COUPLE PEOPLE
. THERE. *6 TO UNMUTE. THERE
YOU ARE. TAKE IT AWAY.
>> HELLO. THE CITY COUNCIL HAS
REPEATEDLY CLAIMED TO BE
FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE AND TO
EXAMINE WHAT DOES AND DOESN'T
IN REALITY, HOWEVER THE MAYOR
AND COUNCIL DID NOT ATTEMPT
REVENUE AND THERE ARE LEGAL
WAYS . THE COUNCIL LOOKS THE
OTHER WAY AND INCREASES THE
BUDGET DESPITE THEIR FAILURE TO
BE IRRESPONSIBLE DEPARTMENT.
THERE ARE INCIDENTS OF OFFICERS
TERRORIZING CIVILIANS AND THE
DEPARTMENT FAILING FOR THE
BACKGROUND CHECK. IT WILL NOT
ONLY FILL THE DEFICIT BUT GIVE
SPD MORE MONEY WHILE CUTTING
FUNDS FOR PROGRAMS FOR THE
ISSUES IN OUR CITY. I DON'T
FEEL SAFE WITH MY POLICE BUT I
WILL FEEL SAFE WHEN IT IS BUILT
FOR EVERYONE AND ABUNDANT
AFFORDABLE HOUSING. YOU HAVE
YOUR WORK DONE FOR YOU. THEY
HAVE IDENTIFIED AREAS IN WHICH
THE CITY NEEDS TO INVEST. FOR
THE SAKE OF THE CHAMBER AND DO
WHAT IS RIGHT FOR YOUR
CONSTITUENTS. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU. UP NEXT IS TONYA.
THE LAST REMOTE SPEAKER FOR
THIS ROUND AND WE WILL BE ON
THE NEXT LIST. ETHAN, CLAUDIA,
THAT'S ONE THROUGH FIVE.
TONYA, THE FLOOR IS YOURS.
>> MY NAME IS TONYA. I'M A
RENTER IN DISTRICT FIVE IN
COEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR. I'M
SPEAKING TODAY ON THE
IMPORTANCE OF NOT ONLY
RESTORING BUT INCREASING
FUNDING FOR TENANT SERVICES
WITHIN OUR COMMUNITY . ONE OF
THE BIGGEST THINGS ABOUT TENANT
SERVICES IS WE ARE ONE OF THE
MOST COST-EFFECTIVE WAYS TO
ADDRESS HOMELESSNESS BY
PREVENTING IT AS WELL AS
INCREASING PUBLIC SAFETY.
FUNDING TENANT SERVICES IS AN
INVESTMENT BY HELPING THE
RENTERS MAINTAINED STABLE
HOUSING WHICH REDUCES THE RISK
OF DISPLACEMENT, HOMELESSNESS
AND SOCIAL CONDITIONS THAT
OFTEN CONTRIBUTE TO INSTABILITY
AND CRIME IN NEIGHBORHOODS. WE
ALSO HELP PEOPLE LEARN HOW TO
SPEAK WITH THEIR LANDLORD IN
ORDER TO KEEP THEM IN THEIR
HOUSING AND BE GOOD TENANTS. WE
HELP THEM UNDERSTAND THE THINGS
NECESSARY AND HOW TO MAKE
REQUESTS OF THEIR LANDLORDS.
WHAT WE DO IS OFTEN HELP PEOPLE
RESOLVE CONFLICTS WITH THEIR
LANDLORDS. WE HELP FAMILIES
LOOK FOR SOLUTIONS WHEN THEY
ARE IN UNHEALTHY LIVING
CONDITIONS . WE HELP PEOPLE
ESCAPING GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE
AND DIRECT THEM TO THE
APPROPRIATE RESOURCES. WE HELP
THOSE WHO ARE EXITING
TRANSITIONAL HOUSING AND
PREPARING . THIS IS ONE OF THE
BIGGEST THINGS WE HAVE DONE AND
SOME WORK WITH RE-ENTRY
POPULATION. TENANT SERVICES
EDUCATE RENTERS ON THE RIGHTS
AND OBLIGATIONS . IT IS OUR
GOAL TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE GOOD
TENANTS AND THAT THEIR RIGHTS
ARE UPHELD WITHIN THE CITY OF
SEATTLE. WHILE THERE ARE A
GROUP OF US THAT DO TENANT
SERVICES IT IS OUR GOAL TO
CONTINUE TO DO THESE THINGS AND
TENANT SERVICES SUPPORTS
THOUSANDS EACH YEAR.
>> THANK YOU FOR COMING IN. IF
YOU WANT TO COME UP WE WILL DO
TWO LINES ONCE MORE. ONE
THROUGH 10. IT LOOKS LIKE
REVEREND STEVE. GENERAL
REMINDER IF YOU HAVE SPOKEN WE
ASK YOU GO DOWN. THERE ARE
STILL PEOPLE WAITING TO COME UP
IN THE CHAMBER. WITH THAT, THE
FLOOR IS YOURS.
>> I AM A WHEELCHAIR USER,
RENTER AND BOARD CHAIR. THIS
BUDGET IS DEPRESSING. WE ARE
DEFUNDING CRITICAL COMMUNITY
PROGRAMS FOR EXPENSIVE POLICIES
THAT CRIMINALIZE AND TRAUMATIZE
ANYONE LIVING OUTSIDE. TENANT
SERVICES, A KEY PROGRAM
PREVENTING HOMELESSNESS IS SET
TO LOSE 50% OF ITS FUNDING. 55%
OF SEATTLEITES ARE RENTERS AND
FOR SO MANY OF US INCREASINGLY
COST BURDENED TRAININGS AND
SOME IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN
STAIN HOUSED AND IN EVICTION.
AS ONE OF THE PROGRAMS
PROVIDING SERVICES BEYOND THE
NUMBERS, OUR TEAM WORKS SO HARD
TO PROVIDE INDIVIDUALIZED
SUPPORT TO RENTERS WHO MAY NOT
QUALIFY FOR LEGAL SERVICES BUT
ARE STUCK TRYING TO NAVIGATE
RELATIONSHIPS AND AVAILABLE
RESOURCES . THEY WILL LIKELY
CLOSE ITS DOORS IF FUNDING IS
NOT RESTORED. IT IS THE RENTERS
WHO WE SERVE WILL FALL THROUGH
THE CRACKS INTO EVICTION
COURTS. PLEASE INCREASE FUNDING
FOR TENANT SERVICES BY $5.3
MILLION SO ORGANIZATIONS AND
OTHERS CAN CONTINUE TO SUPPORT
RENTERS AND PREVENT
DISPLACEMENT.
>> THANK YOU. UP NEXT IS
JEREMY.
>> MY NAME IS JEREMY. I'VE
BEEN A REAL CHANGE VENDOR FOR A
DECADE. I'M CURRENTLY UNHOUSED
LIVING IN MY CAMPER. I'M ALSO
A REGISTERED VOTER IN DISTRICT
ONE. I REGISTERED TO VOTE DUE
TO THE FACT OF HAVING
CONNECTIONS IN REAL CHANGE. I
URGE THE CITY COUNCIL TO
CONSIDER THE BUDGET CUTS TO
AFFORDABLE HOUSING THAT WAY I
CAN GET OFF THE STREETS.
SOMEDAY HAVE MY OWN PLACE.
HAVING STABLE HOUSING WILL KEEP
ME WARM AND SAFE AS WELL AS
KEEPING ME FEEL LIKE I'M IN A
SAFE ENVIRONMENT. HAVING A SAFE
ENVIRONMENT FOR ME WILL HELP ME
TO BE THERE FOR MY FAMILY . I
WOULD HAVE A KITCHEN, BE ABLE
TO COOK AND PROVIDE FOR THE
YOUNGER GENERATION AND ALL
OTHER RELATIVES TOO. IT WILL
MAKE THINGS EASIER FOR MY WORK
STATUS AND HELP ME BE ABLE TO
GO LOOK FOR OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
. HAVING THIS SAFE PLACE FOR ME
WOULD BE EXTREMELY GOOD FOR MY
MENTAL HEALTH. IT IS
SHORTSIGHTED NOT TO MAKE
INVESTMENTS IN AFFORDABLE
HOUSING AND ALL THE SERVICES
THAT KEEP PEOPLE HOUSED , SAFE
AND HEALTHY. INSTEAD, THIS
BUDGET INVEST IN SURVEILLING
AND JAILING PEOPLE WHO MOST
NEED THE SERVICES AND CARE THE
MOST. PLEASE, I URGE YOU NOT TO
DEFUND HOUSING AND TO AMEND THE
BUDGET TO SHOW THAT YOU VALUE
THE MOST NEEDING PEOPLE IN THE
COMMUNITY.
>> THANK YOU. A LOT OF JAZZ
HANDS. YOU ARE UP NEXT.
>> AT EVENING. MY NAME IS ETHAN
AND I'M ONE OF THE POLICY
MANAGERS AT HABITAT FOR
HUMANITY. FOR NEARLY 40 YEARS
WE WORKED TO CREATE AFFORDABLE
HOMEOWNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
HELPING FAMILIES FIND STABILITY
AND REMAIN CONNECTED TO THEIR
COMMUNITIES. WE UNDERSTAND THE
DIFFICULT BUDGET CHOICES AHEAD
AND RECOGNIZE THE NEED FOR THE
CONTINUED ONE-TIME REALLOCATION
OF FUNDS FROM JUMPSTART. WE
ALSO WANT TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE
VERY REAL IMPACT OF REDIRECTING
DOLLARS. EVEN TEMPORARILY.
WITHOUT THIS FUNDING THE
OPPORTUNITY TO CREATE 276
PERMANENTLY AFFORDABLE HOME
OWNERSHIP UNITS DISAPPEARS IN
JUST THE NEXT THREE YEARS
ALONE. THAT MEANS HUNDREDS OF
FAMILIES, PEOPLE LIKE MARIA , A
HOBBIT AT HOMEOWNER WHO LIVED
IN LAST MONTH WILL REMAIN DOWN
AT COMMUNITIES THEY LOVE LOSING
THEIR CHANCE OF STABILITY AND
AN AFFORDABLE PLACE TO CALL
HOME. THE MARKET HAS ALWAYS
RISEN TO THE CHALLENGE WHEN
FUNDING IS AVAILABLE. WHEN
RESOURCES ARE PREDICTABLE
DEVELOPERS CAN BUILD MORE.
CUTTING THIS FUNDING AS A
SHORT-TERM MEASURE MEANS FEWER
HOMES WILL COME TO MARKET AND
WE CANNOT AFFORD TO MAKE THIS
PERMANENT SHIFT. OUR WORK IN
RAINIER VALLEY WHERE WE ARE
PARTNERING TO BRING 65
PERMANENTLY AFFORDABLE HOMES TO
LIFE IS JUST ONE EXAMPLE OF
WHAT'S POSSIBLE WHEN WE
PROTECT THE FUNDING NEEDED TO
BUILD. THESE HOMES WILL KEEP
FAMILIES RATED WHERE THEY'VE
ALWAYS LIVED AND PRESERVE THE
CHARACTER AND STRENGTH OF THEIR
COMMUNITIES. AS YOU NAVIGATE
THESE BUDGET CHALLENGES I URGE
YOU TO ENSURE THE SPENDING PLAN
REMAINS INTACT FOR FUTURE
YEARS. THE DECISIONS MADE IN
THIS CHAMBER TODAY AND IN THE
NEXT COMING WEEKS WILL SHAPE
SEATTLE'S HOUSING FUTURE AND
WE CANNOT LET TEMPORARY GAPS
BECOME PERMANENT SETBACKS . I
LOOK FORWARD TO CONTINUING
WORKING TOGETHER TO BUILD A
SEATTLE EVERYONE HAS A SAFE
AFFORDABLE FACE TO CALL HOME.
THANK YOU.
>> UP NEXT IS CLAUDIA AND WE
HAVE A SECOND MICROPHONE. THE
FLOOR IS YOURS. FOUR MINUTES.
>> [ SINGING IN NON-ENGLISH ]
[ SPEAKING NON-ENGLISH ]
>> I NAME IS CLAUDIA, RESIDENT
OF DISTRICT 1 SEATTLE. I'M A
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SURVIVOR . ON
AUGUST 31st 2017 WHILE LIVING
IN SEATTLE MY EX-HUSBAND TRIED
TO KILL ME. I WAS ONLY FIVE
MONTHS PREGNANT . WHEN THE
POLICE ARRIVED I HAD BLOOD
EVERYWHERE . THE POLICE ONLY
SPOKE ENGLISH. IT WAS VERY
DIFFICULT BEING ABLE TO TELL
THEM WHAT WAS GOING ON. AFTER
BEING TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL DUE
TO MY SERIOUS INJURY THE SOCIAL
WORKER OFFERED ME A PAMPHLET OF
RESOURCES BUT THE PROBLEM WAS
THAT THOSE ASSOCIATIONS WERE
ALL ENGLISH. THEY OFFERED
SERVICES IN ENGLISH. A FRIEND
WHO HAD BEEN THROUGH DOMESTIC
VIOLENCE RECOMMENDED I CALL
CONSEJO WHERE THEY HELPED ME IN
SPANISH WITH ALL THE LEGAL
PROCESS AND HELP ME WITH MY
INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP THERAPY SO
I COULD MOVE FORWARD. THEY MADE
ME FEEL SUPPORTED AND HELPED ME
GETTING OUT OF THIS DOMESTIC
VIOLENCE CIRCLE I DIDN'T KNOW
HOW TO EXIT. THIS PROCESS TOOK
ME SEVEN YEARS. TODAY I AM A
HAPPY AND MARRIED WOMEN. I'M
GETTING MY LIFE BACK AND
STARTING TO BECOME A PRESCHOOL
TEACHER. TODAY I HAVE A SON WHO
GOES TO COMMUNITY COLLEGE AND
MY SEVEN-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER WHO
GOES TO FIRST GRADE IN SCHOOL.
ALL OF THIS WOULDN'T HAVE BEEN
POSSIBLE WITHOUT THE HELP
PROVIDED TO ME BY CONSEJO.
>> NEXT IS NORMA . YOU'LL NEED
TO BE CLOSER TO THE MICROPHONE.
>> MY NAME IS NORMA GUZMAN. IN
THIS DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
AWARENESS MONTH I AM HERE TO
TESTIFY ON BEHALF OF CONSEJO
500,000 APPROPRIATION REQUEST
FOR THE FISCAL YEAR OF 2025 TO
CONTINUE PROVIDING VITAL
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SERVICES TO
THE LATINX COMMUNITY IN
SEATTLE. DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
FUNDING FROM THE CITY OF
SEATTLE WILL END DECEMBER 31st.
THIS WILL LEAVE WITHOUT
SERVICES AND JEOPARDIZE THE
LIFE OF AT LEAST 325 WOMEN AND
CHILDREN CURRENTLY ENROLLED IN
OUR PROGRAM. ON AVERAGE IN
WASHINGTON STATE 49% FEMALES
VICTIM OF HOMICIDE OR A RESULT
OF AN INTIMATE PARTNER
VIOLENCE. THE OFFICE FILED OVER
2000 CRIMINAL CASES RELATED TO
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. OUR SERVICES
PROVIDE COMPREHENSIVE CULTURAL
AND LINGUISTIC SUPPORT SERVICES
TO LATINX SURVIVORS INCLUDING
CRISIS INTERVENTION AND SAFETY
PLANNING AND SUPPORT GROUPS ARE
SERVICES INCLUDE WELLNESS
PROGRAMS , ASSISTANT
COORDINATION. OUR ADVOCATES
HELP SURVIVORS OVERCOME
OBSTACLES IN SEEKING PROTECTION
ORDERS , FIGHTING FOR DOMESTIC
VIOLENCE, AND PARENTING PLANS.
WE ALSO PROVIDE EMERGENCY
FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO SURVIVORS
INCLUDING HOTEL, CLOTHES AND
FOOD. THE CITY OF SEATTLE
FINANCIAL SUPPORT IS CRUCIAL
FOR THE CONTINUATION OF OUR
SERVICES WE ARE REQUESTING
500,000 FOR THE FISCAL YEAR OF
2025. WITHOUT THIS FUNDING THE
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SERVICES WILL
LEAVE THE LATINX COMMUNITY
WITHOUT A SAFETY REFUGE AND A
VITAL RESOURCE FOR HISPANIC
SPEAKING COMMUNITY. CONSEJO IN
PARTNERSHIP --
>> THANK YOU. THANK YOU FOR
COMING DOWN. UP NEXT WE HAVE
LAUREN.
>> AT EVENING. MY NAME IS
LAUREN , I SERVE ON THE SEATTLE
PLANNING COMMISSION AND I'VE
SERVED ON THAT BODY FOR ABOUT
EIGHT YEARS. I'M HERE TO ASK
FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION TO
MAINTAIN THE STAFFING OF THE
SEATTLE PLANNING COMMISSION AND
REJECT THE PROPOSAL TO CUT A
THIRD OF THE POLICY STAFF WHICH
IS CURRENTLY FILLED BY
FULL-TIME SENIOR PLANNING
ANALYST. SUCH A CUT WOULD LEAVE
ONLY TWO POLICY STAFF POSITIONS
TO SUPPORT THE INDEPENDENT
COMMISSION WHICH IS COMPRISED
OF 16 VOLUNTEERS ACROSS SEATTLE
TO ADVISE HIS BODY, THE MAYOR
AND CITY COUNCIL AND CITY
DEPARTMENTS ON PLANS, PROGRAMS
AND POLICIES RELATED TO
HOUSING, LAND-USE AND
TRANSPORTATION AND LIVABILITY.
THE COMMISSION HAS BEEN STAFFED
AT THIS LEVEL WITH THREE POLICY
STAFF FOR THE PAST 16 YEARS.
SUCH A CUT WOULD COMPROMISE THE
ABILITY OF THIS VOLUNTEER
COMMISSION SUPPORTED BY THE
STAFF TO ROBUSTLY AND
THOROUGHLY REVIEW AND PROVIDE
RECOMMENDATIONS ON KEY UPCOMING
PLANS THAT WILL IMPACT THE
FUTURE OF SEATTLE , NOTABLY THE
PREFERRED GROWTH STRATEGY FOR
THE CITY, THE ONE SEATTLE
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN AND THE
PROPOSED ZONING IMPLEMENTATION
STRATEGY FOR THE PLAN . WE ARE
TALKING ABOUT INVESTING
UPSTREAM WHERE NEEDS ARE
GREATEST FOR MANY ISSUES HERE
HEARING ABOUT TODAY. THE CUT
WOULD TEMPER THE ABILITY TO
TRACK THE PROJECTS OF THE PLAN
RELATIVE TO ITS GROWTH OVER THE
COMING YEARS. WITH THE MAYOR'S
RECOMMENDED STRATEGY AND
PROPOSED NEIGHBORHOOD
RESIDENTIAL ZONING LEGISLATION
AND PROPOSED ZONING
IMPLEMENTATION MAPS BEING
RELEASED THIS AFTERNOON WITH
THE COMMENT PERIOD ENDING ON
DECEMBER 20th IT IS IMPERATIVE
TO MAINTAIN EXISTING STAFFING
FOR THE SEATTLE PLANNING
COMMISSION . AS WE MOVE TO THIS
NEXT PHASE OF THE PLAN REVIEW
AND ADOPTION BY CITY COUNCIL
WELL INTO NEXT YEAR ADEQUATELY
RESOURCE INDEPENDENT BODY --
>> THANK YOU. UP NEXT WE HAVE
REVEREND PAT SIMPSON. TWO
MINUTES. WELCOME.
>> I'M A RETIRED PASTOR NOW.
STILL WEARING THE STOLE FROM
THE CHURCH OF MARY MAGDALENE
THAT SAYS AND HOMELESSNESS THAT
I WAS GIVEN WHEN I FIRST CAME
TO SEATTLE. WE STARTED A LITTLE
DAY CENTER FOR HOMELESS WOMEN
THE FIRST COUPLE OF YEARS OF MY
PAST RATE THERE. FOR WOMEN,
MANY OF WHOM WERE SURVIVORS OF
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND OTHER
FORMS OF TRAUMA OR SIMPLY THE
TRAUMA OF LIVING IN
HOMELESSNESS TO HAVE A SAFE
PLACE TO BE AND TO BUILD
COMMUNITY WITH EACH OTHER
DURING THE DAY. WE DECIDED TO
CALL IT MARY'S PLACE. AS YOU
KNOW, MARY'S PLACE HAS SINCE
BECOME A MUCH LARGER
ORGANIZATION WITH A MUCH
BROADER MISSION. THAT SMALL DAY
CENTER, NOT AS SMALL AS IT USED
TO BE, HAS CONTINUED BECAUSE
THE NEED FOR SAFETY AND
COMMUNITY HAS NOT GONE AWAY.
I'M SUPPORTING THE WOMEN OF
WEILL AND THEIR REQUEST YOU'VE
ALREADY HEARD TO FUND WOMEN'S
DAY CENTER BEGINNING THIS
SPRING. MARY'S PLACE HAS
DECIDED NOT TO CONTINUE THE
CENTER AFTER THE END OF MARCH ,
BUT THOSE WOMEN STILL NEED A
PLACE TO AND I WANT TO ADD ONE
DETAIL YOU DID HERE BEFORE.
OVER THE ENTIRE 25 YEARS FROM
ITS BEGINNING UNTIL NOW THAT
DAY CENTER HAS NOT HAD ANY CITY
FUNDING. IT IS A CHANCE FOR THE
CITY TO STEP UP, TO FILL THIS
GAP SO WE DO NOT LOSE THIS
VITAL SERVICE FOR PUBLIC
SAFETY. THERE WERE SIX WOMEN'S
NAMES ON FLYERS TODAY . LET'S
NOT SEE ANYMORE. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU. NUMBER NINE? THE
FLOOR IS YOURS.
>> GOOD EVENING. MY NAME IS IAN
WEST, I'M HERE IS THE
ORGANIZER OF THE FAITH AND
INITIATIVE OF THE CHURCH
COUNCIL OF GREATER SEATTLE
LOCATED IN THE SOUTH AND
NEIGHBORHOOD WITHIN
COUNCILMEMBER MORELLA'S
DISTRICT. I STAND WITH THE
CHURCH COUNCIL ROUNDTABLE AS
PEOPLE OF FAITH WE DEEPLY
BELIEVE BUDGETS ARE MORAL
DOCUMENTS AND MY TRADITION SAYS
YOUR TREASURE IS YOUR HEART
WILL BE ALSO. THEREFORE WE WANT
TO SEE A BUDGET THAT FULLY
REFLECTS OUR VALUES AND
PRIORITIZES CARE OVER
PUNISHMENT AND COMMUNITY
INVESTMENT . WE WANT JUMPSTART
FUNDING PRESERVED AND EXPANDED
FOR ITS INTENDED PURPOSES
INSTEAD OF USED AS AN UNCHECKED
BACKFILL FOR EXPANDING
SURVEILLANCE , SWEEPS AND OVER
POLICING OUR COMMUNITY. BUDGETS
SPEAK TO THE VALUE DIVERSITY
THROUGH PUBLIC INVESTMENT. I
WANT TO SEE AND WE WANT TO SEE
A BUDGET THAT REFLECTS THE
VALUE OF COMMUNITY CARE.
>> THANK YOU. THERE YOU GO. THE
FLOOR IS YOURS.
>> THAT EVENING. I AM HERE AS A
MEMBER . WE WORSHIP AT THE
SENIOR CENTER WHICH IS IN
COUNCILMEMBER HOLLINGSWORTH
DISTRICT. I STAND UNITED WITH
THE CHURCH COUNCIL OF GREATER
SEATTLE , SEATTLE'S BUDGET
ROUNDTABLE . AS PEOPLE OF FAITH
, WE BELIEVE STRONGLY BUDGETS
ARE MORAL DOCUMENTS. QUAKER
TESTIMONIES ADVISE EACH OF US
TO LET YOUR LIGHT SPEAK. WE
URGE THE COUNCIL TO LET YOUR
ACTIONS SPEAK FOR COMMUNITY
INVESTMENT WITH A BUDGET
PRESERVING AND EXPANDING
FUNDING FOR ITS AND TENDED
PURPOSES . SUPPORTING OUR SMALL
BUSINESSES , THE EQUITABLE
DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE IN
DEVELOPING THE AFFORDABLE
HOUSING YOU SO DESPERATELY
NEED. BUDGETS SPEAK TO THE
VALUES OF OUR CITY THROUGH
PUBLIC INVESTMENT. I WOULD LIKE
TO SEE A BUDGET THAT TRULY
REFLECTS THE VALUE OF COMMUNITY
HERE. IN QUEUE.
>> LAST FOR THE SET. ARE THERE
MORE MEMBERS OF YOUR GROUP?
>> WE DO HAVE OTHERS HERE.
>> WE WILL TAKE YOUR COMMENTS.
>> I AM A MINISTER AT
UNIVERSITY CONGREGATIONAL
UNITED IN DISTRICT 4. I AM A
RESIDENT AND CONSTITUENT IN
DISTRICT 4. I AM PROUD TO STAND
ALONGSIDE THE CHURCH COUNCIL OF
GREATER SEATTLE TO DECLARE THAT
BUDGETS ARE MORAL DOCUMENTS. TO
SPEAK ABOUT THE JUMPSTART FUND
WHICH IS NOT INTENDED TO BE A
SLUSH FUND. THAT'S LIKE A
PREACHER GETTING CAUGHT WITH
HIS HAND IN THE OFFERING PLATE.
THIS IS FUNDING THAT WAS
DESIGNED TO ADDRESS THE MOST
PRESSING NEEDS IN OUR
COMMUNITY. SO MY OWN CHILD WHO
IS A STUDENT AT SEATTLE PUBLIC
SCHOOLS WOULD HAVE ACCESS FOR
HER AND HER CLASSMATES TO GET
THE MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT ADDED
TO THE JUMPSTART FUNDING, TO
MAKE SURE FOLKS WHO ARE
VULNERABLE AND LIVING ON THE
STREET HAVE THE RESOURCES THEY
NEED. OUR SACRED TEXT SAYS THE
EARTH IS THE LORD'S AND
FULLNESS THEREOF AND THE NEW
DEAL CALLS US INTO GOOD
STEWARDSHIP AND JESUS SAID THAT
FOXES HAVE DENIMS AND BIRDS
HAVE NESTS BUT THE SON OF
HUMANITY HAS NO PLACE TO LAY
HIS HEAD. JESUS WAS ON HOUSED .
IF WE ARE GOING TO LIVE INTO
OUR MORALS AND VALUES , AND THE
FAITH COMMUNITY IS CLEAR ABOUT
HOW WE SHOW UP. ALONGSIDE FAITH
LEADERS AND PEOPLE OF GOODWILL
WE WANT TO SEE JUMPSTART
FUNDING GO TO THOSE INTENDED
PLACES AND EXPANDED SO WE CAN
CARE FOR ALL OF THE FOLKS IN
OUR CITY. IN QUEUE.
>> WE ARE AT THE END OF OUR
THIRD SET OF 10 PEOPLE. WE ARE
ABOUT AN HOUR IN. I'VE BEEN
TOLD WE HAVE ABOUT FIVE MORE
HOURS OF PUBLIC COMMENT JUST SO
EVERYONE IS AWARE BECAUSE THAT
IS WHAT WE ARE GETTING FOR TWO
MINUTES. IF YOU DON'T NEED THE
TWO MINUTES IF WE GET TO 1045
AND WE STILL HAVE COMMENTS WE
WILL GO DOWN TO ONE MINUTE. I
KNOW WE HAVE AN HOUR LEFT FOR
CHILD CARE SO JUST LET ME KNOW
IF WE HAVE FOLKS THAT NEED TO,.
GREAT. NEXT IS RYAN McFERRIN .
I'M GOING TO GIVE BOTH MATT
AND EVAN, YOU ARE NOT YET
PRESENT SO CALL IN NOW. CALL IN
NOW. TAKE IT AWAY.
>> MY NAME IS RYAN AND I'M
SPEAKING ON BEHALF OF THE
UNITED WAY'S KING COUNTY IN
JUMPSTART FUNDING FOR A TEXT
CAMPAIGN. PEOPLE IN OUR CITY
NEED MORE MONEY AND WE CAN GET
THEM THAT MONEY IN THE FORM OF
TAX CREDITS. WE ARE VERY GOOD
AT WHAT WE DO AND HOPE TO PUT
AN EXTRA 1500 ON AVERAGE INTO
PEOPLE'S POCKETS DURING THE
NEXT TAX SEASON. WITH A TYPICAL
ANNUAL INCOME THE HOUSEHOLD WE
SERVE PRIMARILY USED BY FOOD
AND PAY THEIR RENT. IN OTHER
WORDS THEY USE THE MONEY TO
COVER THEIR BASIC NEEDS AND PUT
IT RIGHT BACK INTO THE LOCAL
ECONOMY. THEY RECEIVE $600,000
MILLION PUT DIRECTLY INTO THE
LOCAL ECONOMY AND A 10,000%
RETURN ON INVESTMENT. TAX
CREDITS REDUCE RATES OF CRIME
AND MORE MONEY FOR HOUSEHOLD
ALSO HAVE FAMILY STAY IN THEIR
HOMES REDUCING RATES OF
HOMELESSNESS . 10,000% IS A
HUGE RETURN BUT NOT INCLUDED IN
THIS ROI ARE THE OTHER TO WRITE
ALONG WITH LIGHT COMMUNITY
STOREFRONTS THEY CAN ALSO
CONNECT WITH RESOURCES . IT
SERVES AS GATHERING SPACES
WHERE PEOPLE COME TO ENGAGE THE
COMMUNITY. OVER 500 COMMUNITY
MEMBERS VOLUNTEER 35,000 HOURS
TO HELP THEIR NEIGHBORS , I
HUNDRED THOUSAND FROM THE CITY
AND THOUSANDS MORE HOURS
VOLUNTEERED WITH MILLIONS MORE
FOR SEATTLE FAMILIES. PLEASE
RESTORE OUR FUNDING. THANK YOU
FOR YOUR TIME AND
CONSIDERATION.
>> THANK YOU. UP NEXT IS MATT
WHO IS NOT YET PRESENT. WE WILL
COME BACK TO YOU AT THE END OF
THIS ROUND IF YOU ARE NOT
PRESENT. VIVIAN IS NEXT .
ASHLEY , GARRETT . VIVIAN, *6
TO UNMUTE . THE FLOOR IS YOURS.
*6. NOT POUND SIX. *6. THERE
WE GO. TAKE IT AWAY.
>> GREAT. MY NAME IS VIVIAN.
I'M A BOARD NUMBER . I'M ALSO
A PROPERTY MANAGER. I WORK AND
LIVE HERE. THE DISTRICT IS
SUFFERING FROM A PUBLIC SAFETY
CRISIS. PROPERTY OWNERS ARE
STRUGGLING TO COLLECT RENT AND
MORALE IS DECLINING. WITHOUT
IMMEDIATE ACTION THE DISTRICT
WILL CONTINUE AND NOT JUST THE
CITY AS A WHOLE. AS YOU
CONSIDER THE PUBLIC SAFETY
INITIATIVE I HEARD YOU TO
ALLOCATE THESE FUNDS DIRECT TO
THE BASE ORGANIZATION. THIS IS
ESSENTIAL TO ADDRESS PUBLIC
SAFETY AND ECONOMIC CHALLENGE
WE FACE. WE NEED A DEDICATED
PUBLIC SAFETY NOW. THANK YOU
FOR YOUR TIME AND
CONSIDERATION.
>> *6 TO UNMUTE. THERE YOU
ARE. TAKE IT AWAY.
>> MY NAME IS ISAIAH BANKS AND
I'M A PARTICIPANT OF THE
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
IN SEATTLE. HONESTLY, I'M SO
GRATEFUL TO BE A PARTICIPANT OF
THIS YEAR. THEY WENT OVER
EVERYTHING THEY HAVE TO DO WITH
A CAREER IN LIFE MUSIC,
ENTERTAINMENT. I'M A SENIOR
MYSELF SO THIS IS A GREAT
OPPORTUNITY FOR ME TO LEARN
EVERYTHING ABOUT MY INDUSTRY .
IN THE BEGINNING IT WAS A CRASH
COURSE ON EVERYTHING . WE WENT
OVER MARKETING , FOOD AND
BEVERAGE , ALL OF THAT. WE GOT
TO TO SPECIFIC AREAS. I AM
HAVING A BLAST. THIS IS SUCH A
GREAT WAY FOR ME TO LEARN SO
MUCH AND GET PAID. THIS IS MY
JOB NOW. IT'S BEEN GREAT. THE
FUNDING HAS MEANT EVERYTHING. I
WOULD HOPE THAT THIS CAN
CONTINUE FOR YEARS TO COME FOR
OTHER YOUNG ARTISTS AND YOUNG
PEOPLE REALLY WANTING TO GET
INTO THIS CAREER. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU. *6 TO UNMUTE. I
SEE YOU ARE OFF MUTE.
>> I AM A RENTER IN CAPITOL
HILL . I'M COMMENTING ON THE
MARE BUDGET. I HAVE SOME PRETTY
SERIOUS ISSUES WITH IT BUT I
THINK ONE OF THE BIG ONES I SEE
IT IS IT IS CUTTING TENANT
SERVICES LIKE EDUCATION,
ORGANIZING AND RENTAL
ASSISTANCE. I THINK THE CITY
SHOULD PRIORITIZE THEM. WHEN
OUR BUILDING RECEIVED WATER
SHUT OFF NOTICES AND A NUMBER
OF CRITICAL REPAIRS AND FIRE
HAZARDS BEING LEFT UNADDRESSED
I WAS ABLE TO USE RESOURCES
FROM THE EDUCATION ORGANIZATION
TO LEARN MY RIGHTS AND SHARE
THAT KNOWLEDGE WITH MY
NEIGHBORS AND THIS WOULD HELP
US KEEP OUR BUILDING AND OUR
HOME SAFE AND HABITABLE.
PROGRAMS LIKE THESE ARE A CORE
PART OF ADDRESSING THE
HOMELESSNESS PRICES, KNOWING IT
PREVENTS ADDICTION , KEEPING
PEOPLE OFF THE STREETS . THESE
REPRESENT SOME OF THE MOST
COST-EFFECTIVE WAYS TO FIGHT
THE ONGOING CRISIS OF
HOMELESSNESS. OUR PRIORITY IS
PREVENTING UNNECESSARY
SUFFERING CAUSED BY BEING
FORCED TO LIVE ON THE STREET
ARE GOING THROUGH A TRAUMATIC
EVENT BUT IT SAVES THE CITY
MONEY AND PUBLIC MONEY IN THE
LONG RUN. I'M ASKING CITY
COUNCIL TO RECONSIDER . REALLY
FOCUS ON INCREASING THESE
PRIORITIES IN RENTAL ASSISTANCE
AND TENANT ORGANIZING
EDUCATION.
>> I SEE GARRETT IS HERE. WE
SEE YOU ARE HERE.
NUMBER 18 ONLINE? *6 TO UNMUTE
AND THEN GARRETT WE WILL COME
BACK. TAKE IT AWAY.
>> HELLO. I AM A RENTER AND
CONSTITUENT OF DISTRICT 3. I
WANT TO SEE MORE SOURCES FOR
PROGRESSIVE REVENUE AND LESS
SPENDING ON NONEXISTENT.
JUMPSTART PROVES REGRESSIVE
REVENUE SOURCES ARE
RESPONSIBLE. YOU CAN TELL
BECAUSE THIS BUDGET OVER $200
MILLION AWAY FROM AFFORDABLE
HOUSING . THESE MILLIONS GO
TOWARD FISCALLY IRRESPONSIBLE
AND IRREDEEMABLE. IT IS
WASTEFUL OF CITY FUND AND
CONDEMNATION OF REAL HUMAN
LIVES TO FIRE OVER 70 CITY
WORKERS WHILE PROVIDING FUNDS
FOR OVER 100 ADDITIONAL POLICE
THAT CURRENTLY DON'T EVEN
EXIST. MY CORPORATE LANDLORD
INCREASE MY RENT ANOTHER 10%
AND I WOULD FEEL SAFER IF I
KNEW I AND MY NEIGHBORS COULD
LEAN ON THE CITY FOR RENT
ASSISTANCE AND EVICTION
PROTECTION ESPECIALLY AS WE
HEAD INTO THE COLD WINTER
MONTHS. I WANT TO SEE
ORGANIZATIONS FUNDED TO
CONTINUE TO SUPPORT OUR
COMMUNITY , NOT SPD AND THE
GHOST COPS THAT TERRORIZE US.
ADOPT THE SOLIDARITY BUDGET AND
SAVE LIVES.
>> GARRETT I SEE YOU'RE OFF
MUTE. THANKS FOR JUMPING IN.
>> GOOD EVENING. THANK YOU SO
MUCH FOR HOLDING THIS MEETING
WHEN US WORKING FOLKS CAN
PARTICIPATE. MY NAME IS GARRETT
AND I'M A RESIDENT OF THE
CENTRAL DISTRICT. I'M HERE TO
ENCOURAGE YOU TO SUPPORT AN
AMENDMENT FROM COUNCILMEMBER
HOLLINGSWORTH TO FULLY FUND THE
GARFIELD SUPERBLOCK
REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT. I WIFE
AND I LIVE IN THE CENTRAL
DISTRICT AND WE ARE SO EXCITED
TO JOIN CHECKING OUT BOOKS AND
EVENTUALLY ATTENDING GARFIELD
HIGH SCHOOL. I ALSO WANT A SAFE
FUTURE FOR MY KIDS FREE OF GUN
VIOLENCE. I LISTENED TO MY
NEIGHBORS AND WE KNOW INVESTING
IN MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT, THE
ARTS, PARK ACTIVATION AND LOCAL
BUSINESSES IS WHAT'S GOING TO
CREATE A VIBRANT COMMUNITY FOR
ALL OUR KIDS. GARFIELD
SUPERBLOCK MAKES PROGRESS ON
ALL OF THESE. ARTISTS WILL HELP
CREATE PIECES THAT EXPRESS
EXPERIENCES THAT HAVE CALLED
HOME FOR DECADES. THE PROPOSED
PARK WILL OFFER SPACE FOR
INTERGENERATIONAL PLAY THAT
STRIPS AWAY THE SOCIAL AND
ECONOMIC BARRIERS MOST SPORTS
PLACE . NEW BATHROOMS AND
ACCESSIBLE WALKING PATHS OFFER
SAFER PUBLIC SPACES FOR ALL.
THERE IS A CROSSROADS NOW AFTER
NEARLY 20 YEARS OF COMMITMENT
FROM PUBLIC OFFICIAL THIS
REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT IS
TEETERING ON THE EDGE WITH THE
SUPPORT OF INCREDIBLE STATE,
COUNTY FEDERAL AND LOCAL
PARTNERS OVER $9.5 MILLION BUT
HAS BLESSED US JUST SORT . THIS
IS COUNTLESS PROMISES TO THE
HISTORIC LITTLE CITY HALL.
PLEASE SUPPORT THE BUDGET
AMENDMENTS AND INVEST IN PUBLIC
SAFETY AND ARTISTIC EXPRESSION
AND A WELCOMING SPACE FOR ALL
OF US. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU. WE ARE GOING TO
COME BACK TO MATT AND EVAN. .
LARS , *6. THERE YOU ARE.
>> THANK YOU. GOOD EVENING .
I'M A RESIDENT OF D3. I'M
SPEAKING ON BEHALF OF THE MORE
THAN 2500 MEMBERS OF THE METRO
CHAMBER AND SUPPORT OF THE
BUDGET. WE WOULD LIKE TO THINK
CHAIR STRAUSS FOR WORKING WITH
US THROUGHOUT THE YEAR TO
ANALYZE THE SPENDING PRACTICES
THAT WORK HAS LED TO A PROPOSED
BUDGET LEVERAGES ALL AVAILABLE
TO INVEST IN VOTER PRIORITY. IT
DELIVERS ON PUBLIC SAFETY,
SUPPORTS REVITALIZATION ,
RECRUITS MORE FIRST RESPONDERS,
CONTINUES TO SUPPORT THE CARE
TEAM AND PREPARES THE CITY TO
HOST THE FIFA WORLD CUP IN
2026. VOTERS HAVE SAID THE CITY
SAID BALANCE THE BUDGET . OUR
LATEST POLLING SHOWS 76% THINK
THE CITY HAS ENOUGH MONEY MORE
EFFICIENTLY. THE MAYOR'S
PROPOSAL ON IS THAT WHILE STILL
MAKING HISTORIC INVESTMENTS IN
HOUSING AND PRESERVING
SHELTERED BEDS FOR PEOPLE
EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS. AS
YOU ANALYZE THE BUDGET WE ASK
YOU PRESERVE FUNDING FOR THESE
ESSENTIAL PRIORITIES WITHOUT
RAISING TAXES. THANK YOU FOR
YOUR TIME.
>> THANK YOU. WE WILL GO BACK
TO MATT . EVAN? JENNIFER, I'M
GOING TO GO TO THE NEXT
PROBABLY MOST FAMOUS PERSON
TONIGHT. IF WE CAN BRING NANC*6
>> HI. I'M HOST AND PRODUCER
OF ART SOUND , A SHOW ABOUT THE
LOCAL ART SCENE . I WANT TO
FIRST GIVE A BIG SHOUT OUT TO
THE CITY COUNCIL AND STRONG
LEADERSHIP OF SARA NELSON FOR
YOUR SERIOUS CONCERN OF THE
PROPOSAL TO DRASTICALLY CUT THE
BUDGET AND GOAL TO KEEP THE
CHANNEL FULL. WORLD-CLASS
CITIES SHARE NUMEROUS
COMMONALITIES AND ONE IS A
ROBUST AND VIBRANT ARTS AND
CULTURE SCENE. PEOPLE TRAVELED
TO NEW YORK, CHICAGO AND LOS
ANGELES FOR MUSIC FILM DANCE
AND FOOD SCENE. SEATTLE IS A
WORLD-CLASS CITY. THEY WORKED
TIRELESSLY FOR INSTITUTIONS
LIKE SEATTLE ART MUSEUM AND THE
SEATTLE INTERNATIONAL FILM
FESTIVAL, ORGANIZATIONS THAT
AMPLIFY THE OR CALORIE AND WE
FEATURE PROFILES OF INDIVIDUAL
ARTISTS IN ALL GENRES. ART AND
CULTURE IS A STRONG ECONOMIC
DRIVER. YES, IT HAS DWINDLED.
THERE IS NO MEDIA PRESENCE IN
SEATTLE SO PLEASE KEEP THE
SEATTLE CHANNEL AND ART ZONE
ALIVE AND KICKING. THANK YOU.
>> UP NEXT IS AMANDA. *6 TO
UNMUTE . AMANDA, *6 TO UNMUTE.
TAKE IT AWAY.
>> HELLO. I AM A RESIDENT AND
RENTER.
>> WE WILL RESTART YOUR TIME.
IT SOUNDS LIKE YOUR LISTENING
LIVE.
>> AS SO MANY LIVE OUTSIDE AND
ACCESS FOOD AND WATER EACH DAY
WHY IS CUTTING ESSENTIAL
SERVICES? WE NEED TO END AND
THE MAN -- THE COST AND ADDING
THE COST IS $16.5 MILLION .
$16.5 MILLION WHEN SO MANY IN
OUR CITY HAVE UNMET NEEDS.
ARREST WILL NOT END SUBSTANCE
USE DISORDER . REFUSING TO
CONSIDER FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING
AND REFUSING WILL ONLY
EXACERBATE THE HOMELESS CRISIS.
I KNOW WORKING TOWARDS HOUSING
MORE DIFFICULT THROUGH A WASTE
OF TIME AND RESOURCES AND
EXTREMELY TRAUMATIZING.
TREATING PEOPLE AND THEIR
BELONGINGS LIKE TRASH DOES NOT
END HOMELESSNESS. IT ONLY
REMINDS PEOPLE HOW LITTLE THE
GOVERNMENT THINKS OF THEM. TRUE
PUBLIC SAFETY REQUIRES
LISTENING TO PEOPLE. PEOPLE WHO
ARE UNHOUSED AND DEMAND ACCESS
TO APPROPRIATE HOUSING AND
SUPPORT AS SURVIVORS FOR FAR
TOO LONG. HOUSING SERVICES
HEALTHCARE, RECOGNIZING
HUMANITY AND PEOPLE AND
ACTUALLY LISTENING TO WHAT
PEOPLE NEED WILL CREATE SAFETY.
PLEASE AVOID THE SOLIDARITY
BUDGET. THANK YOU.
>> UP NEXT IS JENNA. *6 TO
UNMUTE. THERE YOU ARE. TAKE IT
AWAY.
>> HELLO. I AM HERE TO ADVOCATE
FOR CITY FUNDING FOR THE
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM.
I GREW UP NORTH OF SEATTLE BUT
HAVE ALWAYS ATTENDED LIVE MUSIC
EVENTS AND APPRECIATED THE
CITY. BEFORE JOINING THE
EDUCATION PROGRAM I WAS WORKING
IN A DIFFERENT INDUSTRY AND
VOLUNTEERING AT LOCAL MUSIC
FESTIVALS. JOINING THIS PROGRAM
HAS INSPIRED AND CHANGED MY
CAREER PATH ALLOWING ME TO GAIN
VALUABLE SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
THROUGH IMMERSIVE WORKSHOPS AND
INTERNSHIPS AS WELL AS
CONNECTION WITH PROFESSIONALS.
AND ALLOWED ME . I QUIT MY
FULL-TIME JOB FROM CONNECTIONS
I'VE MADE IN THE PROGRAM.
BEING A HOSPITALITY AND STAGE
MANAGER IS ONE OF THEM. I
WOULDN'T HAVE MADE SUCH A
DRASTIC CHANGE IF NOT FOR THIS
PROGRAM AND HOW IT'S CHANGED
MY LIFE. I HOPE THE CITY WILL
CONTINUE TO FUND THE WORKFORCE
DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM IN NEXT
YEAR'S BUDGET. IN DOING SO YOU
WILL BE SUPPORTING HIS
EDUCATION AND CAREER
DEVELOPMENT OF PEOPLE AGE 17 TO
25 WITHIN SEATTLE'S VIBRANT
ART COMMUNITY. THANK YOU FOR
INVESTING IN OUR FUTURE.
>> WE WILL GO BACK TO IN PERSON
SPEAKERS. 11 THROUGH 20. TWO
LINES.
LOUISE, YOU ARE READY? TWO
MINUTES. THE TIME IS YOURS. A
LITTLE CLOSER.
>> MY NAME IS LUIS. I AM HERE
TO SPEAK ABOUT THE SEATTLE
PARKS AND RECREATION CUTS TO
THE ENVIRONMENTAL STAFF
PROGRAMS. I APPRECIATE THE
MAYOR DECLARING THE GOALS FOR
THE PARKS AND RECREATION BUDGET
WHICH INCLUDES . I WAS
IMPRESSED HOW CUNNING THE PARK
AND RECREATION ENVIRONMENTAL
STAFF PROGRAMS IS CONSISTENT
WITH THESE. THE SERVICES
PROVIDED BY PARKS AND
RECREATION ENVIRONMENTAL STAFF
ARE OFFERED AT COMMUNITY
CENTERS . THE VOLUNTEERS THEY
TRAINED REACH PRESCHOOLERS,
SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN, TEENS,
ADULTS AND SENIORS . THEY ARE
ALL INCOME LEVELS AND RANGE
FROM THE VERY SOUTH OF SEATTLE
TO THE NORTH. ARE THESE NOT
CORE PARKS DEPARTMENT SERVICES?
I THINK THEY ARE AND IT IS
ILLOGICAL TO CUT THEM . THE
BUDGET ALSO NOTES IN FUTURE
YEARS THESE CUT PROGRAMS MAY
PROVIDE A GROUP OTHER THAN CITY
STAFF. IS THE CITY REALLY
SAVING MUCH MONEY THEN? PAVISITS
TO BE IN THEIR PARK EXPERIENCE
BY THE CITY WHO OWNS THEM, NOT
BY A PRIVATE GROUP HIRED TO BE
THE CITY'S MOUTHPIECE . PEOPLE
EXPECT THE VISITOR CENTER TO BE
OPEN . PROGRAMS THEY AND THEIR
CHILDREN ATTEND ARE TAUGHT BY
REPRESENTATIVES WHOSE JOB IT IS
TO PROTECT AND SHARE WITH THEM
THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT OF
THEIR PARK . THESE EXPECTATIONS
ARE REASONABLE AND BEST
ACHIEVED IF THE CITY TAKES
OWNERSHIP OF THESE FUNCTIONS BY
CONTINUING TO STAFF THEM.
>> UP NEXT IS AMANDA BENSON.
>> THANKS FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY.
I AM THE VOLUNTEER INTONATIONS
MANAGER AT THE LOW INCOME
HOUSING INSTITUTE EVERY DAY I
HEAR FROM COMMUNITY MEMBERS
CHURCHES, SCHOOLS,
APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAMS ,
BUSINESS OWNERS AND OTHER
COMMUNITY GROUPS EAGER TO HELP
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL TINY HEALTH
VILLAGE THROUGH VOLUNTEER WORK
INTONATIONS. LANDSCAPING,
FURNITURE ASSEMBLY, SURFING TO
OUR CLIENTS AND TINY HOUSE
VILLAGES . WE HAVE HUNDREDS OF
COMMUNITY MEMBERS EXCITED TO
CONTRIBUTE THEIR TIME AND
SKILLS TO OUR SHELTER PROGRAM
BECAUSE THEY KNOW TINY HOUSE
VILLAGES ARE THE BEST CHANCE AT
SOLVING HOMELESSNESS AND THE
SAFEST MOST DIGNIFIED WAY TO
SHELTER ARE UNHOUSED NEIGHBORS.
TINY HOUSE VILLAGES NOT ONLY
OFFER OUR CLIENTS A CLEAN, WARM
SAFE PLACE TO SLEEP THEY ALSO
PROVIDE WRAPAROUND CASE
MANAGEMENT SERVICES, GIVE THEIR
MEALS AND A COMMUNITY WHERE
THEY ARE KNOWN, RESPECTED AND
CARED FOR. TINY HOUSE VILLAGES
SAVE LIVES. LAST YEAR 421
HOMELESS PEOPLE DIED IN SEATTLE
. SINCE THE LOW INCOME HOUSING
INSTITUTE STARTED BUILDING
VILLAGES IN 2015 OVER 3000
PEOPLE HAVE FOUND SHELTER. OVER
HALF OF THOSE SECURED PERMANENT
HOUSING. I URGE YOU TO LISTEN
TO ALL THE SUPPORTERS OF TINY
HOUSE VILLAGES TODAY AND
INCLUDE FUNDS IN THE 2025
BUDGET FOR TWO NEW TINY HOUSE
VILLAGES. THANK YOU.
>> NEXT IS PATTY FOLLOWED BY
CHRIS HENDRICKSON. YOU'VE GOT
TWO MINUTES. WHENEVER YOU'RE
READY WILL START THE CLOCK.
>> I COME FROM SHANGHAI, CHINA.
AMERICA IS MY DREAM COUNTRY .
HUMANITY , FREEDOM, DEMOCRACY.
WHEN ABOUT 10 YEARS AGO WHEN I
FIRST MADE IT TO THE U.S. I'M
NOT ASTONISHED BY THE HUMAN
RIGHTS. I WAS SURPRISED. SO
MANY PEOPLE LIVE ON THE STREET.
I TRAVELED A LOT OF COUNTRY. I
NEVER SEE A COUNTRY WHERE SO
MANY LIVE ON THE STREET WITHOUT
SHELTER. IN THE PAST 10 YEARS I
VOLUNTEER . I INVOLVED A LOT OF
THE VOLUNTEER PROGRAM IN THE
CHURCH , BUT I DISCOVER MORE
AND MORE HOMELESS . IT GETS
WORSE AND WORSE. WHAT HAS
HAPPENED IN THE U.S.? U.S. IS
THE TOP TECHNOLOGY COUNTRY IN
THE WORLD. WHY WE HAVE
HIGH-TECH BUT SO MANY PEOPLE
LIVE ON THE STREET? I HAVE SEEN
SO MANY HERE. THEY DON'T NEED
THE GOVERNMENT TO SUPPORT THE
FUNDS. THEY ALSO WANT TO
SUPPORT THEIR GOVERNMENT
INVOLVEMENT. SO , THIS IS THE
REASON I'M HERE. I LOVE
SEATTLE. I THINK SEATTLE IS
BEAUTIFUL. I WANT IT TO BE
BETTER AND BETTER AND EVERY
PEOPLE LIVE HERE HAPPILY. NO
HOMELESS LIVE ON THE STREET.
>> THANK YOU. UP NEXT IS CHRIS
HENDRICKSON FOLLOWED BY BRIAN
AND THEN RANDY IF YOU WANT TO
COME DOWN. WELCOME.
>> THANK YOU. THANKS FOR
LETTING ME SPEAK TONIGHT. I AM
A DISTRICT SEVEN RESIDENT AND
AVID SUPPORTER OF THE SEATTLE
POLICE DEPARTMENT . TO SAY I
WAS DEVASTATED BY STAFF PLANS
TO SHUT DOWN THE UNIT WOULD BE
AN UNDERSTATEMENT. PLEASE KNOW
I MEAN NO DISRESPECT. I LOVE
SPD WITH MY WHOLE HEART. I NEED
TO CLEAR UP SOME MISINFORMATION
THAT HAS BEEN SHARED REPEATEDLY
WITH THE CITY COUNCIL AND THE
SEATTLE COMMUNITY. THE MPU ARE
NOT DONATED TO THE DEPARTMENT.
THE HORSES ARE NOT DONATED. THE
HORSES ARE PURCHASED FROM
OWNERS WHO ARE TYPICALLY PROUD
AND HONORED TO SEE THEIR HORSES
SERVE IN LAW ENFORCEMENT. THE
NEWEST POLICE HORSE WAS
PURCHASED IN MAY WITH FUNDS
RAISED BY THE SEATTLE POLICE
FOUNDATION. 85 COMMUNITY
MEMBERS MOSTLY FROM SEATTLE ,
ALONG WITH A HANDFUL OF LOCAL
BUSINESSES, DONATED THEIR
DOLLARS TO PAY FOR THE HORSE.
THEY DID IT IN GOOD FAITH THE
UNIT WOULD NOT BE SHUT DOWN SIX
MONTHS LATER. DONATIONS RANGE
FROM $10 UP TO ABOUT 2000. HE
IS NOT THE HORSE, HE BELONGS TO
THE COMMUNITY. IT'S BEEN
STATED THE UNIT HAS BEEN
DOWNSIZED AND IS PRIMARILY USED
FOR CEREMONIES AND MEMORIAL
SERVICES. WHILE THE UNIT HAS
BEEN DOWNSIZED THE REST OF THAT
IS FACTUALLY INACCURATE. TO
PLAY 3 TO 4 DAYS PER WEEK
CONDUCTING PATROLS THROUGHOUT
OUR CITY. THEY DO COMMUNITY
EVENTS BUT THEY ARE LAW
ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS FIRST AND
FOREMOST. THEY ARE AND WOULD BE
INVALUABLE TO THE ONGOING
EFFORTS TO REVITALIZE DOWNTOWN.
THE IMPACT THIS UNIT HAS ON THE
COMMUNITY IS PRICELESS. MONEY
CANNOT BUY THIS LEVEL OF
CONNECTION AND IT'S
ASTONISHING A DEPARTMENT AS A
STAR FOR POSITIVE ENCOUNTERS AS
SPD IS WOULD REFUSE TO
ELIMINATE THE UNIT THAT YIELDS
THE MOST POSITIVE COMMUNITY
CONNECTIONS I'VE WITNESSED.
THANK YOU COUNCILMEMBER SAKA
FOR COMING TO VISIT THE UNIT.
>> THANK YOU, CHRIS. GOOD TO
SEE YOU, BRIAN.
>> THANK YOU. ON THE SEATTLE
CHANNEL I SERVED IN THAT ROLL
THANK . I KNOW YOU ARE AWARE OF
IT BUT JUST TO BE 100% CLEAR
WITHOUT THAT FUNDING PUBLIC
AFFAIRS PROGRAMS ON THE COUNCIL
WOULD BE CUT . CANCEL ADDITION
WHICH ALL OF YOU HAVE
PARTICIPATED IN IS A RESOURCE
FOR TRANSPARENCY. CITY INSIDE
OUT PROVIDES BALANCE
INFORMATION LIKE THE OF COMING
VOTES FOR THE TRANSPORTATION
LEVY OR COUNCIL POSITION .
VIEWERSHIP IS DOWN AND THAT IS
A CONCERN THAT HASN'T STOPPED
GROWTH AT THE SEATTLE CHANNEL.
THE CHANNEL GAINED MORE THAN
118,000 FOLLOWERS AND
SUBSCRIBERS ON IT SOCIAL MEDIA
PLATFORMS AND HAD MORE THAN 1.7
MILLION VIDEO VIEWS TO THE
FIRST EIGHT MONTHS OF THIS
YEAR. I AM A JOURNALIST AND I
NEVER WANT TO ADVOCATE FOR HOW
A GOVERNMENT SHOULD SPEND ITS
MONEY BUT I FEEL PASSIONATE AND
I NEED TO SPEAK OUT. LET ME SAY
THIS, THERE'S A DIVERSE RANGE
OF VOICES WHO ARE ADVOCATING .
FROM THE SEATTLE TIMES ,
WASHINGTON POLICY CENTER IS TO
NAME A FEW. THERE SUPPORT FROM
POLITICAL LEADERS LIKE FORMER
GOVERNOR GARY LOCKE,
COUNCILMEMBERS NICK , JEAN AND
FORMER COUNCIL PRESIDENT I URGE
YOU TO LISTEN TO THEM. I
REALIZE YOU HAVE A LOT OF
CHALLENGING CHOICES AHEAD RIGHT
NOW BUT I'M ASKING YOU TO DO
WHAT I BELIEVE IN THAT LIST OF
PEOPLE I MENTIONED BELIEVE IS
THE RIGHT THING TO DO IN THE
NAME OF ACCOUNTABILITY. THANK
YOU.
>> UP NEXT IS NATHAN, MELANIE
SO I'M NOT GOING TO TRY IT
AGAIN AND THEN WE MOVED BACK TO
ONLINE. .
>> I AM A VIDEO SPECIALIST . I
WANTED THEM TO KNOW IT WAS JUST
VIDEOS AND MEETINGS. LAST YEAR
THE SEATTLE CHANNEL WAS THE
FIRST DEPARTMENT TO GAIN
APPROVAL FOR OPERATING A DRONE
PHOTOGRAPHY PROGRAM IN THE
PROCESS. WE WROTE NEW CITY
POLICY . WE DRAFTED AND
IMPLEMENTED GUIDELINES AND
TRAINING REQUIREMENTS FOR
PILOTS INCLUDING GETTING
LICENSES . OTHER DEPARTMENTS
LIKE THE SEATTLE FIRE
DEPARTMENT AND PUBLIC UTILITIES
ARE CURRENTLY CONSULTING WITH
US TO DEVELOP THEIR OWN
PROGRAMS. THE CHANNEL ALSO HAS
BEEN A LEADER IN CLOSED
CAPTIONING. CAPTIONING IS
REQUIRED BY THE A.D.A. . THE
CHANNEL PROVIDES CLOSE
CAPTIONING FOR ALL PUBLIC
MEETINGS TAKING THOSE EVENTS
MORE ACCESSIBLE. NOT JUST THOSE
WHO ARE DEAF OR HARD OF HEARING
BUT THOSE WHO ENGLISH IS A
SECOND LANGUAGE. RECENTLY WE
PROMOTED THE SERVICE EVENT .
THE BUDGET PROPOSED WOULD
EITHER ELIMINATE OR VASTLY
CRIPPLE OUR ABILITY TO PROVIDE
SERVICES. I URGE THE COUNCIL TO
RESTORE THE FUNDING . THANK YOU
FOR YOUR SUPPORT.
>> ANGEL, WHENEVER YOU WANT.
>> COULD TO SEE YOU. THANK YOU
FOR TAKING A MOMENT TO LISTEN.
I AM HERE TO ENCOURAGE YOU TO
PROTECT FUNDING FOR THE SEATTLE
PUBLIC LIBRARY AS OUTLINED IN
THE PROPOSED BUDGET. I'M THE
PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD . WE
ELEVATE THE LIBRARY AND INSPIRE
THE LOVE OF READING IN OUR
COMMUNITIES. THAT INCLUDES TENS
OF THOUSANDS OF BOOK DONATIONS
, FREE BOOKS FOR TEACHERS AT
SCHOOLS, TITLE I SCHOOLS ACROSS
THE CITY BUT GIVEAWAYS AT MANY
COMMUNITY EVENTS LIKE
JUNETEENTH AND CAPITOL HILL
PRIDE AND ARE POPULAR TOTE BAGS
FOR YOUNG READERS SIGNING UP
FOR THEIR FIRST LIBRARY CARD.
WE ALSO WORK WITH GRASSROOTS
NETWORK OF LIBRARY SUPPORTERS
ACROSS THE CITY TO ADVOCATE ON
BEHALF OF OF SPL. WE SEE
FIRSTHAND HOW MUCH SEATTLE
GLOVES AND HOW EXCITED PEOPLE
OF ALL AGES ARE ABOUT GETTING
BOOKS AT THEIR LIBRARIES,
VISITING THEIR LIBRARY AND
SPEAKING UP FOR THEIR LIBRARY.
WE'RE GLAD TO SEE MAYOR
HARRELL PRESERVE THE BUDGET IN
THIS YEAR'S PROPOSAL. WE
APPRECIATE IF PAST THAT THIS
BUDGET WOULD ENSURE THAT THE
WAY PEOPLE IN SEATTLE USE THE
LIBRARY MOSTLY WITH CHAIN.
SEATTLE IS A PROUD CITY OF
LITERATURE. WE ARE SO PROUD TO
SUPPORT OUR CITY'S LOVE OF
READING. THERE IS SO MUCH MORE
WE CAN DO. I ASK YOU PRESERVE
THE LIBRARY'S FUNDING IN THIS
BUDGET AND WORK WITH US IN THE
FUTURE SO OUR LIBRARY CAN GROW
EVEN MORE. THANK YOU TO THE
MAYOR FOR RECOGNIZING HOW MUCH
OUR CITY LOVES THE LIBRARY AND
THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR THE
MANY FRIENDS OF OUR LIBRARY TO
PROTECT AND EXPAND. THANK YOU
SO MUCH.
>> UP NEXT IS ANNIE. TAKEN
AWAY.
>> I'M A RESIDENT OF DISTRICT
3 AND I'M HERE TO SUPPORT THE
SOLIDARITY BUDGET DEMANDS AND
ITS GUARANTEES. MAYOR HARRELL
DEFINES JUMPSTART BY 55% IN
ORDER TO BALANCE THE BUDGET AND
DEFINES AFFORDABLE HOUSING,
EQUITABLE DEVELOPMENT AND THE
INITIATIVES I REALLY CARE ABOUT
AND CONTRIBUTE TO CLIMATE
RESILIENCE. DESPITE THE
SHORTFALL THE CITY COUNCIL
FARED TO CONSIDER SOURCES OF
REVENUE AND SIMULTANEOUSLY
INCREASE THE BUDGET DEFICIT BY
SPENDING MONEY ON INFLATED COP
SALARIES , BONUSES AND POLICE
SURVEILLANCE. THESE COMPETE
WITH CITY DOLLARS THAT COULD BE
SPENT ON STRENGTHENING OUR
COMMUNITY. I'M AN
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATOR AND
MENTAL HEALTH CLINICIAN SO I
WANT TO ADDRESS TWO ASPECTS OF
THE BUDGET. IT DEFINES VARIOUS
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH PROGRAMS BY
$1 MILLION COMPARED TO THE TO
ANY 24 BUDGET AND PLACES THE
TEAM UNDER SPD PURVIEW. I
WORKED AS A CRISIS COUNSELOR SO
I KNOW HOW IMPORTANT IT IS TO
CELEBRATE THE PREVENTION FROM
POLICING AND MENTAL HEALTH
CRISIS IS NOT A CRIME.
DEFUNDING TO FAVORABLE HEALTH
IS A PUBLIC MENTAL HEALTH
CRISIS. THE 2025 AJIT ALSO SEES
A COMPLETE REMOVAL OF FUNDING
FOR INDIGENOUS LED
SUSTAINABILITY PROJECTS AND A
SUBSTANTIAL REDUCTION OF THE
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE FUND. IT
ALLOWS COMMUNITY LED
ORGANIZATIONS TO ENVISION AND
IMPLEMENT CLIMATE SOLUTIONS AND
COMMUNITIES AND A DRASTIC CUT
OF 750 K MEANS SCALING BACK
PROJECTS THAT SUPPORT THOSE
AFFECTED BY CLIMATE CHANGE.
IT'S TOO LATE TO AVERT THE
WORST POSSIBLE OUTCOMES AND WE
NEED TO INVEST IN RESILIENCE AT
ALL LEVELS IN ADDITION TO
SUPPORTING INDIVIDUAL AND
COMMUNITY HEALTH INSTEAD OF
POLICING IN JAILS. THANK YOU.
>> UP NEXT IS NATHAN. THE FLOOR
IS YOURS.
>> MY NAME IS NATHAN AND I'M
REPRESENTING MERCY HOUSING
NORTHWEST. WE OWN AND OPERATE A
PORTABLE HOUSING COMMUNITIES IN
SEATTLE WITH OVER 700 UNITS
SERVING 1300 EVERY DAY. THANKS
TO THIS COUNCIL, THE MAYOR AND
CITY STAFF DEVELOPMENT WILL
SOON BREAK GROUND. WHEN
COMPLETING THIS PARTNERSHIP WE
WILL OFFER 431 UNITS OF
AFFORDABLE HOUSING WITH A THIRD
OF THOSE RESERVED FOR FAMILIES
EARNING 30% OF INCOME. WE BEGIN
EACH DAY ASKING OURSELVES A
SIMPLE BUT PROFOUND QUESTION,
WHAT GOOD IS A COMMUNITY IF NOT
GOOD FOR EVERYONE? THE TRUTH IS
SEATTLE HAS BECOME PAINFULLY
AFFORDABLE FOR FAR TOO MANY
FAMILIES WITH NOWHERE TO TURN
THEY ARE CHOOSING TO LEAVE THE
CITY, THE COUNTY AND FOR SOME
THE STATE ALTOGETHER. THEY TAKE
CUSTOMS AND CULTURE AND
COMMUNITY VIBRANCY WITH THEM.
MAKE NO DOUBT AN AFFORDABILITY
CRISIS IS ROBBING OUR COMMUNITY
OF ALL THAT MAKES THEM UNIQUE
AND SPECIAL. WITH MANY
RESIDENTS CONSIDERING LEAVING
BECAUSE OF COST OF LIVING WITH
76% SPENDING 30% OF THEIR
INCOME ON HOUSING, WITH OUR
COMMUNITY OWNED THE BUILDING 21
UNITS FOR EVERY 100 EXTREMELY
LOW WHO NEED IT NOW IS THE TIME
TO REVERSE THIS TREND. OUR NEXT
DEVELOPMENT AT THE MOUNT BAKER
STATION IS BARRELING TOWARD
COMPLETION OR TOWARD
GROUNDBREAKING BECAUSE OF THE
VOTER APPROVED LEVY JUMPSTART
AND MANDATORY HOUSING
AFFORDABILITY PROGRAM. WITH
THIS IN MIND WE ENCOURAGE YOU
TO RETAIN JUMPSTART, AVOID
PERMANENT EXPENSE TAX REVENUES
TO THE GENERAL FUND AND URGE
YOU MILLION
DOLLARS FROM THE PAYROLL AND
FINALLY ASK YOU COMMIT 2025
JUMPSTART CAPITAL DOLLARS TO
THE 2024 FALL NOTICE OF FUNDING
AVAILABILITY. THANK YOU.
>> MELANIE THEN WE GO BACK
ONLINE. I WILL HAVE MORE
INSTRUCTIONS AT THAT POINT.
>> I AM A SEATTLE URBAN NATURE
GUIDE AND I'M URGING YOU TO
AMEND THE PROPOSED BUDGET TO
SAVE THE SEATTLE CITY
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
PROGRAM. I'VE BEEN A VOLUNTEER
NATURALIST FOR 12 YEARS DURING
WHICH I'VE GIVEN 300 VOLUNTEER
HOURS AND SERVED APPROXIMATELY
2000 SEATTLE CITIZENS. I'VE
SHARED THE WONDERS OF NATURE TO
ALL AGES IN EVERY ENVIRONMENT
IN OUR CITY. I LOVE ALL THE
PROGRAMS I'VE DONE BUT MY
FAVORITE IS OUR PARTNERSHIP
WITH THE SEATTLE WORLD SCHOOL.
IT IS A HIGH SCHOOL FOR NEWLY
ARRIVED IMMIGRANTS, PRIMARILY
REFUGEES. THESE CHILDREN HAVE
OFTEN FACED INTENSE TRAUMA ON
THEIR JOURNEY TO BECOMING
SEATTLE RESIDENTS. DURING THE
SUMMER WE TAKE THE STUDENTS ON
FIELD TRIPS AROUND THE CITY TO
SEE THE BEAUTY OF THEIR NEW
HOME AND TO SHOW THEM HOW VERY
WELCOME THEY ARE AND THAT WE
ARE GLAD THEY ARE HERE. WE WANT
THEM TO KNOW OUR AMAZING PARKS
AND GREEN SPACES ARE THEIRS.
THEY BELONG TO THEM. THE BUDGET
IS SUPPOSED TO BE A REFLECTION
OF WHO WE ARE AS A CITY AND
WHAT WE VALUE. I ASK YOU TO
MEND THE BUDGET SO THE
DISCOVERY PARK AND NATURE
CENTERS REMAIN OPEN AND THAT
THE STAFF WHO RUN THESE AMAZING
PROGRAMS RETAIN THEIR POSITIONS
AND THAT THE ENVIRONMENTAL
EDUCATION PROGRAMS THEY RUN
CONTINUE. THOSE SPACES AND
THOSE PROGRAMS CAN CONTINUE TO
PROTECT OUR NATURAL WONDERS,
OUR ENVIRONMENT , WELCOME,
RENEW AND REFRESH OUR CITIZENS
, MAINTAIN AND BUILD OUR
COMMUNITIES AND REINFORCE OUR
COMMITMENT TO BE A CITY OF
ACCESSIBILITY AND INCLUSIVITY
WHERE WE TELL EVERYONE THAT
THESE SPACES BELONG TO YOU.
THANK YOU.
>> WE ARE MOVING BACK ONLINE.
WE HAVE A LARGE NUMBER WHO ARE
NOT PRESENT. I'M GIVING FOLKS
NOT PRESENT A 40 MINUTE ALERT I
WILL CALL ON THEM IN 40 MINUTES
BECAUSE WE WILL TAKE THE NEXT
10 ONLINE PRESENT. WE WILL GO
BACK TO IN PERSON AND COME TO
THESE FOLKS WHO ARE NOT
CURRENTLY PRESENT ONLINE. IF
YOUR NAME IS RED RIGHT NOW YOU
NEED TO CALL IN. MATT OFTEN
BACKER , EVAN SEXTON , JENNIFER
LOU, STEVE , HUGO , JULIA ,
CALEB ALREADY SPOKE , DAVID
HAYNES AND THE CROWD, THAT IS
THE 40 MINUTE WARNING. WE WILL
GO BACK TO THE ONES PRESENT
ONLINE AND THEN COME BACK TO
FOLKS IN PERSON. IF YOU HEAR
YOUR NAME NOW YOU WILL BE
CALLED IN THIS NEXT SET. KURT
WEISS , FLOUR , JULIA , OLIVER
, DOUG , HENRIQUE , MATT
HUTCHINS, TAYLOR FARLEY . I SEE
YOU ARE ALREADY OFF MUTE READY
TO GO. THE TIMER IS READY. THE
FLOOR IS YOURS.
>> HI. I AM THE OPERATIONS
MANAGER AT THE SEATTLE CHANNEL
BUT I'M SPEAKING TO YOU TODAY
AS SOMEONE SOON TO BE RETIRED.
I SPEAK TODAY IN SUPPORT OF
RETURNING FULL FUNDING TO THE
SEATTLE CHANNEL AND WHILE THE
FUND MAY BE SHRINKING SEATTLE
CHANNEL RECEIVES LESS THAN HALF
OF THE TOTAL FUND WHICH IS
STILL FORECASTED TO BRING IN
OVER 5 MILLION A YEAR THROUGH
THE END OF THE DECADE. DESPITE
LOSING OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS
THE CHANNEL CONSISTENTLY
PRODUCES HUNDREDS OF HOURS OF
FREE HIGH-QUALITY COMMERCIAL
FREE TELEVISION GOING IN DEPTH
ON LOCAL ISSUES , CITY
INITIATIVES AND COMMUNITY AS
WELL ARTS AND CULTURE.
ACTING AS A DE FACTO RESOURCE
FOR THE CITY DEPARTMENT
COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION AND
LOCAL PRESS WHILE PAYING SOME
OF THE LOWEST HOURLY WAGES FOR
I.T. AND STAFF MEMBERS AND
BELOW-MARKET RATE FREELANCE .
THE SEATTLE CHANNEL
CONSISTENTLY OFFERS TO THE CITY
AND IT IS YOURS. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU. UP NEXT IS FLOUR
A. I SEE YOU ARE HERE, LELAH.
THERE YOU ARE. TAKE IT AWAY.
>> I'M IN DISTRICT FOR CALLING
IN SUPPORT OF THE SOLIDARITY
BUDGET AND I'M OPPOSED TO THE
MANY CUTS TO HOUSING AND OTHER
SOCIAL SERVICES IN THE MAYOR'S
PROPOSED BUDGET AND THE
ADDITIONAL MILLIONS SPENT ON
SPD. IT IS IRRESPONSIBLE. IT
REPORTS ABUSIVE POLICING AND
CUTTING THOSE PROGRAMS WILL
EXACERBATE PUBLIC SAFETY ISSUES
WE SOUGHT TO ADDRESS BY
POLICING JAIL EXPANSION WHILE
THE COMMUNITY AND DATA HAVE
TOLD YOU THAT IT DOESN'T WORK.
DESPITE BOASTING THE
ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNERS IN AN
ATTEMPT AGAINST THE PREDICTABLE
SURVEILLANCE TECHNOLOGY AND
FORMERLY EXCLUSIONARY ZONES
THIS BUDGET INCLUDES A $400,000
CUT TO THE OFFICE OF POLICE
ACCOUNTABILITY. HOW DO YOU
CLAIM ACCOUNTABILITY TO BE
ROBUST WHEN IT GETS ABSORBED BY
THE POLICE DEPARTMENT THEY ARE
MEANT TO OVERSEE? DON'T MAKE
OTHER SUPPORTIVE PROGRAMS. I
YIELD THE REST OF MY TIME.
>> UP NEXT IS JULIA. I SEE A
COUPLE NAMES. KATE, IF YOU CAN
GO BACK ON MUTE? JULIA, IF YOU
CAN COME OFF. JULIA, WHENEVER
YOU ARE READY.
>> GOOD EVENING . I AM A
RESIDENT OF SEATTLE COUNCIL
DISTRICT 6. I'M HERE TO
COMMENT ON THE MAYOR'S
PROPOSED BUDGET AND I WANT TO
URGE YOU NOT TO FUNDING FOR
VITAL SERVICES LIKE RENTAL
ASSISTANCE AND TENANT SERVICES
. MOST PEOPLE IN SEATTLE I
THINK WOULD AGREE HOMELESSNESS
AND HOUSING ARE MAJOR
CHALLENGES BUT THE SOLUTIONS ,
NOT CRIMINALIZATION OF OUR
NEIGHBORS. AFFORDABLE HOUSING,
RENTAL ASSISTANCE ARE ESSENTIAL
TO REAL PUBLIC SAFETY FOR ALL
SEATTLE RESIDENCE AND SHOULD
NOT BE REDUCED IN THIS BUDGET.
IN QUEUE.
>> THANK YOU. *6 TO UNMUTE.
FOLLOWING IS DOUG. *6 TO
UNMUTE. LET'S MOVE ON TO DOUG
HE WILL COME BACK. I SEE YOU
ARE HERE. THE FLOOR IS YOURS.
>> GOOD EVENING. I'M
REPRESENTING RECREATIONAL
BOATING ASSOCIATION WASHINGTON
RESPECTFULLY A TWO-YEAR BUDGET
THAT MAINTAINS A $61,000 YEAR
COMMITMENT TO THE WATER SAFETY
EDUCATION AND AWARENESS
CAMPAIGN ON LAKE UNION. THIS
MODEST FUNDING IS ABOUT KEEPING
EVERYONE SAFE ON AN ICONIC LAKE
IN THE MIDDLE OF SEATTLE AND
AVOIDING INJURIES AND
COLLISIONS LIKE WHAT HAPPENED
LAST SUMMER IN VANCOUVER WHEN A
SEAPLANE AND BOAT RAN INTO EACH
OTHER. ON ANY WARM SUMMER DAY
PACKED WITH PADDLEBOARDER'S ,
SAILBOATS, HOT TUB BOATS AS
WELL AS ICONIC MANY ARE
FIRST-TIME USERS AND NOVICES.
THE PUBLIC SAFETY CAMPAIGN HAS
SUCCESSFULLY INJURED ZERO
ACCIDENTS ON THE LAKE. WE
ON ALERTING PEOPLE WHAT TO DO
WHEN WARNING LIGHTS FLASH ON
THE UNION ADVISORY AND WE SEE
PLANES TAKING OFF OR LANDING.
WE REACHED OVER 1 MILLION
PEOPLE WITH YOUTUBE VIDEOS AND
ALSO USED DIGITAL ADS, SOCIAL
MEDIA AND SIGNAGE AROUND ALL
KEY ACCESS POINTS TO THE LAKE
TO KEEP FOLKS SAFE. PILOTS HAVE
REPORTED SEEING WATER USERS
AWAY WHEN THEY FLASH. A BIG
CHANGE COMPARED TO PAST YEARS.
TO ENSURE THIS PUBLIC SAFETY
EFFORT KEEPS WORKING WE NEED TO
KEEP DOING IT. THE $61,000 A
YEAR THAT ACCOUNT IN 2022 HAS
BEEN KEY. SO HAS STATE FUNDING
YOUR SMALL LOCAL INVESTMENTS
HELP SECURE. PLEASE MAINTAIN
THIS FUNDING FOR THE NEXT TWO
YEARS TO PROTECT LIVES AND TO
ALLOW THE CITY TO CAPITALIZE ON
LAKE UNION TOURISM AND ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT . THANK YOU.
>> WE WILL TRY NORM ONE MORE
TIME. *6? NORM? WE WILL MOVE
ON TO HENRIQUE. WE HAVE YOU
HERE. *6 TO UNMUTE . YOU ARE
READY TO GO. TAKE IT AWAY.
>> HI. I AM A RECOVERING
BROADCAST JOURNALIST WHO
CONTRIBUTED STORIES TO THE
SEATTLE CHANNEL AND ALSO
MODERATED NUMEROUS COMMUNITY
DISCUSSIONS THAT AIRED ON THE
SEATTLE CHANNEL . I WANT TO
OPPOSE THE PROPOSED CUTS. I
THINK THE CHANNEL IS AN
IMPORTANT SOURCE FOR COVERING
COMMUNITIES AND PEOPLE THAT ARE
TOO OFTEN IGNORED. THROUGH THE
SEATTLE CHANNEL I'VE HAD THE
OPPORTUNITY TO TELL THE STORY
OF HOW GENTRIFICATION HAS
IMPACTED SEATTLE'S
AFRICAN-AMERICAN COMMUNITY AND
ARTISTS WHO ESCAPED WAR AND
POVERTY TO FIND A NEW LIFE ,
ABOUT INDIVIDUALS TAKING IT
UPON THEMSELVES FOR HOMELESS IN
THE CITY. THESE ARE THE STORIES
YOU'RE NOT LIKELY TO SEE ON
LOCAL COMMERCIAL TELEVISION,
NOR WILL THERE BE FULL COVERAGE
OF THE FORUMS ABOUT PUBLIC
SAFETY AND OTHER CRITICAL
ISSUES BECAUSE THE SEATTLE
CHANNEL NO LONGER HAS PEOPLE TO
COVER THOSE DISCUSSIONS. I ASK
COUNCILMEMBERS WHO OPPOSE THE
CUTS THEY WILL BE IMPORTANT
STORIES AND COMMUNITY
CONVERSATIONS AND WILL CONTINUE
TO BE COVERED. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU. WE WILL GO TO
MATT HUTCHINS NEXT AND THEN
COME BACK . I SEE YOU ARE OFF
MUTE.
>> GOOD EVENING. MY NAME IS
MATT HUTCHINS AND I AM
CURRENTLY THE CO-CHAIR OF THE
HOUSING NEIGHBORHOOD COMMITTEE
ON THE PLANNING COMMISSION. I
VOLUNTEERED THERE FOR THREE
YEARS AND COME HERE AFTER YOUR
CONSIDERATION FOR STAFFING OF
THE SEATTLE COMMISSION AT ITS
CURRENT LEVEL AND RECHECK THOSE
CUTS TO A THIRD CURRENTLY
FILLED BY SENIOR PLANNING
ANALYSTS. IT IS A GROUP OF
PROFESSIONALS THAT INCLUDES
EXPERTISE IN PLANNING,
ARCHITECTURE, HOUSING,
EDUCATION, ENVIRONMENTAL ,
TRANSPORTATION PLANNING ,
ORGANIZING . THIS VAST
KNOWLEDGE IS OPERATIONAL. IN
ORDER TO PROVIDE YOU AND THE
COUNCIL OR OTHER CITY
LEADERSHIP ADVICE ABOUT THE
FUTURE OF OUR CITY. WHILE
CO-LOCATED WITHIN THE OFFICE
OUR STAFF IS DISTINCT FROM THAT
AND THE COMMISSION HAS SEPARATE
PLANS THOUGH THE MAJORITY OF
THE WORK WE REVIEW PROVIDES
RECOMMENDATION ON COMES OUT AND
WE WOULD NOT BE IN A POSITION
TO BORROW STAFF FROM THEM OR TO
ASSIST OUR WORK AND DEVELOP THE
WORK TO THEN REVIEW THAT WORK
REPRESENTING A CONFLICT OF
INTEREST AND NOT A GREAT
GOVERNMENT. THANK YOU FOR YOUR
CONSIDERATION FOR THE PROPOSED
BUDGET CUT . THANK YOU.
>> WE WILL TRY -- NORM. WE WILL
TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY. TAKE IT
AWAY.
>> I'M SO SORRY. THE CITY'S
FRONT FACING PORTAL ALL ASPECT
OF CITY GOVERNMENT AND CULTURE
IN AN EASILY ACCESSIBLE WAY.
THEY PREMIERED OUR LATEST
VOTERS GUIDE FOR INSPIRING
PUBLIC SERVANTS A CHANCE TO GET
THEIR MESSAGE OUT AN
OPPORTUNITY TO BE HEARD AND
SEEN AND HELPS RESIDENTS LEARN
ABOUT THOSE RUNNING FOR OFFICE.
AS YOU KNOW WE CREATE HIGH
QUALITY CANDIDATES TO EXPLAIN
THEIR PRIORITIES AND TELL THE
PERSONAL STORIES SOME OF WHICH
ARE TRULY INSPIRING. I CAN'T
TELL YOU THE NUMBER OF TIMES I
TURNED TO OUR DIRECTOR AND SAID
THESE STORIES ARE AMAZING.
THESE PEOPLE CHOOSE TO RUN.
THEY TUNE IN TO WATCH DURING
2023 WE HAD 36,000 YOUTUBE
VIEWS IN 2019. IT WAS MORE THAN
60,000. THEY ARE CREATED BY OUR
IMPRESSIVE WEB TEAM. THEY USE
THEM FOR THEIR OWN CAMPAIGN
LOOKING BACK EACH MEMBER OF THE
CURRENT CITY COUNCIL HAS WANTED
TO OUR STUDIO IN THE BASEMENT
OF CITY HALL TO RECORD A
STATEMENT FOR THE VIDEO VOTERS
GUIDE. I'M THANKFUL PRESIDENT
NELSON AND ALL THE
COUNCILMEMBERS WHO EXPRESSED
SUPPORT AND ARE WORKING TO
RESTORE FUNDING BUT IF THE
BUDGET IS PASSED , OUR CURRENT
STAFF AND ALL OF OUR
CONTRACTORS WOULD BE LAID OFF
AND THE VIDEO VOTERS GUIDE WILL
END AS WELL MANY OTHER
OUTSTANDING AWARD-WINNING
SEATTLE CHANNEL PROGRAMS. THANK
YOU FOR ALLOWING ME TO COMMENT.
>> THANK YOU. AWARD-WINNING
SEATTLE CHANNEL. FLOUR, I SEE
YOU ARE HERE. *6 TO UNMUTE.
LAST TWO FOR THIS SATE WILL BE
KATE AND SUE. WE ARE GOING TO
RESET YOUR TIMER. ONE SECOND .
HI.
>> I'M A LITTLE BIT NERVOUS .
OKAY.
>> WHENEVER YOU ARE READY.
>> IN ADVANCE WANT TO SAY THANK
YOU FOR YOUR TIME. WHEN I WANT
TO SAY HERE TODAY COMES FROM
THE DEPTHS OF MY HEART AND I
HOPE THAT SOMEHOW MY WORDS DO NS
CAN HAPPEN TO ANY OF US. I HAVE
AN AUTOIMMUNITY DISEASE AND THE
REST IS CONNECTED TO A
DISORDER. AFTER WAITING FOR
SECTION 8 AND FINISHING MY GEAR
-- FORCED ME TO AND IN A
SHELTER IN A FAMILIAR PLACE .
THAT DIDN'T HELP MY CONDITION
AFTER LOSING MY HOUSE . MY
HEALTH WAS DECLINING. I'M
IMMUNOSUPPRESSED. INSTABILITY
FORCED ME TO END BACK AND FORTH
IN THE HOSPITAL . I'M NOT
FAMILIAR TO WHO I SHOULD CALL.
THAT'S THE DISCRIMINATION THAT
FORCES ME TO AND HOMELESS. IN
DESPERATION I SENT A LETTER
WITH MY STORY TO A U.S. SENATOR
AND I AM THANKFUL TO THAT
SENATOR THAT TOOK HIS TIME TO
READ MY STORY AND HELPED TO GET
MY SECTION 8 VOUCHER TRANSFER.
I WILL NEVER GET JUSTICE . THE
U.S. SENATOR WAS THE ONLY
PERSON THAT WOULD LISTEN ABOUT
THE INJUSTICE I WENT THROUGH.
I'M THANKFUL. I WANT TO SAY I
SUPPORT THE WORK. WE NEED MORE
FUNDING.
>> THANK YOU. WE CAN TAKE
WRITTEN COMMENTS AS WELL IF YOU
WOULD LIKE TO ADD. WE GOT THAT
PRETTY WELL. KATE AND THEN SUE
AND THEN WE COME BACK TO IN
PERSON. KATE, I SEE YOU ARE
HERE. THERE YOU ARE. TAKE IT
AWAY.
>> AND EVENING . I AM THE CEO .
THE CITY OF SEATTLE HAS BEEN A
SUPPORTER . THEY PROVIDE
SERVICES FOR VICTIMS AND
FAMILIES , 24 HOUR CRISIS
INTERVENTION AND REFERRALS ,
ADVOCACY FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE
AND COMES , PARENT EDUCATION
FOR CAREGIVERS WHOSE CHILDREN
HAVE BEEN ABUSED , TRAUMA
SPECIFIC THERAPY , TRAINING FOR
SERVICE PROVIDERS , ALL
SERVICES ARE FREE AND ALL ARE
PROVIDED IN ENGLISH AND SPANISH
AS WELL AS MANDARIN AND ASL.
THANK YOU ALL FOR BEING PART OF
THE SOLUTION TO SEXUAL
VIOLENCE. TWO SURVIVORS YOU ARE
NOT ALONE. THEY PROVIDED
ADVOCACY AND SUPPORT TO ALMOST
1000 SEATTLE RESIDENT THIS PAST
YEAR. CHANCES ARE GOOD EVERYONE
HERE TODAY KNOWS SOMEONE WHO
HAS BEEN SEXUALLY ABUSED. THE
TRAUMA OF SEXUAL ASSAULT CAN
SURVIVE MENTAL, PHYSICAL AND
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH , THEIR
ABILITY TO FORM HEALTHY
RELATIONSHIPS AND SO MUCH MORE.
IT SURPRISES PEOPLE TO LEARN
ALMOST HALF OF OUR CLIENTS ARE
TEENS AND CHILDREN. WE KNOW
RECOVERY FROM TRAUMA AND SEXUAL
ASSAULT IS POSSIBLE AND THANKS
TO CONTINUED SUPPORT IT REMAINS
POSSIBLE. WHERE ASKING YOU TO
CONSIDER RENEWING THE HUMAN
SERVICES RECOMMENDED AMOUNT
FUNDING . FUNDING WILL CONTINUE
TO SUPPORT PROGRAM STAFF THAT
PROVIDE LEGAL EFFICACY SERVICES
TO CHILDREN, YOUTH AND ADULT
VICTIMS AND THEIR FAMILIES.
SERVICES WILL HELP VICTIMS
NAVIGATE THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE
SYSTEM AND FOR FAMILY MEMBERS
GAINING TO SUPPORT THEIR
CHILDREN OR LOVED ONES.
TALK ABOUT.THANK YOU .
>> UP NEXT WE HAVE SUE. *6 TO
UNMUTE. THEN WE GO BACK IN
PERSON . WE HAVE GREG . SUE,
TAKE IT AWAY.
>> HI. I'M A 75-YEAR-OLD
GRANDMOTHER. I ASKED THE
COUNCIL PLEASE DOUBLE THE
FUNDING FOR TENANT SERVICES AND
RENTAL ASSISTANCE. MY STORY IS
ABOUT THE TENANTS LOSS CENTER.
THOSE ORGANIZATIONS HAVE
SIGNIFICANTLY HELP THE
RESIDENTS AT ALASKA HOUSE
APARTMENTS IN WEST SEATTLE. 11
YEARS AGO WHEN I FIRST MOVED
INTO THE BUILDING FOR SENIORS
AND DISABLED I WAS A HAPPY
CAMPER . SHORTLY AFTERWARDS I
REALIZED THE RESIDENCE WERE NOT
BEING HEARD OR RESPECTED. IDA
STARTED TO START A TENANT GROUP
. RECENTLY ARE VERY
INEXPERIENCED NEW PROPERTY
MANAGER DIDN'T KNOW ANYTHING
ABOUT OUR SEATTLE LOCAL TENANT
DETECTION . SHE WAS BULLYING
THE TENANTS AND SENIORS AND
REMOVED ACCESS TO THE RESTROOMS
AND COMMUNITY ROOMS. THE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR HELPED US
GET IT REOPENED, PROVIDED THE
TRAINING FOR THE BUILDING AND
ADVOCATED TO THE MANAGER WHEN
MANAGEMENT REMOVED THE UPCOMING
TENANTS MEETING. WHEN TWO
NEIGHBORS AND I WERE SERVED
WITH RETALIATORY NOTICES TO
VACATE THE TENANT LA CENTER
HELPED US FIGHT. THERE HAVE
BEEN A VARIETY OF ISSUES
INCLUDING A BEDBUG INFESTATION
THAT WAS SO BAD THAT IT LED A
NEIGHBOR OF MINE DYING BY
SUICIDE. NATIONWIDE SENIORS ARE
BEING BULLIED AND TREATED LIKE
CHILDREN. PLEASE DOUBLE THE
FUNDS FOR TENANT SERVICES AND
RENTAL ASSISTANCE .
>> THANK YOU. WE ARE GOING TO
COME BACK TO IN PERSON. BEFORE
WE JUMP IN WE HAVE TWO
MICROPHONES. I WILL READ THE
NAMES OF PEOPLE WHO WILL BE
CALLED IN 20 MINUTES.
>> MATT, JENNIFER, STEVE, HUGO,
JULIA . OLIVER AND TAYLOR
FARLEY WILL BE CALLED IN 20
MINUTES. UP NEXT IS GREG. IF
KETTLE WANTS TO COME TO THIS
MIKE OVER HERE IT WILL COME
BACK TO JOSEPH. JESSICA
PETERSON. ALICE SCOTT , MATTHEW
CORY . WELCOME. THANKS FOR
COMING DOWN.
>> GOOD EVENING. I'M HERE AS
LAKE CITY NEIGHBORHOOD WITHIN
THE COUNCILMEMBER DISTRICT. I
AM WITH THE CHURCH COUNCIL OF
GREATER SEATTLE TO REMIND YOU
AS PEOPLE OF FAITH WE BELIEVE
BUDGETS ARE MORAL DOCUMENTS.
JESUS TELLS OF THE SHEEP AND
GOATS AND WHATEVER YOU DID FOR
THE LEAST OF MY BROTHERS AND
SISTERS YOU DID FOR ME. THE
BUDGET SUPPORTED BY RECENT
LEGISLATION CAN BE SUMMARIZED
AS AN INCREASE SPENDING ON COPS
AND BALANCE BY AFFORDABLE
HOUSING, SOCIAL SERVICES AND
SAFETY NETS. JESUS CONTINUES
WHATEVER YOU DID NOT DO FOR MY
BROTHERS AND SISTERS YOU DID
NOT DO FOR ME. BY PRESERVING
EXPANDING FOR ITS INTENDED
PURPOSES THE NEW DEAL IN
DEVELOPING AFFORDABLE HOUSING
IS WHAT OUR CITY DESPERATELY
NEEDS. NESS CRISIS BY
DEFUNDING RENTAL ASSISTANCE BY
SIMULTANEOUSLY INCREASING
FUNDING THIS I URGE THE COUNCIL
TO INCREASE FUNDING FOR TENANT
SERVICES BY 5.3 MILLION SO
ORGANIZATIONS CAN SUPPORT
RENTERS AND PREVENT
DISPLACEMENT. EVICTIONS WILL BE
THE CAUSE OF HOMELESSNESS AND
WE SHOULD TRY TO KEEP PEOPLE
HOUSED NOT ACTIVELY CONTRIBUTE
TO THE CRISIS. I'VE HAD TO
FUND RAISE FOR A FRIEND SO SHE
DIDN'T HAVE TO CHOOSE BETWEEN
EMERGENCY DENTAL CARE AND
FALLING BEHIND ON RENT AND
GETTING EVICTED ALONG WITH HER
FOUR-YEAR-OLD. RENTAL
ASSISTANCE ISN'T JUST ON A
BUDGET IT IS LIFE-AND-DEATH FOR
PEOPLE. IT SPEAKS TO THE VALUE
OF OUR CITY AND I WANT TO SEE
ONE THAT TRULY REFLECTS OUR
VALUES OF COMMUNITY CARE.
>> I DID NOT MEAN TO SPLIT UP
THE CHURCH COUNCIL. PLEASE FEEL
FREE. GOOD TO SEE YOU. THE
FLOOR IS YOURS.
>> GOOD EVENING. I INVITE YOU
TO STRETCH AND UNCLENCH YOUR
TEETH AND RELAX YOUR SHOULDERS
AND BREATHE IN REFRESHMENT.
I'M THE SENIOR PASTOR OF
PLYMOUTH CHURCH AND THE FAINT
CHAIR OF THE WASHINGTON STATE
POOR PEOPLE CAMPAIGN. I FAITH
COMPELS ME . TO STAND IN
SOLIDARITY WITH THE CHURCH
COUNCIL OF GREATER SEATTLE AND
WITH UNDER RESOURCED AND
DISENFRANCHISED AND WITH THOSE
WHO ARE MADE VULNERABLE IN THE
CITY. AS I STAND IN THE FIRST
CITY OF COMPASSION NAMED IN THE
WORLD BY THE DALAI LAMA I SAY
THAT BUDGETS ARE WHOLLY MORTAL
COVENANTS MADE FOR AND WITH THE
PEOPLE. AS A PROGRESSIVE
CHRISTIAN PASTOR ISER FROM MY
TRADITION THAT WHEN -- AT THE
VERY LEAST HIS FAMILY WAS GIVEN
AN ALTERNATIVE. POVERTY IS THE
FOURTH LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH
IN THIS COUNTRY AND 800 PEOPLE
DIED EACH DAY DUE TO A LACK OF
RESOURCES. WE WANT TO SEE A
BUDGET THAT FULLY REFLECTS OUR
VALUES OF EQUITY AND THRIVING
AS WELL AS PRIORITIZES JUSTICE
AND COMPASSION LIKE
UNDERSTANDING HOMELESSNESS IS
CREATED BY GREED, NOT BY POOR
CHOICES OF THE VULNERABLE. LIKE
FULLY FUNDING MENTAL, DENTAL
AND HEALTHCARE AND PROVIDING
FOR HOUSING UNITS WITH LOW
BARRIER ACCESS ALONG BASIC
INCOME FOR ALL PEOPLE RATHER
THAN PUSHING FUNDS TOWARD
EXPANDING MILITARIZED HYPER
SURVEILLANCE, TRAUMATIZING
SUITES AND OVER POLICING OF
BLACK, BROWN , INDIGENOUS,
DISABLED AND OTHERWISE MINORITY
ICED PEOPLE. YOU DON'T HAVE TO
BE RELIGIOUS PEOPLE OF GOD BUT
YOU ARE CALLED TO BE PRIESTLY
ARCHITECTS THAT SPEAKS TO OUR
COMMON VALUES. TOGETHER, NOT
ONE STEP BACK. AMEN.
>> NEXT WE HAVE JOSEPH LOPEZ.
>> I AM ONE OF THE COEXECUTIVE
DIRECTORS OF THE CHURCH COUNCIL
OF GREATER SEATTLE. IT'S
ALWAYS A BUMMER TO GO BEHIND
PASTORS. I LIVE IN DISTRICT 3.
I WORK IN DISTRICT TWO AND I
WORSHIP IN DISTRICT SEVEN.
THROUGHOUT THE COUNCIL'S 105
YEAR HISTORY IN SEATTLE WE HAVE
WORK WITH NEARLY 150 FAITH
COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE CITY OF
SEATTLE TOWARD A FUTURE WHEN
JUSTICE AND REALIZED. THE
CHURCH COUNCIL URGES YOU TO
BUILD AND PASS A BUDGET THAT
REFLECTS THE VALUES WE CAN BE
PROUD OF. WE FEEL YOU HAVE A
DUTY TO INVEST IN EQUITABLE
STRATEGIES THAT SUPPORT
THRIVING COMMUNITIES INSTEAD OF
EXPANDING SURVEILLANCE , SWEEPS
AND OVER POLICING OF OUR
COMMUNITIES. WE JOIN A BROAD
COALITION OF ORGANIZATIONS AND
LEADERS CALLING FOR
PRESERVATION OF JUMPSTART
FUNDING FOR ITS INTENDED
PURPOSES . WE ARE CALLING ON
CITY COUNCIL FOR ITS INTENDED
PURPOSES LIKE SUPPORTING SMALL
BUSINESSES , SEATTLE'S GREEN
NEW DEAL AND DEVELOPING THE
AFFORDABLE HOUSING WE
DESPERATELY NEED. THE MAYOR'S
PROPOSAL TO BALANCE THE BUDGET
AT THE EXPENSE OF COMMUNITY
CARE AND INVESTMENT DOES NOT
REFLECT THE VALUES WE BELIEVE
THE CITY SHOULD UPHOLD .
FREEZING REVENUE SPENDING FOR
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS AND
INITIATIVES SO YOU CAN USE
NEARLY HALF THE BALANCE TO
BUDGET IS APPALLING. NOTHING
MORE THAN STEALING FROM THOSE
FROM OUR CITY WHO HAVE BEEN
SYSTEMICALLY EXCLUDED. THE CITY
NEEDS MORE PROGRESSIVE REVENUE
SOURCES. LEADERSHIP, CREATE NEW
SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS FOR ALL.
IT'S TIME FOR POLICY SOLUTIONS
THAT INVEST IN COMMUNITIES AND
LONG-STANDING INEQUITIES. WE
BELIEVE A BUDGET IS A MORAL
DOCUMENT . SPEAKING TO THE
VALUES OF OUR CITY THROUGH
PUBLIC INVESTMENT WE WILL HOLD
YOU ACCOUNTABLE TO LIVING INTO
THOSE VALUES. SEATTLE CAN AND
SHOULD BE FOR ALL COMMUNITIES.
>> DAVID , WELCOME.
>> THANK YOU. I THINK THE
COUNSELOR SHOULD CONSIDER
SENDING BACK THE BUDGET AND
CARVE OUT ALL OF THE RACIST,
WOKE PRIORITIZE
REPEAT OFFENDERS AND CRIMINALS
FORGETTING TO ACCUSE THE
HOMELESS CRISIS MONEY FIRST
PRIORITIZING SELF-DESTRUCTIVE
CHUNKY THIEVES WHO ARE
CONNECTED TO THE UNDERWORLD WHO
GET TO SQUANDER A MAJORITY OF
THE HOMELESS CRISIS MONEY
PRIORITIZED INSTEAD FOR REPEAT
OFFENDERS. I THINK THE
PROGRESSIVES ARE RUNNING
INTERFERENCE FOR THIS LESS THAN
TRANSPARENT BUDGET ABOUT THE
PRIORITIES FROM THE JUMPSTART
THAT WERE SLIPPED IN FROM COVID
MONEY THAT LITERALLY PAID OFF A
BUNCH OF PROTESTERS FROM BLACK
LIVES MATTER AND GEORGE FLOYD.
16 NEWLY CREATED NONPROFITS WHO
GOT $30 MILLION FOR EQUITABLE
DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE EVERY
YEAR AND INCREASED 30 MILLION
FOR COMMUNITY SAFETY AND PUBLIC
SAFETY THAT UNDERMINE THE
INTEGRITY OF THE INTERPRETATION
OF FIGHTING CRIME PROPERLY BY
LITERALLY CLAIMING THEY ARE AN
EXPERT AT ALTERNATIVE POLICING.
YOU HAVE POLICIES RUNNING
INTERFERENCE FOR LOW-LEVEL DRUG
PUSHERS CONNECTED TO THE
UNDERWORLD AND CANNOT GO
ANYWHERE NEAR THE BUSINESS
COMMUNITY BECAUSE YOU ARE IN
DANGER. BUT IF YOU A VIRTUE
SIGNAL YOU HAVE TO PAY OVERTIME
TO COPS TO FIGHT CRIME INSTEAD
OF GETTING RICH AT LAW-ABIDING
EVENT. YOU'VE EXACERBATED THE
PUBLIC SAFETY CRISIS AND
HOMELESS CRISIS AND HOUSING
CRISIS BECAUSE YOU HAVE A
RACIST LENGTH AND JUDGE SKIN
COLOR AND YOU DON'T EVEN JUDGE
THE CONTENT OF THE CRIMINAL
CHARACTER BUT YOU DEEM SOMEBODY
WHITE TO PRIVILEGED TO
PRIORITIZE IF THEIR INNER SENT
AND NOT BOTHERING ANYBODY. THE
HOMELESS UNDERMINED BY LEAD AND
SQUANDERING A LOT OF MONEY AND
THE HOUSING NEEDS TO HAVE THE
FOR PROFIT STILL DEVELOP
BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT QUALIFIED
BUT THEY'RE POLITICALLY
CONNECTED --
>> THIS IS YOUR FIRST WARNING.
DAVID, THIS IS YOUR SECOND
WARNING. HOWEVER ANTAGONIZED
HIM THAT WAS NOT HELPFUL.
LET'S ALL BE COOL. IF WE HAD
NANCY AS THE MOST FAMOUS -- I
THINK YOU BUILT THE MOST
HOUSES. OVER TO YOU.
>> MY NAME IS BARBARA OLIVER.
I'M IN CHARGE OF SOUND
FOUNDATIONS NORTHWEST. WE BUILD
EIGHT OUT OF EVERY 10 TINY
HOMES THAT GO IN NEW VILLAGES.
THOSE ARE THE 200 HOMES SITTING
THERE UNDONE. WE DO NOT HAVE A
STORAGE PROBLEM. WE HAVE A
VILLAGE PROBLEM. THIS JUST CAME
IN. A HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT MADE
THIS . HIGH SCHOOL. IT SAYS
TINY HOMES SAVE LIVES . SIMPLE.
THOSE THAT MET ME KNOW AT THE
HOPE FACTORY WE OPERATE AT A
FIFTH GRADE LEVEL SO THIS IS
VERY BASIC. A LOT OF PEOPLE
HAVE TALKED ABOUT HOMELESSNESS
TODAY. VERY FEW HAVE OFFERED
SOLUTIONS AND I'VE SENT EACH
ONE OF YOU AND YOUR STAFF A 14
PAGE WAY WE CAN GET BY THE END
OF 2027. THIS HAS BEEN AROUND
NINE YEARS AND LIKE AMANDA SAID
HAS GOTTEN THOUSANDS OFF THE
GROUND. THE BUDGET I GAVE YOU
PER YEAR IS LESS MONEY TO PUT A
ROOF OVER THE HEAD, A LOCK ON
THE DOOR AND WRAPAROUND
SERVICES THAN TO TAKE SOMEBODY
IN A WET TENT AND MOVE THEM
FROM PLACE TO PLACE. LOOK AT
ME, HOMELESSNESS IS SOLVABLE.
WE CAN DO IT . FUND THE BUDGET
FOR HOMELESSNESS. DON'T FUND
ONE HOME, ONE VILLAGE. FOUR
VILLAGES PER YEAR WILL GET YOU
THERE. IN THE 27 SECONDS I HAVE
LEFT I WANT TO LEAVE YOU WITH
THIS. BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO
SEE IN THE WORLD. BE THE CHANGE
YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD.
BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE
IN THE WORLD. CHANGE WILL COME
TO YOU.
>> THANK YOU FOR RESETTING THE
ROOM. UP NEXT IS JESSICA
PETERSON . THE FLOOR IS YOURS.
>> HI. I'M JESSICA PEARSON AND
I'M -- WE'RE ASKING FOR
$500,000 TO HELP WITH
HOMELESSNESS. WE NEED SHELTERS
BECAUSE WITHOUT SHELTERS PEOPLE
DIE. THIS CITY HALL HAS A SPACE
THAT CAN BE USED FOR SHELTERS
BUT YOU GUYS AREN'T DOING
THAT. WE NEED MONEY TO KEEP UP
OUR CENTERS. THEY ARE A PLACE
WE CAN GO TO BE SAFE AND
COMFORTABLE AND TAKE SHOWERS
AND DO LAUNDRY AND MAKE FRIENDS
AND WE NEED MONEY TO KEEP THAT
UP. CONSIDER AND GIVE US MONEY
TO HAVE SHELTERS. THANK YOU.
>> SORRY.
>> ALYSSA SCOTT. I'M HERE ON
BEHALF OF THE TINY VILLAGE
HOMES. MY HUSBAND AND I, YOU
HEARD FROM HIM EARLIER, WE
RAISED FIVE CHILDREN. WE STAYED
THERE FOR ALMOST 20 YEARS UNTIL
OUR LANDLORD DECIDED TO SELL. I
GOT A BRAIN TUMOR AND WE ENDED
UP IN A TENT ON THE SIDE OF THE
ROAD. BY THE GRACE OF GOD WE
WERE FOUND AND PUT INTO A TINY
HOME WHERE I WAS ABLE TO GO TO
CANCER CARE AND BE PROVIDED THE
HELP I NEEDED TO GET BACK ON
HER FEET. WE BOTH NEEDED TO GET
BACK ON HER FEET. TODAY BECAUSE
OF LIHI AND ALL THAT THEY DID
FOR US WE ARE PRODUCTIVE
CITIZENS. WE WERE BEFORE UNTIL
HE GOT SIDETRACKED. I WOULD'VE
NEVER BELIEVED I WOULD EVER BE
THERE. I DID MY SENIOR THESIS
IN COLLEGE ON HOMELESSNESS AND
I STILL COULDN'T DRAG MYSELF
OUT OF IT AND I STILL GOT A
BRAIN TUMOR. IF THEY DON'T
BUILD MORE HOMES FOR PEOPLE OUT
THERE THEY ARE NOT GOING TO
HEAL. IT JUST GOES BACK ON THE
CITY. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR
STORY.
>> NEXT.
>> THANK YOU FOR TAKING INTO
CONSIDERATION THE COMMUNITY
NEEDS SHARED HERE TODAY. I AM
THE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
MANAGER AT LOW INCOME HOUSING
INSTITUTE. I'M HERE TO SPEAK
TO YOU ABOUT TINY HOUSE
VILLAGES AND HOW THEY ARE THE
ANSWER TO HOMELESSNESS BY
CREATING A WRAPAROUND PATH TO
PERMANENT HOUSING. LIHI IS ONE
OF THE LEADING OPERATORS IN
WASHINGTON AND WE HAVE ACHIEVED
THIS THROUGH CASE MANAGEMENT,
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES AND
CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY PROGRAMMING
IN ADDITION TO THE SECURITY,
SAFETY AND PRIVACY OF A TINY
HOME. THE ABILITY TO LOCK THE
DOOR AND LAY DOWN AT NIGHT
KNOWING YOU ARE SAFE CANNOT BE
MEASURED . THERE ARE TINY HOUSE
VILLAGES IN 2023 120 PEOPLE
HAVE ENTERED SUBSTANCE ABUSE
TREATMENT PROGRAMS. OVER 50% OF
PEOPLE WHO COMPLETED THE
PROGRAM LAST YEAR HAVE SECURED
PERMANENT HOUSING. ACCORDING TO
DATA 98% OF PEOPLE HOUSED HAVE
RETAINED THEIR HOUSING.
OUTREACH TO HOMELESS
ENCAMPMENTS ARE IMPORTANT BUT
IF WE DO NOT INCREASE SHELTER
WHERE WELL AND OUTREACH TEAM
REFER PEOPLE TO? TINY HOUSE
VILLAGES ARE THE CHEAPEST AND
MOST EFFECTIVE WAY TO MOVE
PEOPLE OFF THE STREET, OUT OF
TENT, OUT OF THE COLD , RAIN
AND SNOW AND INTO WARM SAFE AND
SUPPORTIVE SHELTER. AT THIS
TIME WE ASK YOU ADD TO TINY
HOUSE VILLAGES TO THE 2025 CITY
OF SEATTLE BUDGET TO SUPPORT
OUR COMMUNITY MEMBERS IN NEED.
WITHOUT A ROOF OVER YOUR HEAD
IN PLACE TO CLEAR YOUR MIND HOW
CAN YOU BE EXPECTED TO PLAN FOR
YOUR FUTURE? TINY HOMES ARE A
BIG SOLUTION. THANK YOU FOR
YOUR TIME. THOSE THAT HAVE NOT
TAKEN A TOUR , I OFFER THAT TO
YOU. I WILL LEAVE MY BUSINESS
CARD AND OUTCOME REPORTS ON
TINY HOUSE VILLAGES IN 2023.
>> NEXT IS MATTHEW.
>> THANK YOU. GOOD EVENING. MY
NAME IS MATTHEW CORY. ON THE
SHELTER OPERATIONS MANAGER .
I'M HERE TO SPEAK ON THE HOPES
OF BRINGING MORE TINY HOMES AND
COMMUNITIES IN THE SEATTLE AND
WASHINGTON. I STAND HERE TO
SHARE THAT I HAVE LIVED
EXPERIENCE WITH DRUG AND
ALCOHOL ADDICTION AS WELL AS
SEVERE HOMELESSNESS. BETWEEN
2009 AND 2017 I WAS OFF AND ON
HOMELESS WITH NO HELP OR
GUIDANCE. I WISH WE HAD A TINY
HOUSE OPPORTUNITY WHEN I WAS ON
THE STREET. SOME ARE SAFE TO BE
WITH CASE MANAGERS THAT HAVE
THE KNOWLEDGE OF HOW OR WHERE
TO GET CERTAIN DOCUMENTS I
NEVER LEARNED GROWING UP. IN
THE PAST YEAR I HAVE SEEN AND
BEEN A PART OF GETTING AT LEAST
30 PEOPLE PERMANENTLY HOUSED.
THAT IS ONLY COUNTING THE ONE
VILLAGE I OVERSEE. NOT THE
OTHER VILLAGES I FEEL INTO WHEN
I'M NEEDED. AS SOMEONE WITH
LIVED EXPERIENCE URGING CITY
COUNCIL TO PROVIDE FUNDING FOR
NEW VILLAGES. WITH A MORE TINY
HOUSE VILLAGES THE AMOUNT OF
PEOPLE WE CAN HELP THIS
ASTRONOMICAL. PLEASE CONSIDER
HELPING THESE PEOPLE AND
HELPING US HELP THEM. THANK
YOU.
>> THANK YOU FOR BEING READY.
>> I'M A STAFF MEMBER AT THE
LOW INCOME HOUSING INSTITUTE
AND RESIDENT OF DISTRICT 3. I
DEDICATED SEVERAL YEARS TO
SERVICE AND FOUND MYSELF AT
LIHI LAST YEAR. HAVING EARNED
SO MUCH ABOUT THE COMMUNITY AND
HOUSING CRISIS I WAS INSPIRED
TO STAY ON AND CONTINUE THIS
IMPORTANT WORK IN HOUSING AND
HOMELESSNESS. AS I'VE
COORDINATED AND WORKED
ALONGSIDE HUNDREDS OF
VOLUNTEERS IT IS APPARENT THE
COMMUNITY SUPPORTS TINY HOUSE
VILLAGES , SEES THEIR SUCCESS
AND WANTS MORE . AS MANY HAVE
POINTED OUT THE HOMELESSNESS
CRISIS IN SEATTLE IS
ASTRONOMICAL. THE CITY IS
DISPLACING MORE AND MORE OF OUR
UNHOUSED NEIGHBORS OVER AND
OVER AGAIN INSTEAD OF FOCUSING
ON SOLUTIONS THAT WILL BREAK
THAT CYCLE. WE NEED MORE TINY
HOUSE VILLAGES, THE VILLAGES
PROVIDE A STEPPING-STONE
OUTSIDE OF HOMELESSNESS ROOTED
IN SAFETY, DIGNITY AND SUPPORT.
TINY HOUSE VILLAGES ARE THE
FASTEST MOST EFFICIENT AND BEST
SOLUTION TO PROVIDE OUR
UNHOUSED NEIGHBORS TEMPORARY
SHELTER, SUPPORTIVE SERVICES
AND A PATH TO PERMANENT
HOUSING. CITY COUNCIL, WE ARE
ASKING YOU TO ADD FUNDING FOR
TWO NEW VILLAGES THIS YEAR. A
FEW MONTHS AGO COUNCILMEMBER
HOLLINGSWORTH CAME TO
CONSEJO'S OPENING THE GOOD
SHEPHERD HOUSE. WHAT I REMEMBER
THE MOST IS HER AND THE
CONGREGATION SPONTANEOUS
SINGING OF WE HAVE COME THIS
FAR BY FAITH. DO NOT LET US
LOSE FAITH IN THE COUNCIL .
PLEASE PROTECT AND EXPAND
AFFORDABLE HOUSING, SHELTERS
AND SUPPORTIVE SERVICES. THANK
YOU.
>> TO EVERYONE, I'M SORRY IF I
MISS PRONOUNCE YOUR NAME. THANK
YOU FOR YOUR GRACE TODAY. WE
ARE GOING TO GO BACK THROUGH
THE LIST OF FOLKS ONLINE WHO
WERE NOT RESIDENT. THEY ARE
STILL NOT PRESENT SO WE ARE
GOING TO GO RIGHT INTO WHO IS.
THE NEXT 10 . [ ROLL BEING
CALLED ]
>> I URGE THE COUNCIL TO
INCREASE FUNDING ESPECIALLY
AROUND EDUCATION AND
ORGANIZING. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
AND THE RESOURCES THEY PROVIDE
PREVENT PEOPLE FROM BECOMING
HOMELESS . FROM PEOPLE FROM
BEING BULLIED OUT OF THEIR HOME
AND PROVIDING MENTOR RESOURCES
TO PREVENTING US FROM BECOMING
HELPLESS AND ALL THE OTHER
ISSUES THAT COME WITH THAT .
WITH GROUND-UP SUPPORT HOUSING
IS A NEED FOR EVERYONE. WE NEED
RENTAL ASSISTANCE , EVERYTHING.
WE NEED SUPPORT FOR OUR
COMMUNITIES THERE ORGANIZING
OUR WE CAN'T SUPPORT OUR
ARTIST COMMUNITY OR CREATE MORE
ART OR HAVE THE LOVELY SEATTLE
COMMUNITY WE HAVE WITHOUT
PEOPLE HAVING THESE RESOURCES
TO ENSURE THEY DON'T GO HUNGRY
OR HURT OR ANY OF THAT. THESE
CONNECTEDNESS BUDGET AND I
WOULD LIKE TO SEE MORE FUNDING
GO INTO THESE THINGS OR ALL
THESE THINGS THAT HAVE HARMED
OUR COMMUNITY. DON'T DEFUND
THE PROGRAM, THESE HELP
EVERYONE IN EVERY TYPE OF
HOUSING SITUATION WHETHER BIG
OR SMALL. DEFUND SPD BUT DON'T
CUT PLANNING AND POLICY. WE
NEED MORE SUPPORT THAN EVER FOR
OUR COMMUNITY. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU. UP NEXT IS ALL
OVER. THERE YOU ARE. *6 TO
UNMUTE.
>> HELLO. SEATTLE PUBLIC SCHOOL
TEACHER AND SMALL BUSINESS
OWNER. THERE ARE TOO MANY
THINGS TO BRING UP TODAY. THE
THEME IS COUNCILS ACCEPTANCE OF
PUNISHMENT, CRIMINALIZATION AND
INCARCERATED THOUGHT BEHIND THE
ONE SEATTLE PRO-BUSINESS
AGENDA. AFTER THE BEARING
COUNCIL TRIED TO CUT MENTAL
HEALTH FUNDING IN HALF FOR 2024
STUDENTS RESPONDED AND WROTE
ARTICLES , ORGANIZED
CONVERSATION BUT WERE SCHOOL,
AFTERSCHOOL , HOSTING STUDENT
SUMMITS AT THEIR SCHOOL,
REFUSING TO BE TOKENIZED,
EXCLUDED AND DISRESPECTED BY
THE MAYOR AND COUNCIL. THAT WAS
SOMETHING THAT CAME UP OVER AND
OVER AGAIN. I HAD THE HONOR TO
ORGANIZE AND WRITE WITH THESE
PEOPLE AND IT'S CLEAR THIS
BUDGET TRIES TO RESPOND TO
STUDENTS DEMAND IN NUMBER BUT
NOT IN QUALITY. THERE'S BEEN
DEMAND FOR SAFE THIRD PLACES
FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE CITY
AND THEY'VE ASKED FOR
ALTERNATIVES TO POLICING. THE
MAYOR IS CLAIMING TO INVEST IN
ALTERNATIVES BUT STUDENTS ARE
NOT CONVINCED NOR ARE THE
EDUCATORS IN OUR SCHOOL. WE
NEED CLARITY AND WHEN IT COMES
TO COMMUNITY INVESTMENT WE NEED
TO HAVE A CLEAR SEAT AT THE
TABLE FOR THESE PARTNERS THAT
GO ABOVE AND BEYOND EVERY DAY
AND MIGHT NOT FIT THE MAYOR'S
CHERRY PICKING AND COUNCIL
CHERRY PICKING UP WHAT THEY
LIKE THAT TO LOOK LIKE.
STUDENTS ARE PURELY DOING THE
WORK FOR YOU TRYING TO EDUCATE
THEIR PEERS ON THIS BUDGET
PROCESS AND UNFORTUNATELY FIGHT
THERE HAS BEEN LITTLE DIALOGUE
ABOUT HOW WE CAN DO THE
SPENDING BETTER. THE CITY
COUNCIL SHOULD INVEST IN THE
HUBS ENGAGED IN PUBLIC SCHOOL
STUDENTS AND HAVE THEIR VOICE
IN CITY POLITICS. THIS
INFRASTRUCTURE IS NOT JUST A
CREATION OF ANOTHER COMMISSION.
STUDENTS DEMANDED WE FULLY FUND
OUR SCHOOLS AND WE KNOW THIS IS
UP TO LEGISLATURE AND THAT'S
WHY WE CALL YOU TO SUPPORT. SO
MANY GREAT TESTIMONIES. THE
THEME HERE IS --
>> THANK YOU SO MUCH. PLEASE
FEEL FREE TO SEND IN WRITTEN
COMMENTS. UP NEXT IS PAUL
FOLLOWED BY TERRY. TAKE IT
AWAY.
>> AND EVENING. I'M CALLING IN
TO VOICE MY SUPPORT FOR
COUNCILMEMBER HOLLINGSWORTH
2025 BUDGET AMENDMENT TO FULLY
FUND
>> I LIVE IN THE CENTRAL
DISTRICT A FEW BLOCKS AWAY AND
MY PARTNER IS --
>> THE SCHOOL AND ITS PROXIMITY
IS A BIG PART OF THE FACILITIES
AGING AND THE PROJECT NEEDS
TIME TO RENOVATE.
>> THIS CAN NOW ENSURE THE
NEIGHBORHOOD KEEPS ATTRACTING
AND PROVIDING A SAFE SPACE FOR
THE NEXT GENERATION. GARFIELD
PARK IS A WONDERFUL SPACE IN
ONE OF THE CITIES MOST DIVERSE
. IT DESERVES TO BE FINISHED. I
WANT TO THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR
ATTENTION AND YOUR WORK AND
URGE YOU TO SUPPORT THIS
AMENDMENT . THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU. UP NEXT IS TERRY
ANDERSON FOLLOWED BY ARIANNA.
*6 TO UNMUTE. THE FLOOR IS
YOURS.
>> HI. MY NAME IS CARRIE
ANDERSON AND I'M THE INTERIM
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF
WASHINGTON STATE. I URGE THE
CITY COUNCIL TO STOP THE
SUPPOSED BUDGET CUTS FOR TENANT
SERVICES AND RENTAL ASSISTANCE
. INSTEAD OF SLASHING THE
BUDGET IN HALF WE RECOMMEND
INCREASES CRUCIAL FUNDING BY
$5.3 MILLION. WE SUPPORT THE
SOLIDARITY BUDGET. THE UNION AT
WASHINGTON STATE RECEIVED FUNDS
IN THE CITY TO OPERATE TENANT
RIGHTS HOTLINE IN PERSON
CLINICS AT VARIOUS COMMUNITY
LOCATIONS AND TO CONDUCT
MULTIPLE, VIRTUAL AND IN PERSON
RIGHTS TO ACCEPT. WE HAVE
SPANISH SPEAKERS ON STAFF TO
HELP AND WE UTILIZE TRANSLATION
SERVICES. OUR SERVICES EDUCATE
RENTERS ABOUT THEIR RIGHTS
DURING THE MOVE IN AND MOVE OUT
PROCESS OF THEIR TENDENCY AND
EVERYTHING THAT HAPPENS WHILE
RENTING THEIR HOME. TENANTS WHO
DO NOT KNOW THEIR RIGHTS UNDER
THE WASHINGTON RESIDENTIAL
LANDLORD TENANT ACT AT THE
LOCAL AND OTHER OFTEN OPERATE
OUT OF FEAR AND WILL MOVE
UNNECESSARILY WHEN THEY DO NOT
UNDERSTAND THE NOTICE POSTED ON
THEIR DOOR EVEN IF IT MEANS
BECOMING HOMELESS. IN ADDITION
TO EMPOWERMENT WE ALSO OTHER
SOURCES FOR ADDITIONAL HELP
WITH NECESSARY. WE HELP TENANTS
INFORM THE ASSOCIATION TO
COLLECTIVELY ADDRESS BUILDING
ISSUES WITHOUT HAVING TO
LITIGATE. OUR SERVICES KEEP
FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES
INTACT. THE RACIAL DIVIDE OF
OWNERSHIP IN SEATTLE ALONG WITH
HOUSING POLICIES AND PRACTICES
MEANS THAT TENANTS ARE
DISPROPORTIONATELY BLACK AND
BROWN AND LIFELONG TENANTS WHO
LIVE AND DIE IN RENTAL HOUSING.
THE FUNDING FOR TENANT SERVICES
PLEASE DO NOT CUT THIS FUNDING.
THANK YOU.
>> WE WILL GO BACK UP TO EVAN
WHO IS NOW PRESENT. *6 TO
UNMUTE. YOU ARE OFF MUTE . WE
ARE READY.
>> THANK YOU. I AM A RESIDENT
IN DISTRICT FOR. I WANT TO
START BY THANKING THE MAYOR'S
STAFF . I KNOW THEY PUT A LOT
OF WORK IN THE BUDGET PROPOSAL.
I AM KIND OF CONCERNED ABOUT
THE LACK OF PLANNING FOR THE
SYSTEMIC BUDGET. A LOT OF TALK
HAS HAPPENED ABOUT EVERY YEAR
MONEY IS TAKEN BUT AS CONTEXT,
EVERY YEAR THAT'S ALSO BEEN A
TEMPORARY STOP GAP AND THAT
SEEMS TO ME A LITTLE
UNSUSTAINABLE ESPECIALLY GIVEN
WE STILL HAVE A SYSTEMIC BUDGET
DEFICIT SO I THINK THE
CONVERSATION NEEDS TO BE MORE
EXPLICIT WE ARE GOING TO KEEP
TAKING MONEY FROM JUMPSTART. IT
CAN'T KEEP BEING TALKED ABOUT
AS IF IT IS A ONE-YEAR THING.
HE NEEDS TO BE A REAL DEBATE SO
THE PUBLIC KNOWS WHAT'S GOING
ON. AND ALONG WITH THAT THEME I
AND OVER TWO THIRDS OF VOTERS
VOTED TO INCREASE INVESTMENT
FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING BY ABOUT
100 MILLION EVERY YEAR.
UNFORTUNATELY , SINCE THAT PAST
THERE HAS BEEN A SIGNIFICANT
CLIENT IN NHA REVENUE SO WE
HAVE NOT SEEN THAT INCREASE OF
$100 MILLION BUT WE WERE VOTING
FOR WHEN WE PASSED THE HOUSING
LEVY. I UNDERSTAND THE
JUMPSTART IS CURRENTLY BEING
USED TO FILL REVENUE GAPS
BECAUSE OF DECLINING REVENUE
AND OTHER SOURCES. I THINK IF
WE ARE USING JUMPSTART TO FILL
REVENUE GAPS THE FIRST KIND OF
GAP WE SHOULD PROBABLY FAIL IS
REVENUE GAPS FOR STUFF
IDENTIFIED IN THE JUMPSTART
SPENDING PLAN. GIVEN WE ARE
HAVING A DECLINE AND NOT REALLY
BEATING WHAT WE WERE EXPECTED
TO WITH THE HOUSING LEVY .
THANK YOU.
>> THE REMAINING SPEAKERS WE
WILL TAKE IN THE SET ARE
ALREADY .
>> TAKE IT AWAY.
>> AT EVENING. I APOLOGIZE FOR
NOT BEING ABLE TO BE THERE. I
AM MAKING MY COMMENTS REMOTELY.
I WOULD LIKE TO SAY THIS IS AN
EMBARRASSMENT TO THE CITY OF
SEATTLE. I AM MOST CONCERNED
ABOUT THE TENANT SERVICES
INCLUDING LAWYERS FOR HOMELESS
YOUTH WHICH I PERSONALLY USED
AS A TEENAGER AND HAS HELPED
SAVE MY LIFE. THEY FELT MY
SITUATION. THIS COUNCIL CLAIMS
TO WANT TO GO AFTER CRIME .
THAT WAY IS SUCH AS THEFT AND
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE. YOU CAN DO
THIS BY KEEPING THE OFFICE OF
LABOR STANDARDS RUNNING IN
PLACE AND BY INCREASING FUNDING
FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SERVICES
WHICH HELP DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
SURVIVORS HEAL AND BY DEFUNDING
THE POLICE. IT DOES NOT HELP
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SURVIVORS .
THEY ARE NOT INVESTIGATING OR
PROSECUTING IN SEATTLE ANYMORE.
AT WORST THEY ARE PERPETRATORS
THEMSELVES. DEFUND THE POLICE.
DEFUND. DEFUND POLICE THAT ARE
HARMFUL AND PLEASE RESTORE THE
FUNDING FOR INVESTIGATIONS AND
GO AFTER CRIMINALS THAT STEAL
MONEY FROM THEIR EMPLOYEES.
PLEASE INCREASE FUNDING FOR
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SERVICES AND
TENANT SERVICES SO THAT PEOPLE
CAN SURVIVE. IN QUEUE.
>> UP NEXT IS KELLY FOLLOWED BY
CLAIRE. YOU ARE OFF MUTE. WE
ARE READY FOR YOU.
>> I AM A RENTER IN DISTRICT
THREE AND SOCIAL WORKER. I WAS
A CASE MANAGER AND THERAPIST
AND I'M HERE TO SUPPORT THE
SOLIDARITY BUDGET DEMAND WE
FUND AFFORDABLE HOUSING, TENANT
EDUCATION, AND A LIVING WAGE
FOR HUMAN SERVICE WORKERS. I'M
TERRIFIED WE ARE FINDING MORE
POLICE AND TAKING AWAY
SERVICES. THIS WILL RESULT IN
DEATH. I WOULD LIKE TO BE
HONEST ABOUT IT. THOSE ARE YOUR
VALUES. WE HAVE TO INVEST IN
SERVICES THAT ARE PREVENTATIVE.
AS A CASE MANAGER ONE OF THE
THINGS WAS BEING A GATEKEEPER
WHICH SOMETIMES DIDN'T EXIST.
HE DIDN'T HAVE SHELTER BEDS OR
HOUSING OR STAFFING. IT WAS A
VERY SMALL WINDOW AND MAY NOT
BE ABLE TO FIND THEM WERE
VIOLENTLY DISPLACED. I LEFT
THAT JOB AS MANY DID NOT
BECAUSE I DIDN'T LOVE MY
CLIENTS BUT BECAUSE I WAS
PUTTING MY OWN AT RISK. I
COULDN'T AFFORD MY OWN RENT
AND DIDN'T FEEL LIKE I COULD
DO MY JOB. WHEN I SEE OFFICERS
HARASSING PEOPLE I WAS RECENTLY
WALKING AROUND MY OWN
NEIGHBORHOOD AND THERE WERE TWO
POLICE OFFICERS WHO HANDCUFFED
A WOMAN EXPERIENCING A MENTAL
HEALTH CRISIS. I TOLD THEM I
WAS A SOCIAL WORKER AND THE
MOBILE CRISIS TEAM. THEY KNEW
THOSE SERVICES BUT IT TOOK A
LONG TIME FOR PEOPLE TO COME.
EVEN THESE OFFICERS KNEW THEY
COULD NOT DO THAT. THEY SHOULD
BE THERE. THEY DID MAKE THAT
WOMAN SAFER OR ME SAFER AND I
BRING THIS UP FOR THE TEAM
MANAGED BY POLICE AND WILL BE
MORE VIOLENCE. THE ANSWERS ARE
NOT COMPLEX. PLEASE DEFUND THE
POLICE. THANK YOU.
>> I SEE YOU ARE HERE. YOU'RE
ALREADY OFF THE.
>> THANK YOU. MY NAME IS
CLAIRE. I WORK IN NONPROFIT
LIVING AND WORKING IN LAKE CITY
I URGE THE COUNCIL TO INCREASE
FUNDING FOR RENTER EDUCATION
AND ORGANIZING IN MY EARLY 20s
I WAS IN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND
FACED HOMELESSNESS. I GAINED
HOUSING AND LATER DURING THE
PANDEMIC AND THEY HELPED ME GET
THIS PROJECT AND SOLID GROUND
TO HELP ME LEARN ABOUT MY
RIGHTS AND ADVOCATED FOR ME AND
PREVENTED ME FROM BEING DENIED
FUTURE HOUSING THANKS TO THESE
ORGANIZATIONS I WAS ABLE TO
CONSTANTLY NAVIGATE MY RIGHT
AND HELP RENTERS ADVOCATE FOR
THEMSELVES. I WORKED WITH A
LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE EVERY
DAY IN MY JOB AND WE COULD NOT
DO WHAT WE DO WITHOUT THE
SUPPORT OF THESE OTHER
ORGANIZATIONS. WE ARE ONLY ABLE
TO HELP SO MUCH AND IT IS
CRITICAL FOR US TO BE ABLE TO
WORK FOR OUR NEIGHBORS. I URGE
YOU TO INCREASE FUNDING BY 5.3
MILLION TO SUPPORT OUR TENANTS.
>> UP NEXT IS JAMIE FOLLOWED BY
JOCELYN AND I AM GOING TO TAKE
MARISSA . I'LL EXPLAIN WHERE
WE GO FROM THERE. I SEE YOUR
HERE. YOU'RE OFF MUTE . WE ARE
READY WHEN YOU ARE.
>> MY NAME IS JAMIE AND I SERVE
ON THE SEATTLE PLANNING
COMMISSION FOR OVER EIGHT
YEARS. I'M CURRENTLY SERVING
MY SECOND TERM AS CO-CHAIR. I
COME TO ASK TO CONSIDER
MAINTAINING THE STAFFING OF THE
PLANNING COMMISSION AT ITS
CURRENT LEVEL AND RECHECK THE
PROPOSED CUT OF A THIRD OF THE
POLICY STAFF THAT CURRENTLY
FILLS FULL-TIME SENIOR
ANALYSTS. I WAS A YOUTH WORKER
AND RENTER LIVING PAYCHECK TO
PAYCHECK STRUGGLING TO FIND
AFFORDABLE HOUSING. I JOINED
BECAUSE I WANTED TO BE A PART
OF SHAPING THE LONG-TERM VISION
FOR OUR CITY. LIVABLE,
SUSTAINABLE AND AFFORDABLE FOR
ALL. OVER THE LAST 16 YEARS IN
ADDITION TO REVIEWING THE
COMMISSION HAS DEVELOPED ITS
OWN INDEPENDENTLY RESEARCH WORK
INCLUDING FOR TOPICAL ISSUES
INTENDED TO SHAPE AND INFORM
THE CURRENT UNDERWAY MAJOR
UPDATES OF A COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
INCLUDING ADJUSTING THE
STRATEGY, DISPLACEMENT,
SUPPORTING AFFORDABLE HOUSING ,
REPURCHASING THE RIGHT-OF-WAY
AND THE OPTIONS AND PEOPLE.
OTHER REPORTS INCLUDING
RACIALLY EQUITABLE AND
RESILIENT DURING THE COVID
PANDEMIC IN 2020 ,
NEIGHBORHOODS FOR ALL IN 2018 ,
A FAMILY SIZED HOUSING ,
HOUSING SEATTLE IN 2011 AND
AFFORDABLE HOUSING ACTION
AGENDAS. THE COMMISSION WAS
ESTABLISHED IN 1946 TO MAKE
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THAT
LEGISLATIVE AND OTHER
DEPARTMENTS WITH THEIR GOALS
AND POLICIES AND THE
DEVELOPMENT AND ITS NEEDS MAY
REQUIRE. THE VOLUNTEERS OF THE
COMMISSION PLAYED A CRITICAL
ROLL IN PROVIDING THOUGHT
LEADERSHIP AND OFTEN
INDEPENDENT ADVICE IN REVIEWING
THE CITY PLANNING WORK. TOOLS
FOR BOTH BRANCHES OF GOVERNMENT
TO SEATTLE RESIDENTS IN A
CRITICAL TOOL FOR GOOD
GOVERNANCE. PLEASE HELP US
CONTINUE OUR WORK. THANKS FOR
YOUR CONSIDERATION.
>> THANK YOU. UP NEXT IS
JOCELYN FOLLOWED BY BRANDON ,
MARISSA. WE ARE READY WHEN YOU
ARE.
>> THANKS. I AM A BOARD MEMBER
WHICH IS THE SEATTLE
INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT BUSINESS
IMPROVEMENT AREA. I'M A
COMMUNITY MEMBER . OUR
COMMUNITY IS FACING VERY
SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. PROPERTY
OWNERS ARE STRUGGLING TO
COLLECT RENT AND COMMUNITIES
ARE DECLINING WITHOUT ACTION
FROM THE CITY ARE DISTRICT
CULTURE AND VIBRANCY WILL
CONTINUE TO ERODE AFFECTING NOT
JUST OUR COMMUNITY BUT ALSO THE
CITY AS A WHOLE. AS THE CITY
CONSIDERS THE PUBLIC SAFETY
INITIATIVE I HOPE YOU CAN
CONSIDER TO ALLOCATE AT LEAST
20% OF FUNDING DIRECTLY TO CID
AND COMMUNITY BASED
ORGANIZATIONS . THIS WILL
CONTROL THE SPECIFIC PUBLIC
SAFETY AND ECONOMIC CHALLENGES
WE FACE. WE NEED A DEDICATED
TEAM NOW. THANK YOU FOR YOUR
TIME AND CONSIDERATION.
>> BRANDON WE HAVE YOU NOW. WE
ARE READY.
>> HI. THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE
AND THANK YOU FOR THE
OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK. I'M
HOPING YOU CAN BE PRESENT. MY
NAME IS BRANDON, I AM A PUBLIC
HEALTH NURSE . YOUR
CONSTITUENTS ARE RELYING ON YOU
TO LEAD OUR CITY TO A BETTER
FUTURE. AS A PROFESSIONAL AND
CITIZEN I'M HERE TO REQUEST
THE COUNCIL RECONSIDER THE
FINANCIALLY AND SOCIALLY
RESPONSIBLE BUDGET PROPOSAL. IT
REALLOCATE FUNDING TO
CRIMINALIZE VULNERABLE
COMMUNITIES AND INFLATE POLICE
BUDGETS. ALL WELL DEFENDING
SERVICES AND LAYING OFF CITY
WORKERS. THESE CHOICES NOT ONLY
GREATLY DEEPEN BUDGET DEFICITS
THAT AGGRAVATE TRAUMA FOR THOSE
MOST VULNERABLE. IT UNDERMINES
ALREADY FRAGILE TRUST IN LOCAL
GOVERNMENT. AS A NURSE IT IS
ABUNDANTLY CLEAR CHANNEL AND
POLICING ARE NOT THE SOLUTIONS.
ON THE OTHER HAND COMMUNITY LED
EVIDENCE-BASED SOLUTIONS
PREVENT VIOLENCE BY ADDRESSING
THE CAUSES. LAST YEAR IN
ANTICIPATION REVENUE
STABILIZATION WORKERS RELEASED
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR INCREASING
THE CITY BUDGET. PROGRESSIVE
REVENUE WOULD PREVENT THE CITY
FROM HAVING TO CUT ESSENTIAL
SERVICES ALLOWING THE CITY TO
INVEST IN POLICIES THAT CREATE
PUBLIC SAFETY. I IMPLORE YOU TO
RECONSIDER THE PATH YOU'VE
CHOSEN. THE DISCORD AND THE
FUNCTION IS NOT TOO LATE TO
ALTER YOUR COURSE. RECONSIDER
WHAT'S INEFFECTIVE , SYSTEMIC
ISSUES REQUIRE SOLUTIONS, NOT
POLICE VIOLENCE AND LEGAL
CASES. INVEST IN COMMUNITY LED
SOLUTIONS FOR PROBLEMS IN
SOCIETY. LET'S CREATE A CITY
THAT IS RUN EFFECTIVELY AND
COMPASSIONATELY . BE A BEACON
OF HOPE. PLEASE RECONSIDER.
THERE ARE SO MANY LIVES AT
STAKE. THANK YOU.
>> WE HAVE YOU HERE. *6 TO
UNMUTE . THERE YOU ARE. WE ARE
READY.
>> THANK YOU. MY NAME IS
HILLARY AND I'M A RESIDENT OF
DISTRICT 3. THE CHILDREN
ATTENDING NEIGHBORHOOD PUBLIC
SCHOOLS. I'M A PROUD MEMBER OF
THE COALITION. I'M CALLING IN
TODAY TO ASK YOU TO HELP FINISH
THE SUPERBLOCK PROJECT. PLEASE
SUPPORT COUNCILMEMBER
HOLLINGSWORTH AMENDMENT THAT
WILL FULFILL THIS PROMISE TO
THE USERS OF THE CAMPUS
ADDRESSING REAL NEEDS RELATED
TO MENTAL HEALTH , SAFETY AND
COMMUNITY INVESTMENT. THE
CAMPUS HOLDS THE COMMUNITY
CENTER, COMMUNITY POOL, TEEN
LIFE CENTER AND PERFORMING ARTS
CENTER WITH TWO HIGH SCHOOLS.
MANY ORGANIZED ACTIVITIES ON
THE PLAYFIELD. THIS IS A CAMPUS
USED BY EVERYDAY PEOPLE OF ALL
AGES, BACKGROUNDS AND
ABILITIES. AN INVESTMENT IN
THIS PARK IS AN INVESTMENT IN
THE PEOPLE WHO USE IT. FOR
YEARS MEMBERS OF THE SUPERBLOCK
COALITION SOLICITED SPECIFIC
DESIGN IDEAS FOR PARK
RENOVATION THAT WILL CREATE A
WELCOMING ACCEPTABLE AND
AMENITY FILLED PUBLIC SPACE AT
THIS HARD-WORKING CAMPUS IN THE
CENTER OF A HISTORICALLY
NEGLECTED NEIGHBORHOOD. THE
COALITION HAS SPENT TIME
SPEAKING NOT JUST WITH
NEIGHBORS AND RESIDENTS BUT
CITY EMPLOYEES WHO STAFF THE
COMMUNITY CENTER AND THE TEEN
LIFE CENTER. THEY ARE FRONT
FACING WORKERS WHO ADDRESS THE
NEEDS OF THE CITY RELATED TO
YOUTH, UNTIL HEALTH, PHYSICAL
ACTIVITY AND NEIGHBORLY
CONNECTION. THE COALITION
LISTENED TO THEM AND
IMPLEMENTED THEIR IDEAS IN THE
PARKS DESIGN. WE DON'T WANT
THESE DESIGNS TO BE LEFT ON THE
TABLE. THE GARFIELD SUPERBLOCK
AND SURROUNDING NEIGHBORHOODS
HAVE PERSISTENTLY EXPERIENCED
SO MUCH GUN VIOLENCE IT DEMANDS
A RESPONSE FROM CITY COUNCIL.
LET'S MAKE THE SUPERBLOCK A
PLACE THAT CALMS AND ADDRESSES
VIOLENCE, NOT A PLACE FOR
VIOLENCE TO OCCUR REGULARLY.
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH. UP NEXT
IS MARISSA PEREZ. *6 TO
UNMUTE. TAKE IT AWAY. YOU ARE
OFF MUTE . MAYBE YOUR PHONE IS
NEEDED?
>> IT WAS. OKAY.
>> YES.
>> OKAY. MY NAME IS MARISSA, I
AM A RENTER, RESIDENT AND I
SERVE AT THE EXECUTIVE
DIRECTOR. WE REPRESENT OVER 200
ORGANIZATIONS PROVIDING
ESSENTIAL SERVICES ACROSS THE
CITY INCLUDING SENIOR CARE,
HOMELESS SERVICES , CHILD CARE
AND GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE . WE
LISTEN TO HUMAN SERVICE STAFF
AND CLIENT TO DEVELOP
RECOMMENDATIONS AND MAINTAINING
THE CURRENT CAPACITY OF SEATTLE
HUMAN SERVICE SYSTEM AND
MEETING THE NEEDS OF ALL
COMMUNITY MEMBERS. WE ARE
ASKING YOU TO RESTORE CUTS MADE
AGAINST AGENCIES BY THE
MAYOR'S BUDGET. YOU'VE HEARD
HOW VITAL IT IS TO MAKE
SERVICES AND CURRENT NEEDS
ALREADY. THESE WILL BE
DEVASTATING TO INDIVIDUAL
AGENCIES AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS
THEY SERVE. ARE ASKING
INFLATION MANDATED BY CITY
ORDINANCE APPLY TO ALL
CONTRACTS REGARDLESS OF
DEPARTMENT SO THEY CAN TOCREASE
YOU HOLD TO RAISE HUMAN SERVICE
WAGES BY 5% TO ADDRESS WAGE
DISPARITY THAT IMPACTS
FRONT-LINE WORKERS WHICH WILL
SAVE LIVES OF VITAL SERVICES
AND ENSURE WE ARE FORTIFYING
AND STRENGTH ANY OUR CAPACITY
TO RESPOND THE NEEDS OF OUR
COMMUNITY MEMBERS. WE URGE
LEADERSHIP TO RESIST THE
PRESIDENT FOR REVENUE SOURCES
LIKE JUMPSTART THEY CAN BE USED
FOR GENERAL CITY NEEDS. THESE
WERE DEVELOPED WITH THE PROMISE
OF SUPPORT FOR AFFORDABLE
HOUSING AND OTHERS BY STRIPPING
THESE RESTRICTIONS THE CITY IS
GOING BACK ON THE PROMISES TO
OUR COMMUNITY. WE SUPPORT THE
RECOMMENDATION OF OUR MEMBER
COALITION AND AGENCIES
INCLUDING THE SEATTLE KING
COUNTY COALITION AND SEATTLE
FOOD COMMITTEE SERVICES FOR
SENIORS AND COALITION ENDING
GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE.
>> FRIENDS, WE ARE ABOUT AT THE
HALFWAY POINT. WE HAVE GONE FOR
ABOUT THREE HOURS. WE HAVE 2 TO
3 MORE HOURS OF PEOPLE IN
PERSON SIGNED UP. THAT WAS THE
LAST PERSON THAT SIGNED UP
BEFORE 5:00 P.M. REMOTELY. I
WILL TAKE EXECUTIVE PRIVILEGE
AND WE ARE GOING TO DO JUST IN
PERSON UNTIL WE GET THROUGH IT
ALL AND THEN GO BACK TO REMOTE.
I SEE EVERYONE HAS BEEN IN HERE
SINCE ABOUT 5:00 P.M. SO NOW I
MEETING THE CRITICAL
REQUIREMENT TO TAKE PEOPLE IN
ORDER IN WHICH THEY REGISTERED.
WE HAVE THE C PART GARAGE
CLOSING IN ABOUT TWO HOURS. WE
WILL USE BOTH MICROPHONES AND
GO BACK AND FORTH BETWEEN A AND
B. HE WILL DO THE SAME NUMBERS.
UP NEXT IS A 21 THROUGH 30 . WE
ARE GOING TO DO BE 21 THROUGH
30 AND CHANNEL BARB, OLIVER .
WE WILL ROLL OUR SHOULDERS BACK
AND ENJOY THE NEXT THREE HOURS
OF THIS PUBLIC HEARING. UP NEXT
IS LORI FARMER FOLLOWED BY
JEFF, NATALIE , JAMIE, KATE
MARK -- MY EYES ARE BAD. JASON
AUSTIN. WITH THAT, WELCOME.
>> THANK YOU. OKAY. SEATTLE
CITY COUNCIL, THANK YOU SO MUCH
FOR LISTENING. I'M AN ACTIVE
REGISTERED VOTER AND TEACHER
BUT THAT'S BESIDES THE POINT.
THE REASON I'M HERE IS BECAUSE
I'M A SEATTLE URBAN NATURE
GUIDE. BOTH OF WHICH ARE MAY BE
COMPLETELY CUT OUT. WHAT I'M
ABOUT TO SAY IS IN A DIFFERENT
WAY. I WANT TO BELIEVE MY CITY
IS GREEN. SAVE ENVIRONMENTAL
PROGRAMS IF YOU KNOW WHAT I
MEAN. THE ANSWER IS NOT WHICH
HAS A NON-ACCESSIBLE VIBRATION
. WE NEED NATURE FOR OUR YOUTH,
IT'S THERAPEUTIC, THAT'S THE
TRUTH. BEING IN THE FOREST FOR
OUR TEAMS WE ARE MENTORING
CONNECTIONS THAT CAN BE SEEN.
CONNECTIONS, NOT REJECTIONS TO
THE GREAT OUTDOORS . SEATTLE'S
GREEN REPUTATION SOURCE . FIELD
TRIPS TO THE PARK SPEECHES AND
TIDAL POOLS CAN'T DO THAT
STUFF WITHIN BUILDINGS OF
SCHOOLS. GIVE OUR COMMUNITY
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY TO URBAN
NATURE PROGRAMS , FOR TEACHERS,
SENIORS, SCIENTISTS , WE ARE
ALL VOLUNTEERS. MAYOR HARRELL,
LEND AN EAR. SEATTLE NEEDS ALL
ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMS TO BE
HERE. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU FOR GROUNDING US.
>> GOOD EVENING. I'M AN
ATTORNEY WHO LIVES AND WORKS IN
THE INTERNATIONAL DISTRICT AND
I SERVE AS THE BOARD CHAIR .
I'M HERE TO ASK THE CITY TO
FUND A DEDICATED WE DELIVER
CARE TEAM . PUBLIC SAFETY
ISSUES ARE DRIVING DEEP
ECONOMIC DECLINE IN OUR
COMMUNITY. BUILDINGS HAVE
BURNED DOWN. RESTAURANTS,
RETAIL STORES, THEY ARE
STRUGGLING TO STAY AFLOAT AND
MANY ARE BEHIND ON RENT AND
FACING A LOOMING EVICTION WHICH
WILL LEAD TO MORE EMPTY
STOREFRONTS. PROPERTY OWNERS
ARE FACING CHALLENGES. IF THEY
STRUGGLE FINANCIALLY I'M
CONCERNED HE WILL HAVE NO
CHOICE BUT TO TURN THEIR
PROPERTIES OVER TO LENDERS OR
RECEIVERS WHICH WILL MEAN THE
CID WILL BE IN CONTROL OF BANKS
. WHEN THE CID HAS BEEN GIVING
THE CITY'S CHALLENGES TO
HANDLE IN THE PAST WE HAVE
RESPONDED WITH RESILIENCE AND
COMPASSION. OUR RESILIENCE HAS
ITS LIMITS. WE FIND OURSELVES
OVERWHELMED AND ALONE IN
SHOULDERING THE CHALLENGES. WE
HAVE BEEN TOLD HELP IS COMING
AND TO WAIT BUT WE NEED HELP
NOW. I ASK AT THE CITY TO FUND
THE PROPOSED 2.4 MILLION FOR
THE DEDICATED WE DELIVER CARE
AND ALSO TO MAKE SURE THE FUNDS
ARE CONTROLLED BY CID
ORGANIZATIONS AND NOT BE
DIRECTED BY SOMEONE ELSE. THANK
YOU.
>> MY NAME IS NATALIE AND I'M
THE COMMUNITY MANAGER . SINCE I
STARTED THIS POSITION THE
NUMBER ONE ASK HAS BEEN FOR A
SAFETY OUTREACH TEAM. I WORK ON
THE GROUND IN OUTREACH TO
DIFFERENT COMMUNITY MEMBERS
CARING ABOUT THEIR PERSISTENT.
PEOPLE FEEL ALONE AND NEED THE
TEAM TO BE A CONSTANT PRESENCE
PROVIDING IMMEDIATE RESPONSE .
FOLKS LIVING ON HOUSED IN THE
NEIGHBORHOOD ARE MEMBERS OF OUR
COMMUNITY AND RATHER THAN
HARMFUL INTERVENTIONS TO
DISPLACE WE NEED PEOPLE WHO CAN
EARN THEIR TRUST, SHOW
COMPASSION AND GET ACCESS TO
SERVICES THEY NEED. PEOPLE ARE
LOOKING FOR SOMEONE TO SELL
PUBLIC SAFETY BUT NO ONE PERSON
CAN ACCOMPLISH THAT ALONE. WANT
TO WORK WITH THE CARE TEAM TO
MAKE SURE IMPACTS THAT SERVE
OUR SMALL BUSINESSES AND ALL
RESIDENTS. I CAN'T DO IT
WITHOUT YOUR SUPPORT. I ASK YOU
TO FUND THE BUDGET FOR THE
CONTRACT TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT.
THANK YOU.
>> MY NAME IS ANDY, REPRESENT
FRIENDS IN LITTLE SAIGON. OUR
POSITION IS TO UPLIFT THE NEEDS
. LITTLE SAIGON IS ASKING THE
CITY TO SUPPORT THE $2.4
MILLION PUBLIC SAFETY PROPOSAL
TO FUND THE WE DELIVER CARE
SAFETY TEAM. THIS WILL HELP
ADDRESS HARM CREATED BY THE
MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS FUELED BY
THE PERVASIVE HOUSING AND
FENTANYL CRISIS. THEY WILL
RELIEVE SOME PRESSURES THAT
AGENCIES CAN FOCUS ON CRIME
OCCURRING IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD.
THESE HARMS HAPPENING IN SUCH A
DENSE DIVERSE AND CULTURALLY
HISTORIC AREA HAVE IMPACTED OUR
MOST VULNERABLE MEMBERS.
THEY'VE EXPERIENCED STALKING,
HARASSMENT AND ASSAULT. LIKE
MARKET ACTIVITY AND GUN
VIOLENCE ABOUND INVEST IN THIS
ESSENTIAL SERVICE TO STABILIZE
THE NEIGHBORHOOD AS WE WORK
TOGETHER . THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU. I AM A SHOP
STEWARD WITH OVER AT SEATTLE
DEPARTMENT . I'M HERE WITH OUR
REP AND SOME COLLEAGUES THAT
ARE DIRECTLY IMPACTED BY THE
BUDGET CUTS. I AM URGING YOU TO
FUND THOSE POSITIONS , TO FIND
IT IN THE BUDGET . THE FOLKS
THAT ARE SLATED TO BE LAID OFF
WE WILL SEE A 36% REDUCTION IN
ZONING REVIEW. THESE ARE FOLKS
THAT REVIEW PERMITS, DEMOLITION
PERMITS , SINGLE-FAMILY ,
RESIDENTIAL , MULTIFAMILY
PROJECTS. 30% REDUCTION . THAT
ONE GROUP PUTS A TOTAL OR
REDUCTION IN AVAILABLE TIME TO
REVIEW PERMITS BY 54% SO THAT
IS OVER HALF OF THE AMOUNT OF
TIME THOSE FOLKS WILL BE ABLE
TO REVIEW PERMITS. THE WORK
THEY ALSO DO IS STUFF RELATED
TO OUR VIRTUAL CUSTOMER SERVICE
CENTER ASKING ANSWERING
I URGE YOU TO COME
TO THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY
CENTER THIS WEEKEND, SATURDAY.
THEY WILL BE DOING A FAIR AND
OPEN HOUSE AND YOU CAN SEE HOW
IN DEMAND THE ZONING PLANNERS
ARE IN THAT ROOM. EVERYBODY HAS
QUESTIONS FOR ZONING AND THESE
FOLKS PLAY A CRITICAL ROLL IN
APPROVING PERMITS AND THEY
PROVIDE A TREMENDOUS COMMUNITY
SERVICE. IN MY ROLL WE RELY ON
THESE FOLKS TO REALLY SORT OF
INTERCEPT AND ADDRESS
CONTENTIOUS PROBLEMS WITH
NEIGHBORS WHETHER IN ANY OF
YOUR DISTRICTS WE SEE LOTS OF
COMPLAINTS AROUND ZONING. I
URGE YOU TO FULLY FUND THESE
POSITIONS.
>> THANK YOU.
>> HELLO. I AM KATIE. I'M A
DISTRICT ONE VOTER AND I AM A
PROUD UNION REPRESENTATIVE.
FIRSTLY I WANT TO SAY WE STAND
IN SOLIDARITY WITH COMMUNITY
TESTIFYING TONIGHT. WE
DESPERATELY NEED OUR CITY
LEADERSHIP TO COMMIT TO FINDING
PROGRESSIVE REVENUE FOR OUR
COMMUNITIES, FAMILIES AND ALL
NEIGHBORS. I'M REALLY PROUD TO
REPRESENT CITY EMPLOYEES ACROSS
SEATTLE INCLUDING THE SEATTLE
DEPARTMENT OF CONSTRUCTION AND
INSPECTION. THESE WORKERS AND
EMPLOYEES WORK DIRECTLY WITH
OUR COMMUNITIES EVERY SINGLE
DAY TO ENSURE EQUITABLE ACCESS
TO CRITICAL PUBLIC SERVICES
PROVIDING THE MOST DIRECT AND
ACCESSIBLE PUBLIC SERVICES
POSSIBLE WAS IDENTIFIED AS A
MAIN PRIORY FOR THE RECENT CITY
AUDIT DONE ON ST CI. THESE SAME
WORKERS PROVIDE PUBLIC FACING
SERVICES AND HAVE BEEN NOTIFIED
THEIR JOBS AND LIVELIHOODS ARE
NOW AT RISK OF BEING LAID OFF.
THE CITY'S EMPLOYEES ARE
CRITICAL IN MEETING THE GOALS
OF THE CITY OUTLINED SET AUDIT.
WHEN JAMIE SHARED YOU WILL HEAR
FROM DIRECTLY IMPACTED 17 UNION
MEMBERS WHO ARE DIRECTLY
IMPACTED BY PROPOSED LAYOFFS.
WE ARE ASKING FOR YOUR HELP
TONIGHT TO MAINTAIN CRITICAL
PUBLIC SERVICES , TO MAINTAIN
GOOD UNION JOBS AND TO WORK
TOGETHER CONTINUING TO BUILD
OUR SHARED VISION OF A THRIVING
SEATTLE FOR EVERYBODY.
>> NEXT IS A 27.
>> THANK YOU FOR THE TWO
MINUTES. I AM IN COUNCIL
DISTRICT 2 AND I'M AN
ORGANIZER. I AM A SUPPORTER OF
MUTUAL AID EFFORTS WHO HAVE
SERVED OVER 200 HOT MEALS A
WEEK. I'M HERE TO ADVOCATE FOR
EXPANSION OF JUMPSTART TO
INVEST IN COMMUNITIES. ALSO A
MEMBER. WHEN CHAMBER COMPLAINT
ABOUT PEOPLE BEING ON THE
STREETS THEY SHOULD BE BLAMING
FOR SHUTTING DOWN THE
NAVIGATION CENTER . IF THE LEAD
CARE TEAM WAS FUNDED WHERE
WOULD THEY GO? THEY NEED SAFE
CONSUMPTION SITES WHICH NONE
ARE CURRENTLY FUNDED. STOP THE
SWEEP , WASTING TAXPAYER MONEY
ON VIOLENCE THAT DOESN'T HELP
INDIVIDUALS ESPECIALLY AFTER A
SWEEP STATE SANCTIONED AND
FUNDED VIOLENCE . THERE ARE
RIPPLE IMPACTS. AFTER SWEEP IS
WHEN MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS WHO
HAVE THEIR CAR WINDOWS BROKEN
INTO BUT WHEN MAIL AND PACKAGES
GET TAKEN THE DOWNSTREAM RIPPLE
IMPACTS WHEN THE STATE
PERPETUATES VIOLENCE AND THOSE
COSTLY INCIDENTS OCCUR. CITY
COUNCIL ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR
THESE. STOP TAKING FUNDING FROM
BLACK INDIGENOUS PEOPLE WHO
DESIGNED AND ADVOCATED FOR
JUMPSTART WHICH IS INTENDED TO
PROVIDE RESOURCES FOR COMMUNITY
HISTORIC AND CURRENTLY
UNDERFUNDED. YOU SHOULD BE
EXPANDING JUMPSTART, NOT TAKING
FROM IT AND WHEN YOU TAKE
JUMPSTART TO COVER CITIES
RECKLESS SPENDING, WHICH IS IT
WHAT JUMPSTART WAS LEGISLATED
TO FUND THAT MEANS YOU OPEN THE
CITY TO A LAWSUIT. WHEN YOU
TAKE JUMPSTART TO COVER
RECKLESS SPENDING WHICH ISN'T
WHAT IT WAS INTENDED TO DO THAT
MEANS YOU OPEN THE CITY . STOP
GETTING SPD 46 MILLION BONUSES.
>> THANK YOU. PLEASE FEEL FREE
TO SEND IN ADDITIONAL WRITTEN
COMMENTS. WE MOVE ON TO JASON
AUSTIN. THE FLOOR IS YOURS.
>> AT EVENING. I WORK IN
DISTRICT FIVE IN LAKE CITY AS A
LEAD FOR OUR SENIOR MAIL
PROGRAMS. I'M HERE TO TESTIFY
IN SUPPORT OF SUSTAINING A $1
MILLION INVESTMENT FOR MEAL
PROGRAMS IN THE 2025 BUDGET. I
WANT TO THANK COUNCILMEMBER
HOLLINGSWORTH FOR HER SUPPORT.
THE NEED FOR NUTRITIOUS AND
CULTURALLY RELEVANT FOOD IN
COMMUNITY SPACES HAS NEVER BEEN
GREATER. SEEN THE NUMBER OF
ELDERS COMING IN FOR A MEAL
INCREASE BY OVER 300% SINCE WE
LAUNCHED OUR SENIORS PROGRAM IN
2013 ENTER EAST AFRICAN ELLIS
PROGRAM IN 2018. THESE HAVE
GROWN FROM 50 MEALS PER WEEK TO
MORE THAN 600. THIS RISE IS
BEING DRIVEN BY A RAPIDLY
INCREASING FOOD COST AND
NATIONWIDE RISE IN POVERTY
AMONG OLDER ADULT. LAST YEAR IT
WAS REPORTED THE POVERTY RATES
WERE 65 AND OLDER IN WASHINGTON
HAD CLIMBED TO 9%. WHEN OUR
ELDERS ARE FED THEY ARE
HEALTHIER BOTH PHYSICALLY AND
MENTALLY. THEY ARE MORE SOCIAL
AND NEED LESS HIGH-COST CARE
FROM OUR SYSTEM. SUSTAINED
FUNDING FOR OUR PROGRAMS WILL
MAKE IT SO COMMUNITY MEMBERS
WON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT
WHETHER THEIR MEAL DELIVERY
WILL BE ABLE TO CONTINUE OR IF
THEY LOSE ACCESS TO THERE IN
PERSON COMMUNITY LUNCH DUE TO
STAFFING. INVESTING IN MEAL
PROGRAMS ACROSS THE CITY MEANS
INVESTING IN THE PUBLIC HEALTH
OF OUR COMMUNITIES. THANK YOU
FOR YOUR TIME.
>> THANK YOU FOR HELPING ME
KEEP US ON TRACK IN THE CORRECT
ORDER. NOW IT'S TIME FOR
JASON.
>> AT EVENING. DISTRICT TO
RESIDENT AND PROGRAM DIRECTOR .
HERE TODAY TO URGE YOU TO
SUSTAIN A $1 MILLION INVESTMENT
FOR MEAL PROGRAMS IN THE 2025
BUDGET. I URGE THE COUNCIL TO
INCLUDE THIS FUNDING REQUEST.
MEMBERS OF THE PARTNERSHIP
COLLATION ARE AGAINST HUNGER IN
SEATTLE. 45 MEMBER
ORGANIZATIONS PRODUCED OVER 4
MILLION MEALS EVERY YEAR. THESE
ARE SERVED EVERY DAY AT SENIOR
CENTERS , DAY CARE AND
AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS,
ASSISTED-LIVING FACILITIES AND
CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS. EVERY
NEIGHBORHOOD CONTAINS AT LEAST
ONE MEAL PROGRAMS SUPPORTING
EVERYONE. THIS WILL HELP OUR
MEMBERS STAY AFLOAT. IN 2024
SEATTLE MEAL PROGRAMS SAW A
DRAMATIC INCREASE FROM PREVIOUS
YEARS. THIS CANNOT COME AT A
WORSE TIME AS STATE AND FEDERAL
FUNDING FOR HUNGER RELIEF IS
DECREASING. WHEN UNABLE TO FEED
THEMSELVES AND THEIR FAMILIES
THEY WILL RESORT TO WHATEVER
MEANS NECESSARY. MEAL PROGRAMS
PROVIDE STABILITY AND STRUCTURE
TO PEOPLE WHO OTHERWISE CYCLE
THROUGH THE JUSTICE SYSTEM AT
GREAT EXPENSE TO TAXPAYERS. I
URGE YOU TO SUSTAIN A $1
MILLION INVESTMENT IN THE
BUDGET TO INVEST IN THE SAFETY
AND WELL-BEING OF EVERYONE WHO
CALL SEATTLE HOME.
>> THANK YOU. WE HAVE TWO
MICROPHONES. [ ROLL BEING
CALLED ]
>> IF YOUR NAME IS DONOVAN YOUR
NAME IS UP. IF YOU ARE SAM
OLIVER YOU ARE UP AFTER. B 21 .
B 22. THE FLOOR IS YOURS. IF
DONOVAN IS AROUND JUST COME
BACK.
>> AT EVENING. I'M A LIFELONG
SEATTLEITE AND REGISTERED
VOTER. AS A FORMER CLIENT AND
CURRENT EMPLOYEE OF LOW INCOME
HOUSING INSTITUTES I'VE SEEN
THE IMPACT OF THE SERVICES PAID
FOR BY THE CITY HAVE ON THE
LIVES OF ITS UNHOUSED CITIZENS
FIRSTHAND. TINY HOME VILLAGES
IN PARTICULAR SEEM TO BE AN
EXPRESSWAY TO PERMANENT HOUSING
. AS TOUCH ON ALREADY THESE
NUMBERS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES.
AS A CITY WE ARE FACED WITH A
CRISIS THAT CALLS FOR
LEADERSHIP AND PRAGMATIC
SOLUTIONS. I'M HERE TO ASK YOU
FUND AT LEAST TWO MORE TINY
HOME VILLAGES IN THE 2025
BUDGET. THESE ARE A BETTER MORE
CHEST SEATTLE FOR ALL OF US.
THANK YOU.
>> DONOVAN RAISE YOUR HAND IF
YOU'RE HERE. WE WILL MOVE TO
TIMOTHY.
>> AT EVENING CITY
COUNCILMEMBERS. MY NAME IS
TIMOTHY. I COME HERE TO SPEAK
ON BEHALF OF LOW INCOME HOUSES.
I HAVEN'T BEEN IN THE LOW
INCOME HOUSES WITHIN A YEAR. MY
WIFE AND I. I CAME THIS EVENING
TO PLEAD ON BEHALF OF THE TINY
VILLAGE THAT THE CITY COUNCIL
GRANTS THE MORE FUNDS TO BUILD
TWO MORE NEW VILLAGES FOR THE
GROWING POPULATION OF HOMELESS
PEOPLE IN THE CITY OF SEATTLE.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
>> THANK YOU. UP NEXT IS
ROXANNE .
>> I GREW UP IN SEATTLE AND
SPENT MY WHOLE LIFE. DURING
COVID I LOST MY JOB AND MY CAR
AND I ENDED UP HOMELESS. I WAS
SWEPT SEVEN OR EIGHT TIMES IN
TWO WEEKS AT ONE POINT. AFTER
FINALLY GETTING INTO A TINY
HOME I HAVE A SAFE PLACE . I
HAVE A PLACE TO EAT AND LAUNDRY
AND ALL THESE THINGS. IT MEANS
MORE THAN YOU WOULD BELIEVE. WE
TAKE FOR GRANTED THE SMALL
THINGS LIKE WATER AND HEAT AND
THINGS LIKE THAT. TWO MORE TINY
HOME VILLAGES OR MORE. IT'LL
MAKE A HUGE IMPACT. THANK YOU.
>> I'M JESSE. ABOUT A YEAR AGO
MY HOME WAS A HOMELESS CAMP .
WE GOT WORD WE WERE SHUTTING
DOWN IN THE DEAD OF WINTER.
LIHI GIVES US A PLACE TO STAY.
A HOME. THAT MEANS A LOT. WITH
THOSE TWO VILLAGES THEY ARE
ASKING FOR THEY CAN HELP OUT A
LOT OF PEOPLE LIKE ME . MY OLD
CREW THEY GAVE TINY HOMES TOO.
PLEASE TINY HOMES , IT IS
TRACTION. YOU GET YOUR LIFE
BACK TOGETHER . THINK ABOUT IT.
>> GOOD EVENING. MY NAME IS
JOHN, I'M THE CHIEF STRATEGY
OFFICER. HIS EVENING YOU'VE
HEARD SOME VERY MOVING STORIES
FROM MANY CLIENTS WHOSE LIVES
HAVE BEEN CHANGED THANKS TO THE
TINY HOUSE VILLAGE PROGRAM. WE
HAVE 11 TINY HOUSE VILLAGES AND
I WANT TO THANK COUNCILMEMBER
BOB KENDALL FOR HIS SUPPORT.
THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR US
TO DO MORE FOR OUR COMMUNITY.
WE SAW AN INCREASE IN OUTREACH.
WE NEED TO SEE A CORRELATING
INCREASE IN SHELTER. WE NEED A
BRIDGE TO SOMEWHERE. WE NEED A
PLACE FOR PEOPLE TO REST THEIR
HEADS, HAVE SECURITY AND TINY
HOUSES ARE THE MOST
COST-EFFECTIVE WAY TO DO THAT.
WE ASK FOR THE CITY TO INCLUDE
TWO NEW TINY HOUSE VILLAGES.
IT'S REALLY TOUGH ON THE
STREETS. I'M HERE TO TALK
ABOUT THE JUMPSTART . WE REALLY
SUPPORT THE SPENDING PLAN
ESTABLISHED FOR THIS PROPOSAL ,
FOR THIS LAW. THIS WAS
SOMETHING PUT TOGETHER NOT JUST
FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING BUT
SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS, LABOR
MANY FOLKS IN THE COMMUNITY. WE
ASK YOU RESPECT THAT PROCESS
AND KEEP THIS PLAN AND MAKE
SURE 62% OF THE GHOST TOWARDS
AFFORDABLE HOUSING. I HAVE
ANOTHER PROPOSAL RELATED. WE
ARE ASKING YOU TO FORWARD FUND
JUMPSTART FOR THIS YEAR. TAKE
THE FUNDS YOU ALLOCATE AND MAKE
THEM AVAILABLE IN 2024 THIS IS
A BUDGET NEUTRAL PROPOSAL THAT
WOULD ALLOW US TO EXPEDITE
HOUSING FASTER. WE CAN GET
PERMITS STARTED EXPAND THE
PIPELINE TO GET MORE HOUSING
QUICKER. WE WANT TO MAKE SURE
WE HAVE A STABILIZATION FUND.
RIGHT NOW THERE ARE PROPERTIES
BEING PUT ON THE MARKET. THIS
REPRESENTS A THREAT TO THE
CITY'S AFFORDABLE HOUSING PORT
OLIO. PLEASE CREATE A $30
MILLION STABILIZATION FUND
USING RESERVES . THANK YOU.
>> NEXT IS DIANE.
>> THANK YOU. GOOD EVENING CITY
COUNCIL. I AM HERE TO
RESPECTFULLY URGE YOU TO SAVE
SEATTLE PD CONTROL UNIT. IT HAS
BEEN MY HONOR TO SERVE
ALONGSIDE THE MOUNTAIN PATROL
UNIT FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS AND
I'VE SEEN OVER 180
LAW-ENFORCEMENT FAMILIES FOR
EVENTS WITH HORSES THAT FOSTER
CONNECTION AND COMMUNITY AND
PROMOTE OFFICER WELLNESS. AT
THESE EVENTS THE UNIT HAS
SERVED SURVIVING FAMILY MEMBERS
WHO LOST THEIR OFFICER IN THE
LINE OF DUTY AND OFFICERS
RECOVERING FROM BEING SHOT IN
THE LINE OF DUTY. THESE
FAMILIES EXPRESS HEARTFELT
APPRECIATION FOR THE
OPPORTUNITY TO VISIT WITH THE
HORSES IN A SAFE AND
THERAPEUTIC ENVIRONMENT. THE
UNIT HAS PLAYED IN A CENTRAL
ROLL IN ADVOCATING FOR OFFICER
WELLNESS AND PAVE THE WAY FOR
US TO COLLABORATIVELY CARE FOR
THE WELLNESS OF OFFICERS
SERVING OUR COMMUNITIES. THE
UNIT HAS ALSO EXCELLED IN
SERVING THE SEATTLE COMMUNITY.
IN ADDITION TO PATROLLING IN
YOUR BEACH, COLUMBIA CITY,
THIRD AND FIND, GEORGETOWN
AURORA COURT OR IN CITY PARKS
HAVE ALSO SERVED THE RONALD
McDONALD HOUSE , SEATTLE PUBLIC
SCHOOLS SPECIFICALLY WITH
HIGHLAND ELEMENTARY, THEY'VE
SERVED GARFIELD HIGH SCHOOL
WITH EMPHASIS CONTROLS, THEY
SERVED HOLIDAY BEATS IN
DOWNTOWN SEATTLE AND SUMMER
CARE PROGRAM AND THE LIST GOES
ON. CUTTING THEM OUT TO PATROL
UNIT WILL MEAN CUTTING AN
INVALUABLE UNIT THAT SO RICHLY
SERVES THE SEATTLE COMMUNITY
AND STRENGTHENS PUBLIC SAFETY.
IT IS ALSO A UNIT UNIQUELY
EQUIPPED TO SERVE THEIR
OFFICERS INTERNALLY PROMOTING
OFFICER WELLNESS SEWER OFFICERS
CAN SERVE OUR COMMUNITIES WITH
EXCELLENCE. IT IS WITH GREAT
HONOR AND RESPECT FOR YOU AND
YOUR LEADERSHIP I ASK YOU TO
CONSIDER EVERY OPTION SEATTLE
MOUNTAIN PATROL UNIT INTACT
BECAUSE ONCE IT'S GONE --
>> THANK YOU. NEXT IS TED .
>> GOOD EVENING. I'M A
LAND-USE PLANNER FOR THE CITY
OF SEATTLE DEPARTMENT OF
CONSTRUCTION. I'M HERE TO
EXPRESS OPPOSITION TO THE
BUDGET BECAUSE IT'LL CUT MY
TEAM. I WANT TO USE THIS TIME
TO LET TWO STATEMENTS
INCORRECTLY MADE DURING THE
LAST BUDGET MEETING BY THE
MAYOR'S APPOINTEE. FIRST IS
PERMIT TIMELINES WILL NOT BE
AFFECTED. THE MAYOR'S OFFICE
FAILED TO COMMUNICATE LAND-USE
PLANNERS REVIEW BUILDING
PERMITS. IF YOU GET RID OF THE
LAND USE PLANNERS THERE WILL BE
A BACKLOG AND THAT WILL
DISCOURAGE NEW PERMITS . THE
MAYOR'S OFFICE FAILS TO
CONSIDER THE INFLUX SUMMER
BECAUSE OF MENTAL HOUSING. THE
SECOND STATEMENT MADE IS THAT
OUR JOB DUTY IS FOR PERMITS. A
TYPICAL DAY FOR LAND-USE
PLANNER INCLUDES INFORMAL
COACHING, STAFFING THE COUNTER,
ATTENDING CONFERENCES ,
ASSISTING COLLEAGUES AND
WORKING ON SPECIAL PROJECTS.
STC I WORK HARD TO DEVELOP A
POSITIVE RELATIONSHIP WITH THE
COMMUNITY AND APPLICANTS. IT
UNDERVALUES MY VALUE AND THE
BACKLOG RISKS DAMAGING THE
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE CITY
AND COMMUNITY.
>> I WILL HAVE YOU STAND REALLY
CLOSE. PULL IT UP. CLOSER,
SORRY.
>> I'M HERE ON BEHALF OF OF
THE COALITION TO SUPPORT . I
THINK COUNCILMEMBER
HOLLINGSWORTH AND I ENCOURAGE
THE REST. I STARTED
VOLUNTEERING NEAR MY HOME.
EVERY NIGHT OVER 65 MEALS IT
WAS IMPACTING YOUNG PEOPLE WITH
HOW MUCH IT IMPACTS PROGRAMS.
OFFER MORE . THESE ALSO
MINIMIZE FOOD WASTE IN THE
AREA. IT WOULD OTHERWISE END UP
IN LANDFILLS. I ASKED TO
CONSIDER THE IMPORTANCE OF
THESE PROGRAMS . ADDRESSING THE
INVESTMENT PROVIDES COMMUNITY
AND MORE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR
TIME.
>> WE ARE GOING BACK . SORRY,
BRITTNEY. TAKE IT AWAY.
>> I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR YOUR
STAMINA. I'VE HAD THE
OPPORTUNITY TO STRETCH MY LEGS
AND I RECOGNIZE YOU HAVE NOT
THANK YOU FOR LISTENING TO THE
VOICES OF YOUR CONSTITUENTS AND
TAKING TIME AWAY FROM YOUR
FAMILIES. I HAVE LIVED IN
CAPITOL HILL FOR EIGHT YEARS.
I'M HERE TO ENCOURAGE YOU TO
PROTECT FUNDING FOR THE SEATTLE
PUBLIC LIBRARY AS OUTLINED IN
THE PROPOSED BUDGET. I AM A
BOARD NUMBER OF THE SEATTLE
PUBLIC LIBRARY FOUNDATION THAT
PROVIDES MORE THAN 5 MILLION IN
PRIVATE FUNDING FOR LIBRARY
PROGRAMS AND COLLECTIONS EVERY
YEAR. THESE ARE THINGS WE ALL
LOVE . MORE THAN 100,000 NEW
BOOKS EVERY YEAR AND MORE.
WHAT'S MOST IMPORTANT IS THEY
DO NOT REPLACE CITY FUNDING. I
SERVE AS THE INCOMING CHAIR AND
IN THIS ROLL I WORK WITH
SUPPORTERS WHO CARE DEEPLY
ABOUT OUR LIBRARY. YOU'VE BEEN
HEARING FROM THEM IN PARTICULAR
RELATED TO REDUCED BRANCH HOURS
WHEN THE LIBRARY NEEDED TO DO
THAT AS A RESULT OF STAFFING
LIMITATIONS. WE KNOW YOU KNOW
SEATTLE LOVES ITS LIBRARY. IN
THE LAST YEAR THE SPL SET A
RECORD FOR PATRONAGE. WE KNOW
OUR NEIGHBORS SPEND TIME USING
THE LIBRARY. THEY DONATE TO
HELP IT GROW AND WANT TO RAISE
THEIR VOICES WHEN THEY FEEL
IT'S AT RISK. WE APPRECIATE
MAYOR HAROLD RECOGNIZED
IMPORTANCE OF RETAINING
OPERATIONS IN HIS BUDGET
PROPOSAL EVEN THOUGH SPL HAS
BEEN REQUIRED TO TAKE CUTS. IF
THIS IS PASSED SPL COULD
CONTINUE TO INCREASE HOURS ,
NOT REDUCE FURTHER. THAT WE
KNOW IS WHAT OUR CITY NEEDS AND
WANTS. WE KNOW MORE NEEDS TO BE
DONE TO EXPAND LIBRARY SERVICES
SO WE WILL BE BACK AGAIN. I
HOPE WE CAN CONTINUE TO WORK IN
THIS WAY SO WE THINK MAYOR
HAROLD FOR HIS WORK AND HOPE
YOU SUPPORT IT AND MOVE FORWARD
AS WELL.
>> THANK YOU. UP NEXT WE WILL
DO THE A SECTION . 31 THROUGH
40. [ ROLL BEING CALLED ]
>> MILES, WELCOME.
>> HELLO. I'M WITH THE SEATTLE
STUDENT UNION AND I GO TO
FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL. I WAS
HERE LAST OR DEMANDING FUNDING
FOR MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES. I
WAS HERE TWO YEARS AGO WITH
THOUSANDS AT YOUR DOOR
DEMANDING MONEY FOR MENTAL
HEALTH RESOURCES AFTER THE
SHOOTING AND TRAGIC DEATH OF A
STUDENT. I'M HERE THIS YEAR
AFTER THE GARFIELD SHOOTING AND
TRAGIC DEATH OF ANOTHER STUDENT
TO ASK THE SAME THING. KEEP
YOUR PROMISE OF 20 MILLION FOR
SCHOOL MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
INSTEAD OF IMPLEMENTING ONLY 10
MILLION CURRENTLY KEEP YOUR
PROMISE FROM 2020 WHEN YOU ALL
SAID YOU WOULD DEFUND SPD BY
50%. AS JAMES BALDWIN SAID I
CAN'T BELIEVE WHAT YOU SAY BUT
I SEE WHAT YOU DO. IN A YEAR
WHERE SCHOOLS ARE SEVERELY
UNDERFUNDED AT THE STATE LEVEL
AND FIVE SCHOOLS ARE BEING
CLOSED IT'S IMPORTANT TO GIVE
FUNDS TO SCHOOLS . HE WILL JUST
APPROVED A NEW HIRING BONUS FOR
THE SEATTLE POLICE DEPARTMENT.
YOU'VE DONE THIS WHEN SPD
ALREADY HAS A PROPOSED BUDGET
OF $458 MILLION THIS YEAR. I
WOULD SAY SPD HAS DONE ONE GOOD
RING WHICH IS DISBANDING THE
HORSE UNIT. OTHER THAN THAT ,
THEY HAVE ASSAULTED PEOPLE LIKE
MY DAD, THEY'VE MURDERED
PEOPLE , A BLACK WOMAN AND
MOTHER OF TWO STUDENTS. THE
POLICE COME FROM A WHITE
SUPREMACIST ORIGIN, THEY WERE
SLAVE CATCHERS IN THE SOUTH AND
STILL UPHOLD WHITE SUPREMACY
TODAY. DEFUND SPD, INVEST IN
OUR SCHOOLS. I GO TO SCHOOL ON
THE SOUTH END. YOU GIVE OUT
MONEY LIKE CANDY TO SPD BUT
WHEN IT COMES TO STUDENTS THERE
SEEMS TO BE NOTHING. THIS IS A
BLACK-AND-WHITE ISSUE. EITHER
YOU CARE ABOUT STUDENTS OR YOU
DON'T. YOU CONSISTENTLY SHOWN
YOU DON'T CARE ABOUT STUDENTS
AND WORKERS. TAX THE RICH,
DEFUND THE POLICE, FUND MENTAL
HEALTH RESOURCES AND FUND REAL
SAFETY PAST THE SOLIDARITY
BUDGET.
>> REMEMBER, JAZZ HANDS.
>> HELLO. I'M ALSO A METHE SE
I'M A SOPHOMORE . I'M ALSO
HERE TO TESTIFY FOR INCREASED
MENTAL HEALTH FUNDING IN OUR
SCHOOLS. COUNCILMEMBER, YOU
WENT TO THE SCHOOL I WENT TO.
STUDENTS ARE GOING TO SCHOOL
SCARED AND UNHAPPY IN PART TO
YOU NOT FULLY FUNDING THE 20
MILLION IN AUGUST THIS YEAR. WE
HAD A SURVEY THAT WENT OUT FOR
STUDENTS ABOUT HOW HAPPY THEY
WERE AND IF THEY WERE AT RISK.
STUDENTS DEEMED AT RISK IN
DECEMBER WERE NOT BROUGHT FOR
CONVERSATION UNTIL MAY OF THE
FOLLOWING YEAR IN PART OF NOT
HAVING ENOUGH STAFF AT OUR
SCHOOL. I WAS WONDERING IF YOU
AS A COUNCILPERSON WERE STILL
WOULD NOT VOTE FOR 20 MILLION
AND HOPE TO NOT HAVE FUNDING IN
YOUR OWN HIGH SCHOOL? I ASK IF
ANY OF YOU IF YOU ACTUALLY IN
HIGH SCHOOL HOW WOULD YOU LIKE
TO NOT HAVE YOUR SCHOOLS FUNDED
AND TO NOT HAVE MENTAL HEALTH
RESOURCES FUNDED INSIDE . THANK
YOU.
>> UP NEXT WE HAVE WARREN
FOLLOWED BY SCOTT WHO DID NOT
MEET A PRONUNCIATION SO I
WON'T TRY.
>> I'M RETIRED EARLY CHILDHOOD
TEACHER SO I AM GOING TO SING
MY PUBLIC COMMENT. IMAGINE
AFFORDABLE HOUSING . IT'S EASY
IF YOU TRY . NO ONE IS HUNGRY
ABOVE US A NEW GREENDALE SKY.
IMAGINE ALL THE PEOPLE LIVING
LIFE IN PEACE. IMAGINE FREE
TRANSPORTATION , A GUARANTEED
INCOME TO. QUALITY CHILDCARE
AND PROGRESSIVE REVENUE .
IMAGINE ALL THE PEOPLE LIVING
LIFE IN PEACE. IMAGINE LABOR
STANDARDS , NO CUTS TO
IMMIGRANTS OR REFUGEES. LIVABLE
WAGES AND A LOT OF ELECTRICITY.
IMAGINE ALL THE PEOPLE LIVING
WITH UNITY . YOU MAY SAY WE ARE
DREAMERS WELL, THAT'S WHAT WE
ARE. WE HOPE TODAY YOU WILL
JOIN US AND THE WORLD WILL LIVE
AS ONE. I ASK YOU TO PLEASE
STOP THE SWEEPS BECAUSE THEY
ARE INHUMANE. I ASK YOU TO
INVEST IN PEOPLE AND
COMMUNITIES BECAUSE THAT MAKES
OUR CITY HEALTHY AND I ASK YOU
TO BUILD MORE SMALL HOUSES AND
PLEASE INVEST IN THE SEATTLE
SOLIDARITY BUDGET. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU FOR STAYING UP
PAST MY BEDTIME. I WORK ACROSS
THE STREET HERE AS A SUPERVISOR
OF LAND-USE PLANNERS ON SDC I
JONI REVIEW TEAM. WE HELP
CUSTOMERS MAKE SENSE OF
SEATTLE'S LAND USE CODE AND
MAKE SURE NEW DEVELOPMENT NEEDS
THE STANDARDS ENACTED . I'M
SPEAKING ONLY FOR MYSELF, BUT
ON JANUARY 2nd THE BEST WE CAN
TELL SDC I PROPOSES TO SHRINK
THE ZONING TEAM FROM 25 TO 16
PLANNERS. THAT'S A 36%
REDUCTION, A DISPROPORTIONATE
HIT HOURS AVAILABLE FOR PLAN
REVIEW, MORE LIKE 55% HIT. AT
COUNCIL'S DIRECTION DURING THE
BOOM YEARS SDC I SAVED A
STAFFING RESERVE , A RAINY DAY
FUND. WE KNOW PERMIT VOLUMES
AND REVENUES ARE WAY DOWN THE
DEPARTMENT STILL MAINTAINS
RELATIVELY HEALTHY RESERVES
ACROSS OTHER COST CENTERS
INCLUDING BUILDING AND CUSTOMER
SERVICE. YOU MAY HEAR THE
DEPARTMENT EXPENDITURES ARE
LIMITED BY COLORS OF MONEY ,
THE HANDS ARE TIED . BE THAT AS
IT MAY I SUBMIT ARE ZONING
REVIEWERS ARE MISSION-CRITICAL
TO THE TIMELY ACCURATE REVIEW
OF ANY BUILDING PERMIT . ANY
NEW HOUSING AND BUILDING
PERMITS ARE THE VAST MAJORITY
OF WHAT OUR TEAM REVIEW. ZONING
REVIEWERS ARE THE MOST SOUGHT
AFTER CUSTOMER SERVICE
PROFESSIONALS TO TRAIN PLANNERS
REASSIGNED FROM OTHER
SPECIALTIES IS A TWO-YEAR
PROCESS . I DON'T KNOW WHAT
LATITUDE REMAINS FOR COUNCIL
BUT I BELIEVE WE ARE FACING
IMMINENT CRISIS THAT UNDERMINES
ANY PROGRESS TOWARD
RECOMMENDATIONS OF YOUR
PERMITTING AUDIT . THANK YOU
FOR THE WORK YOU DO AND FOR
HELPING HER TEAM.
>> THANK YOU. UP NEXT IS
SAMANTHA SANCHEZ. THAT'S NOT
CORRECT. SORRY. THERE YOU ARE.
>> I'M A RENTER LIVING IN
DISTRICT 3. I SERVE ON THE
BOARD OF THE MORE AFFORDABLE
HOUSING ORGANIZATION I LIVE IN
HAS A RESIDENT MEMBER I'M HERE
TODAY REPRESENTING THE SEATTLE
RENTER ORGANIZING COUNCIL .
FORMED IN 2021 WE WERE ABLE TO
SECURE $50,000 IN THE 2024
BUDGET. THE VISION OF THIS
OFFICE IS TO CONSOLIDATE WORK
RELATED TO TENANT SERVICES
DISTRIBUTED AMONGST DEPARTMENTS
LIKE SDCI. THIS IS DESIGNED TO
SAVE MONEY AND IMPROVE THE
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TENANTS
AND PROPERTY MANAGERS BY GIVING
EVERYONE ONE PLACE TO TURN TO
FOR ASSISTANCE. THIS WAS NEVER
RELEASED BY THE MAYOR'S OFFICE
AND DELETE OUR WORK BY AT LEAST
ONE YEAR. WE REQUEST THIS BE
REINSTATED AND THE DEVELOPMENT
OF THIS BE A PRIORITY IN 2025.
THE MOST COST EFFECTIVE WAY TO
ADDRESS HOMELESSNESS IS TO
PREVENT IT HELPING PEOPLE STAY
HOUSED. THIS IS WHAT TENANT
SERVICES DO. EDUCATION
ORGANIZING AND COUNSELING
IMPROVED COMMUNICATION BETWEEN
TENANTS AND MANAGEMENT HELP
DE-ESCALATE CONFLICT AND
CONNECT TENANTS TO RESOURCES
THAT STABILIZE THEIR SITUATION
. FUNDING TENANT SERVICES IS AN
INVESTMENT. BY HELPING RENTERS
MAINTAIN HOUSING REDUCES THE
RISK OF DISPLACEMENT AND THE
SOCIAL CONDITIONS THAT
CONTRIBUTE TO CRIME . THE
MAYOR'S BUDGET EXACERBATES THE
HOMELESSNESS CRISIS BY
DEFUNDING RENTAL ASSISTANCE BY
$1 MILLION AND THE DEFENSE
MIGHT 811,000 WILL
SIMULTANEOUSLY INCREASING
FUNDING FOR THE CAMP AND SWEEPS
RESPONSIBLE FOR 10 TO 15% OF
THE DEBTS OF OUR UNHOUSED
NEIGHBORS. ORGANIZATIONS FUNDED
BY TENANT SERVICES GRANTS
INCLUDE LA CENTER HOUSING
JUSTICE PROJECTS, SOMALI
COMMUNITY SERVICES OF SEATTLE ,
INTERIM COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
ASSOCIATION AND UNITED INDIANS.
CITY COUNCIL NEEDS TO INCREASE
FUNDING FOR TENANT SERVICES BY
5.3 MILLION SO THESE
ORGANIZATIONS CAN SUPPORT
RENTERS AND PREVENT
DISPLACEMENT.
>> THANK YOU. UP NEXT IS MARK
FOLLETT I CASEY. WELCOME.
>> AT EVENING. MY NAME IS MARK
. I LIVE IN NICHOLASVILLE NORTH
LAKE. THERE ARE MORE HOMELESS
LIVING IN THE SHELTER THAN
THERE ARE SHELTER SPACES AND
HOUSING RESOURCES AVAILABLE
COMBINED. MAINTAINING THE
STATUS QUO IS NOT SUFFICIENT.
WE NEED MORE INVESTMENTS IN
RESOURCES TO MEET THE NEED .
THAT'S WHY WE NEED TO RAISE
NEW PROGRESSIVE REVENUE AND
REJECT THE MAYOR'S PROPOSAL TO
PERMANENTLY TURN THE JUMPSTART
INTO A CITY FUND. PROGRESSIVE
REVENUE WOULD ALLOW US TO MEET
THE NEEDS OF OUR CITY INSTEAD
OF MAKING SERVICE PROVIDERS .
LOW INCOME PEOPLE ARE OFTEN ONE
EMERGENCY AWAY FROM BECOMING
HOMELESS. WE MUST PREVENT THEM
FROM LOSING HOUSING. THE
MAYOR'S BUDGET PROPOSAL
WOULD/FUNDING , EVICTION
PREVENTION AND RENTAL
ASSISTANCE AND RENTERS AT RISK
OF DEFENDING HOMELESS. WE URGE
THE CITY COUNCIL TOLE THTENANT S
RENTAL ASSISTANCE AND AND THE
STRANGLEHOLD OVER THE BUDGET.
PRESERVE THE JUMPSTART SPENDING
PLAN AND MAKING MEANINGFUL
INVESTMENTS . THANK YOU.
>> UP NEXT IS CASEY. UP NEXT IS
KATE.
>> MY NAME IS KATE RUBIN. ON
THE ORGANIZING DIRECTOR OF THE
SEATTLE AND I LIVE IN BEACON
HILL. I'M HERE TO URGE YOU TO
INCREASE FUNDING FOR TENANT
SERVICES AND RENTAL ASSISTANCE
BY $5.3 MILLION DOUBLING THE
FUNDING FROM THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
THIS IS A SMALL ORGANIZATION
FOCUSED ON RENTER EDUCATION AND
ORGANIZING. OUR STAFF MEMBER
SERVER AROUND 785 RENTERS
ANNUALLY. RENTERS TYPICALLY
COME TO IS FRUSTRATED BY
UNRESOLVED ISSUES. WE QUIT THEM
WITH KNOWLEDGE OF OUR RIGHTS,
GUIDE THEM IN RELATIONSHIPS AND
TEACH STRATEGIC ORGANIZING
SKILLS. THIS SPREADS THROUGH
COMMUNITIES OFTEN REACHING
THOSE WHO MIGHT NOT OTHERWISE
HAVE ACCESS TO THESE TOOLS. OUR
WORK HELPS TO PREVENT
HOMELESSNESS AND INJURE HOUSING
STABILITY. WE DO MORE THAN
PROVIDE INFORMATION. WE
DE-ESCALATE CONFLICT THAT WOULD
OTHERWISE SPIRAL . RENTERS
OFTEN CONSIDER WITHHOLDING RENT
WHEN FACING HABITABILITY ISSUES
. IT IS OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO
PREVENT DESTABILIZATION BY
ENCOURAGING RENTERS TO STAY
CURRENT ON THEIR RENT WHILE
HELPING THEM NAVIGATE DISPUTES
AND ADVOCATE FOR NECESSARY
REPAIRS. THERE'S A MASSIVE
INCREASE IN CODE COMPLIANCE
CALLS WITHOUT TENANT SERVICES
THESE WILL ONLY RISE. WE PLAY
IN IMPORTANT ROLL IN ENSURING
TENANTS KNOW HOW TO GET REPAIRS
COMPLETED , ADDUCING THE NEED
FOR CITY INTERVENTION AND
EASING THE BURDEN. THE CUTS TO
TENANT SERVICES WILL
DISPROPORTIONATELY FALL ON
BLACK AND INDIGENOUS
COMMUNITIES OF COLOR. THOSE
MOST AT RISK OF DISPLACEMENT
AND HOMELESSNESS. INVESTING IN
TENANT SERVICES IS AN
INVESTMENT IN PUBLIC SAFETY AND
COMMUNITY STABILITY .
ORGANIZATIONS LIKE THE SEATTLE
ARE OVERBURDENED TO KEEP PEOPLE
HOUSED, EVENT HOMELESSNESS AND
REDUCE STRAIN ON CITY RESOURCES
WE NEED TO INCREASE FUNDING. I
URGE YOU TO RESTORE THE $50,000
FOR THE TENANT WORKGROUP TO
INVESTIGATE THE CREATION OF AN
OFFICE OF RENTAL HOUSING
STANDARDS TO STREAMLINE THE
PROGRAMS. THANK YOU.
>> NEXT IS GINA. AFTER THAT WE
ARE BACK TO LIST B 31 THROUGH
40.
>> I'M HERE TESTIFYING ON
BEHALF OF PUGET SOUND
MOBILIZATION WHICH IS A
COALITION OF FEMINISTS AND
COMMUNITY ACTIVISTS. WE ARE
URGING YOU TO DO TWO THINGS.
INVEST FURTHER IN REPRODUCTIVE
HEALTH CARE AND NOT MAKE ANY
CUTS TO HUMAN AND SOCIAL
SERVICES. WE AGREE WITH THE
SEATTLE SOLIDARITY BUDGET
COMPREHENSIVE PLATFORM OF
BUDGET PRIORITIES AND WANT TO
CALL OUT THE HEALTH CARE POINT
IS THAT HEALTHCARE IS A HUMAN
RIGHT AND IN THAT THERE SHOULD
BE FUNDING FOR FREE AND EASILY
ACCESSIBLE HEALTH CLINICS AND
CONTINUE REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
AND GENDER AFFIRMING CARE AND
PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAMS. ON THE
ABORTION FRONT A RECENT STUDY
SHOWED THE 50% INCREASE IN THE
NUMBER OF OUT OF STATE PEOPLE
COMING TO WASHINGTON FOR
ABORTIONS INCLUDING COMING TO A
LARGE NUMBER OF CLINICS. THIS
WILL CHANGE ANYTIME SOON GIVEN
THE STATE OF HEALTHCARE IN THIS
COUNTRY. I URGE COUNCIL TO FIND
MORE FUNDS TO SUPPORT THESE
OVERWHELMED CLINICS. I WANT TO
SAY SOMETHING ABOUT THE
PROPOSED CUTS . AS A FEMINIST
WHO ALSO WORKS WITH RADICAL
WOMEN I THINK IT IS
UNCONSCIONABLE TO BE
CONSIDERING MAKING ANY CUTS TO
HUMAN SERVICES. I CANNOT TELL
YOU HOW MANY I HAD THESE LIVES
TRULY DEPENDED ON ANY AND ALL
SERVICES PEOPLE HAVE TALKED
ABOUT TONIGHT AND ARE BEING
CONSIDERED TO BE CUT INCLUDING
GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE PROGRAMS
, TENANT AND LEGAL SUPPORT AND
FOOD AND MEAL PROGRAMS. I THINK
THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE GIVEN HOW
MANY ARE STRUGGLING TO SURVIVE
IN THE CITY AND IT'S JUST
GETTING WORSE, SO AS HAS BEEN
TALKED ABOUT THE ATTACKS MADE
MORE MONEY THAN EXPECTED , NO
SURPRISE. WE REALLY URGE YOU TO
BUILD ON THIS REVENUE AND FUND
HEALTHCARE AND HUMAN SERVICES.
>> THANK YOU.
>> HELLO. I'M REPRESENTING
DISTRICT 1. I'VE BEEN A
VOLUNTEER WITH THE
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION TEAM AS
A SEATTLE URBAN NATURE GUIDE
ALONG WITH ALL THESE PEOPLE.
I'M ALSO A MEMBER OF THE
CITYWIDE ENVIRONMENTAL
EDUCATION ADVISORY COUNCIL THAT
RAISES FUNDS FOR PROGRAMS LIKE
FREE BUSES FOR STUDENTS AND
SUPPORTING OUR 100 VOLUNTEERS
FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE. I MOVED
TO SEATTLE IN SEARCH OF TRUTH
AND FREEDOM WITH THE QUESTION
OF HOW DO WE HEAL OUR BLIGHTED
CITIES AND HAD A WAY TO MYSELF?
I KNEW THE NATURAL HISTORY IS A
BEACON FOR THE UNITED STATES OF
AMERICA. SEATTLE HAS SHOWN MANY
TRUTHS AND THINGS TO THESE
GUIDES WHO HAVE TAUGHT ME HOW
TO GRAPPLE WITH TRUTH IN A VERY
POSITIVE AND REAL WAY THAT
TRUTH DOESN'T HAVE A T BECAUSE
WE LEARN SOMETHING NEW EVERY
DAY BUT IT DOESN'T TRULY
CONNECT WITH PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY
YOUNG PEOPLE IN A WAY THAT
INVOKES THEIR CURIOSITY,
CREATIVITY AND CARE IN THIS
EXCEPTIONAL AND WILD URBAN
ENVIRONMENT. I WORKED WITH THE
SEATTLE WORLD SCHOOL AND THE
TREE EQUITY AND PROGRAM WE CALL
THE MAPLE SCHOOL WHERE STUDENTS
ARE RESTORING A LARGE PLOT OF
LAND BOTH WITH A POLLINATOR
GARDEN AND ORCHARD. MOST
PLANTED THEIR FIRST TREE. WE
LAUNCHED OUR THIRD YEAR WITH
11th GRADERS AND CONNECTED WITH
OVER 500 STUDENTS. EVERYTHING
WE DO IS ABOUT A POSITIVE
EXPERIENCE. THESE ARE PUBLIC
EDUCATION SPECIALISTS IN THE
COMMUNITIES WHERE THEY ARE AT
AND PARTNER WITH ORGANIZATIONS
IN THE FIELD ALL ACROSS
SEATTLE. THIS IS THEIR CALLING
AND THEIR STORY STARTED MANY
MOONS AGO . THEY HAVE A LOT OF
KNOWLEDGE AND WISDOM AND ARE
ABLE TO SHARE WITH THE PUBLIC.
IT'S NOT SOMETHING THAT CAN BE
FOUND OR REBUILT, IT'S A GIFT
TO THE CITY WITH A GROUNDED
PERSPECTIVE OF EQUITY AND
PARTNERSHIP. WE ASK YOU TO
APPEAL THE $1 MILLION
REALLOCATION, SAVE THE
DISCOVERY AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL
EDUCATION STAFF POSITIONS.
>> THANK YOU. THANK YOU. NEXT
WE HAVE SECTION B 31 THROUGH
40. [ ROLL BEING CALLED ]
>> HER STORY IS IMPORTANT.
ANNIE IS TWO WEEKS AWAY FROM
HER DUE DATE . SHE'S GOING TO
BE WELCOMING HER SECOND CHILD
AND NOW RATHER THAN RECOVERING
FROM BIRTH AND BONDING WITH HER
NEWBORN BABY SHE WILL BE
FRANTICALLY APPLYING FOR JOBS.
ANNIE IS THE MAIN BURNER IN HER
FAMILY AND SHE'S ALSO THE
INSURANCE PROVIDER . WITHOUT
HER INSURANCE WOULD COST $2000
TO ENSURE BOTH HER AND HER TWO
CHILDREN . THE IMPACT THIS HAS
IS STRESSFUL BUT FEARFUL. SHE
HAS A MORTGAGE AND NEWBORN BABY
TO TAKE CARE OF. SHE'S TRYING
TO NAVIGATE THE STRESSFUL TIMES
AND ONE OF LIFE'S EGG IS
TRANSITIONS. THE DEPARTMENT HAS
REPEATEDLY ENSURED THAT OUR
JOBS WERE SAFE. WE HAVE HAD A
BIG ENOUGH FUND WHETHER THESE
SLOW PERIODS. HER POSITION WAS
NOT ONE TO BE CUT. HAD SHE
KNOWN THIS PRIOR TO APPLYING
FOR THIS JOB SHE MIGHT'VE
CHOSEN A DIFFERENT PATH. THAT
IS NOT THE CASE. SHE WANTS TO
THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME
TO CONSIDER THE IMPACT THE
LAYOFF HAS ON HER AND HER
FAMILY. IN QUEUE.
>> THANK YOU.
>> CHARLIE HAD TO GO HOME.
SHANNON, WELCOME.
>> HI. I'M A LAND-USE PLANNER.
I'M AT RISK OF LAYOFF. I'M
HERE ON MY OWN TIME AS A MEMBER
OF PROTEC17 AND I'M HERE TO
COMMENT ABOUT THE PROPOSED
BUDGET . BEFORE I START
TALKING, I DO WANT TO
ACKNOWLEDGE THE
HEARD TONIGHT AND THREE
RTICULAR ONES THAT ARE DEAR
TO MY HEART. HOUSING
AFFORDABILITY , DOMESTIC
VIOLENCE AND RENTAL ASSISTANCE.
I HAVE PERSONALLY BEEN IN A
POSITION IN MY LIFE AT
DIFFERENT TIMES WHERE I'VE
BENEFITED FROM THOSE PROGRAMS
AND I'M STANDING HERE BEFORE
YOU AS A CITY EMPLOYEE NOW WHO
IS AT RISK OF HOPEFULLY NOT
HAVING TO USE ANY OF THAT IN
THE NEAR FUTURE. MICHAEL TODAY
IS TO PUT A FACE AND STORY TO
MY POSITION. I'VE LIVED IN
SEATTLE FOR 6 1/2 YEARS AND
BEEN AN URBAN PLANNER FOR 10.
WORKING FOR THE CITY OF SEATTLE
HAS BEEN AND STILL IS VIEWED AS
A SIGNIFICANT CAREER
ACCOMPLISHMENT. I REMEMBER WHEN
I WAS OFFERED MY POSITION IT
WAS THE AFTERNOON BEFORE MY
WEDDING . FOR THE FIRST TIME IN
MY LIFE I FELT LIKE I HAD MADE
IT. I HAD SUCCESSFULLY PULLED
MYSELF OUT OF THE CYCLICAL
PATTERN OF POVERTY AND CREATED
A CHANCE FOR SUSTAINED
STABILITY. I GREW UP IN A
FINANCIALLY UNSTABLE
ENVIRONMENT. I UNDERSTOOD THE
STIGMA OF FINANCIAL CHALLENGES
AND THE VOLATILITY OF SUCCESS
EARLY ON. I WAS INFORMED MY
POSITION WAS AT RISK OF LAYOFF.
THIS EXPERIENCE WORKING FOR THE
CITY OF SEATTLE INSPIRED ME TO
PURSUE MY GRADUATE DEGREE TO
FURTHER OFFER MY SERVICES TO MY
COMMUNITY HERE IN SEATTLE. I'VE
SINCE HAD TO WITHDRAW FROM THE
FALL QUARTER TO TO THIS
IMPENDING LAYOFF. I WANT TO
CONTINUE THE LIFE I'VE
ESTABLISHED HERE AND LOSING MY
POSITION WILL FORCE ME TO
PURSUE EMPLOYMENT OUTSIDE OF
SEATTLE.
>> THANK YOU. THANK YOU FOR
SHARING YOUR STORY. LOOK , I'M
BAD AT READING HANDWRITING .
>> I AM A LAND-USE PLANNER WITH
THE ZONING AND REVIEW TEAM. I
AM A PROTEC17 MEMBER WHO WILL
BE AFFECTED BY THE BUDGET CUTS
. I WAS AND STILL AM NERVOUS TO
PROVIDE MY COMMENT BUT I THINK
THIS JOB AND COMMUNITIES I
SERVE ARE WEATHERING THIS
FEELING AND FEELING ANXIOUS .
I'VE HAD THE PLEASURE OF
PROVIDING INFORMATION IN
SPANISH TO OUR SEATTLE
RESIDENTS WHICH ACCORDING TO
THE OFFICE OF IMMIGRATION AND
REFUGEE AFFAIRS IS THE NUMBER
ONE NON-ENGLISH LANGUAGE SPOKEN
IN THE CITY. IN MY EYES THIS
SERVICE IS VITAL AS IT REDUCES
THE KNOWLEDGE ASSOCIATED WITH
DEVELOPMENT WHICH IS PRETTY
LARGE EVEN FOR NATIVE ENGLISH
SPEAKERS. THIS IS A PROCESS
MORE ACCESSIBLE AND EQUITABLE
TO AN UNDERSERVED COMMUNITY.
THEY WILL NEGATIVELY IMPACT
CORE VALUES . LET'S BE ABOUT
TDI . I URGE YOU TO RECONSIDER
THE PROPOSED BUDGET CUTS .
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME .
>> LIVING ON. TO SEE YOU.
>> HI. I'M IN SUPPORT OF
SOLIDARITY BUDGETS GUARANTEES.
I HAVE AND WILL CONTINUE
BUILDING CLOSE RELATIONSHIPS
WITH HUNDREDS OF UNSHELTERED
PEOPLE DURING MY EXPERIENCE
UNSHELTERED PEOPLE HAVE
DESPERATELY ASKED ME FOR
REFERRALS TO NON-CONGREGANT
CENTERS OF WHICH THERE IS NEVER
ENOUGH TO MEET THE ONGOING
NEED. PEOPLE NEED LOW BARRIER
SUPPORTS AND TRAUMA INFORMED
UNTIL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE USE
DISORDER TREATMENT OPTIONS.
HEALTH AND HOUSING GO TOGETHER.
THE MOBILE CRISIS TEAM SHOULD
NOT BE HOUSED WITH SPD WHO HAVE
NO RESOURCES OR EXPERTISE. CAN
YOU FIND COMPASSION WITHIN
YOURSELVES TO DIVEST FROM
POLICE, PUNISHMENT AND
CIVILIZATION AND INSTEAD INVEST
IN EVIDENCE-BASED SOLUTIONS TO
REDUCE VIOLENCE? JUMPSTART IS
NOT A SLUSH FUND . DEVELOP MORE
PROGRESSIVE REVENUE. FUND
SYSTEMS OF COMMUNITY CARE SUCH
AS FOOD ACCESS , TENANT
SERVICES, ADDICTION DEFENSE ,
RENTAL ASSISTANCE, AFFORDABLE
HOUSING, HARM REDUCTION
SHELTERS , FUNNELING TO
HOUSING, VOLUNTARY BEHAVIORAL
HEALTH SERVICES AND VOLUNTARY
TREATMENT SERVICES , LEGAL
COUNCIL FOR HOMELESS YOUTH AND
PROGRAMS ADDRESSING
GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE. INVEST
IN COMMUNITY AND BUILD TOWARDS
A SEATTLE WHERE ALL PEOPLE HAVE
A CHANCE TO SURVIVE AND THRIVE.
CAN YOU FIND IT IN YOURSELF TO
BE OPEN TO CHANGE A PERSPECTIVE
? PUT YOURSELVES IN THE SHOES
OF SOMEONE LESS FORTUNATE THAN
YOU AND LEAD WITH LOVE AND NOT
FEAR. THANK YOU.
>> UP NEXT IS PAULA. WELCOME.
>> MY NAME IS PAULA SALAS. I'M
A SIX YEAR SEATTLE URBAN NATURE
GUIDE VOLUNTEER AND A RETIRED
CONSUMER PROTECTION ATTORNEY
WITH THE WASHINGTON STATE
ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE . I
APPRECIATE THE OPPORTUNITY TO
TESTIFY AND I STRONGLY URGE YOU
TO REJECT THE MAYOR'S DELETION
OF THE PARKS DEPARTMENT
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAM
FROM THE PROPOSED BUDGET . THE
PROGRAM IS COST EFFECTIVE AND
HUGELY SUCCESSFUL. IT IS A
MACHINE THAT WORKS WITH A
RELATIVELY SMALL STAFF OF 4.85
FULL-TIME EMPLOYEES, MORE THAN
100 EXPERIENCED AND TRAINED
VOLUNTEERS PROVIDE SERVICES TO
20,000 SEATTLE RESIDENTS
ANNUALLY. IN 2023 PROGRAM
VOLUNTEERS GAVE MORE THAN 3400
HOURS OF FREE LABOR ALLOWING
THE CITY TO DO MORE WITH LESS.
WHAT DOES THIS PROGRAM DO IN
REAL TERMS? THE SCHOOL PROGRAM
ALONE SERVED MORE THAN 5000
STUDENTS LAST YEAR WITH 575
INDIVIDUAL FIELD TRIPS THESE
TAKE KIDS FROM KINDERGARTEN TO
FIFTH GRADE INTO SEATTLE'S
PARKS WITH HANDS ON CLASSES ON
SUBJECTS THAT RANGE FROM
BEACHES TO FORESTS TO INSECTS
TO SPIDERS, YOU NAME IT. MANY
OF THESE KIDS SERVED EITHER
PROGRAMS ARE FROM LOWER
SOCIOECONOMIC BACKGROUNDS AND
HAVE LITTLE OR NO EXPERIENCE IN
THE OUTDOORS. TEACHERS BUILD
THESE PROGRAMS INTO THE
REQUIRED CURRICULUM SO THEIR
CLASSROOM LESSONS BECOME
REALITY. THE ANATOMY OF A
SPIDER IS MADE REAL BY ACTUALLY
HOLDING ONE. THE BUDGET
PROPOSES TO EXPLORE ALTERNATIVE
DELIVERY SYSTEMS THAT WOULD
PRIVATIZE THIS FUNCTION THAT
MAKES ABSOLUTELY NO SENSE WHEN
THE PROGRAM WORKS SO WELL.
>> THANK YOU.
>> I'M CHANEL. WHAT IS YOUR
NUMBER?
>> 30 8B.
>> I AM AN ADVOCATE FOR
SERVICES NOT SWEEPS. THE CITY
IS CURRENTLY SLEEPING AT AN
ALARMING RATE DISPLACING THE
SOLUTION ONLY MAKING PEOPLE WHO
HAVE A HARD ENOUGH TIME AS IT
IS. WHAT THEY NEED IS ACTUAL
HOUSING TO MOVE PEOPLE INTO
BECAUSE THEY END UP GETTING
KICKED OUT MORE OFTEN THAN NOT.
THEY END UP GOING BACK INTO THE
CIRCLE OF SWEEPING . THERE ARE
SO MANY SWEEPS THAT AREN'T
BLOCKED. I HAVE BEEN ATTENDING
FOR OVER TWO YEARS AND OUR
VOICES HAVE GONE UNHEARD. I
DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW THERE'S
MORE RIGHTS THAN PEOPLE'S
HOMES. WHY CAN'T WE PARKED
TOGETHER? WE DON'T WANT TO BE
PARKED NEXT TO BUSINESSES. WE
WANT TO PARK AS A COMMUNITY
TOGETHER. HAVE YOU EVER HAD TO
PACK UP YOUR HOME? TRY DOING IT
EVERY THREE DAYS. IT CAN BE
DEVASTATING. I HAD A FRIEND A
FEW YEARS BACK WHO STARTED
DOING FENTANYL . HE WOULD'VE
NEVER DONE OPIATES BEFORE HE
LOST EVERYTHING. I PROMISE IF
YOU KEEP WITH THIS BUDGET MORE
WILL END UP DYING ON THE
STREETS.
>> THANK YOU . CAN YOU PUT B 38
NEXT TO IT? B 39 IS MIA .
>> HELLO. I'M HERE WITH THE
PUGET SOUND MOBILIZATION
PRODUCTIVE JUSTICE. I'M
REPRESENTING MYSELF. I'M HERE
TO ADDRESS THE PROPOSED CUTS
FROM TENANT SERVICES AND MENTAL
ASSISTANCE. ALSO THE PROPOSED
CUT FROM THE OFFICE OF POLICE
ACCOUNTABILITY. I LIVE IN LOW
INCOME HOUSING AND THIS AFFECTS
ME. I ACCESS THE SERVICES. THEY
KEEP ME OFF THE STREET. THEY
KEEP ME HOUSED, THEY KEEP MY
FRIENDS HOUSED. I DON'T KNOW
HOW YOU CAN SLEEP WITH YOURSELF
AT NIGHT TO VOTE AGAINST THE
SERVICES. AS MANY HAVE COME
APPEAR TIME AND TIME AGAIN AND
SAID THIS IS A MORAL ISSUE AND
WE WILL HOLD YOU ACCOUNTABLE. I
WANT TO REMIND YOU THAT YOU
WORK FOR US WE DO NOT WORK FOR
YOU. ALSO, IN REGARDS TO
CUTTING FROM THE OFFICE OF
POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY I'VE
WITNESSED POLICE BRUTALITY IN
CAPITOL HILL WHERE THERE WAS 10
OFFICERS CALLED FOR ONE
INDIVIDUAL WHO WAS GOING
THROUGH A CRISIS BECAUSE HIS
DAD HAD JUST DIED ON THE PHONE
WITH HIM AND A POLICE OFFICER
SLAMMED HIM TO THE GROUND AND
PUT HIM IN HANDCUFFS FOR
SCREAMING AND YELLING BECAUSE
HIS DAD HAD JUST DIED ON THE
PHONE. IT IS UNACCEPTABLE.
IT'S UNACCEPTABLE.
THANK YOU.
>> WE WILL GIVE IT JUST A
SECOND. ALL RIGHT.
>> GOOD EVENING. I AM PROUD TO
BE A RENTER IN DISTRICT 3 AFTER
SPENDING SEVEN YEARS OF LIVING
IN MY VEHICLE DOWN IN DISTRICT
2. OVER THE LAST YEAR THE
SEATTLE RENTER ORGANIZING
COUNCIL HELPED PLAN AND
ADVOCATE FOR AN OFFICE OF
RENTAL HOUSING STANDARDS
INTENDED TO HELP RENTERS WITH
ISSUES SIMILAR TO HOW THE
OFFICE OF LABOR STANDARDS
CURRENTLY HELPS WORKERS WITH
THEIR WORKER ISSUES. THE CITY
OF SEATTLE ALLOCATED $50,000
FOR A TENANT WORKGROUP TO STUDY
AND FACILITATE THE CREATION OF
THIS OFFICE BUT INSTEAD Y'ALL
HELD ONTO THE FUNDS. WE WERE
EXPECTING THAT MONEY , WE WERE
HOPING FOR IT. WE WANT THIS
OFFICE. WE WANT THIS
STREAMLINED METHOD OF HANDLING
RENTER LANDLORD ISSUES WITHOUT
RESORTING TO ADDICTION. THIS
YEAR'S BUDGET DOESN'T MAKE UP
FOR YOUR FAILURES LAST YEAR.
INSTEAD LOW INCOME VULNERABLE
RENTERS LIKE ME ARE HORRIFIED
TO FIND YOU'RE NOT EXPANDING
SERVICES FOR THE 40% OF US WHO
RENT OUR HOMES . YOUR CUTTING
IT EVEN FURTHER. WE NEED TENANT
SERVICES AS BADLY AS WE NEED
RENTAL ASSISTANCE. MONETARY
ASSISTANCE WHEN TIMES ARE TOUGH
IS USEFUL BUT THE EDUCATION AND
NONMONETARY SUPPORT THAT TENANT
ORGANIZING GROUPS SUCH AS B
SEATTLE, THE TENANTS UNION OF
WASHINGTON STATE, SOLID GROUND,
THOSE ORGANIZATIONS THAT GET
RENTS OUT OF SDCI, THEY ARE WHO
TAUGHT ME HOW TO ADVOCATE FOR
MYSELF. IT KEPT ME FROM BEING
EVICTED FROM BEING BACK INDOORS
FOR ONE YEAR BECAUSE I WAS ABLE
TO COMMUNICATE PROPERLY WITH MY
LANDLORD. PREVENTING
HOMELESSNESS .
>> WE ARE GOING TO MOVE INTO
SECTION A 41 THROUGH 50. I HAVE
TWO MICROPHONES LINED UP.
DANIEL , A 45 , LEAH. CHARLES H
. MICHAEL DIXON AND RACHEL.
>> SEMEL. WELCOME.
>> MY NAME IS SAMUEL. I WORK AS
THE LEAD PROGRAM DIRECTOR. I'M
HERE TO ADVOCATE FOR THE LITTLE
SAIGON SAFETY TEAM PROPOSAL
WHICH WOULD ALLOW THE WDC TEAM
OF HIGHLY SKILLED DE-ESCALATION
TEAM TO PROVIDE 16 EVERY DAY IN
MIDDLE MANAGEMENT IMMEDIATE
ON-CALL RESPONSE TO COMMUNITY
CONCERNS. AND COORDINATE AND
AUGMENT EXISTING CASE
MANAGEMENT TEAMS WORKING IN THE
AREA. CURRENTLY
WORKING AS PART OF THE PROJECT
IN UPPER THIRD AVENUE. SINCE
BEING ON THIRD AVENUE AND DOING
THE SAME WORK THERE THEY HAVE
SEEN SIGNIFICANT OUTCOMES IN
TERMS OF THE ESCALATIONS
PROVIDED, MANAGING PUBLIC
SPACE, PREVENTING OVERDOSES AND
MORE. THROUGH COLLABORATION
BETWEEN WDC AND CASE MANAGEMENT
TEAMS WE HAVE GOTTEN OVER 70
PEOPLE INTO MANAGEMENT AND OVER
40 INTO PERMANENT HOUSING. MY
HOPE WITH THIS PROPOSAL IS TO
BRING THESE OUTCOMES AND
STRATEGY OF THE LITTLE SAIGON
AREA. WE STARTED DRAFTING THIS
PROPOSAL BACK IN 2023 AFTER A
PRETTY RIGOROUS COMMUNITY LED
ISSUE IDENTIFICATION PROCESS
ADAPTING THE CURRENT STRATEGY
TO THE NEEDS OF LITTLE SAIGON.
RECENTLY WE HAVE SEEN A LARGE
DISPLACEMENT FROM THE AREA INTO
THE THE SAIGON AREA IT WAS DIRE
. THAT'S ALL I'VE GOT TO SAY.
I HOPE THAT YOU ALL CONSIDER
THIS MUCH NEEDED PROPOSAL FOR
THIS COMPLEX ISSUE IN LITTLE
SAIGON. WE REALLY WANT TO START
WORKING ON IT IN THE SAME WAY
WE HAVE ON THIRD AVENUE. THANK
YOU. [ CAPTIONERS TRANSITIONING
]
>> THE NATURAL WORLD IS HARD TO
MAINTAIN WITHIN A GROWING CITY
ESPECIALLY FOR PEOPLE WHO MAY
HAVE FINANCIAL PHYSICAL
BARRIERS TO TRAVEL OUTSIDE THE
CITY AND THE ENVIRONMENTAL
EDUCATION TEAM AT SEATTLE PARKS
AND RECREATION PROVIDES
OPPORTUNITIES WITH A DEEPER
CONNECTION TO EDUCATION AND
OUTREACH THROUGHOUT THE CITY.
THIS IS A BASIC FUNCTION OF THE
PARKS DEPARTMENT. ENVIRONMENTAL
EDUCATION IS A WELL-FUNCTIONING
DIVISION OF THE PARKS
DEPARTMENT AND HAS AN EXCELLENT
AND WELL REGARDED VOLUNTEER
PROGRAM WHICH MULTIPLIES THE
REACH OF A SMALL AND DEDICATED
STAFF MANY TIMES OVER. IT IS
SHORTSIGHTED AND DESTRUCTIVE TO
DISPOSE OF A MATURE AND
WELL-FUNCTIONING HOMEGROWN
PROGRAM CONTAINING A WEALTH OF
INSTITUTIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND
DEEP COMMITMENT OF ETHOS AND
MISSION OF SEATTLE CITY PARKS
FOR SMALL SHORT-TERM GAME --
GAIN. THE IDEA IS TO PURGE THE
MICROBIOME IMPOVERISHING THE
QUALITY OF LIFE IN SEATTLE IN
WAYS THAT WILL BE HARD TO
RECOVER FROM. I WOULD LIKE TO
ASK YOU TO SUPPORT THE PARKS
DEPARTMENT'S CONTINUED
COMMITMENT TO MEETING ITS
OBLIGATIONS TO INVITING
CITIZENS IN EVERY NEIGHBORHOOD
TO ACCESS THE FULL POTENTIAL OF
THEIR PARKS. PLEASE CONTINUE
FUNDING ENVIRONMENTAL
EDUCATION.
>> THANK YOU FOR. WELCOME,
DANIEL.
>> WELCOME MEMBERS OF THE
COMMITTEE. MY NAME IS DANIEL
AND WORK AT THE NONPROFIT YOUTH
CARE AS THE DIRECTOR OF
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS AND YOUTH
CARES IS IS SEATTLE NOT FOR
PROFIT DEDICATED ENDING
HOMELESSNESS AND LAST YEAR WE
SERVED 1700 YOUNG PEOPLE AND I
WANT TO BRING TO YOUR ATTENTION
A PROVISO THAT WAS SPONSORED BY
COUNCILMEMBER WOO. THE
CONSTELLATION CENTER WILL BE IN
THE CAPITOL HILL NEIGHBORHOOD
AT A YOUTH EMPOWERMENT HUB WITH
84 UNITS OF ON-SITE AFFORDABLE
HOUSING THAT THEY ARE
PARTNERING WITH US ON AND WE
WILL BE PUTTING TWO WORKFORCE
DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS INTO THE
FACILITY AND WE HAVE BEEN
TALKING TO YOUNG PEOPLE AND ARE
THANKFUL FOR THE HOUSING THEY
HAVE RECEIVED BUT THEY DO WANT
MORE HELP MAINTAINING THAT.
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT IS THE
NEXT STEP. WE WILL ALSO BE
PARTNERING WITH THE COMMUNITIES
IN THE AREA FOR EXAMPLE THE
YMCA, FAIR STARTS AND THEY
ACTUALLY PARTNER WITH US TO RUN
A BARISTA TRAINING PROGRAM AND
HERE IT WILL BE A COMMUNITY
SPACE AT THE CAFÉ, COMPUTER
LABS AND MEETING ROOMS AND ALL
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. AT THE
CAFÉ FOR EXAMPLE YOUNG PEOPLE
CAN ENROLL IN THIS PROGRAM SO
THE CENTER WILL BE A HUB FOR
YOUTH EMPOWERMENT IN THE
CAPITOL HILL NEIGHBORHOOD AND
WE ARE SO THANKFUL FOR THE
SUPPORT OF COUNCILMEMBER WOO
AND I URGE THE COMMITTEE TO PUT
IT INTO THE BUDGET.
>> UP NEXT IS MR. MANOLO.
>> I AM NOT GOOD AT READING
HANDWRITING.
>> FOR THE RECORD I LIVE IN
DISTRICT 3 AND I RUN A BUSINESS
BASED IN CAPITOL HILL AT THAT
IS CITYWIDE AND MULTI-COUNTYWID
E IN HERE TO SUPPORT FUNDING
FOR MEAL PROGRAMS IN SEATTLE
AND THEY PROVIDE OVER 4 MILLION
MEALS IN THE SEATTLE AREA WHICH
IS A GIFT TO THE CITY WITH
RIPPLE EFFECTS OF HUNDREDS OF
MILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN THE
NUTRITION PROGRAMS LITERALLY
AND PUN INCLUDED FEED INTO MANY
OTHER PROGRAMS. EVERY DOLLAR
SPENT ON MEAL NUTRITIOUS
PROGRAMS WILL PREVENT THAT
NEEDED IN THE FUTURE FOR
FURTHER SPENDING. I THINK THAT
IS AN INVESTMENT THE CITY NEEDS
AND I THINK IT IS UNDERFUNDED
EVERY YEAR I THINK THAT WE NEED
A $1 MILLION INVESTMENT INTO
MEAL PROGRAMS TO HELP PUT INTO
OTHER PROGRAMS AND HELP
NEIGHBORHOODS AND PEOPLE
AROUND.
>> UP NEXT WE HAVE LEO AND
CHARLES ABBOTT. WELCOME.
>> HELLO, COUNCILMEMBERS. I
LIVE IN DISTRICT 2 AND I DO
WORK AS A DIRECT SERVICE
PROVIDER AT YOUTH CARE, A LOCAL
NONPROFIT THAT SUPPORTS
HOMELESS YOUTH AND WHEN HUMAN
SERVICES ARE WELL-FUNDED, WE
CAN MAKE SURE EXISTING SHELTER
BEDS ARE FILLED AND TEAMS ARE
WELL STAFFED AND I WAS WORKING
AT THE ADOLESCENT SHELTER, WE
ALWAYS SAID EIGHT OR MORE OPEN
BEDS AND DURING MY SHIFT I
WOULD RECEIVE CALLS FROM YOUNG
PEOPLE IN CRISIS ASKING IF WE
HAD ANY OPEN BEDS FOR THEM.
THAT WE HAVE MANY OPEN BEDS, WE
WERE UNDERSTAFFED AND COULDN'T
ACCEPT NEW CLIENTS. I HAD TO
TURN THESE TEENAGERS, MOST OF
WHOM WERE EXPERIENCING DOMESTIC
VIOLENCE AWAY AND GIVE THEM THE
PHONE NUMBERS OF OTHER
RESOURCES AND THEY ALREADY
TRIED CALLING THAT NUMBER WITH
THE SHELTER FULL THEY WOULD
USUALLY SAY. THEY DIDN'T FEEL
SAFE AT HOME BUT HAVE NOWHERE
ELSE TO GO. IF THERE WAS MORE
FUNDING FOR BETTER WAGES, THIS
COULD'VE BEEN AVOIDED AND IF
WE WOULD HAVE RAISED
PROGRESSIVE REVENUES AND WE
COULD HAVE STARTED FUNDING
HUMAN SERVICES AT THE LEVEL THE
COMMUNITY NEEDS AND TODAY I AM
REQUESTING THAT YOU AMEND THE
MAYOR'S PROPOSED BUDGET TO
INCLUDE INFLATION ADJUSTMENTS
FOR ALL HUMAN SERVICE CONTRACTS
AND INCREASE ALL HUMAN SERVICE
WAGES BY 5% IN ACCORDANCE WITH
THE UDUB WAGE STUDY YOU GUYS
ORDERED. PRIORITIZING THESE
CHANGES WILL HELP OUR MOST
VULNERABLE COMMUNITY MEMBERS
AND HUMAN SERVICE WORKERS FEEL
SAFE ANK YOU
FOR HEARING US TOY.
YOU LEIA. CHARLES
ABBOTT? I DON'T SEE CHARLES.
RACHEL? TWO MINUTES. WELCOME.
AND MICHAEL DICKSON ? IS
MICHAEL DICKSON STILL IN THE
ROOM? THE FLOOR IS YOURS,
RACHEL.
>> MY NAME IS RACHEL K. I AM
HERE TO TESTIFY ABOUT MY
EXPERIENCE AS A LOW INCOME
PERSON WHO WAS ALSO PRESENT
WHEN MY FRIEND GOT KILLED
DURING AN EVICTION ON MARCH 20
OF 2023. I ATTEMPTED TO HELP MY
FRIEND DEAL WITH THE TRAUMA OF
EVICTION. SHE HAD BEEN EVICTED
TWICE AS A CHILD, KEEP IN MIND.
THE SEATTLE POLICE DEPARTMENT
WOULD NOT ALLOW ME TO ASSIST MY
FRIEND AND THREATENED ME WITH
ARREST. AND THEN SHE
MYSTERIOUSLY WOUND UP DEAD. HER
OWN MOTHER WAS NOT INFORMED
ABOUT HER DESK FOR SIX MONTHS.
-- DEATH FOR SIX MONTHS. HER
DEATH WAS EASILY PREVENTABLE.
SHE ONLY OWED $6000 IN RENT.
SHE ALSO REQUESTED MENTAL
HEALTH ASSISTANCE. LETTER
PROPERTY MANAGER -- HER
PROPERTY MANAGER SENT COPS TO
TRAUMATIZE HER INSTEAD. I AM
NOT NAÏVE ENOUGH TO THINK THAT
THIS COUNCIL CARES ABOUT PEOPLE
THAT ARE KILLED AND SHOT AT THE
HANDS OF POLICE BUT SHE WAS
GOING TO FACE CERTAIN HARDSHIP
ON THE STREET AS A TRANSWOMAN.
I WANT TO REPHRASE THIS ABOUT
PUBLIC SAFETY. LAST YEAR 299
PEOPLE IN 2023 IN SEATTLE DIED
AND THAT COMPARES TO 64 PEOPLE
WHO WERE MURDERED. HOUSING IS
PUBLIC SAFETY. PLEASE SUPPORT
THE SEATTLE SOLIDARITY BUDGET
AND THE STATEHOUSE STAY HEALTHY
COALITION.
>> THANK YOU FOR YOUR
TESTIMONY. WE WILL MOVE ON TO
BE 341 -- 41 THROUGH 50.
WELCOME, DEVIN.
>> THANK YOU. MY NAME IS DEVIN
AND I LIVE IN DISTRICT 3 AND I
WANT TO ADDRESS TODAY THE
MISGUIDED PRIORITIES OF THE
COUNCIL AND THE DECIDUOUS/FUNDI
NG FOR THE CENTRAL HERMAN --
HUMAN SERVICES WHILE INCREASING
POLICE SALARIES IS NOT JUST
IRRESPONSIBLE BUT SHAMEFUL AND
THIS YEAR THE CITY OF SEATTLE
HAS A $251 MILLION SHORTFALL
AND YOU HAVE INCREASE THIS
DEFICIT BY GIVING COPS OVER A
24% SALARY INCREASE AND
APPROVING THE PROCUREMENT OF AN
EXPENSIVE POLICE SURVEILLANCE
SYSTEM AT THE SAME TIME YOU ARE
GETTING THE BUDGET FOR
AFFORDABLE HOUSING WHICH WILL
LITERALLY LEAVE NEIGHBORS OUT
IN THE COLD THE DIE AND
REMOVING HUGE AMOUNTS OF
FUNDING FOR TENANT SERVICES AND
THROUGH THE SALE DEPARTMENT OF
CONSTRUCTION AND INSPECTIONS.
THIS WILL INCREASE THE NUMBER
OF VULNERABLE RENTERS LOSING
THEIR HOMES AND JOINING THE
THOUSANDS OF OTHER PEOPLE READY
LIVING ON THE STREETS. THIS
COUNCIL CLAIMS TO CARE ABOUT
OUR COMMUNITY BUT YOUR ACTIONS
SPEAK LOUDER THAN WORDS IN WHY
DON'T YOU GIVE IT TO THE
POLICE AND OVERCROWDED DEADLY
JAILS. PEOPLE ARE DYING ON THE
STREETS, FAMILIES AND RENTERS
SENIORS AND THE LOCAL WORKFORCE
IS STRUGGLING AND THE
INFRASTRUCTURE IS IN TATTERS
AND ALL WE SEE IS A FOCUS ON
POLICING AND CORPORATE
INTERESTS. THIS IS NOT WHAT
SEATTLE'S RESIDENTS WANT OR
NEED BUT A REGRESSION TO OLD
WORTHLESS POLITICS FROM OVER A
DECADE AGO AND THE COMMUNITIES
ARE CALLING FOR COMPASSION AND
NOT INCREASED SURVEILLANCE OR
MILITARIZATION. WE NEED TO
INVEST THE WELL-BEING OF OUR
RESIDENTS AND NOT JUST THE
BUDGETS OF THE PRIVILEGED FEW.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.
>> THANK YOU. UP NEXT IS RAY BE
44 AND BE 44 IS NO LONGER HERE.
B 45, JOY THAT ARE ARE. WELCOME
AND GOOD TO SEE YOU.
>> I AM A SOCIAL WORKER AND
VOLUNTEER WITH THE SERVICES AND
WE OPPOSE THE INCREASED FUNDING
OF VIOLENT ENCAMPMENT SUITES
WHICH DO NOTHING TO SOLVE THE
CRISIS OF HOMELESSNESS WE HAVE
RIGHT NOW. I HAVE WITNESSED TOO
MANY OF THESE BRUTAL SWEEPS
FROM THE CITY AND POLICE THAT
ONLY CAUSES MORE HARM AND
TRAUMA . IT STEALS PEOPLE'S
BELONGINGS AND THROWS IT IN
DUMPSTERS OR IN POUNDS THERE
ONLY SHELTER TO TOTAL YARDS
WHERE IT IS BROKEN INTO AND
TRASHED. YOU ARE SPENDING
MILLIONS OF DOLLARS ON WAGING A
WAR ON THE POOR AND SPENDING
MILLIONS OF DOLLARS ON ERASING
PEOPLE AND THAT SHOWS YOU ONLY
WANT PEOPLE DEAD AND GONE.
THERE ARE SIMPLY NOT ENOUGH
RESOURCES OFFERED TO PEOPLE
TRYING TO SURVIVE OUTSIDE AND
THIS IS STATED BY CITY WORKERS
WHO ARE NOT THERE THAT THERE IS
NOTHING ELSE TO OFFER AS THE
POLICE AROUND TENTS OR RVs TO
MAKE SURE PEOPLE LEAVE OR USE
ANY POSSIBLE MORAL
CONSCIOUSNESS YOU HAVE A
SELECTED REPRESENTATIVE TO
REPRESENT THOSE WHO ARE THE
MOST VULNERABLE IN THE
COMMUNITY AND REPRESENT THOSE
WHO HAVE NOWHERE ELSE TO GO AND
ARE TRYING TO SURVIVE. IT IS
YOUR JOB TO REPRESENT THOSE
LEFT BEHIND DECIMATING VITAL
COMMUNITY RESOURCES THAT ARE
ALREADY BARELY HOLDING ON AND
FUNDING MORE SWEEPS AND MORE
POLICE, MORE SURVEILLANCE AND
INCARCERATION AND IT DOESN'T
PROVIDE PUBLIC SAFETY FOR
ANYONE. WHEN THE NEEDS OF ALL
PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY ARE
MET, HOUSING, HEALTHCARE AND
ASSESSABLE TREATMENT AND
SUPPORT FOR SUBSTANCE ABUSE
DISORDER AND JOB OPPORTUNITIES
THAT PAY A LIVING WAGE,
EDUCATION AND FOOD ACCESS,
THOSE ARE LIFE-SUSTAINING
SERVICES THAT MEET PEOPLE'S
NEEDS WHEN PEOPLE CAN THRIVE
AND NOT JUST SURVIVE AND THAT
IS PUBLIC SAFETY. LISTEN TO THE
PEOPLE WHO YOU HAVE BEEN
LEAVING BEHIND AND SUPPORT THE
SOLIDARITY BUDGET DEMANDS THAT
LEAD TO A COMMUNITY THAT WILL
THRIVE OR PROMOTE THE CARE THAT
IS LACKING AND STOP YOUR WAR ON
THE POOR.
>> THANK YOU, JOY.
>> IS IT OKAY TO USE THIS
NUMBER. THEY WERE TIRED AND
THEY WENT HOME.
>> WE ARE GOING TO TICK THROUGH
IN THE ORDER IN WHICH YOU
SIGNED UP SO I WILL ASK YOU TO
KEEP YOUR ORIGINAL NUMBER.
>> THAT IS OKAY.
>> THANK YOU. WE ARE ROLLING
THROUGH THIS. YOU ARE UP NEXT.
>> HELLO. I AM SHARON WITH THE
GARFIELD SUPERVISOR PROJECT AND
I'M HERE TO ASK YOU TO HELP US
GET THIS LONG AWAITED GARFIELD
RENOVATION PROJECT OVER THE
FINISH LINE AND COUNCILMEMBER
HOLLINGSWORTH WILL PUT AN
AMENDMENT TO YOU IN THE NEXT
TWO DAYS AND I NEED YOUR FULL
SUPPORT. ATTENDANCE AT GARFIELD
HIGH SCHOOL IS DOWN IN THE
SENIOR CLASS IS 436 IN THE
FRESHMAN CLASS IS 300. DO YOU
KNOW THAT A BULLET WENT THROUGH
THE SECOND FLOOR WINDOW AT NOVA
HIGH SCHOOL LAST WEEK? THIS IS
UNACCEPTABLE. WE NEED
INVESTMENT IN THIS SUPERBLOCK
AND WE NEED ACTIVATION AND
COMMUNITY OUTSIDE BECAUSE THEY
WANT TO BE OUTSIDE. WHEN THIS
PARK IS COMPLETED, THE NEW
AMENITIES ON THE OUTDOOR MUSEUM
WILL BRING SO MANY PEOPLE OUT
TO THIS BLOCK AND THE EXISTING
BUSINESSES AND COMMUNITY
PROJECTS WILL BE LIFTED UP AND
THESE SMALL BUSINESSES ARE
GOING TO SURFACE AND OUR
PROJECT IS JUST THE BEGINNING
OF SOMETHING MUCH BIGGER BUT IT
DOES START WITH THE PARK. OUR
COALITION HAS BEEN WORKING
TIRELESSLY IN THIS COMMUNITY TO
GET THIS PROJECT RIGHT. WE ARE
SO PROUD OF THE MONEY WE
RAISED. WE JUST NEED A LITTLE
BIT MORE. WHEN YOU SEE THE
AMENDMENT IN THE COMING DAYS,
DON'T THE
COSPONSOR OF THIS AMENDMENT.
DON'T HESITATE TO SHOW YOUR
SUPPORT. PLEASE DON'T LET THIS
PROJECT FAIL.
>> THANK YOU. UP NEXT IS
SHARON. B 47. THAT WAS SHARON.
SORRY. RACHEL SEVERIN WELCOME.
THANK YOU.
>> MY NAME IS RACHEL THE HEAD
CHEF AND COMANAGER WITH THE
PHINNEY NEIGHBORHOOD
ASSOCIATION HOT MEAL PROGRAM IN
PHINNEY RIDGE AND ALSO A MEMBER
OF THE MEALS PARTNERSHIP
COALITION. WE AS A HOT MEAL
PROGRAM URGE YOU TO SUSTAIN
INVESTMENTS IN FOOD SECURITY BY
SUPPORTING JOY HOLLINGSWORTH
PROPOSAL TO PROVIDE ONGOING
FUNDING FOR COMMUNITY MAIL
PROGRAMS IN THE 2025 CITY
BUDGET. NEARLY 30 COMMUNITY
GROUPS IN SEATTLE HAVE
BENEFITED FROM THE EMERGENCY
FOOD FUND IN THE BUDGET
INCLUDING HOURS. FOOD
INSECURITY IS AT RECORD HIGH
LEVELS AND THERE IS DECREASING
STATE AND FEDERAL FUNDING. THIS
MODEST INVESTMENT IN COMMUNITY
SAFETY AND WELL-BEING HELP KEEP
DOORS OPEN. THE EMERGENCY
FUNDING THAT MY PROGRAM
RECEIVED IS CRUCIAL IN KEEPING
US AFLOAT THIS YEAR AND RISING
FOOD COSTS HAVE BEEN AN ISSUE
IN BASIC INGREDIENTS HAVE
BECOME MORE EXPENSIVE AND TAKE
UP A LARGER PORTION OF OUR
BUDGET AND THE MORE EXPENSIVE
GROCERIES BECOME, THE MORE
PEOPLE WHO COME TO OUR MEALS
THE MORE SUPPLIES ARE NEEDED TO
BE PURCHASED. THE FOOD I COOK
IS IMPORTANT FOR ADDRESSING
HUNGER BUT IT IS ALSO IMPORTANT
FOR TRUST BUILDING AND
EMPOWERMENT AND GUESTS HAVE
ACCESS TO A SOCIAL WORKER, ART
THERAPY, MEDICAL AND DENTAL
CLINICS, HAIRCUTS, AND MORE. AS
A CHEF, IF I DON'T HAVE ENOUGH
FUNDING FOR INGREDIENTS,
SUPPLIES, AND KITCHEN
MAINTENANCE, AND I CAN'T
CREATE THE ENVIRONMENT FOR
PEOPLE TO ACCESS OTHER CRUCIAL
SERVICES. IF THE EMERGENCY FOOD
FUND ISN'T RENEWED IN 2025, IT
WILL BE HARDER TO SERVE PEOPLE
GENEROUSLY AND COMPASSIONATELY.
I URGE YOU TO SUPPORT THE
PROPOSAL TO SUSTAIN THIS
FUNDING IN THE 2025 BUDGET SO
WE CAN CONTINUE TO MEET THE
NEEDS OF OUR COMMUNITY. THANK
YOU.
>> THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE
TO THE COMMUNITY.
>> I AM SORRY I CAN'T READ MY
HANDWRITING BUT IT IS B 49 AND
THEN B 50.
>> HELLO. I AM COMMENTING TODAY
ON BEHALF OF SOLID GROUND , A
SERVICE ORGANIZATION THAT HAS
BEEN SUPPORTING SADDLE
COMMUNITIES FOR THE LAST 50
YEARS AND WE ARE MEMBERS OF THE
HUMAN SERVICE COALITION AND THE
COALITION ON HOMELESSNESS SO WE
WANT TO UPLIFT THE
RECOMMENDATIONS FROM TONIGHT
INCLUDING APPLYING INFLATION
ADJUSTMENTS CONSISTENTLY AND
FOLLOWING THROUGH ON THE
CITY'S COMMITMENT TO
STABILIZING HUMAN SERVICE
WORKERS. BUT I WANT TO FOCUS ON
A FEW SPECIFIC BUDGET CUTS THAT
WOULD REDUCE CRITICAL SERVICES
AND FIRSTLY THE PROPOSED BUDGET
ELIMINATES CITY FUNDING FOR
SOLID GROUND LEGAL ASSISTANCE
PROGRAM SO THIS IS A PROGRAM
THAT PROVIDES FREE LEGAL
SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE ON LOW
INCOMES SO SPECIFICALLY TO HELP
THEM KEEP THEIR PUBLIC BENEFITS
SO BENEFITS LIKE SNAP AND FOOD
ASSISTANCE, ACCESS TO MEDICARE
AND MEDICAID AND ACCESSING THE
STATES TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR
NEEDY FAMILIES PROGRAM AND ALL
ARE DESIGNED TO HELP LEVERAGE
THE STATE AND FEDERAL DOLLARS
SO PEOPLE CAN MEET THEIR BASIC
NEEDS AND WE ARE ASKING COUNCIL
TO RESTORE THESE CUTS FOR
$180,000 FOR LEGAL SERVICES
LIKE BENEFITS LEGAL ASSISTANCE
AS WELL AS L CYC WHICH YOU WILL
HEAR ABOUT IN THE SECOND. WE
ARE ALSO VERY CONCERNED ABOUT
FUNDING CUTS TO TENANT SERVICES
WHICH YOU HEARD A LOT ABOUT
TONIGHT. BUT ONE EXAMPLE OF THE
WORK IS WHAT IT DOES FROM THIS
FUND IS PROVIDING THE TENANT
SERVICES PROGRAM WHICH HELPS
GIVE WORKSHOPS AND WE OPERATE A
VOICE MESSAGE LINE THAT ANY
RENTER CAN CALL INTO WHICH IS
IN BOTH SPANISH AND ENGLISH.
FOLKS ARE CALLING IN TO HELP
GET THEIR SOLUTIONS TO AN
UNHEALTHY LIVING CONDITION OR
CALLING IN TO REQUEST PAYMENT
PLANS OR GETTING CONNECTED TO
RENTAL ASSISTANCE AND LEGAL
SUPPORT. THIS PROGRAM SERVED
LAST YEAR 1700 PEOPLE ACROSS
SEATTLE AND KING COUNTY AND WE
STRUGGLE TO KEEP UP WITH THE
NUMBER OF CALLS. WE ARE REALLY
ASKING FOR INCREASED
INVESTMENTS FOR TENANT
SERVICES. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU. I WILL LET YOU
TAKE IT FROM HERE AND THE FLOOR
IS YOURS.
>> MY NAME IS RHEA YO AND SERVE
AS THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF
LEGAL COUNCIL FOR YOUTH AND
CHILDREN. THIS IS THE ONLY
LEGAL AID PROVIDER IN SEATTLE
THAT IS FOCUSED ON SUPPORTING
YOUTH AND YOUNG ADULTS
EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS.
THERE IS A BUDGET CUT WHICH
ELIMINATES FUNDING FROM THE
CITY OF SEATTLE IN THE AMOUNT
OF $123,000 662 -- $123,662 FOR
THE HOMELESSNESS PROGRAM. WE
PROVIDE HOLISTIC LEGAL
REPRESENTATION INCLUDING
ADDRESSING MANY AREAS OF LAW
THAT FUNCTION AS BARRIERS TO
STABLE HOUSING SUCH AS
PROTECTION ORDERS, DEBT RELIEF
AND ACCESS TO PUBLIC BENEFITS.
WE HAVE STRONG COMMUNITY
PARTNERSHIPS WITH LARGE
MULTISERVICE ORGANIZATIONS AND
SMALLER POPULATION SPECIFIC
ORGANIZATIONS TO MAKE SURE WE
REACH YOUNG PEOPLE WHO ARE
DISPROPORTIONATELY EXPERIENCING
HOMELESSNESS. SPECIFICALLY
LGBTQ+ YOUTH AND USE OF COLOR
AND OUR PARTNERS INCLUDE
SERVICES LIKE SOLID GROUND ALSO
RECEIVING CUTS IN THIS BUDGET
AND THOSE SEEKING FUNDING FOR
THAT CENTER BUT SINCE 2019 WHEN
WE FIRST CONTRACTED WITH THE
CITY OF SEATTLE FOR THESE
SERVICES, THEY SUPPORTED OVER
750 YOUNG PEOPLE TO REDUCE OR
PREVENT THEIR EXPERIENCE WITH
HOMELESSNESS THROUGH LEGAL AID.
WE CONTINUOUSLY HAVE A WAIT
LIST DEMONSTRATING THE DIRE
NEED FOR THE CONTINUED SERVICES
AND THE REDUCTION OF SERVICES
DUE TO LACK OF FUNDING WOULD BE
DEVASTATING. L CYC HELPS YOUNG
PEOPLE IDENTIFY AND PURSUE
LEGAL PATHWAYS FOR SAFE HOUSING
THAT COULD PURSUE GUARDIANSHIP
WITH AN AND AFTER EXPERIENCING
ABUSE AT HOME OR MAYBE HELPING
WITH RESOLVING MEDICAL THAT
THEY CAN'T AFFORD RENT AT A
MODEST INVESTMENT TO ADDRESS
HOUSING INSTABILITY CAN HELP
PREVENT YEARS OF LONG-TERM
HOMELESSNESS. THIS RINGS TRUE
FOR L CYC AND SOLID GROUND AND
WE ASK THAT A TOTAL OF $180,000
BE REINSTATED FOR MAINTAINING
LEGAL SERVICES.
>> THANK YOU. AS A REMINDER YOU
CAN LEAVE YOUR PUBLIC COMMENT
IN THE BOX AND I CAN READ IT TO
COUNCILMEMBERS TOMORROW. WE
WILL MOVE INTO SECTION A SO WE
WILL GO INTO NUMBERS 51 THROUGH
68. IF YOU ARE WITHIN THAT
RANGE IF YOU COULD PLEASE LINE
UP AND WE WILL START WITH 51 A,
REVEREND JOSEPH CHEVRON AND WE
WILL MOVE ON THE NUMBER 52.
THANK YOU.
>> GOOD EVENING. I AM JOSEPH
SHIRIN SERVING AS THE PASTOR AT
WOODLAND PARK PRESBYTERIAN
CHURCH. I LIVE IN DISTRICT 6 AS
DO MANY OF MY CONGREGANTS BUT
THERE ARE A LOT OF US WHO LIVE
IN DISTRICTS FIVE, FOUR, THREE,
AND SEVEN AND BEFORE I CAME
HERE, I MANAGED POLITICAL
CAMPAIGNS IN NASHVILLE,
TENNESSEE WHICH IS ANOTHER
GROWING CITY WITH DIFFICULT
LIMITATIONS ON ITS ABILITY TO
RAISE THOSE IN MY LAST CAMPAIGN
FIVE YEARS AGO I MANAGED TO
HAVE A REELECTION CAMPAIGN WHO
IS NOW MAYOR OF THAT CITY AND I
SAY ALL THIS SO I CAN TELL YOU
THAT I DO UNDERSTAND THE
PRESSURE THAT YOU ARE UNDER AND
THE RESPONSIBILITY THAT YOU
BEAR AND I HAVE A GUESS OF THE
HOPES AND LOVE THAT MOVED YOU
TO SEEK THIS OFFICE AND SEEK
THIS SERVICE. IT SEEMED TO ME
IT HAS BEEN A ROUGH YEAR FOR
MANY OF YOU. YEAR THAT HAS NOT
GONE HOW YOU HOPED OR HOW YOU
MAY HAVE IMAGINED. WE HAVE ALL
SET THEIR HOURS OF PEOPLE
ASKING YOU TO FUND THEIR
PRIORITIES AND THERE ARE THOSE
WHO ARE NOT HERE AND THOSE WHO
DON'T NEED THIS TIME TO REACH
YOU TO BRING PRESSURE ALSO IN
MANY OF MY CONGREGANTS VOTED
FOR YOU AND GOOD PEOPLE AND
PEOPLE WITH HOPES AND DREAMS
FOR THEIR CITY AND PEOPLE WHO
BELIEVE IN THE STORY OF SEATTLE
IS A CITY STEADILY MOVING
FORWARD AND IT WAS A
PROGRESSIVE JUST CARING PLACE
TO LIVE ALWAYS TRYING TO DO
BETTER AND WE PRAY FOR THE
PEOPLE OF OUR CITY AND WE PRAY
FOR ALL OF YOU. WE PRAY FOR
THESE HOPES AND FOR THE
CHALLENGE BEFORE YOU AND IN THE
CONTEXT OF THE STORY THAT
SEATTLEITES TELL ABOUT THEIR
OWN, I AM FRUSTRATED BY THE
PROPOSAL THAT SEEKS TO BALANCE
THE BUDGET ON MONEY FOR
PROMISE OF SUSTAINING AND
EXPANDING CARE AND AS A SIGN ON
MY CHURCH SAYS PLEASE QUOTE
YOUR HOPES, YOUR FEARS. THANK
YOU.
>> THANK YOU, REVEREND. UP NEXT
IS RICK AND WE WILL HAVE
DARRELL POWELL, AIDEN CAROL AND
WE WILL GO THROUGH THE OTHER
PART OF THE LIST ONCE WE GET
THERE.
>> MY NAME IS RICK McKINNON AND
I LIVE IN DISTRICT 4, NO,
DISTRICT 6. WEIGHT. I AM IN
DISTRICT 4.
>> CAN WE RESTART THE TIMER?
OKAY.
>> WE WOULD LOVE TO HAVE YOU
OVER IN THE OTHER DISTRICT.
REVEREND JOE IS A GOOD PASTOR.
I WANT TO SHARE MY COMMENTS. I
STILL SEE HOMELESS PEOPLE
SLEEPING ON THE SIDEWALKS HERE
IN SEATTLE AND THAT IS TRULY AN
OUTRAGE. THE CITY OF SEATTLE
NEEDS TO ESTABLISH OR
REESTABLISH YEAR-ROUND 24/7
MAPS ON THE GROUND CONGREGANTS
SHELTERS FOR HOMELESS PEOPLE
CAN GET OFF OF THE SIDEWALKS
AND COME INSIDE BOTH DURING THE
DAYTIME TO SOCIALIZE AND AT
NIGHT TO SLEEP AND IF WE DON'T
WANT TO SEE AT A HOMELESS
NEIGHBORS SLEEPING ON OUR
SIDEWALKS OR IN OUR PARKS, WE
HAVE TO GIVE THEM A WAY TO COME
INSIDE. CURRENTLY THE EMPTY
ADMINISTRATION BUILDING MAY BE
A GREAT LOCATION TO SERVE THAT
PURPOSE IN THE CITY OF SEATTLE
AND KING COUNTY GOVERNMENT
OFFICIALS KNOW WHERE THEY HAVE
VACANT BUILDINGS IN SPACE THAT
COULD BE UTILIZED FOR THAT
PURPOSE AND THAT SHELTER COULD
ALSO BECOME A RESOURCE CENTER
AND A POINT OF CONTACT FOR
SOCIAL SERVICES FOR HOMELESS
PEOPLE IN THE CITY OF
SEATTLE'S JUMPSTART TAX WAS
CREATED TO ADDRESS THE
HOMELESSNESS AND HOUSING
AFFORDABILITY CRISIS AND SHOULD
BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE BEFORE
SIPHONING OFF MUCH OF THAT
REVENUE TO FUND OTHER CITY OF
SEATTLE PROGRAMS AND PROJECTS.
I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE CITY OF
SEATTLE JUMP START TAX FUND A
YEAR-ROUND 24 SEVEN MAPS ON THE
GROUND CONGREGANTS SHELTER I AM
PROPOSING AND SEE THE CITY OF
SEATTLE'S JUMPSTART TAX
SUPPORT COUNCILMEMBER MORALES
WITH A STAND-UP AND 100 TIME
THE HOME -- TINY HOMES. PLEASE
USE THIS REVENUE WHERE IT IS
INTENDED BEFORE USING IT TO
BALANCE OTHER EXPENSES. I ALSO
LEARNED ABOUT AND I SUPPORT
FULL FUNDING FOR THE GARFIELD
SUPERBLOCK AND I READ ABOUT
THAT IN THE SEATTLE TIMES AND I
SUPPORT THE MEALS PARTNERSHIP
COALITION.
>> THANK YOU, RICK. IF YOU WANT
TO MOVE TO DISTRICT 6, GO
AHEAD. I AM TEASING. UP NEXT IS
DARRELL POWELL FOLLOWED BY
AIDEN CAROL. AND LETTER A 57
AND LETTER A 58, 59, 60 AND
ANYBODY HERE WITH THOSE
NUMBERS? AIDEN, I SEE YOU. COME
ON UP. IS DARRELL HERE? DARRELL
IS GONE. AIDEN, YOU ARE UP.
WELCOME AND GOOD TO SEE YOU.
>> SO YOUR JOB FIRST AND
FOREMOST IS PREVENTING HSOF THI
DIFFERENTLY BUT THAT SEEMS LIKE
THE LOWEST OF LOW BARS. I
DON'T HAVE TO GET INTO THE
EXTREME THINGS THAT I BELIEVE
TWO POINT OUT THAT MANY OF YOU
ALL LAST FALL CAMPAIGNED ON A
PROMISE OF BETTER SHELTER TO
IMPROVE THE QUANTITY AND
QUALITY OF THE SHELTER SYSTEM.
THOSE OF US WHO HAVE BEEN TO A
LOT OF SWEEPS SEE THE DETAILS
OF THE NEGOTIATION AND IF YOU
COULD EVEN CALL IT THAT AND IT
IS OVERWHELMINGLY, NOT THAT
PEOPLE DON'T WANT HELP BUT
THERE IS A REAL CHANGE OF PACE
AND SERVICE REFUSAL ISN'T A
MYTH BUT SURROUNDED BY THEM.
MOST PEOPLE WOULD SETTLE FOR A
TINY HOME AND WE NEED MORE TINY
HOMES. PLEASE DON'T PUT BOTH
OF THEM UNDER THE CONTROL OF
LEHI BECAUSE EVEN LEHIGH
DOESN'T LIKE HAVING A MONOPOLY
ON THE VILLAGES. YOU GO TO
ENOUGH SWEEPS AND YOU SEE THE
PROBLEM OR SOMEBODY GETS
REFERRED AND PACKS UP ALL THEIR
STUFF AND THEN SOMEWHERE
SOMEBODY REALIZES THAT YOU GOT
KICKED OUT OF ANOTHER VILLAGE A
YEAR OR TWO AGO AND YOU CAN'T
GO BACK TO ANY OF THE OTHER
ONES BECAUSE YOU ARE
BLACKLISTED FROM ALL OF THEM.
THERE IS AN OPEN LETTER OR TWO
ABOUT LEHI AND ONE OF THEM PUT
IT ON A WEBSITE AND I AM NOT
SAYING GET RID OF IT AND IS NOT
LIKE THEY ARE SPD BUT THE
SOLIDARITY BUDGET GUARANTEES
AND SUPPORTS THAT BUT LOBBY FOR
THE STATE AND FEDS TO APPROVE
DISABILITY BENEFITS. WE HAVE
SEEN THE DEATHS AND TORTURE
THAT RESULT FROM THESE POLICIES
AND WE NEED MORE UPZONING IN
SHELTER AND HOUSING AND NEED TO
STOP LETTING POLICE --
>> THANK YOU. ANYBODY ELSE 57,
58, 5960? ANYONE? I WILL MOVE
ON TO B. 51 THROUGH 60 AND RAY
ROGERS, DAVID TOLEDO, NICK
ANDREWS, RYAN, COLBY, ZACH.
CHANEL. AND VICTOR. RAY ROGERS.
THAT IS YOU. YOU ARE 53. RAY
ROGERS IN THE HOUSE. NOT HERE.
DAVID TOLEDO? GOING ONCE GOING
TWICE THREE TIMES? NICK.
WELCOME.
>> GOOD EVENING AND NICE TO BE
HERE. I AM MOSTLY HERE TO SPEAK
ABOUT THIS LINE ITEM SPR 105 A
WHICH IS GETTING RID OF
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION FUNDING
FOR THE CITY OF SEATTLE AND I
THINK MANY OF US WHO MOVED TO
SEATTLE AND GREW UP THERE AND
WERE BORN THERE ARE ALL STRUCK
BY THE NATURAL WONDERS WE LIVE
IN AND IT IS A RARE CITY THAT
HAS SALMON RUNS IN A TIDE POOL
AND NOT A LOT OF CITIES DO BUT
THIS LINE ITEM PARTICULARLY
REMOVES NINE OUT OF 10
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION JOBS IN
THE CITY AND GETS IT COMPLETELY
AND IT'S A 40 YARD PROGRAM
THAT IS ENDING IN 2026 AND
STRIKING TO ME THAT THE PEOPLE
MOST IMPACTED BY THIS OUR
CHILDREN ON FIELD TRIPS,
ELDERLY PEOPLE GOING TO
BIRDWATCHING EXPEDITIONS OR
PEOPLE WHO REALLY MOST NEED THE
CITY SERVICES. I THINK THERE
ARE PLENTY OF OTHER PLACES
WHERE WE CAN MAKE CUTS IN MY
COUNCILPERSON WAS ABLE TO NAME
ALL THE HORSES THAT WILL BE
LOSING THEIR JOBS. WOULD LIKE
TO HAVE SOME FOCUS ON RESOURCES
FOR PEOPLE. IF YOU COULD, WOULD
LIKE YOU TO CONSIDER MAKING AN
AMENDMENT TO RESTORING FUNDING
FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION IN
SEATTLE. THANK YOU.
>> UP NEXT RYAN.
>> GOOD EVENING. MY NAME IS
RYAN DRISCOLL AND A RESIDENT OF
D3 AND HERE IN SUPPORT OF THE
SOLIDARITY BUDGET AND IS HE
GOING TO THIS BUDGET SEASON AND
YOU DISCUSS THE MODIFICATIONS
YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE I WOULD
LIKE TO MAKE SURE WE ARE ON THE
SAME PAGE ABOUT SOME OF THESE
THAT MANY OF YOU USE AS YOU
TALK ABOUT GOING INTO THE
BUDGET AND GOOD GOVERNESS AND
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY. LET'S
START WITH GOOD GOVERNANCE AND
IT HAS MANY PARTS INCLUDING
TRANSPARENCY, EFFICIENCY AND
MAKING SURE THE VOICES OF THE
MOST VULNERABLE ARE ELEVATED IN
A GOOD DECISION-MAKING PROCESS
AND WE LOOK AT THESE ISSUES,
WHAT ARE THE EXPERTS IN DATA
SAYING OF THE MOST EFFECTIVE
AND EFFICIENT SOLUTIONS?
DOESN'T SUPPORT TAKING AWAY $1
MILLION IN RENTAL ASSISTANCE TO
KEEP PEOPLE OUT OF HOMELESSNESS
WE CAN USE THAT MONEY TO ADD
OVER $800,000 TO FUND THIS
ACROSS THE CITY AND THEY
RECOMMEND WE REMOVE FUNDING
FROM FOOD ASSISTANCE AND
FUNDING FOR VIC TERMS OF
GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE AND
MENTAL -- THAT THE OWN CIVIL
RIGHTS DIDN'T RECOMMEND A
LARGE PART OF THIS IS LOOKING
AT THE ROOT CAUSES AND
INVESTING IN LONG-TERM
SOLUTIONS THAT IT WILL TAKE TO
DEAL WITH THE MOST INTRACTABLE
PROBLEMS AND NOT FUNDING SHORT
MANDATES TO MAKE PEOPLE FEEL
LIKE THINGS ARE BEING DONE OR
CAUSING HARM BUT BE HONEST
ABOUT THE DEEP INVESTMENTS THAT
IT WILL TAKE TO SOLVE THESE
ISSUES AND HOW YOU PLAN TO GET
THERE AND SHOW US YOUR WORK AND
BE TRANSPARENT AND JUSTIFY
DECISIONS IN A CLEAR WAY THAT
ALL OF US CAN SEE AND
UNDERSTAND AND IN ADDITION WHEN
YOU HEAR FROM COMMUNITY MAKE
SURE YOU ARE HEARING FROM ALL
AND ARE THE RENTERS AND WORKERS
AND LOW INCOME RESIDENTS BEING
HURT AS MUCH AS THE HOMEOWNERS
AND BUSINESSES? TO THE OVER 50%
OF THOSE IN SEATTLE WHO ARE
RENTERS SUPPORT CUTTING $800
MILLION FROM TENANT SERVICES
AND WHEN I WORKED FOR COMMUNITY
ENGAGEMENT FOR THE CITY, THE
MOST COMMON TOPICS PEOPLE HAVE
QUESTIONS ABOUT WHERE THE
RIGHTS AS RENTERS AND ISSUES
THEY HAD WITH LANDLORDS. AND
FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY THIS
MEANS LOOKING AT WHAT IS
EFFICIENT AND EFFECTIVE AND IS
RESPONSIBLE TO FUND OVER 100
POLICE POSITIONS THAT WON'T BE
FILLED OR RESPONSIBLE TO SPEND
MILLIONS ON THE WORLD CUP?
>> THANK YOU, RYAN AND IF I CAN
KEEP TRACK OF MY NOTES.
WELCOME, COLBY.
>> GOOD EVENING. MY NAME IS
COLBY AND A SENIOR IN THE ASP
VICE PRESIDENT AT GARFIELD HIGH
SCHOOL AND COLLABORATING WITH
THE SEATTLE STUDENT UNION TO
GET THE $20 MILLION LAST YEAR
FOR RESOURCES AND VIOLENCE
PREVENTION FOR FPS AND WE HAVE
NOTICED THAT MUCH OF THE $19.5
MILLION HAS NOT BEEN GOING
DIRECTLY TO SCHOOLS AND WE ASK
THAT YOU HONOR YOUR PROMISE
LAST YEAR FOR THAT MONEY
REGARDING LAST YEAR. AND
GARFIELD HIGH SCHOOL HAS HAD
MANY EVENTS OCCUR AND FOR THE
NEXT WEEK OR SO. FOR EACH EVENT
AND THEY HAVE COUNSELORS AND
ONCE THAT WEEK IS OVER SCHOOL
SEEMS TO BE BUSINESS AS USUAL.
AND TRAUMA DOESN'T LAST DELETE
-- WEEK. AND STUDENTS ARE
EXPECTED TO PERFORM A BALANCING
THEIR TRAUMA WITHOUT A SAFE
SPACE THEY CAN GO TO. SCHOOLS
NEED TO HAVE DESIGNATED SAFE
SPACES FOR STUDENTS TO TAKE
CARE THEIR FEELINGS WITH
PROFESSIONAL HELP AND ACCESS TO
THESE SPACES AT ALL TIMES OF
THE DAY THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE
SCHOOL YEAR TO MAKE SURE THE
RENTAL -- MENTAL WELL-BEING OF
STUDENTS IN MENTAL HEALTH IS A
LOT OF INTERSECTIONALITY WITH
PHYSICAL AND SOCIAL HELP AND WE
EQUALLY VALUE THE PHYSICAL HELP
OF OUR STUDENTS -- HEALTH OF
OUR STUDENTS AND BELIEVE
STUDENTS SHOULD BE SAFE AT
SCHOOL AND THE POLICE OUTSIDE
OF OUR BUILDING HAVE MADE ME
FEEL SAFER WALKING INTO THE
NEIGHBORHOOD AND I BELIEVE THAT
SHOULD BE IMPLEMENTED
THROUGHOUT ALL SCHOOLS AND GUN
VIOLENCE SEEMS TO BE INEVITABLE
THAT STUDENTS NEED TO KNOW THE
DISTRICT IS TRYING TO MAKE US
FEEL SAFE BECAUSE FROM A
STUDENT'S PERSPECTIVE, IT
DOESN'T LOOK LIKE THAT IS
HAPPENING AND AFTER ALL, SCHOOL
SHOULD BE A PLACE TO LEARN AND
MEET NEW PEOPLE AND NOT A PLACE
TO FEAR FOR OUR LIVES. THANK
YOU.
>> WILL SET. -- SAID. 57? GOING
ONCE, TWICE, THREE TIMES 59? 60
DO WE HAVE A B 59? VICTOR. TAKE
AWAY.
>> I LIVE AND WORK IN DISTRICT
7 AND I AM HERE ON BEHALF OF
THE SEATTLE URBAN NATURE GUIDES
SON GUIDES OUR TEAM OF THREE
PART-TIME AND THREE FULL-TIME
EMPLOYEES AND OVER 100
VOLUNTEERS THAT BRING
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION ACROSS
THE ENTIRE CITY AND UNDER THIS
SECTION OF THE BUDGET ALL BUT A
SINGLE STAFF MEMBER OF THE TEAM
WILL BE ELIMINATED AND THEY
HAVE BEEN RUNNING COMMUNITY
SCHOOL PROGRAMS FOR NEARLY 30
YEARS AND 20,000 INDIVIDUALS
ANNUALLY IN THE ENVIRONMENTAL
EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OPERATED
IN THE BUDGET OF $680,000 LAST
YEAR AND FROM THAT WE COMPLETE
572 PROGRAMS WHICH IS ALL MADE
POSSIBLE THROUGH THE STAFFS
ORCHESTRATION AND TRAINING OF
VOLUNTEERS. THE VOLUNTEERS WORK
LAST YEAR WAS APPRAISED AT
$108,000 SO I DO ASK YOU HOW
MANY OTHER IN THE BUDGET COME
WITH THEIR OWN 16% DISCOUNT AND
AN ARMADA OF PEOPLE EAGER TO
WORK FOR FREE? THESE NUMBERS
ARE NOT POSSIBLE WITHOUT THE
DEDICATED STAFF KEEPING THE
COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS ALIVE
WITHOUT THE DISCOVERY OF THE
VISITOR CENTERS IS A HOME-BASED
EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS AND
ADMINISTRATION. WHILE THE
EXISTING PROGRAM IS BEING
ELIMINATED, A SIMILAR AMOUNT OF
MONEY IS BEING PUT UP TO FUND A
RANCH WHICH OBJECTED TO A
PORTION OF WHAT THE SON GUIDES
DO BUT EXIST AS AN IDEA AND
WOULD CHANNEL FUNDS TO THE CITY
OF AUBURN AND THIS FAILS TO
RECOGNIZE AND ALREADY EXTREMELY
EFFICIENT PROGRAM RUNNING AND
SUPPORTING MENTAL HEALTH FOR
ACCESS AND UNDERSTANDING OF
NATURE. THIS COUNCIL CAN'T IN
GOOD CONSCIENCE SAY THEIR
OPTIMIZING USE OF LIMITED
DOLLARS WHILE THE BUDGET IS
POSITIONED TO GOT ONE OF THE
BEST EDUCATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS
WE HAVE WHILE READILY THROWING
A SIMILAR AMOUNT OF MONEY THAT
IS OUT OF OUR CITY AND WANTED
ANY IMPACT FOR YEARS. PLEASE
RECONSIDER HOW THIS WILL GO FOR
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
ALLOCATED AND AVOID THE
TERRIBLE MISTAKE LOOMING IN THE
BUDGET. I DO HAVE REFERENCE
MATERIAL FROM EVERYTHING WE DID
WITH EIGHT COPIES.
>> LEAVE IT THERE AND WE WILL
TAKE A LOOK. RIGHT THERE AND
WE'LL PASS IT AROUND. THANK
YOU.
>> UP NEXT WE HAVE B 62 THROUGH
70. MATTHEW HOPPER, RUTH,
EILEEN, JACK KIMZEY. B 62?
WELCOME. MATTHEW.
>> GOOD EVENING. MY NAME IS
MATTHEW HOPPER AND I LIVE IT
NICKEL FILL NORTHLAKE AND MOST
PEOPLE CAN IMAGINE THEY WOULD
EXPERIENCE HOMELESSNESS IN A
FEW YEARS AGO I WAS WORKING AS
A DATA SCIENTIST IN
BIOTECHNOLOGY AND I DIDN'T
IMAGINE I WOULD BE IN THE
POSITION I AM NOW. I'M HERE TO
TELL YOU FROM PERSONAL
EXPERIENCE THAT HOUSING AND
SECURITY AND HOMELESSNESS CAN
AFFECT ANYONE. MORE AND MORE
PEOPLE ARE BECOMING HOMELESS
EVERY DAY IN THE CITY NEED
SOLUTIONS. FAILING TO PROVIDE
HOUSING SERVICES FOR THESE
RESIDENTS MORE VULNERABLE TO
PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH
CRISES ULTIMATELY CREATING MORE
EXPENSES FOR THE CITY. AND THE
BEST PATH FOR THE BUDGET FOR
SEATTLE AND RESIDENTS IS TO
PROVIDE APPROPRIATE FUNDING FOR
HOUSING SERVICES. WE URGE THE
COUNCIL TO INCREASE THE FUNDING
FOR TENANT SERVICES RATHER THAN
CUTTING IT IN HALF AND PRESERVE
THE JUMPSTART SPENDING PLAN FOR
AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND
EQUITABLE DEVELOPMENT
INITIATIVES AND ADDRESS THE
HOMELESSNESS CRISIS. THANK YOU
FOR YOUR SERVICE AND YOUR WORK
ON THE BUDGET.
>> THANK YOU. UP NEXT IS B 63.
MOVING ON TO SUE B 65 AND THANK
YOU FOR WAITING.
>> HELLO. I AM A COMMUNITY
HEALTH NURSE CURRENTLY WORKING
AT THE SEATTLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
WHEN HERE IN SOLIDARITY WITH
THEIR STUDENTS AND THEIR
FAMILIES AND MANY COMMUNITY
MEMBERS THAT ARE REPRESENTED
TONIGHT BY THE SPEAKERS. I AM
ALSO A RESIDENT IN VOTER AND
DISTRICT 3. THE CITY'S BUDGET
DOES NOT CENTER COMMUNITY CARE
FOR REFLECT AND EQUITABLE
REDISTRIBUTION OF CARE
RESOURCES. IT D FUNDS COMMUNITY
CARE AND DEFENSE CHILDCARE USE
CARE, ELDER CARE. IT TAKES AWAY
FUNDING TO ACCESS TO NUTRITION,
SHELTER, CLEAN AIR AND CLEAN
WATER. THE CITY'S BUDGET ROBS
THE COLLECTIVE OF HEALTH
EQUITY. AND BOTH -- BOASTS AN
AMBITIOUS APPETITE TO POLICING.
POLICING DOESN'T KEEP PEOPLE
SAFE OR EVEN SAFER. STATISTICS
HAVE SHOWN THAT ONE IN 10
HOMICIDES IN SEATTLE SINCE 2015
HAS BEEN BY THE HAND OF LAW
ENFORCEMENT. ONE IN EVERY SIX
BY SPD ARE DEEMED
UNCONSTITUTIONAL. POLICING IS A
HISTORIC AND IMMEDIATE RISK
FACTOR FOR PUBLIC HEALTH. FOR
IT IS ROOTED IN RACISM. WE ARE
NOT OKAY WITH A CITY BUDGET
UPHOLDING RACIST POLICIES AND
PRACTICES. WE ARE NOT OKAY WITH
24% RACIST AND I NEED MORE
TIME. YOU MADE ME WAIT. I NEED
MORE TIME. I AM TIRED. I WORK
IN THE SCHOOL AND I AM NOT OKAY
WITH -- AND A 50,000 POLICE
HIRING BONUS CHECK.
>> THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMMENTS.
YOU CAN PLEASE FEEL FREE TO
SEND IN WRITTEN COMMENTS. THE
SAME RULES APPLY TO EVERYBODY
UP NEXT IS JACKIE KIMZEY.
JACKIE, IF YOU WANT TO COME UP
AND THE MICROPHONES ARE READY
FOR YOU. WE HAVE 17 MINUTES
BEFORE THIS CLOSES. ADEN, FIRST
WARNING AND WE ARE GOING B 68.
ROLE THE TIME. THANK YOU FOR
COMING.
>> THERE YOU ARE.
>> HELLO, CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
MY NAME IS JACKIE A SOFTWARE
ENGINEER HERE IN SEATTLE. I AM
APPALLED AT HOW THE 2025 BUDGET
USES MY TAXES TO WORSEN THE
HOUSING CRISIS AND TAKE AWAY
BASIC SERVICES FROM THOSE WHO
NEED IT MOST. IT IS IMPOSSIBLE
TO GO ANYWHERE IN DOWNTOWN
SEATTLE WITHOUT SEEING THE
RESULTS OF THE MASSIVE GAP IN
SERVICES FOR THE MOST
VULNERABLE CITIZENS. HOUSING,
HEALTHCARE, FOOD, THOSE ARE
HUMAN RIGHTS. YOU ARE CURRENTLY
FAILING TO MEET THE NEEDS OF
THE PEOPLE THAT YOU LEAD. IF
AFFORDABLE HOUSING IS DEFUNDED,
THE RESULT WILL BE MORE
UNHOUSED PEOPLE OBVIOUSLY AND
IF YOU DEFUND HUMAN SERVICE
WORKERS GOT A RESULT WILL BE
MORE DESPERATE PEOPLE. EVERY
CUT IN FUNDING FOR RENTAL
ASSISTANCE, TENANT SERVICES AND
EVICTION DEFENSE WILL LEAD TO
MORE THREATS TO THE SAFETY OF
ALL OF US INCLUDING ME AND I
MAY NOT BE ONE OF THE HOMELESS
PEOPLE WHO USE THE SERVICES,
BUT I AM -- I WILL REAP THE
REWARDS OR THE THREATS OF YOUR
DECISIONS HERE AT THIS BUDGET.
THIS BUDGET LOOKS LIKE IT WAS
DESIGNED TO SEND SEATTLE
SPIRALING DOWNWARD TOWARD
COLLAPSE AND TO ADD INSULT TO
INJURY THE BUDGET INCLUDES A
MASSIVE RAISE AND $50,000
BONUSES FOR POLICE AND THE
POLICE DEPARTMENT WHO MAKE THE
CITY EVEN MORE UNSAFE WITH
THEIR SWEEPS AND HARASSMENT OF
CITIZENS AND THAT IS MORE MONEY
FOR DEPARTMENT KNOWN FOR ITS
DEEP ROOTED RACISM AND SEXISM
AND MONEY FOR OFFICERS
RESPONSIBLE FOR A 10% OF
HOMICIDES IN THE CITY AND MANY
UNCONSTITUTIONAL STOP AND FRISK
OFFENSES. THEY HAVE TO BE
DEFUNDED SO WE CAN FUND THE
ESSENTIAL WORKERS WHO ACTUALLY
HELP PEOPLE IN THE CITY. THIS
BUDGET MUST BE UPDATED TO
PRIORITIZE THE HEALTH AND
SAFETY OF THE CITIZENS IN
SEATTLE. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU.
>> UP NEXT IS B 69. AND BE 70.
71 KATIE WILSON? 72 GYM -- JIM
73, MR. ABBOTT? JESSE SIMPSON?
I SEE YOU HERE. AND IF ANYBODY
IS PARKED AT SEA PARK IT CLOSES
IN 14 MINUTES. AND TAKE IT
AWAY.
>> GOOD EVENING. THANK YOU FOR
YOUR ATTENTION HERE. AND
THROUGH ALONG BUDGET HEARING
AND I AM THE DIRECTOR OF
GOVERNMENT RELATIONS AND POLICY
FOR THE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT
CONSORTIUM. WE DO KNOW THAT
AFFORDABLE HOUSING IS A
FOUNDATION OF A THRIVING AND
RESILIENT COMMUNITY AND DESPITE
SOME RECENT PROGRESS, THE NEED
FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING IS
GREATER THAN EVER AND IN THIS
BUDGET I URGE YOU TO DOUBLE
DOWN ON YOUR COMMITMENT TO
INCREASING AND SUSTAINING
AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND
RETAINING THE LONG-TERM
JUMPSTART SPENDING PLAN AND THE
ROBUST ALLEGATION IN THIS
EXPENSE TAXES BEEN IMMENSELY
SUCCESSFUL IN ALLOWING US TO
SCALE UP INVESTMENT ON
AFFORDABLE HOUSING . AFTER
DECADES OF UNDERINVESTMENT,
JUMPSTART HAS MADE IT POSSIBLE
FOR THE COUNCIL AND MAYOR TO
MAKE REGISTERED -- RECORD
INVESTMENTS YEAR-OVER-YEAR AND
IT INCREASES AFFORDABLE HOUSING
AND FUNDING OVERALL WE ARE
CONCERNED ABOUT THE PROPOSAL TO
ELIMINATE THE SPEND PLANNED
RESTRICTIONS PERMANENTLY.
RELYING ON JUMPSTART
INDEFINITELY TO BALANCE THE
GENERAL FUND UNDERMINES THE
REASONS FOR WHICH WAS CREATED
TO INVEST IN AFFORDABLE HOUSING
IN A DOUBLE DEVELOPMENT. AND A
DIVERSION TO AVOID MAJOR CUTS
TO THE GENERAL FUND NEEDS TO BE
TEMPORARY AND PAIRED WITH
COMMITMENT TO SCALE UP
AGGRESSIVE REVENUE TO CLOSE UP
THE BUDGET DEFICIT IN 2027 AND
BEYOND IS THE STRUCTURAL
DEFICIT GROWING. WE DO KNOW THE
NEED FOR MORE AFFORDABLE
HOUSING IS IMMENSE IN THE CITY
AND BEYOND. BUT SO IS THE
CAPACITY OF THE AFFORDABLE
HOUSING SECTOR WHICH HAS AN
ACTIVE PIPELINE OF TENS OF
THOUSANDS OF POTENTIAL
AFFORDABLE HOMES AND THEY
RECEIVED A REQUEST TOTALING 360
MILLION TO BUILD AND PRESERVE
OVER 2000 AFFORDABLE HOMES BUT
ONLY 112 MILLION IN FUNDING
AVAILABLE. SO THE MEMBERS STAND
READY TO QUICKLY SCALE UP
PRODUCTION OF THE AFFORDABLE
HOUSING AND WE DESPERATELY NEED
THAT BUT ADDITIONAL FUNDING IS
CRUCIAL TO UNLOCKING THAT.
THANKS FOR YOUR COMMITMENT
AFFORDABLE HOUSING. WE LOOK
FORWARD TO CONTINUING THAT
PARTNERSHIP.
>> THANK YOU. FOR THOSE WHO ARE
REMOTELY PRESENT , OR YOU
CALLED IN EARLIER AND WAITING
TO CALL BACK, NOW IS THE TIME
AND WE HAVE TWO PEOPLE LEFT,
CAMILLE BALDWIN BONNIE AND THEN
WE WILL GO TO ONLINE AND
ANYBODY ELSE WHO WANTS TO CALL
IN NOW, HERE'S YOUR CHANCE AND
WELCOME . GOOD TO SEE YOU.
>> MY NAME IS CAMILLE AND I AM
A MEMBER OF PEOPLE POWER
WASHINGTON AND A SUPPORTER OF
THE SOLIDARITY BUDGET, A
MOTHER, A HEALTHCARE WORKER AND
I LIVED IN SEATTLE FOR 30
YEARS. IT IS EGREGIOUS TO ME
THAT IN THE CONTEXT OF A $251
MILLION DEFICIT, THE CITY
COUNCIL HAS REFUSED TO CONSIDER
NEW PROGRESSIVE REVENUE TO
ADDRESS THE DEFICIT WHILE AT
THE SAME TIME BALLOONING THE
CITY BUDGET WITH INFLATED COPS
SALARIES WITHOUT ANY MEANINGFUL
ACCOUNTABILITY AND CONTINUING
TO FUND THOSE POSITIONS AND
SPENDING MILLIONS OF TAXPAYER
DOLLARS ON SURVEILLING THE
PUBLIC WHILE SIMULTANEOUSLY
DEFUNDING PUBLIC HOUSING THAT
CREATES PUBLIC SAFETY AND
HAVING A 2% COST-OF-LIVING OR
CUTTING THAT WHO ARE ALREADY
BEING PAID STARVATION WAGES AND
COMPETING WITH THEIR OWN
CLIENTS FOR HOUSING. AND ALSO
DEFUNDING RENTAL ASSISTANCE AND
TENANT SERVICES. THIS BUDGET
ACTIVELY CONTRIBUTES TO THE
HOMELESSNESS CRISIS AND FAILS
TO ADDRESS ROOT CAUSES AND
UNDERMINES PUBLIC SAFETY. THANK
YOU. I YIELD MY TIME.
>> THANK YOU. WE DO HAVE
SHANNON BEFORE YOU AND ANYBODY
ELSE WITH A CARD AND EVERYBODY
HAS TALKED EXCEPT FOR TIMOTHY
AND BENNETT? TIMOTHY AND
BENNETT, DO YOU WANT TO TALK
TONIGHT? OKAY. BENNETT, YOU
SHANNON AND THEN RENAISSANCE
AND THEN TIMOTHY AND WE WILL GO
ONLINE. WELCOME. THANK YOU FOR
WAITING.
>> I AM SHANNON AND GREW UP IN
BELLEVUE AND NOW ON CAPITOL
HILL SO I THINK YOU FOR THE
OPPORTUNITIES AND TODAY I WANT
TO SPEAK ABOUT MY DEEP CONCERNS
OF THE PROPOSED BUDGET CUTS TO
SOCIAL SERVICES AND SUPPORT. AM
ALSO A SOCIAL WORKER. TENANT
SERVICES ARE CRITICAL TO
KEEPING PEOPLE HOUSED IN
DEFENDING HOMELESSNESS IN A
CITY WHERE RENT IS HIGH AND THE
SERVICES HELP LEVEL THE PLAYING
FIELD FOR TENANTS WITHOUT THEM
MORE PEOPLE WOULD BE DISPLACED
IN THE CRISIS -- CRISIS WOULD
WORSEN SIGNIFICANTLY AND THESE
SERVICES ARE ALREADY
UNDERFUNDED AND CUTTING THEM
FURTHER WOULD BE DISASTROUS AND
I AM CONCERNED ABOUT THE
INCREASING RELIANCE AND
POLICING TO MANAGE HOMELESSNESS
AND PEOPLE OFTEN HAVE NOWHERE
TO GO AND NOT JUST ABOUT
ENFORCING LAWS BUT THESE
POLICIES AND OTHER TACTICS
DON'T SOLVE THE HOMELESSNESS
AND THEY PUSH THINGS FURTHER
FROM HELP THEY NEED. EFFECTIVE
SOCIAL WORK AND RESEARCH SHOWS
THAT PUNITIVE MEASURES ARE NOT
SOLUTIONS AND INSTEAD OF GOING
BACKWARDS 300 YEARS WE HAVE TO
INVEST IN REAL SOLUTIONS WITH
HOUSING AND SUPPORTING
COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES AND BY
CUTTING THESE WE ARE ABANDONING
THE VERY PEOPLE WHO NEED THE
HELP THE MOST. URGE THE COUNCIL
TO RECONSIDER THESE CUTS AND WE
NEED POLICIES TO EMPOWER PEOPLE
TO ADVOCATE FOR THEMSELVES AND
CREATE A HEALTHIER AND BALANCE
OF POWER BETWEEN TENANTS AND
LANDLORDS INSTEAD OF DISPLACING
PEOPLE AND POLICING POVERTY
INVEST IN SERVICES THAT ADDRESS
ROOT CAUSES OF HOMELESSNESS AND
HELP PEOPLE STAY HOUSED AND
AGAIN I AM A MIX OF SOCIAL
WORKER AND LIVED EXPERIENCE AND
I HAVE BEEN TO SEVERAL
DIFFERENT CLASSES THIS COMES
FROM EXPERIENCE IN SOCIAL WORK
AND I URGE YOU TO LISTEN TO
THIS VOICE.
>> THANK YOU, SHANNON.
RENAISSANCE? AGAIN, IF YOU ARE
CALLING AN ONLINE I DO SEE A
FEW MORE PEOPLE COMING BACK AND
NOW IS THE TIME TO CALL IN IF
YOU WANTED TO SPEAK ONLINE. THE
FLOOR IS YOURS.
>> MY NAME IS RENAISSANCE AND
THE DIRECT OF CAMPAIGNS IN
SEATTLE AND AN ORGANIZER WITH
THE BUDGET AND AN ORGANIZER
WITH THESE ARE OUR STREETS AND
FOR A WALKWAY FROM TESTIMONY
TODAY I WILL RESUBMIT A LETTER
THAT WAS SENT TO EACH ONE OF
YOU BUT I AM ALSO SUBMITTING IT
IN PUBLIC COMMENT TO MAKE SURE
THAT IT ENTERS IN THE PUBLIC
RECORD. I AM ASTONISHED AND
ENCOURAGED TO SEE ALL OF YOU
ALL STILL AWAKE AFTER ALL OF
THIS INUNDATING PUBLIC COMMENT.
IT IS HARD TO KEEP TRACK AND
KEEP FOCUS WITH ALL OF THAT. I
WANT TO SAY THANK YOU. I WANT
TO THANK YOU FOR HOLDING TO
WHAT EVERYBODY WAS EXPECTING TO
SEE WHEN WE CAME HERE BUT ALSO
AM REMINDED THAT IT IS NOT
ALWAYS LIKE THIS AT A PUBLIC
COMMENT WHEN WE COME TO CITY
COUNCIL AND HOW MANY PEOPLE
TODAY THAT HAD TO LEAVE TO GO
TAKE CARE OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS
AND OTHER THINGS THAT WEREN'T
HERE TO MAKE THEIR COMMENTS AND
I WOULD LIKE TO SEE MORE OF
THIS KIND OF COMMENTING WHILE
THE BUDGETING PROCESS IS GOING
THROUGH BECAUSE WE ARE MISSING
A LOT AND THE OTHER DAY A
FRIEND OF MINE REACHED OUT TO
ME AND ASKED, DOES THE CITY
COUNCIL KNOW ABOUT THE BUDGET
PROPOSAL THAT SEATTLE
SOLIDARITY BUDGET HAS ACTUALLY
PRODUCED? AND I SAID WE HAVE
BEEN COMING TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FOR YEARS AND I WAS REMINDED
THAT YOU ALL ARE NEWER HERE AND
I ALSO THOUGHT ABOUT WE HAVE
BEEN FIGHTING THIS SURVEILLANCE
AND THIS IN YEAR -- ENTIRE YEAR
AND THOUGHT YOU ALL HAD AND
THERE IS AN OPPORTUNITY HERE.
WE CAN LEARN MORE BUT SOMETHING
YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT
SOLIDARITY BUDGET IS IT IS VERY
SIMILAR TO THIS PUBLIC COUNCIL
TONIGHT WHERE PEOPLE FROM ALL
OVER THE COMMUNITY FOR THE LAST
FOUR AND HALF YEARS HAVE BEEN
WRITING, CREATING AND ANALYZING
THE BUDGET THAT IS FOR THE
PEOPLE BY THE PEOPLE AND OF THE
PEOPLE. WITH THIS I WILL SUBMIT
THIS PAPER FOR YOU TO READ.
>> THANK YOU, RENAISSANCE AND
THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMMENTS BUT
I HAVE TO SAY THE WAY I'M
LEADING THIS MEETING IS NOT THE
WAY I DO BUT THIS IS THE WAY
THE OLD SCHOOL COUNCIL OF MANY
YEARS AGO AND NOT FROM 2020 BUT
THIS IS HOW BUSINESS USED TO BE
DONE AND I BELIEVE THIS IS HOW
BUSINESS SHOULD BE DONE WITH
THAT, TIMOTHY AND THEN WE WILL
GO ONLINE AND ANYBODY WHO IS
STILL ONLINE WAITING TO GO.
TIMOTHY, YOU HAVE TWO MINUTES.
>> THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND
GOOD TO SEE YOU AND I DON'T
HAVE A FULLY PREPARED WRITTEN
OUT THING BUT I WILL BRIEFLY
GIVE MY TAKE ON THIS AND MY
BACKGROUND IS A LIVE IN FREMONT
AND I WENT TO THE UNIVERSITY OF
WASHINGTON AND STARTED TO
BUSINESSES AND ONE OF MY BEST
FRIENDS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF
WASHINGTON STUDENT GOVERNMENT
HE MADE FRIENDS WITH EACH OTHER
AND STARTED A FACEBOOK BUSINESS
THAT HAS MADE OVER $1 MILLION
IN REVENUE AND SINCE ANOTHER
BUSINESS THAT GETS PRODUCTS
HERE IN SEATTLE SO I DO GO
AROUND. I HAVE BEEN SITTING
WATCHING THE WHOLE TIME. SO MY
BRAIN IS ADJUSTING. OKAY. I
GUESS WHAT I'M TRYING TO SAY
IS FROM MY EXPERIENCE, AS A
BUSINESS OWNER, AND WITH
BUDGETS, IT APPEARS TO ME THAT
INVESTING WILL GIVE US MORE OF
A RETURN ON INVESTMENT RATHER
THAN I AM PERSONALLY IN FAVOR
OF INCREASING THE JUMPSTART TAX
PERSONALLY AND I THINK FOR US
THE REVENUE WILL HELP THE CITY
RATHER THAN HURT IT AND I
HAVEN'T LOOKED UP THE
SOLIDARITY BUDGET SPECIFICALLY,
BUT IT SOUNDS LIKE I PROBABLY
SHOULD. SO JUST A FEW LAST
THOUGHTS HERE A LOT OF
POPULATION GROWTH IN SEATTLE
SINCE 2010 AND 2022 I BELIEVE
ACCORDING TO THE SEATTLE
BUSINESS JOURNAL THE GDP IN
SEATTLE HAD $96 MILLION. FROM
WHAT I HAVE LEARNED FROM
WATCHING SEATTLE AT CITY
COUNCIL MEETINGS THE DEFICIT IS
PRIMARILY INFLATION AND WAGE
COST. I DO BELIEVE THE REVENUE
SHOULD ADJUST TO THAT. WE HAVE
MADE A GREAT DEAL OF MONEY IN
SEATTLE AND I WOULD LIKE THAT
TO MAKE OUR CITY BETTER AND I
THINK THAT WOULD BE A POSITIVE
INVESTMENT FOR EVERYBODY AND
WOULD SAVE MONEY RATHER THAN
GOING TO THE SCENE OF A CRIME.
ANYWAY. THANK YOU FOR YOUR
TIME.
>> TIMOTHY, WE WILL MOVE BACK
TO ONLINE PUBLIC COMMENTERS AND
WE HAVE THREE STILL PRESENT AND
WE HAVE C [ INAUDIBLE ] AND
RUBY ROMERO AND YOU ARE OFF OF
MUTE AND READY TO GO WHEN YOU
ARE.
>> AWESOME. CAN YOU HEAR ME ALL
RIGHT? I KNOW THIS IS TOUGH
BECAUSE IT IS LATE AND THANK
YOU FOR LISTENING. I AM FROM
THE [ INAUDIBLE ] DISTRICT AND
WITNESS THAT SCHOOL SHOOTING
AND THEY FOUGHT FOR MENTAL
HEALTH FUNDING FOR SEATTLE
SCHOOL STUDENTS LAST YEAR AND I
AM HERE TO TALK ABOUT THE
IMPORTANCE OF PRIORITIZING
FUNDING FOR SEATTLE PUBLIC
STUDENTS IN THE STUDENT SUPPORT
SYSTEM AND AS A RESULT OF
TESTIFYING I ACTUALLY GOT DEATH
THREATS ONLINE FOR ME AND MY
PEERS TO TOUGHEN UP AND WE
DON'T NEED MENTAL HEALTH
SUPPORT AND WE WERE LITERALLY
TOLD TO KILL OURSELVES BY
ADULTS AND I AM STILL HERE AND
BACK AT IT AGAIN AND THE
COUNCIL INITIALLY APPROVED THE
FUNDING AND I WAS RELIEVED THAT
I LITERALLY TEOWING THAT I COUL
IN MY CLASS AND THEY WOULD BE
CARED FOR AND ICANTLY LESS VIOL
THE COUNCIL THEN CHANGE THEIR
MINDS AND YOU CUT THAT BUDGET
IN HALF AND YOU SAID YOU
COULDN'T DO IT BECAUSE IT
WASN'T POSSIBLE AND THEN YOU
VOTED YES TO MILLIONS OF
DOLLARS TO BUILD A SECOND
JAYLEN BONUSES FOR THE SEATTLE
POLICE DEPARTMENT IN THE SAME
SPD THAT MACED AN 11-YEAR-OLD
GIRL IN THE SAME POLICE
DEPARTMENT THAT RAN OVER A GIRL
BLEEDING JOKING ABOUT HOW HER
LIFE HAD LIMITED VALUE IN THESE
ARE THE SAME THAT MULTIPLE
PEOPLE HAD SUICIDES IN. SO YOU
HAVE TO THINK ABOUT WHAT IS
CHANGE. GUN VIOLENCE AND
SUICIDE PLAGUED THE SCHOOLS AND
MORE KIDS HAVE DIED AND
LITERALLY LAST MONTH ONE OF MY
GOOD FRIENDS WHO WAS A SEATTLE
SCHOOL STUDENT DIED BY SUICIDE
DURING SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH
AND I COULDN'T HELP BUT WONDER
WHAT COULD'VE BEEN DONE. HE IS
ONLY 17. MY COMMUNITY CAN'T
TAKE THIS ANYMORE.
>> [ CAPTIONERS TRANSITIONING ]
>> IF YOU HAVE REGISTERED OR
WANT TO SPEAK, THANK YOU FOR
UNMUTING. WE ARE READY.
>> YEAH. MY NAME IS MA WILL
RECOLLECT, I'M A SCHOOL AND
MUSEUM EDUCATOR LIVING IN
SEATTLE DISTRICT THREE. I JUST
WANT YOU
TO KNOW, I DON'T SAY GOOD-BYE
TO MY FRIENDS ANYMORE. NOT
BECAUSE I WANT TO BE DIFFERENT,
BUT BECAUSE I SUFFERED TRAUMA
WHILE BEING HOMELESS, AND NOT
FROM THE PEERS OF MY STREET.
AND CREATE WHAT DEMONIZES FOR
THE TRAUMATIZED SCHOOLS THAT
ARE GOING THROUGH A TOUGH TIME.
FOR AS AN EDUCATOR NOW, MY
HEARTBREAKS FOR WHEN MY
SOPHOMORE STUDENTS HAVE TO SKIP
SOCIAL STUDIES CLASS IN ORDER
TO WORK UNDER THE TABLE FOR
THEIR FAMILIES THAT CAN BARELY
MAKE RENT. AND ALL WHILE MANY
OF THEM LACK THE ADEQUATE
SUPPORT FOR MENTAL HEALTH. AND
I TELL THEM TO BE SAFE AS WELL.
MY HEART FURTHER BREAKS FOR THE
MIGRANT FAMILIES WHO HAVE BEEN
PING-PONGED BACK AND FORTH IN
SEATTLE AND KENT. AND MY FEAR
OF WHAT WILL HAPPEN FOR THE
MOST VULNERABLE NEIGHBORS WILL
EXTEND TO THE FAMILIES WHO MAY
EASILY BE SLIPPING THE MARGINS
AND PUT ALONGSIDE WITH OUR
UNHOUSED PEERS. I TELL THEM TO
BE SAFE AS WELL. TO PUT THINGS
SHORT, I DO URGE THE COUNCIL TO
CONSIDER THAT FURTHER FUNDS FOR
SOCIAL PROGRAMS AND THAT WILL
TURN THE BLIND EYE TO JUSTICE
WHEN PEOPLE ARE IN THEIR SLEEP
OR SHOT TO DEATH WHEN THEY'RE
HAVING A MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS.
AND THAT WAY WHEN I'M SAYING
BE SAFE, I DON'T FEEL THIS
WEIGHT. THANK YOU.
>> THANKS, MAL. THANKS FOR
HANGING ON WITH US FOR SO LONG.
RUBY, YOU'RE GOING TO BE OUR
LAST SPEAKER FOR THE NIGHT,
STAR SIX WHEN YOU'RE READY.
WE'RE READY. THERE YOU ARE.
YOU'RE OFF MUTE.
>> HEY. HELLO. THANK YOU SO
MUCH FOR HEARING US TODAY. I
APPRECIATE THE TIME. CAN YOU
ALL HEAR ME? GREAT.
>> YES, WE CAN HEAR YOU, RUBY.
>> PERFECT. THANK YOU FOR THAT.
I WAS A PARTICIPANT IN THE
SEATTLE RESTORED PROGRAM. I'VE
BEEN A PART OF MANY PROGRAMS
THAT ARE BEING CUT TODAY OR
PROPOSED CUT TODAY. AND SO ANY
WAY I JUST WANT TO SAY I'M FROM
DISTRICT ONE. AND I WOULD
REALLY LIKE TO SEE SOME MORE
ENGAGEMENT WITH THE COMMUNITY
THERE. AND THIS IS THE RADICAL
POLICY IS WHAT YOU GUYS ARE
DOING HERE. I APPRECIATE YOU
TAKING THE PUBLY COMMENT TO THE
EXTENT THAT YOU HEARD TODAY,
AND THERE IS A LOT MORE TO SAY
WHEN IT COMES TO WHAT IS WRONG
WITH A LOT OF THE SYSTEMS AND
THE POLICIES THAT HAVE BEEN
HERE, AND THAT IS FOR ANOTHER
DAY. I'VE SEEN ALL THESE SODAS
AND LAWS AND ALL THESE TAX CUTS
HAPPEN BEFORE. WE ARE NOT DOING
ANYTHING NEW. SWEEPS HAVE
HAPPENED FROM CITY HALL PARKS
SINCE THE LATE 1800s WHEN WE
FIRST HAD A CITY FIRE, AND
PEOPLE WERE DISPLACED THEN.
THAT'S ON YOUR OWN SEATTLE.GO
V WEBSITES. IT IS RIDICULOUS
HOW MANY TIMES YOU HAVE SWEPT
FROM THE EXACT SAME SPOT. AND
SPECIFICALLY SCATTERED
PERMANENT HOUSING. PLEASE
DON'T CUT THE PARKS DEPARTMENT
PROGRAMS WHEN LITERALLY THOSE
ARE WHAT WILL BRING POPULATION
TO AREAS THAT YOU'RE CONCERNED
ABOUT. THAT'S THE NUMBER ONE
THING THAT FIGHTS ACTUAL CRIME
AND CRIME AND VISIBILITY. SO TO
CUT CONCIERGES, AND TO CUT THE
MUSIC PROGRAM IS NOT OKAY.
THANK YOU SO MUCH. THANKS FOR
LISTENING TO US TODAY. HAVE A
GOOD DAY.
>> THANK YOU, RUBY. WE HAVE
REACHED THE END OF THE LIST OF
REGISTERED SPEAKERS. IT IS
10:04 P.M., 12 HOURS AND34
MINUTES AFTER WE STARTED
COMMITTEE THIS MORNING. THE
NEXT BUDGET COMMITTEE IS IN 11
HOURS. I'M NOT GOING TO DO THE
SHORT MATH. BASICALLY 11.5
HOURS. WE'LL SEE EACH OTHER
VERY SOON. LOOKING FORWARD TO
SEEING YOU, AND THANK YOU FOR
BEING ON TIME FOR BOTH
MEETINGS, EVERYONE WAS, SO WE
WILL BE BACK HERE TOMORROW
MORNING ON THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17
AT 9:30 A.M. WE WILL ONLY BE
TAKING WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENT
FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE
CENTRAL STAFF PRESENTATIONS. WE
WILL TAKE VERBAL PUBLIC COMMENT
AT THE NEXT -- ON THE 30th,
WHERE THE CHAIRS ARE RELEASED.
I WANT TO THANK EVERYONE
DOWNSTAIRS IN SEATTLE CHANNEL
RIGHT NOW, AND I WANT TO THANK
HAD ALL THE VOLUNTEERS FROM THE
INDIVIDUAL OFFICES, I WANT TO
THANK TENNELL AND NICK AND
EVERYONE IN SECURITY WHO STAYED
LATE TWO NIGHTS IN A ROW. I
WANT TO THANK THE CLERKS AND
EVERYONE FOR DOING THE MOST.
THIS IS REFRESHING ACTUALLY TO
BE BACK HERE AFTER THE PANDEMIC
LIKE THIS. SO THANK YOU ALL FOR
COMING. IF THERE IS NO FURTHER
BUSINESS TO COME BEFORE THE
SELECT BUDGET COMMITTEE, WE
WILL ADJOURN. HEARING NO
FURTHER BUSINESS BEFORE THE
SELECT BUDGET COMMITTEE, WE'RE
ADJOURNED. WE WILL SEE YOU ALL
AT 9:30 A.M.