>>> GOOD AFTERNOON, THE OCTOBER
7, 2025 SELECT BUDGET
COMMITTEE WILL COME BACK TO
ORDER.
IT IS 5:00 P.M. , WILL THE
CLERK PLEASE CALL THE ROLL.
[ ROLL CALLED ]
>> SIX PRESENT.
>> THANK YOU.
COUNCILMEMBER HOLLINGSWORTH IS
HERE.
COUNCILMEMBER SUAREZ ASKED FOR
AN EXCUSAL.
WE HAVE VERBAL PUBLIC
COMMENT AT
THE BEGINNING OF EACH SECTION OF
OUR BUDGET.
WE ARE DOING THIS PUBLIC
HEARING A LITTLE BIT DIFFERENTLY
THAN
WE DID LAST YEAR.
WE ARE TAKING A NOTE OUT OF
COUNCILMEMBER HOLLINGSWORTH'S
BOOK. WHY WE STARTED THE VIRTUAL
SECTION THIS
MORNING. WE ARE
MOVING INTO ALL IN-PERSON THIS
AFTERNOON.
IT WAS EARLIER THIS AFTERNOON.
WE ARE DOING ALL IN- PERSON THIS
EVENING. THIS ALLOWS US TO NOT
SWITCHBACK AND FORTH BETWEEN
VIRTUAL AND
IN- PERSON COMMENTERS,
KEEPING PEOPLE HERE UNTIL 10:45,
11:00
AT NIGHT WHEN PEOPLE ARE CALLING
IN ON THE PHONE.
I WILL ADMIT, LIKE WITH
EVERYTHING WE DO IN
LIFE, THERE ARE LESSONS TO BE
LEARNED.
TODAY, WE ARE DOING ONE
MINUTE FOR PUBLIC COMMENT.
IF THIS -- IF WE GET
THROUGH THIS AND EVERYTHING
GOES SMOOTHLY AS COMPARED TO
LAST YEAR WHEN WE WERE HERE TO
THE POINT WHERE PEOPLE WERE
GETTING THEIR CARS LOCKED IN
GARAGES
AND IT WAS WORTH THAT TO THEM TO
STAY TO GIVE PUBLIC COMMENT,
I'M JUST TRYING TO BALANCE THE
NEED OF EVERYONE TO HAVE A
GREAT EVENING AS WELL AS FOR US
AS
COUNCILMEMBERS TO HEAR DIRECTLY
FROM YOU THE
PUBLIC, BECAUSE IT'S A CRITICAL
PART OF OUR JOB.
THAT BEING
SAID, PUBLIC COMMENT OPENED AT
-- REGISTRATION
OPENED AT 4:30 WHEN WE HAD THE
DECISION MAKING TO GO BACK AND
FORTH BETWEEN ARE WE DOING TWO
OR ONE
MINUTE.
IF WE HAD DONE TWO, WE
COULD HAVE CUT REGISTRATION OFF
AT A
CERTAIN TIME.
THIS EVENING AS WE ARE DOING ONE
MINUTE, REGISTRATION IS OPEN
UNTIL WE ARE DONE.
IF 500 MORE PEOPLE COME AND
WE ARE HERE UNTIL 10:45 AT
NIGHT,
PEOPLE
CAN SIGN UP AT 10:45 AT NIGHT.
WE ARE HERE TO HEAR FROM YOU
DIRECTLY.
WE DO HAVE A NEW PROVISION
THANKS TO THE LAST YEAR'S
SENIOR CLASS AT THE CENTER
SCHOOL IN
DISTRICT 7.
THEY CAME TO ME WITH A
REGISTERED COMPLAINT THAT WE NO
LONGER ALLOWED FOR GROUP
TESTIMONY.
SO WE HAVE REINSTATED GROUP
TESTIMONY.
THE WAY THIS WILL WORK IS
IF YOU HAVE THREE OR MORE
PEOPLE,
YOU CAN COME
UP AS A GROUP FOR THREE MINUTES.
THERE'S NO -- IF YOU
COME UP WITH A GROUP, THAT MEANS
YOU CAN'T COME UP WITH ANOTHER
GROUP.
IF YOU COME UP AS AN
INDIVIDUAL, THAT MEAN U.S. S YOU
CAN'T COME UP AS
A GROUP.
IF YOU CALLED IN THIS MORNING,
YOU CAN'T SHOW UP THIS
AFTERNOON.
DAVID HAINES, I SAW YOU
SOMEWHERE.
THANK YOU FOR RESERVING
YOUR COMMENTS FOR THIS
AFTERNOON.
THOSE ARE THE RULES THAT WE
ARE GOING TO OPERATE WITH THIS
EVENING.
WE ARE TAKING FEEDBACK.
IF SOMETHING DIDN'T GO WELL,
IF
YOU DID LIKE SOMETHING, PLEASE
LET US KNOW.
WE ARE TRYING TO MAKE THIS
A GOOD PROCESS FOR YOU, FOUR THE
COUNCILMEMBERS.
IT'S OUR
JOB TO HEAR DIRECTLY FROM YOU.
THAT'S WHAT WE ARE HERE TO DO
TONIGHT.
WITH THAT, JUST AS A
REMINDER, IF YOU ARE PARKED IN
THE C PARK
PARKING GARAGE, LET THEM
KNOW YOU ARE HERE FOR THIS
EVENT.
YOUR PARKING COSTS WILL ONLY BE
$8.
THAT PARKING GARAGE DOES CLOSE
AT I BELIEVE 10:00.
JUST BE AWARE OF THAT.
I'M GOING TO QUICKLY CHECK THE
MARINERS SCORE AN UPDATE.
THEN WE WILL GO WITH THOSE
REGISTERED.
WE ARE UP 2- 1 AT THE
END OF THE -- BOTTOM OF THE
THIRD.
WE WILL CHECK BACK IN EVERY
ONCE IN A WHILE.
WITH THAT, WE ARE GOING TO
JUMP RIGHT INTO PUBLIC COMMENT.
I WILL NEED THE LIST.
I
BELIEVE EVERYONE HAS A NUMBER AS
WELL AS A NAME.
>> EVERYONE HAS A NUMBER.
YOU CAN EITHER CHOOSE
TO CALL
THEIR NUMBER OR CALL THEM BY
NAME.
>> WONDERFUL.
I LIKE CALLING PEOPLE BY THEIR
NAME.
IF I DIDN'T READ HANDWRITING,
IF I CAN'T READ YOUR
HANDWRITING,
I WILL CALL YOUR NUMBER.
WITH THAT, YOU KNOW WHERE I'M
GOING.
ONE THROUGH TEN CAN LINE UP AT
EITHER OF THE MICROPHONES.
PAUL RYAN, BRIAN LAWRENCE, KAYLA
BASSNIGHT, NICOLE ALEXANDER.
DENISE PEREZ, ERICA F. , JEFF
TOWEL AND BRENT DONNER.
IF YOU COULD SAY YOUR NAME SO WE
CAN CHECK YOU
OFF, THAT WOULD BE HELPFUL.
MAKE SURE THAT YOU SPEAK
DIRECTLY INTO THE MICROPHONE.
MIC JAGGER IS WHAT WE SAY AROUND
HERE.
AT YOUR CONVENIENCE, TAKE IT
AWAY. WELCOME.
>> HI.
MY NAME IS PAUL.
THANK YOU CHAIR AND MEMBERS OF
THE COUNCIL.
I'M A RESIDENT OF DISTRICT 3.
I'M HERE TO ASK YOU TO MAINTAIN
FULL FUNDING FOR THE OFFICE
OF LABOR STANDARDS.
MY ORGANIZATION HAS BEEN
A GRANTEE OF THE OFFICE OF
LABOR STANDARDS TO DO OUTREACH
AND EDUCATION TO OUR COMMUNITY
MEMBERS.
WE HAVE SEEN HOW BIG AN IMPACT
IT HAS FOR WORKERS.
WE KNOW HOW HARD THE
CONVERSATION CAN BE WHEN WE
TALK ABOUT WORKERS' RIGHTS
AND RIGHTS IN GENERAL.
WE MAKE SURE TO MAKE A
SAFE SPACE FOR WORKERS TO
KNOW THEY HAVE THE TOOLS AND
RESOURCES NECESSARY TO UTILIZE
AND
PROTECT THEMSELVES
OR EMPLOYERS THAT TAKE ADVANTAGE
OF THEM.
THROUGH COMMUNITY- BASED
ORGANIZATIONS LIKE OURS ARE ABLE
TO DO OUTREACH AND
EDUCATE WORKERS IN LANGUAGE
ACCESSIBLE AND CULTURALLY
RESPONSIBLE. THEY ARE ONE OF THE
REASONS
WHY SEATTLE LEADS THE COUNTRY
IN PROGRESSIVE LABOR STANDARDS.
OUR MINIMUM WAGE IS ONE OF THE
HIGHEST IN THE COUNTRY.
WORKERS AS HOTEL EMPLOYEES ARE
PROTECTED IN THE CITY.
IN THIS POLITICAL TIME,
WHETHER WORKERS IN IMMIGRANT
COMMUNITIES ARE ATTACKED, OUR
CITY NEEDS
TO THINK HOW TO COUNTER THESE.
WE ASK THESE BODIES PLEASE --
>> THANK YOU.
FEEL FREE -- I KNOW
COUNCILMEMBER HOLLINGSWORTH
SHARED A SECRET EMAIL ADDRESS.
IT GOES TO ALL OF US AT ONCE.
FEEL FREE YOU WANT. WELCOME.
>> THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME.
MY NAME IS BRIAN LAWRENCE.
I'M HERE TO ASK YOU TO
SAFEGUARD
FUNDING FOR THE SEATTLE PUBLIC
LIBRARY.
I'M THE CEO OF THE
SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
FOUNDATION.
WE ARE THE NON- PROFIT
PARTNER OF THE LIBRARY.
WE GET TO SEE FIRSTHAND HOW
MUCH
PEOPLE IN SEATTLE LOVE THEIR
LIBRARY.
THOUSANDS OF DONORS
PROVIDE MORE THAN $5 MILLION IN
INVESTMENT EVERY YEAR TO ENHANCE
LIBRARY
PROGRAMS AND SERVICES.
I'M DISAPPOINTED IN THE
ECONOMIC SITUATION THAT OUR CITY
IS
FACING.
THESE ARE HARD TIMES FOR OUR
RESIDENTS, NON-
PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS LIKE OURS
AND
MANY IN
THIS ROOM, AND FOR OUR CITY
GOVERNMENT.
WHILE IT SUN FOR IS UNFORTUNATE
TO
SEE A CUT FOR SPL, THE PROPOSED
BUDGET, WE UNDERSTAND THE BUDGET
CONSTRAINTS THE MAYOR
AND CITY COUNCIL ARE WORKING
WITH.
WE APPRECIATE THAT THIS ONE-
TIME TRANSFER OF LEVEE DOLLARS
BY THE
LIBRARY ENSURES
STABLE
OPERATIONS FOR THE SYSTEM FOR
2026.
I WOULD LIKE TO JUST SAY THAT
I THINK THIS SETS US UP FOR
MAKING
SURE THAT
THE LIBRARY LEVEE NEXT YEAR --
IS PRODUCED WITH --
>> THANK YOU.
UP NEXT IS KAYA
BASSNIGHT FOLLOWED BY NICOLE
ALEXANDER.
>> WE NEED MORE FUNDING AND A
PLACE TO LIVE BY
NOVEMBER 15th.
I'M FROM TENT CITY 4. WE ARE
ACTIVE IN THE COMMUNITY.
WE DO WHAT IS CALLED TO US.
WE VOLUNTEER AT GROCERY STORES.
WE VOLUNTEER TO COMMUNITY
CLEANING UP.
IT'S A BEAUTIFUL COMMUNITY.
I CAME TO SEATTLE FROM COLORADO.
ME AND MY WIFE WAS HOMELESS.
TENT CITY 4 TOOK US IN AND HAS
BEEN GREAT.
EVERYBODY'S ATTITUDE IS GREAT.
WE INFLUENCE ONE ANOTHER ON
WHAT IT MEANS TO BE SOBER AND TO
GO
ABOUT THE THINGS WE NEED TO
BE GOING ABOUT.
MY SOBRIETY -- I'VE BEEN SOBER
FOUR YEARS.
THERE'S PEOPLE JUST LIKE
ME IN THE COMMUNITY
THAT HAVE FOUGHT
HARD FROM NOTHING TO ACHIEVE
SOMETHING.
I
JUST WANT TO SAY THANK YOU FOR
YOUR TIME.
>> UP NEXT WE
HAVE NICOLE ALEXANDER.
WELCOME.
>> GOOD EVENING.
MY NAME
IS NICOLE ALEXANDER. I'M THE
DIRECTOR OF OUTREACH AT
PURPOSE DIGNITY ACTION.
I'M BOOTS ON THE GROUND.
AS MANY OF YOU KNOW, OUR TEAM
IS OUT THERE DAILY.
OUR CURRENT WORK IS FOCUSED
IN THE CID.
WE HAVE BROUGHT IN OVER
40 INDIVIDUALS
WITHIN A MONTH AND A HALF FROM
THE CID.
OUR WORK ON THE GROUND IS
THE BEGINNING OF A NEW JOURNEY
FOR
A LOT OF OUR FOLKS.
IT'S THE GOLDEN THREAT FOR
GROWTH AND MOVEMENT FOR OUR
FOLKS.
OUR WORK IS TO STAY WITH
FOLKS FROM ENCAMPMENT
TO SHELTER,
PERMANENT HOUSING AND
STABILIZATION.
DURING THE FIRST SESSION
TODAY, COUNCIL HEARD FROM SOME
OF OUR
PARTICIPANTS.
AFTER ME, YOU WILL HEAR FROM
OUR AFTER CARE PARTICIPANTS AND
OUR CURRENT PARTICIPANTS AND
STAFF.
THESE ARE HUMANS WHO HAVE BEEN
GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY
THAT MANY
OF OUR FOLKS IN SEATTLE STILL
NEED.
WE ASK THAT YOU CONTINUE TO
FUND THIS
AND CONTINUE TO FUND WHAT
WORKS. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU.
UP NEXT IS HILLARY
FOLLOWED BY DENISE.
WELCOME.
>> MY NAME IS HILLARY.
>> WE WILL RESTART YOUR TIME.
TWO WORDS ARE MIC JAGGER.
>> MY NAME IS HILLARY.
I'M FROM TENT CITY 4.
ME AND MY HUSBAND CAME FROM HERE
FROM COLORADO.
WE WERE HOMELESS.
HE HAD A MEDICAL CONDITION.
THE WILL TOOK ME IN THE SHILTER.
WE ALSO HAD SHUT DOWN A
SHELTER HERE FOR WOMEN.
SO WE NEED TO OPEN ONE BACK UP.
THERE
ARE HOMELESS PEOPLE HERE DYING
EVERY DAY.
IF WE ARE NOT MOVED TENT CITY
3 AND 4 BY NOVEMBER 14th, 15th
OF
THIS YEAR, TENT CITY 4 WILL
CLOSE DOWN.
WE WILL LOSE ALSO SOME BEDS
ANDAND WE ARE -- HAVE HIGHER PER
CAPITA HOMELESS
PEOPLE. WE DO NEED HELP FUNDING
THAT.
PEOPLE ARE DYING EVERY DAY.
IT'S COLD.
WE NEED TO
HAVE FUNDING. PLEASE HELP US.
UNDERSTAND THAT IT IS COLD.
WE DO NEED HELP.
THERE'S A LOT OF PEOPLE DYING
OUT THERE.
THANK YOU
FOR ALLOWING ME TO SPEAK.
>> THANK YOU FOR BEING HERE.
UP NEXT WE HAVE DENISE FOLLOWED
BY ANITRA.
>> GOOD
EVENING. MY NAME IS DENISE.
I WANT TO START BY THANKING FOR
YOUR SUPPORT AND COMMITMENT TO
PUBLIC SAFETY IN HOUSING OUR
HOMELESS RESIDENTS.
I AM HERE TO SHARE THAT THIS
ISIS
THREE- PHASE PROGRAM AS
YOU HEARD FROM MY COLLEAGUE.
OUTREACH, TEMPORARY LODGING AND
AFTER CARE.
IN OUR LODGING SITE WE PROVIDE
24-HOUR COORDINATED CARE.
WITH AN EXPEEFRNSED
AND TALENTED STAFF WHO PROVIDE
INTENSIVE
CASE MANAGEMENT, MEDICAL CARE
AND
COORDINATION AND EFFECTIVE
CRIMINAL/LEGAL SUPPORT
BY NAVIGATING A COMPLEX LEGAL
YOU KNOW THIS IS CHALLENGING
WORK.
WHAT MOTIVATES ME TO SHOW UP DAY
AFTER DAY IS THE DIGNITY
AND COMMITMENT THAT LEAD TO THE
OUTCOMES AND PARTICIPANTS
GIVEN THIS OPPORTUNITY TO HEAL
AND
THRIVE.
OUR PARTICIPANT --
ONE PARTICIPANT WHO IMMEDIATELY
COMES TO MIND IS AN
INDIVIDUAL THAT YOU HEARD FROM
EARLIER
TODAY DURING PUBLIC TESTIMONY.
THEY CAME IN WITH A
SERIOUS HEALTH ISSUE AND SINCE
RESIDES
--
>> SORRY.
PLEASE DO FEEL
FREE TO SEND IN ADDITIONAL
COMMENTS.
I'M READING THE ROOM
ABOUT CHANGES WE MIGHT MAKE NEXT
--
FOR THE
NEXT PUBLIC HEARING. WITH THAT,
THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
ANITRA, A PLEASURE TO SEE YOU.
>> THANK YOU.
HERE ARE SHARE AND WHEEL TODAY.
WITHOUT SHELTER, PEOPLE DIE.
WE NEED YOU TO SHOW YOUR
COURAGE TO HELP PEOPLE LIKE
HILLARY AND
TAYA KEEP THEIR
SHELTER AND STAY ALIVE.
THERE ARE -- WE THINK CALLING
FOR 500 NEW SHELTER BEDS THIS
ENTIRE YEAR AND INSTEAD WE
HAVE
200 SHELTER BEDS AT RISK OF
BEING LOST.
BECAUSE OF A FEW LOUD VOICES
THAT ARE BEING
HEARD INSTEAD OF THE HUNDREDS
AND
THOUSANDS OF VOICES SUPPORTING
US.
PLEASE HELP TENT CITY 3 AND
4 FIND A PLACE TO LIVE.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU.
FOLKS, WE HAVEN'T DONE THAT
PART.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO HEAR WHAT
YOU HAVE HEARD, JAZZ HANDS
OR FINGER
SNAPS. IT WILL KEEP THINGS
MOVING.
WE HAVE GOT ERICA AND THEN
JEFF AND THEN BRENT AND
THEN NUMBER 11.
>> I'M HOUSING SPECIALIST CAN
CO- LEAD AFTER
CARE.
>> MOVE THAT MICROPHONE WHEREVER
YOU NEED TO.
>> THAT'S BETTER.
>> WELCOME.
>> THANK YOU. MY NAME ERICA.
I'M A HOUSING SPECIALIST.
WE ARE HERE TODAY ASKING
FOR SUPPORT FROM THE MAYOR TO
CONTINUE TO FUND OUR PROGRAM.
THE AFTER CARE PROGRAM
IS ESSENTIAL PART OF CO- LEAD
THAT WHERE WE WALK THROUGH THE
FIRST YEAR OF HOUSING WITH FOLKS
THAT
COME FROM OUR LODGING SITES.
WE STAND WITH THEM THROUGH
COURT, MEDICAL
CARE, COORDINATING CARE WITH
THEIR
ON- SITE HOUSING CASE MANAGERS,
DETOX TREATMENT,
MENTAL HEALTH
CARE. THANK YOU.
>> YOU STILL HAVE 30 SECONDS.
>> THAT'S
OKAY. THAT'S ALL I NEEDED.
>> FAIR ENOUGH.
JEFF.
I'M SORRY.
I CAN'T GIVE YOU THE EXTRA 30
SECONDS.
>> BRENT.
>> YOU ARE BRENT.
WHERE IS JEFF?
>> SHE WAS MY ADVOCATE.
>> GO FOR IT.
BRENT.
THEN TO JEFF.
>> PLY NAME IS BRENT.
I'M A RECENT GRADUATE OF CO LF
LEAD. TWO YEARS AGO,
THEY GAVE ME TRANSITIONAL
HOUSING WHEN I
HAD NOWHERE ELSE TO GO.
I HAD A PLACE TO
SHOWER, STAY WARM AND FACE MY
LEGAL ISSUES.
THEIR SUPPORT HELPED ME CLEAR
A DUI FINE, REBUILD TRUST AND
REALIZE PEOPLE STILL CARED.
THAT SIMPLE CHANCE GAVE ME TIME
TO START OVER.
I'M NOW 18 MONTHS SOBER, A
FEW QUARTERS AWAY FROM BEING
A JUNIOR IN COLLEGE.
I'M CURRENTLY HOLDING
A 3.65 GPA.
I'M NOW ABLE TO BEGIN BUILDING
A SMALL BUSINESS THROUGH DOUG
BALDWIN'S INVEST PROGRAM.
I VOLUNTEER WEEKLY.
I HAVE MY OWN APARTMENT.
I HAVE RECONNECTED WITH MY
FAMILY.
WE GO TO HUSKY AND
SEAHAWKS GAMES WITH MY BROTHER.
I PLAY GOALIE FOR
SHORELINE COMMUNITY MEN'S SOCCER
TEAM.
IT'S BECAUSE OF CO- LEAD I
STAND HERE AND TELL OTHERS, IT
TAKES JUST AS MUCH ENERGY TO
DREAM
BIG AS IT
DOES TO DREAM SMALL AND LIVE IT.
I'M IMPROVING EVERY DAY.
I THINK I READ SOMEWHERE
THAT THE HIGHEST FORM OF ANY
HUMAN ACT IS TO BE INSPIRE ORDER
TO
INSPIRE --
[ NO AUDIO ]
[ APPLAUSE ]
>> THANK YOU, JEFF.
SNAPS.
WAVES. WE HAVE -- THANK YOU,
BRENT.
THAT WAS INSPIRING STORY.
JEFF, THE FLOOR IS YOURS.
>> I'M HERE IN SUPPORT OF THE
FUNDING FOR CO-LEAD.
SIX MONTHS AGO, I
WAS DIAGNOSED WITH BLOOD CLOTS
IN MY LEGS.
I WAS IN A TENT IN THE JUNGLE.
I WAS
VERY COMPLACENT ON GETTING
ANYTHING DONE WITH MY LIFE.
IT WAS GOING SOUTH QUICK.
SINCE I'VE BEEN UNDER CO-
LEAD'S SHELTER SYSTEM, I HAVE
BEEN ABLE TO GET MY SOCIAL
SECURITY CARD
IN MY BACK POCKET, MY BIRTH
CERTIFICATE.
I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO APPLY
FOR DISABILITY I'VE BEEN TRYING
TO GET APPLIED FOR WHICH I
COULD NEVER DO BEFORE.
MY LIFE HAS DONE COMPLETELY GONE
180. GOT MY SELF-ESTEEM BACK.
GETTING AN APARTMENT NEXT WEEK
ALSO.
EVERYTHING HAS BEEN FOR THE
POSITIVE WHICH ENCOURAGES ME
TO DO MORE POSITIVE THINGS FOR
MYSELF.
HOPEFULLY,
FURNDING WILL NOT STOP FOR OUR
ORGANIZATION.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
UP NEXT, WE HAVE NUMBER 11.
MR. AND MRS. TRAN.
I DON'T
WANT TO MESS UP -- THERE YOU GO.
THEN WE HAVE 11 THROUGH 20.
I WILL READ IT BACK AND FORTH.
MR. TRAN, MELISSA EAGER, GABRIEL
HERNANDEZ, PETER HOOPY,
ANDREA -- YOU ARE ALL HERE.
MR. TRAN, THE FLOOR IS
YOURS. WELCOME.
GOOD TO SEE YOU.
>> HI.
I'M HERE WITH CO-LEAD.
I DON'T FLOW HOW TO SAY.
TWO MONTHS AGO I HAVE NOWHERE TO
GO.
I WAS HOMELESS.
CO-LEAD HAS TRIED WITH ME
AND HELP ME WITH HOUSING.
BEFORE THAT, I DON'T KNOW WHERE
TO GO.
I HAVE NO THOUGHT, NO HOPE, NO
ANYTHING.
TODAY I'M SAYING THANK YOU FOR
CO- LEAD PROGRAM THAT KEEP ME A
SHELTER, RESPECT AND
SELF-REFLECTION AND PLAN FOR THE
FUTURE.
IT HELP REBUILD MOTIVATION AND
HOPE.
A FOUNDATION FOR
SECURITY AND HOUSING.
[ NO AUDIO ]
>> THANK YOU, MR. TRAN.
THANK YOU FOR BEING WITH US
TODAY.
THAT BRINGS US TO NUMBER 12.
I'M GOING TO STOP TRYING
TO FIGURE OUT THE NAMES.
CLEARLY, I'M CONFUSING EVERYONE.
MELISSA, IT'S A PLEASURE TO SEE
YOU.
>> THANK YOU.
I'M HERE WITH CO-LEAD.
I'M HOPING YOU WILL KEEP
THE FUNDING GOING FOR US.
WE HELP SO MANY PEOPLE COME
OFF THE STREETS.
I HAVE A LOT OF FRIENDS
THAT HAVE GONE THROUGH IT.
I WENT THROUGH IT MYSELF.
I'M STILL GOING THROUGH IT,
GETTING OFF THE STREETS,
GETTING EVERYTHING SITUATED TO
GO
BACK INTO THE COMMUNITY AND BE A
USEFUL COMMUNITY MEMBER AGAIN.
IT'S EASY TO GET LOST OUT
THERE
IN THE SYSTEM WHEN NO ONE CARES
ABOUT YOU.
PLACES LIKE CO- LEAD HELP US TO
BE HEARD, TO COME BACK
OUT AND BE A PART OF THE
COMMUNITY THAT
CAN HELP EACH OTHER KEEP
GOING AND NOT
GET LOST AND END UP DYING LIKE
OTHERS HAVE.
WE NEED THE FUNDING IF YOU
CAN
CONTINUE THE FUNDING. THEY
REALLY NEED IT.
>> THANK YOU, MELISSA.
UP NEXT I BELIEVE WE HAVE
GABRIEL.
WELCOME.
>> THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME.
MY NAME IS GABRIEL HERNANDEZ.
THANKS BECAUSE OF YOU GUYS AND
CO- LEAD AND YOUR BUDGET MONEY
IS
GOING
INTO GOOD HANDS WHERE YOU ARE
GETTING A WHOLE BUNCH
OF PEOPLE THAT ARE HOMELESS
RUNNING AND GUNNING AND
DOING CRIMINALITY AND USING
DRUGS, JUST BEING IN THE
STREET FOR WAY TOO LONG.
THEY NEED A PLACE WHERE THEY
CAN BUILD THEIR CHARACTER AND BE
A GOOD PERSON TO SOCIETY.
EVERYTHING YOU JUST HEARD FROM
BEING HOMELESS AND DOING A
LOT
OF CRIMINAL STUFF, A LOT OF
DRUGS.
YOUR MONEY IS GOING INTO GOOD
HANDS WHERE YOU ARE
GIVING PEOPLE LIKE ME
A SECOND CHANCE. I'M CLEANING UP
MY ACT.
YEAH.
THE MONEY IS GOING TO GOOD
PEOPLE, GOOD HARDWORKING PEOPLE
THAT CARE.
I GOT A ROOF OVER MY HEAD.
I'M CLEANING UP MY ACT.
[ NO AUDIO ]
>> THANK YOU.
COULDN'T ASK FOR MORE.
THANK YOU, MY FRIEND.
AFTER GABRIEL COMES PETER.
WELCOME, PETER.
FOLLOWED BY ANDREA AND THEN
CALISSA.
>> HELLO.
MY NAME IS PETER.
I'M FROM HAWAII.
I HAVE LIVED
HERE IN SEATTLE SINCE 1991.
OUR ORGANIZATION IS ASKING FOR
$21 MILLION FOR NON-
PROFIT AFFORDABLE HOUSING
PROVIDERS.
I BELIEVE THAT THIS WILL BE
A HUGE STEP TO HELP
PROCESS EVERYONE IN KEEPING THEM
IN THEIR HOME AND TO HELP GET
THEM
CAUGHT UP WITH ARREARS.
TO PLACE VALUE
ON HOUSING PEOPLE IS A GREAT
HELP TO EVERYONE.
I MYSELF WAS HOMELESS.
THEY HAVE GIVEN ME
THE OPPORTUNITY TO -- BY GIVING
ME
A JOB.
I STARTED OFF AS A
SECURITY OFFICER AND WORKED MY
WAY UP
TO CASE
MANAGER. IT DOES WORK.
I'M A
PERFECT EXAMPLE OF A SUCCESS OF
THIS PROGRAM.
THANK YOU, SIR.
>> THANK YOU, PETER.
>> GOOD AFTERNOON. I'M ANDREA.
I'M ONE OF THE SENIOR SUPPORT
SPECIALIST. MY GREATEST DAY IS
WATCHING THE TRANSFORMATION THAT
WE ARE ABLE
TO BE A PART OF WITH OUR
PARTICIPANTS.
IT ISN'T
JUST A BASIC SHELTER. WE WALK
ALONGSIDE OUR
PARTICIPANTS.
WE OFFER OPPORTUNITIES FOR
THEM TO RESET WITH A HOLISTIC
APPROACH.
WE HELP THEM NAVIGATE
THROUGH THE LEGAL SYSTEM.
WE HELP THEM WITH MENTAL
HEALTH AND HEALTH AND WEALTH.
WE ALSO HELP THEM NAVIGATE
REBUILDING RELATIONSHIPS
WITH THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS.
PERMANENT SUPPORTIVE HOUSING.
I DON'T KNOW WHY I JUST GOT
NERVOUS. I WANT TO GIVE YOU A
STORY.
I WAS HELPING SOMEONE LAST
NIGHT DO LAUNDRY.
HE SAID TO ME THAT HE REALLY
APPRECIATES BEING ABLE TO DO
LAUNDRY AND NOT WORRY ABOUT
HIS BELONGINGS KNOWING THEY ARE
STILL GOING TO BE
THERE, THAT WE HAVE OFFERED HIM
A SAFE PLACE.
IN THAT, WE TAKE
THAT FOR GRANTED IN OR DAILY
LIVES.
WATCHING THAT WITH HIM AND
HAVING THAT MOMENT WITH HIM,
IT SHOWED ME BEING IN THE CO-
LEAD
PROGRAM, IT'S
VERY IMPORTANT FOR
THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN DISPLACED TO
RESET.
THEN TO GAIN THAT EXTRA
SUPPORT -- [ NO AUDIO ]
>>
THANK YOU FOR BEING THAT PERSON
THAT CARES.
UP NEXT IS CALISSA AND
BRANDY AND KARA.
>> THANK YOU.
>> I'M CALISSA.
>> WELCOME.
>> GOOD EVENING.
I LIVE IN DISTRICT 5.
I WORK GOT LOW INCOME HOUSING
INSTITUTE IN LITTLE SAIGON.
AS A HOUSING DEVELOPER, IT'S
MY JOB TO RAISE
THE CAPITAL MONEY AND TO BUILD
THE UNITS.
I LOVE WHAT I DO.
WHILE NOTHING CAN REALLY BEAT
THE FEELING IN MY JOB OF
WALKING THROUGH A NEW BUILDING
FOR --
THAT PEOPLE ARE GOING TO MOVE
INTO, I KNOW THAT
THAT'S JUST THE BEGINNING OF
THEIR STORY.
TODAY I WOULD LIKE TO URGE
THE COUNCIL TO PRIORITIZE
$21 MILLION FOR TENANT- BASED
RENTAL
ASSISTANCE FOR NON-
PROFIT PROVIDERS LIKE LEHIGH.
SPECIFICALLY, PLEASE
CONSIDER DEDICATING $10 MILLION
OF
THESE FUNDS TO THE SEATTLE
OFFICE
OF FUNDING TO STABILIZE THEIR
CURRENT PORTFOLIO.
WE CAN CONTINUE TO BUILD AS
MUCH HOUSING AS WE WANT, BUT IT
WON'T MATTER -- NOTHING I DO
WILL
MATTER, IT WON'T MAKE
A
DIFFERENCE IF WE CAN'T HELP
PEOPLE STAY HOUSED.
THAT'S WHY WE BUILD IT.
PROVIDERS ARE STRUGGLING
ACROSS THE CITY RIGHT NOW.
THESE DOLLARS WILL HELP
CONTINUE -- WILL HELP
US CONTINUE TO SERVE THE
MOST VULNERABLE NEIGHBORS AND --
[ NO AUDIO ]
>> THANK YOU.
NOW WE HAVE BRANDY.
IS THAT RIGHT?
>> YES, SIR.
>> GREAT TO SEE YOU.
>> THANK YOU.
GOOD TO SEE YOU.
THANKS FOR HAVING ME AGAIN. I
APPRECIATE YOUR TIME.
MY NAME IS BRANDY.
I'M HAPPY TO SAY I'M A
FORMERLY
HOMELESS PERSON OF 15 YEARS.
TEN YEARS OF THOSE I SPENT
IN THE JUNGLE BECAUSE OF
THE CO-LEAD PROGRAM AND FUNDING
YOU CONTINUE TO A LOT THEM IN
THE
LAST SIX MONTHS I HAVE BEEN
ABLE TO TURN MY LIFE AROUND.
ACCOMPLISH THINGS THAT NEVER
WOULD HAVE BEEN ACCOMPLISHED.
HOPEFULLY, WITHIN THE NEXT
WEEK, I WILL
BE PUT INTO MY PERMANENT HOUSING
APARTMENT.
IT'S BECAUSE OF
THE FUNDING IN THE BUDGET THAT
YOU A LOT THE
TIME AND MONEY AND EFFORT TO
PUT FORTH BECAUSE THEY CAN HELP
US
IN WAYS NOBODY HAS BEEN ABLE TO
HELP.
I DON'T REALLY KNOW WHAT ELSE
TO
SAY. I CAME UNPREPARED TODAY.
I WASN'T EXPECTING TO
SPEAK TO YOU AGAIN.
I GOT TALKED INTO IT.
I LOVE YOU GUYS SO MUCH.
I CAME BACK TO DO IT ALL OVER
AGAIN.
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.
WE
APPRECIATE IT.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU.
BORN READY.
UP NEXT IS KARA.
YOU CAN MOVE THAT MICROPHONE.
THERE IT IS. WELCOME.
>> GOOD EVENING.
MY NAME IS KARA WILLIAMS.
I WORK AT THE LOW INCOME
HOUSING
INSTITUTE. I'M HERE TO EXPRESS
SUPPORT
FOR THE PROPOSED $11 MILLION IN
ASSISTANCE AND REQUEST $10
MILLION BEING ALLOCATED
TO SUPPORT
LOW INCOME HOUSING PROVIDERS
LIKE LEHIGH.
OUR CITY'S AFFORDABLE
HOUSING SYSTEM IS UNDER STRAIN
AS YOU
KNOW.
PROVIDERS ARE FACING
RISING OPERATING COSTS.
TENANTS, MANY SENIORS,
FAMILIES AND PEOPLE WITH
DISABILITIES, ARE STILL
STRUGGLING TO RECOVER
FROM THE
ECONOMIC AND HOUSING SHOCKS FROM
THE PANDEMIC.
THIS FUNDING WILL HELP
STABILIZE HOUSEHOLDS BEFORE THEY
FALL
INTO HOMELESSNESS AND
ENSURE PROVIDERS CAN CONTINUE TO
OPERATE BUILDINGS THAT KEEP
PEOPLE SAFELY HOUSED.
EVERY DOLLAR SPENT ON
RENTAL ASSISTANCE PREVENTS
HIGHER COSTS
IN EMERGENCY
SHELTERS, HEALTH CARE AND CRISIS
SERVICES.
THIS SEAN IMPORTANT
INVESTMENT IN HOUSING STABILITY
FOR OUR
COMMUNITY, GIVEN
THE
UNCERTAINTIES IN FEDERAL FUNDING
RIGHT NOW.
I URGE YOU TO ALLOCATE $21.
4 MILLION TOTAL TO TENANT-BASED
RENTAL ASSISTANCE. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU.
WE NOW HAVE CAROL LANE.
WE WILL SWITCH TO 21 THROUGH 40.
WELCOME.
>> THANK YOU.
GOOD EVENING.
FOR THE RECORD, I'M
HERE REPRESENTING LEAD AND
CO-LEAD.
ONE OF MANY.
YOU HAVE ACTUALLY ALREADY
HEARD FROM THE MOST IMPORTANT
VOICES ON THIS SUBJECT TODAY.
I WILL KEEP IT SHORT.
I'M GOING TO TELL YOU A STORY.
IT GOES LIKE THIS, ALMOST
16 YEARS AGO AFTER MANY YEARS --
DECADES OF LITIGATING
AND SPINNING OF WHEELS, A SMALL
GROUP OF SEATTLE'S POLICE,
PROSECUTORS, PUBLIC
DEFENDERS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS
SAT
DOWN AT THE SAME TABLE AND
AGREED
TO TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT.
THEY DREAMED UP THE LEAD
FRAMEWORK, A CITY- LED,
DEPLOYED MECHANISM FOR NOT
JUST REPEATEDLY ARRESTING PEOPLE
TO
NO END OR LOOKING THE OTHER WAY,
BUT OF ACTIVATING
A THIRD PATH THAT TRANSLATES TO
REAL CHANGE.
LEAD WOULD DO IT
WHAT OTHERS CANNOT DO.
DO THE LONG WORK OF WALKING
ALONGSIDE
PEOPLE ON THE OTHER SIDE OF
THEIR CRISIS.
WE ARE STILL DOING THIS WORK
TODAY. WE ARE VIEWED AS
MISSION CRITICAL PARTNERS I'M
PROUD
TO SAY BY CARE, FIRE AND SPD.
SO MY ASK FOR THIS COUNCIL IS TO
SIMPLY STAY THE COURSE, LET
US SEE OUR WAY TO THE END OF THE
STORY.
WE WANT TO -- [ NO AUDIO ]
>> THANK YOU.
APOLOGIES FOR
MISPRONOUNCING YOUR NAME.
THAT'S WHY I'M RECOMMENDED
TO USE NUMBERS.
I FEEL IT'S IMPERSONAL.
I DON'T HAVE NUMBER 20 SIGNED
UP.
ARE YOU NUMBER 20?
YOU HAVE NUMBER 20?
>> IT'S ON THE NEXT SHEET.
>> YOU ARE MARTHA
AT 22?
>> NO. I'M 20.
>> WE'RE GOING TO HAVE YOU
GO.
>> I CAN WAIT.
>> COME ON UP. YOU ARE UP.
>> THANK YOU FOR TAKING
INTO CONSIDERATION THE COMMUNITY
NEEDS SHARED HERE TODAY.
MY NAME IS MARTHA.
I'M THE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
MANAGER AT LOW INCOME HOUSING
INSTITUTE.
FIRST, I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE
MAYOR AND HIS OFFICE
FOR ALLOCATING FUNDS FOR TINY
HOUSE VILLAGES IN THE BUDGET.
THESE WILL HELP MEET THE NEED
OF OUR UNHOUSED NEIGHBORS.
I WOULD LIKE TO THANK
COUNCILMEMBERS FOR THE
$11 MILLION ALLOCATED FOR RENTAL
ASSISTANCE.
MANY PEOPLE ARE SQUEEZED
BY GROWING EXPENSES FROM FOOD TO
MEDICAL BILLS.
UNFORTUNATELY, THIS FUNDING
IS NOT ENOUGH TO KEEP PEOPLE
FROM SLIDING INTO BECOMING
UNHOUSED.
WE AS A NON- PROFIT
HOUSING PROVIDER HAVE A DUTY TO
SPEAK
UP FOR THE NEEDS OF OUR CLIENTS
AND ASK COUNCILED AAN
ADDITIONAL $10 MILLION TO
SUPPORT THE OFFICE
OF HOUSING PART FOEL YO, KEEPING
MANY SEATTLE PEOPLE
SAFE. EMPLOYEE DICATE MORE.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR LISTENING AND
TAKING THE TIME TO HEAR OUR
REQUEST.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU.
AS WE NOW MOVE INTO 21 THROUGH
40, WE ARE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE
FOURTH.
MARINERS 4, THE OTHER TEAM 0.
THAT'S WHAT THEY WILL BE
FOREVER
KNOWN AS, THE OTHER TEAM.
UP NEXT IS JOSEPH FOLLOWED BY
MR. AND MRS. CASTLE, ALICIA
SCOTT, LEE DAVID HAINES,
DEMONTRIS, GERALD MURPHY,
JULIA, JUDITH, DWIGHT, LILY,
SAM,
LESLIE, JASON, NATHAN, JARVIS,
ALLEN. WITH THAT, JOSEPH,
WELCOME.
>> THANKS.
I LIVE IN DISTRICT 3.
I WOULD, IN DISTRICT 4.
I WORSHIP IN DISTRICT 7.
AS ONE OF THE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS OF THE
CHURCH
COUNCIL OF GREATER SEATTLE, WE
URGE
YOU TO BUILD AND PASS A BUDGET
THAT
REFLECTS THE VALUES OF
COMMUNITY CARE.
YOU HAVE A DUTY TO INVEST IN
EQUITABLE EVIDENCE-
BASED
IES THAT SUPPORT US.
IT'S CLEAR IT'S INDICATIVE OF
A
REVENUE PROBLEM, NOT AN EXPENSE
PROBLEM.
IT'S GREAT TO SEE FUNDING
THAT WILL BENEFIT
COMMUNITIES
IMPACTED BY THE FEDERAL
ADMINISTRATION.
THIS COUNCIL HAS A TRACK
RECORD OF CUTTING THESE
ADDITIONS
WHILE E ING DOLLARS TO PUNISH.
WE
NEED YOU TO ACT ON BOLD POLICY.
WE FIRMLY BELIEVE THAT BUDGETS
ARE A MORAL
DOCUMENT. THEY SPEAK TO THE
VALUES OF
OUR CITY THROUGH PUBLIC
INVESTMENT.
WE WILL CONTINUE TO PUSH THIS
COUNCIL TO LISTEN AND INVEST
IN COMMUNITY CARE OVER
PUNISHMENT.
SEATTLE CAN AND SHOULD INVEST IN
ALL COMMUNITIES.
>> THANK YOU.
UP NEXT IS MR. AND MRS.
CASTLE.
>> ALISA SCOTT.
SHE WAS
IN FRONT OF ME.
>> WELCOME.
>> I'M HERE ON BEHALF OF LEHIGH.
I'M HERE TO SPEAK ABOUT
THE URGENT NEED
FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND
RENTAL ASSISTANCE.
I CAN TELL YOU FROM
EXPERIENCE, BECAUSE I
HAD A HOUSE FOR 20
YEARS. I RAISED MY KIDS THERE.
I HAD A BRAIN TUMOR.
MY HUSBAND -- I GOT SICK.
WE ENDED UP GETTING A TENT
AND LIVING BY THE TROLL.
IF IT WASN'T FOR LEHIGH COMING
IN AND GIVING US A TINY
HOUSE AND TEACHING US HOW TO
HAVE DIGNITY AGAIN.
IT WAS SO EMBARRASSING AND
SHAMEFUL.
IF I HAD RENTAL ASSISTANCE, I
WOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN HOMELESS.
IT WAS AN AWFUL EXPERIENCE THAT
LEHIGH, BY THE GRACE OF
GOD, FOUND US AND HELPED US.
NOW
TODAY I LIVE IN A LEHIGH
BUILDING.
I LOVE IT.
I'M ABLE TO AFFORD MY RENT.
IT'S AN AFFORDABLE HOUSING.
THEY HAVE DONE AN AMAZING JOB.
PLEASE THINK ABOUT IT GIVING
ALLOCATING THE MONEY. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU.
SEE IF I CAN
GET BACK ON TRACK. MR. AND MRS.
CASTLE.
>> NO.
CELIA.
>> WE STARTED WITH 21.
CELIA CASTLE.
FANTASTIC. WELCOME.
>> GOOD EVENING.
MY NAME IS CELIA CASTLE.
I'M HERE AS A MEMBER OF
SEATTLE FRIENDS ALONG WITH MY
FRIEND
SALLY.
WE WORSHIP IN THE CENTRAL
AREA SENIOR CENTER.
>> I'M GOING TO ASK YOU TO
MIC JAGGER THAT MICROPHONE.
>> BETTER?
>> LIKE A ROCK STAR.
>> WE WORSHIP IN THE
CENTRAL AREA SENIOR CENTER.
I ALSO LIVE IN DISTRICT 3
AND SALLY LIVES IN DISTRICT 4.
I STAND UNITED WITH THE
CHURCH COUNCIL AND SEATTLE SOL
DERREY
BUDGET.
AS PEOPLE OF FAITH, WE
BELIEVE BUDGETS ARE A MORAL
DOCUMENT.
I BELIEVE SEATTLE WOULD BE
SAFER IF THE BUDGET FUNDED
COMMUNITY- LED
SOLUTIONS INVESTING IN PROGRAMS
THAT PROMOTE FOOD
SECURITY, AFFORDABLE HOUSING, VI
OLENT
PREVENTION, MENTAL HEALTH.
SEATTLE IS LESS SAFE DUE TO
SURVEILLANCE AND OTHER POLICING
OF OUR COMMUNITIES.
SEATTLE DOES NOT HAVE
A SPENDING
PROBLEM. IT HAS A REVENUE
PROBLEM.
THIS BUDGET NEEDS TO
EMBRACE PROGRESSIVE REVENUE
AND PRIORITIZE COMMUNITY
INVESTMENT.
THANK YOU.
I APPRECIATE YOU LISTENING.
>> THANK YOU.
UP NEXT IS ALICIA.
YOU ARE NOT HERE.
OKAY.
THEN I HAVE GOT CHLOE IS NEXT.
DAVID.
I'M GOING TO HAVE DAVID COME
UP.
HE SIGNED UP EARLIER FOR
THE
VIRTUAL PUBLIC COMMENT AND WAS
UNABLE TO PROVIDE IT.
MR. HAINES, ALWAYS A PLEASURE.
THE FLOOR IS YOURS.
>> THANK YOU.
I THINK WE NEED A DEPARTMENT OF
JUSTICE INVESTIGATION OF THE
BAD BUDGETING
THAT KEEPS EXACERBATING PUBLIC
SAFETY.
WHEN THE MAYOR EXEMPTED
DRUG PUSHERS WHEN HE WAS A
COUNCILMEMBER AND DE-
FUND SHIFTED HUNDREDS OF
MILLIONS
OF DOLLARS TO BUY OUT
THE PROTESTERS IN BLACK LIVES
MATTER AND GEORGE FLOYD NON-
PROFITS CLAIMING ALTERNATIVE
POLICING
AND COMMUNITY SAFETY
STARTED RUNNING INTERFERENCE FOR
REPEAT CRIMINALS AND CONDUCTING
A
RACE WAR WITHIN THE BUDGET
THAT PRIORITIZING NOT HELPING
INNOCENT WHITE HOUSES CITIZENS
BUT LOOKING FOR BLACK AND
BROWN DRUG PUSHERS WHO WANT TO
RUIN THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS IN
THE COMMUNITY AND GET
PRIORITIZED FOR WRAPAROUND
HOUSING WITH
UNQUALIFIED
POLITICALLY CONNECTED NON-
PROFITS
AND ALL THESE CONTRACTS THAT
PROTEST, IF
THEY DON'T GET A WITH ATERED
DOWN INTEGRITY THAT UNDERMINE
THE EFFORTS TO SOLVE THE
DRUG PUSHING CRISIS IN THE
EVIL UNNECESSARY SUFFERING NOT
NICE WITH NOBLE USE OF THE
NATIONAL GUARD TO HAVE
AUTHORIZED
ENCAMPMENT FOR 4,000
SHELTER BEDS AND LET PEOPLE
BREAK THEIR
HABIT TO NOT ALLOW DRUG PUSHERS
INTO THESE --
[ NO AUDIO ]
>> THANK YOU, MR. HAINES.
UP NEXT IS CHLOE.
DID I SAY IT RIGHT THE SECOND
TIME?
CLOSER AT LEAST?
WELCOME.
>> HELLO.
GOOD EVENING.
MY NAME IS CHLOE.
I'M HERE AS A MINISTER
OF QUEST CHURCH.
I STAND WITH THE CHURCH
COUNCIL OF GREATER SEATTLE.
AS PEOPLE OF FAITH, WE
BELIEVE BUDGETS ARE A MORAL
DOCUMENT.
MY FAITH TRADITION THE
BIBLE REMINDS US THAT WHAT YOU
DO FOR
THE LEAST OF THESE, YOU DO FOR
ME.
EVERY WEEK MY CHURCH ALONG
WITH OTHER CHURCHES HOST A MEAL
FOR
OUR UNHOUSED NEIGHBORS.
I HAVE SEEN SEVERAL OF THEM
HERE
TONIGHT. AS I GET TO KNOW
PEOPLE, I
SEE THE IMPACT THAT OUR CITY
BUDGET HAS ON THE LEAST OF
THESE.
A COUPLE WEEKS AGO, WE HOST
AID MEMORIAL FOR AN UNHOUSED MAN
WHO
ATTENDED OUR DINNERS
AND PASSED
AWAY WHILE LIVING UNDER THE
BRIDGE.
HIS WIFE, HIS EXTENDED
COMMUNITY CAME TO OUR CHURCH TO
GRIEVE
HIM.
HIS LIFE MATTERS JUST AS MUCH
AS ANY OF YOUR CONSTITUENTS.
EVERY PERSON THAT STEPS INTO OUR
BUILDING IS A PART OF OUR
FAMILY.
EVERY PERSON IS A PART OF YOUR
RESPONSIBILITY.
I PRAY YOU WILL PASS AND BUILD
A BUDGET THAT
PRIORITIZES COMMUNITY CARE.
I PRAY YOU PRIORITIZE THE
BUDGET DEFICIT WITH PROGRESSIVE
REVENUE
INSTEAD OF CUTTING
PROGRAMS
PEOPLE RELY ON.
>> THANK YOU.
REMEMBER, FOLKS, THERE'S NOT
MANY OF US.
THIS SHOULD BE EASY.
JAZZ HANDS, SNAPS.
COME ON UP -- I'M REALLY LOST.
>> GERALD MURPHY.
>> YOU ARE GERALD MURPHY.
I HAVE NEXT UP ISIS
OR ALICIA -- ALICIA WENT.
NOW WE ARE UP TO LEE.
WELCOME.
HOW ARE YOU?
>> GREETINGS.
MY NAME IS REVEREND LEE.
I'M PASTOR AT SEATTLE FIRST
BAPTIST CHURCH.
I LIVE IN THE SAME DISTRICT
AND I STAND WITH
THE CHURCH COUNCIL OF GREATER
SEATTLE.
MY CHURCH IS AT THE CORNER OF
HARVARD AND SEINE I CAN A.
ALMOST EVERY DAY WE
HAVE
NEIGHBORS STOP BY OUR CHURCH IN
CRISIS.
THESE CRISES VARY
TYPICALLY INCLUDE MENTAL
HEALTH, SUBSTANCE ABUSE OR
HOUSING CRISIS.
ONE CRISIS EXACERBATES ANOTHER.
THEY ARE STUCK IN A CYCLE.
THE
REALITY IS THAT BE DON'T
HAVE RESOURCES TO OFFER
ASSISTANCE NEEDED.
AS A CHRISTIAN PASTOR, MY FAITH
DEMANDS THAT I SEE THE IMAGE
OF GOD THERE MY FELLOW HUMAN
BEINGS, I AFFIRM THEIR DIGNITY
AND WORTH.
GOD'S CONCERN -- OUR
NEIGHBORS DESERVE A BUDGET
THAT PRIORITIZED COMMUNITY CARE.
THAT HE DESERVE ACCESS
TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING, MENTAL
HEALTH CARE AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE
CARE.
ESSENTIALS THAT CAN HELP
BREAK CYCLES OF CRISES.
BUDGETS ARE A MORAL
DOCUMENT THAT REFLECT OUR
CITY'S VALUES.
PLEASE SEE THE
DIGNITY -- [ NO AUDIO ]
>> THANK YOU.
GERALD.
COME ON UP.
>> GOOD AFTERNOON.
>> TAKE A SECOND. WE WILL HIT
THE START BUTTON.
MAKE SURE THE MICROPHONE IS NEAR
YOUR MOUTH.
THERE YOU ARE.
WELCOME.
>> THANK YOU.
GOOD AFTERNOON.
I'M HERE TO ADVOCATE FOR
INCREASED FUNDING FOR THE MEALS
PROGRAM.
IN MY CAPACITY AS A
VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR AT OSL
SERVES,
EACH DAY WE PREPARE HOT,
NUTRITIOUS MEALS FOR SEATTLE'S
MOST
VULNERABLE.
HUNDREDS COME THROUGH OUR
DOORS EVERY MONTH.
MANY ARE STUDENTS EARNING
THEIR COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS SO
THEY
CAN GRADUATE.
WE PREPARE ABOUT 6,000 MEALS A
DAY FOR TRANSITIONAL
HOUSING, PERMANENT SUPPORTIVE
HOUSING
AND TINY HOME VILLAGES ACROSS
THE
CITY.
EACH MEAL IS MADE WITH INTENTION
AND COMPASSION.
A SMALL ACT OF COMFORT
FOR SOMEONE IN DISTRESS.
THIS IS AN IMPACT SERVICE
THAT CHANGES BOTH LIVES AND
BUILDS
COMPASSION THAT KEEPS SEATTLE
STRONG.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU.
UP NEXT, THE ONE, THE
ONLY,
JUDITH.
>> HELLO, NEIGHBOR.
>> HELLO.
HOLD ON. PULL THAT MICROPHONE
CLOSER.
THERE IT S. THANK YOU.
>> I'M NUMBER 28.
GOOD EVENING.
I'M A NORTH BALLARD RESIDENT.
I STARTED OUT SERVING
OATMEAL BUT WAS MOVED TO TABLE
SITTING.
I WAS ASKED A FEW MONTHS AGO
BY A HOMELESS FELLOW BREAKFASTER
WHY I EAT THERE
WHEN I COULD GO TO A REAL
RESTAURANT.
IT'S TRUE.
NO LATTES BUT IMMEDIATELY
THE TRUTH BOUNCED OUT.
BECAUSE I REALIZED I'M PART OF A
COMMUNITY HERE.
THE REST OF THE SOMEWHAT
MOTLEY DINERS SMILED.
I ADDED, YOU GUYS KNOW AS
WELL AS I DO THE KINDNESS HERE
AND
HOW REALLY EXCELLENT THE FOOD
IS.
THERE'S RESPECT HERE.
EVERYONE AGREED.
SOME LOUDLY.
THEY DID BECAUSE BOTH REASONS
ARE SO TRUE.
THE COMMUNITY AND THE FOOD.
WE FEEL FORTUNATE TO HAVE THIS
AMAZING PLACE IN OUR COMMUNITY.
IT NEEDS YOUR HELP TO
CONTINUE IN THIS VERY DIFFICULT
TIME
WHEN
MORE AND MORE PEOPLE ARE
STRUGGLING.
I HAVE SO
MANY STORIES TO SHARE. THANK
YOU.
>> THANK YOU.
UP
NEXT IS --
>> DEMOTRIS.
GOOD EVENING.
I AM A COMMUNITY ORGANIZER
FOR THE CHURCH COUNCIL OF
GREATER
SEATTLE.
I'M A FOURTH GENERATION
RESIDENT OF DISTRICT 3.
A PROJECT OF THE CENTRAL
DISTRICT, GARFIELD HIGH
SCHOOL AND FIRST AME CHURCH.
AS A PEOPLE OF FAITH WE
BELIEVE THAT A BUDGET IS A MORAL
DOCUMENT. IT REVEALS WHAT WE
VALUE.
RIGHT NOW, SEATTLE IS AT A
CROSSROADS.
WILL WE POUR MILLIONS INTO
SURVEILLANCE AND OLICING?
WILL
WE INVEST IN SAFETY THAT WORK?
WE SEND A MESSAGE THAT FEAR
DRIVES OUR PRIORITIES AND NOT
COMPASSION.
OUR NEIGHBORS DON'T NEED MORE
CAMERAS OR MORE PATROLS IN
THEIR
NEIGHBORHOODS. THEY NEED
STABILIZE HOUSING,
HEALTH CARE AND WORK.
THE FAITH COMMUNITIES
I ORGANIZED
ALREADY STEPPING IN WHERE OUR
BUDGET FALLS SHORT.
OPENING SHELTER,
FEEDING FAMILIES AND CARING FOR
THOSE
LEFT BEHIND.
CHARITY IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR
JUSTICE.
WE URGE THE COUNCIL TO DIVEST
FROM SURVEILLANCE
AND INVEST -- [ NO AUDIO ]
>> THANK YOU, MY FRIEND.
UP NEXT IS --
>> WE ARE MISSING 30.
>> JULIA.
WE ARE DOING OUR BEST UP HERE.
TAKE IT AWAY. THANK YOU.
>> I'M GOING OFF SCRIPT HERE.
IT'S NOT OFTEN I COME TO
CITY HALL AND THINK, I'M GOING
TO
GET INSPIRED TODAY.
BUT THAT'S WHAT HAS HAPPENED.
LISTENING TO THESE
STORIES, THESE SUCCESS STORIES
OF
LEAD
AND CO-LEAD IS BRINGING ME TO
TEARS.
THIS IS TRULY GOVERNMENT AT
ITS BEST.
THIS IS WHAT YOU ARE DOING.
THANK YOU AND THANK YOU TO
ALL OF THE LEAD AND CO- LEAD
FOLKS THAT SHARE THEIR DEEPLY
PERSONAL
AND INSPIRING STORIES.
I DON'T GET TO SEE THAT OFTEN.
I LIVE AT THIRD PIKE
PINE. WE ARE AT THE OTHER END OF
THE
SPECTRUM.
ONE OF THE THING IZ LOVED ABOUT
WHAT I WAS HEARING WITH THE
STORIES TODAY IS THERE'S
THIS THEME
OF CONTINUUM OF CARE THAT'S
NEEDED, CONTINUUM
OF HOUSING NEEDED.
WE'RE AT
THE BEGINNING OF THE FUNNEL, IF
YOU WANT TO SAY.
LEAD FUNDING IS
EQUALLY IMPORTANT FOR
THAT. CONTRACTORS LIKE WE
DELIVER CARE
ARE WORKING TO CONNECT
FOLKS WITH THESE SERVICES SO
THEY CAN
TRANSFORM THEIR LIVES AS WELL.
WE ASK YOU
TO CONTINUE AND EVEN EXPAND THAT
FUNDING.
>> THANK YOU.
TECHNICALLY, WHAT I HAVE NEXT --
THAT WAS 31,
32 IS LILY.
>> GO BY NAMES.
NUMBERS MIGHT BE OFF.
>> I AM SHOWING -- FOLKS, I'M
SORRY. WE IMPLEMENTED A NEW
SYSTEM TONIGHT WHERE WE THOUGHT
SIGN-
IN WOULD
GO SMOOTHER. IT'S MAKE ING MORE
PROBLEMS.
WE HAD 31.
WE'RE GOING TO DO NUMBERS.
32.
IF YOU
CAN SAY YOUR NAME SO WE CAN
CHECK IT OFF.
THANK YOU.
>> GOOD EVENING, COUNCILMEMBERS.
MY NAME IS LESLIE.
I WORK IN DISTRICT 2.
I'M THE YOUTH
DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
AT ASIAN COUNSELING AND REFERRAL
SERVICE.
OUR ORGANIZATION IS A PART
OF THE COALITION ENDING
GENDER- BASED VIOLENCE.
I'M HERE TO SUPPORT GEND
ARE-BASED VIE LENLT PRAKS
BEING FUNDED BY THE PUBLIC
SAFETY SALES
TAX. THIS WORK IS VERY IMPORTANT
TO ME
BECAUSE I AM A SURVIVOR MYSELF.
OUR TEAM AND YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
PROVIDES SEX YOU'LL ASSAULT AND
DOMESTIC PREVENTION SYSTEMS
TO VULNERABLE YOUTH AND FUNDING
FROM THE PUBLIC SAFETY SALES
TAX CAN PREVENT FURTHER
VIOLENCE AGAINST OUR COMMUNITIES
BY PROVIDING EDUCATION TO YOUTH
NOW.
THE YOUTH WE SERVE ARE
VULNERABLE, IMMIGRANTS,
REFUGEES, ASIAN AND L GBTG.
THEY LEARN ABOUT TOPICS SUCH AS
HEALTHY
RELATIONSHIPS, DATING VIOLENCE,
COMMUNICATION
STILLS, ADVOCATING FOR
THEMSELVES,
GROOMING BEHAVIOR WHILE
BUILDING
POSITIVE IDENTITY AND BELONGING
AND COMMUNITY.
WE ARE PROUD TO BE A PART OF
ENDING GENDER- BASED VIOLENCE.
SUPPORT GENDER- BASED
VIOLENCE PROGRAMS BEING FUNDED
BY THE
PUBLIC -- [ NO AUDIO ]
>> THANK YOU.
WITH THAT, WE HAVE 33.
>> I'M DWIGHT.
I'M HERE TO SUPPORT LEE.
ONE OF THE BIGGEST IMPACTS I SEE
LEE DO OFTEN IS THEY
COLLABORATE WITH ALL THE OTHER
AGENCIES WEEKLY
ZOOM MEETING THAT WE ALL JOIN.
WE COLLABORATE TOGETHER.
WE SHARE THOUGHTS, CONCERNS.
WHAT WE ARE WORKING ON TO
IMPROVE DOWNTOWN.
THE BIGGEST IMPACT THAT LEAD
HAS HAD ON ME IS I WAS
CHRONICALLY HOMELESS FOR 20 PLUS
YEARS.
TRIED MANY DIFFERENT WAYS.
TO GET ON A
DIFFERENT PATH. NOTHING WORKED.
I LOST HOPE.
I GAVE UP ON MYSELF.
THEY WERE THE FIRST AGENCY
THAT CAME TO ME, TREATED ME LIKE
A HUMAN BEING, CALLED ME BY MY
NAME.
BROUGHT BACK HOPE. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU, DWIGHT.
UP NEXT IS 34.
PLEASE DON'T FORGET TO
TO STATE YOUR NAME LIKE DWIGHT
DID.
>> MY NAME IS NATHAN BROWN.
GOOD AFTERNOON.
I WORK AT THE LOW INCOME
HOUSING
INSTITUTE, WHICH PROVIDES
AFFORDABLE SUPPORTING
HOUSING ACROSS SEATTLE.
I'M HERE TO URGE YOU TO
APPROVE AN ADDITIONAL $10
MILLION
IN RENTAL ASSISTANCE, BRINGING
IT
TO $21 MILLION WITH
FUNDING DIRECTED TO THE
OFFICE OF
HOUSING AND LOW INCOME
PROVIDERS.
THE $11 MILLION ALLOCATED IS
A STRONG START.
THOSE FUNDS HAVE NOT REACHED
THE PROVIDERS WORKING WITH
TENANTS
AT MOST RISK OF EVICTION.
WE ARE SEEING SENIORS,
FAMILIES AND PEOPLES WITH
DISABILITIES STRUGGLING TO STAY
CURRENT ON
RENT.
WITHOUT ASSISTANCE,
PROVIDERS ARE ABSORBING ARREARS
THAT
JEOPARDIZE BUILDING OPERATIONS
AND HOUSING STABILITY.
THIS $21 MILLION
INVESTMENT ADMINISTERED THROUGH
THE OFFICE
OF HOUSING AND DIRECTED
TO PROVIDERS WILL PREVENT
EVICTION, KEEP THOUSANDS SAFELY
HOUSED.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMMITMENT TO
ESSENTIAL WORK.
>> THANK YOU.
UP NEXT IS 35.
MR. SAM WOLF.
I CAN RECOGNIZE THAT FACE.
>> HI.
MY NAME IS SAM
WOLF. I WORK FOR THE LEAD
PROGRAM.
LEAD'S PURPOSE IS TO WRAP
AROUND PEOPLE WHOSE STABILITY
HAS
BEEN OCCLUDED BY POVERTY,
SUBSTANCE
USE DISORDER AND/OR MENTAL
HEALTH.
THE KEY TO OUR SUCCESS IS
COLLABORATION.
FOR YEARS NOW IN THE DISTRICT
AND BALLARD
NEIGHBORHOOD, WE HAVE BEEN
COORDINATING WITH THE
BIA AMBASSADORS, REACH OUTREACH,
DESC HOST AND A NUMBER OF OTHER
PARTNERS.
THE GOAL IS TO WRAP AROUND
AND SUPPORT INDIVIDUALS
IDENTIFIED BY THE
COMMUNITY AS BEING PARTICULARLY
VULNERABLE OR
IMPACTFUL.
THE NEIGHBORHOOD HAS SEEN
GAINS FROM THE
COLLABORATION HAPPENING BETWEEN
ALL OF THESE PARTNERS.
IT'S BECAUSE OF THE HIGH LEVEL
OF EFFICIENCY AND PARTNERSHIP
WE CREATED TOGETHER.
I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE
YOU DISTRICT PARTNERSHIP,
BALLARD ALLIANCE AND
COUNCILMEMBER
STRAUSS AND ASK YOU TO SUPPORT
WHAT MAKES THIS POSSIBLE. THANK
YOU.
>> THANK YOU.
UP NEXT IS 36.
>> GOOD EVENING. MY NAME IS
ALLEN LAPINE.
I'M A MEMBER OF TENT CITY 3.
DE- FUNDING THE HOMELESS
OUTREACH PROGRAMS WILL KILL
PEOPLE.
186 UNSHELTERED HOMELESS
PEOPLE HAVE
DIED THIS YEAR. 186.
IT'S THE BEGINNING OF OCTOBER.
IT'S ONLY GOING TO GET WORSE.
RIGHT NOW, SEATTLE COULD LOSE
200 MORE SHELTER BEDS IN
THE NEXT TWO MONTHS BECAUSE
TENT CITY 3 HAS A DEADLINE OF
OCTOBER 25th.
TENT CITY 4 HAS A DEADLINE OF
NOVEMBER 15th WHERE WE HAVE TO
MOVE.
WE HAVE NO PLACE TO GO.
WE THOUGHT WE WERE GETTING
A
LONGER CONTRACT WHERE WE WERE
STAYING. THAT'S NOT THE CASE.
WE NEED A HOST SITE.
HELP US BY BEING OUR EYES
AND EARS AND BY HELPING ANY SITE
IDEAS, PROSPECTS OR CONTACTS.
IF YOU KNOW ANYBODY OR ANYPLACE,
GIVE THEM THE INFORMATION.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU.
UP NEXT WE HAVE 36.
AM I CORRECT?
ARE YOU 35?
>> 37.
>> TAKE IT AWAY.
>> GOOD EVENING.
MY NAME IS JASON AUSTIN,
PROGRAM DIRECTOR AT THE
MEALS PARTNERSHIP COALITION.
I WANT TO THANK THE MAYOR FOR
INCREASING FUNDING IN HIS
BUDGET AND THANK COUNCILMEMBER
HOLLINGS
DID THE WORTH FOR CHAMPIONING
A LARGER
INVESTMENT. THE 50 MEMBERS OF
THE COALITION
ARE THE FRONT LINE OF
DEFENSE AGAINST HUNGER IN
SEATTLE.
OUR MEMBERS INCLUDE
THE SOUTHEAST SENIOR CENTER WHO
RELY
ON US AS THEIR SOURCE OF
MEAT AND FRESH PRODUCE FOR THEIR
MEAL PROGRAM.
ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE CITY,
AURORA COMMONS HAS REPORTED A
STAGGERING
140% INCREASE IN DEMAND AT THEIR
MEAL PROGRAM.
I CAN GO ON.
EVERY SINGLE NEIGHBORHOOD IN
THE CITY OF SEATTLE CONTAINS
AT LEAST ONE OF OUR
COALITION MEMBERS WHO IS
STRUGGLING
TO MAINTAIN SERVICES AS BOTH
HUNGER AND THE PRICE OF FOOD
CONTINUE
TO SKYROCKET.
THANK THE COUNCIL FOR
INVESTING IN MEAL PROGRAMS.
URGE THE COUNCIL TO SUPPORT
THE INVESTMENTS IN THE FINAL
BUDGET.
>> THANK YOU.
WHAT I HAVE LEFT ON THIS LIST IS
JOY FOLLOWED BY JARVIS AND LILY.
I HAD YOU DOWN AT 32.
I'M GOING TO CALL
YOU AFTER JARVIS.
JOY?
WELCOME AND THANK YOU FOR ALL
YOUR WORK ON OUR
WATERFRONT.
>> THANKS. GOOD AFTERNOON.
I'M JOY, PRESIDENT AND CEO
OF FRIENDS OF WATERFRONT PARK.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP
IN
ACTIVATING OUR DOWNTOWN AND
CREATING ACCESSIBLE AND
BEAUTIFUL WATERFRONT PARK.
IT HAS BEEN A HISTORIC SUMMER
TO OPEN A WORLD CLASS PARK IN
DOWNTOWN SEATTLE.
CREATE A GRAND
OPENING
CELEBRATION THAT REFLECT OURS
COMMUNITY.
NOW MORE THAN EVER WE NEED
TO MAKE SURE THIS WATERFRONT
IS
ACCESSIBLE TO LOCALS THROUGHOUT
OUR CITY.
THAT'S WHY I'M HERE TO ASK
YOU TO PROTECT $500,000 IN
THE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT
FOR SUPPORT FOR THE WATERFRONT
SHUTTLE.
THIS FUNDING KEEPS
THE SHUTTLE
FREQUENT AND ACCESSIBLE NEXT
SUMMER.
IT ALLOWS FRIENDS AND
OUR PARTNERS TO OPERATE A
SUMMER CONNECTOR BETWEEN LINK
LIGHT
RAIL, FERRY, THE SEATTLE CENTER.
RIDERSHIP GREW TO 66,000.
WE WOULD LIKE TO ASK YOU TO KEEP
THIS ALLOCATION AS THE COUNTY
IS INTERESTED IN A LONG-
TERM INVESTMENT IN CREATING AN
ACCESSIBLE WATERFRONT FOR ALL.
>> THANK YOU.
JARVIS, WELCOME. THEN LILY AFTER
YOU.
>> ALL RIGHT.
HELLO. MY NAME IS JARVIS
HENDERSON.
I'M WITH THE TUBMAN CENTER
FOR HEALTH AND FREE MAN.
THANK YOU
SO MUCH FOR YOUR
INVESTMENT.
WE ARE FIVE YEARS LATER.
WE ARE AT THE
CAPACITY TO TAKE IN 500
PATIENTS.
THE DEMAND, OF COURSE, IS MUCH
GREATER.
CURRENTLY, OUR PATIENTS
COME FROM SEVEN DIFFERENT
COUNTIES,
54 DIFFERENT ZIP CODES
AROUND KING COUNTY.
WE ARE LOOKING TO GO AHEAD
AND BREAK GROUND ON OUR
CAPITAL
PROJECT IN THE SOUTH END OF
SEATTLE.
WE WILL BUILD A NICE
BEAUTIFUL FACILITY THAT WILL BE
ABLE
TO
HELP US TO REACH AT LEAST
12,000.
WHAT OUR ASK IS, WE ARE
ASKING THAT WE ARE INCLUDED IN
THE BUDGET TO SUPPORT THE
CAPITAL
PROJECT. OUR SMALL COMMUNITY
PROJECT
IS CARRYING $6 MILLION IN COSTS.
THIS IS SIDEWALKS, WIDENING
STREETS.
WHATEVER IT IS THAT YOU DO,
JUST KNOW THAT PARTNERING WITH
US
AND CONTINUING TO SUPPORT US IS
AN
AMAZING THING.
WE APPRECIATE IT.
>> THANK YOU.
UP NEXT IS LILY HAYWARD.
I BELIEVE WE HAVE GOT EVERYONE
WHO IS BELOW THE NUMBER 40.
AFTER LILY GOES, IF YOUR
NUMBER IS BELOW 40, RAISE YOUR
HAND.
LILY, WELCOME.
>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH. GOOD
EVENING, EVERYONE.
HERE REPRESENTING THE
SEATTLE METRO CHAMBER OF
COMMERCE.
WE RELEASED
OUR LATEST VERSION OF THE INDEX
POLLING TODAY.
IT TOLD US THAT
VOTERS' PRIORITIES ARE
HOMELESSNESS, PUBLIC SAFETY,
AFFORDABLIBILITY.
WE WANT TO THANK THE
EXICCIVE FOR PUTTING FORWARD
A BUDGET THAT REFLECTS ALL OF
THE
PRIORITIES.
WE SEE THAT IN INVESTMENTS IN
EOD, THROUGH SMALL BUSINESS
FUNDS, THROUGH EXPANSION IN
THE CARE
CENTER AND PROGRAMS LIKE LEAD
AND CO-LEAD.
AS YOU DELIBERATE THIS BUDGET
SEASON, WE ASK YOU TO KEEP IN
MIND THAT SEATTLE'S CHAMPION
IS FRAGILE RIGHT NOW.
WE SEE THE OFFICE AND
RETAIL VACANCY
RATES ARE THE HIGHEST IN THE
COUNTRY.
THAT JOB GROWTH IS FLAT
AND SMALL BUSINESSES IN
PARTICULAR
ARE DEALING WITH RISING
COSTS,
ESPECIALLY AFTER THIS PAST
LEGISLATIVE SESSION.
THE BEST PATH TO LONG- TERM
REVENUE STABILITY IS
TO STRENGTHEN OUR LOCAL ECONOMY.
WE ASK YOU KEEP THAT IN
MIND THIS
>> THANK YOU, LILY. INTO THIS
NEXT SESSION I WILL JUST READ
OFF NAMES, WHAT I HAVE IS
JOSH ANDERSON, CHRISTOPHER,
CATHY CLAYTON, ARETHA TORRES,
NATHAN WALD, EDWARD KIRKLAND,
MATT, FOLLOWED BY HENRY ZANE AND
KIMBERELY BROWN. IF YOU HAVE NOT
HEARD YOUR NAME, AND YOU WANT TO
SIGN UP, YOU CAN SIGN UP OUTSIDE
. JUST AS A GAME UPDATE, WE ARE
IN BETWEEN THE BOTTOM AND TOP OF
THE SIXTH INNING, WE ARE UP 5.
WITH THAT, WE WELCOME JOSH.
>> THANK YOU FOR THE UPDATE.
GOOD EVENING, I AM JOSH
ANDERSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF
THE CENTER FOR BOATS IN THE
KENYAN PARK AND DIRECTOR OF THE
SOUTH LAKE UNION COMMUNITY
COUNCIL, WHERE I SERVE WITH
SEVERAL GROUPS FOR THE PARKS
ACTIVATION AND RESTORATION. I AM
HERE TO ASK FOR CITY FUNDING TO
ENHANCE UNION PARK. THE PARK
SERVICE CITY RESIDENTS AND
CAMPUS VISITORS. IT OFFERS
EXTENSIVE LAWNS, WATERFRONT
ACCESS, CULTURAL CELEBRATIONS,
AND CONNECTIONS TO OUR SHARED
MARITIME HERITAGE. WITH SEATTLE
HOSTING THE WORLD CUP WATCH
PARTIES IN 26 THIS IS OUR
OPPORTUNITIES TO SHOWCASE THE
PARK AT ITS BEST. THIS AND WILL
CATALYZE PRIVATE FUNDING AND
DEMONSTRATE COMMITMENT TO
WORLD-CLASS PUBLIC SPACES. CLEAR
IMPRUDENCE TO THE PARK AND I
URGE YOUR SUPPORT . THANK YOU.
>> WITH ONE AMERICA VOTES, WHAT
IS YOUR NAME?
>> HENRY.
>> HENRY, COME ON UP. SORRY, THE
WHOLE SIGN-UP SHEET GOT MESSED
UP. WE WILL DO THIS. THANK YOU.
>> HENRY, HERE WITH ONE AMERICA
VOTES. IMMIGRANTS IN SEATTLE
MAKE UP ONE IN FIVE AGRICULTURAL
WORKERS, ONE IN SIX CONSTRUCTION
WORKERS, ONE IN SEVEN
RESTAURANT, HOSPITALITY AND
RETAIL WORKERS. IN THE WAKE OF
CAPRICIOUS DETENTIONS AND
DEPORTATIONS FROM IMMIGRANTS, I
COMMEND THE CITY FOR ITS
ADDITIONAL INVESTMENT IN THE
OFFICE OF IMMIGRANT AND REFUGEE
AFFAIRS . THE IMMIGRANT
COMMUNITY IS AS DIVERSE AS THE
DOZENS OF LANGUAGES THEY SPEAK.
I URGE THE LIRA TO DIRECT
FUNDING AND FOCUS TO
COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS
AND SERVICE PROVIDERS WHO ARE
THE MOST CONNECTED AND BEST ABLE
TO SERVE THEIR RESPECTIVE
IMMIGRANT COMMITTEES. SECOND, I
HOPE THAT ADDITIONAL FUNDING
WILL BE RENEWED YEAR AFTER YEAR
BECAUSE UNDERLYING SYSTEMIC
PROGRESS PROBLEMS TARGETING THE
IMMIGRANT TRINITY WILL NOT GO
AWAY AT THE END OF THIS FISCAL
YEAR. I HOPE THAT SEATTLE WILL
CONTINUE IN ADDRESSING ACCESS TO
HEALTHCARE, LANGUAGE SERVICES,
AND JOB TRAINING, AND ESPECIALLY
LEGAL SERVICES AND PROTECTIONS
FOR IMMIGRANTS. THANK YOU FOR
YOUR COMMITMENT TO KEEPING OUR
CITY A WELCOMING PLACE TO
ANYONE, REGARDLESS OF NATIONAL
ORIGIN.
>> THANK YOU. CHRISTOPHER? AND
THEN, KIMBERELY BROWN, CAN YOU
RAISE YOUR HAND ? YOU WILL GO
RIGHT AFTER CHRISTOPHER. THANK
YOU.
>> THANK YOU COUNCIL MEMBERS. MY
NAME IS KRISTA FOR, AND A SENIOR
PROJECT MANAGER WITH THE LEAD
PROGRAM FOR MYSTERY DIFFICULT
CLIMATE AND THE NEED TO JUSTIFY
LIMITED RESOURCES. SINCE 2011,
IF YOU ARE DATA-DRIVEN, THE
EFFICACY THERE IS OUT IN THE
NUMBERS. 50th% REDUCTION IN
RECIDIVISM, LOWER ABS OF
RESUMING INCARCERATION, AND
$2100 OF COST SAVINGS TO THE
LEGAL SYSTEM. PREFER YOUR
HEARTSTRINGS TUGGED? THERE ARE
HUNDREDS OF SUCCESS STORIES OF
PEOPLE BEING HOUSED, PEOPLE
REUNITED WITH FAMILIES, AND
PEOPLE MOVING FROM SURVIVING TO
THRIVING. IN THE NORTH PRECINCT,
WE ARE WORKING WITH HOST, THE
DOLLARD ALLIANCE, AND THE
SEATTLE CITY PARTNERSHIP TO
BUILD THE FRAME WORK. WITH THE
SUPPORT OF COUNCIL MEMBER STRESS
AND OTHER CITY LEADERS, THIS
MODEL HAS HAD A SUSTAINED
POSITIVE IMPACT ON THE DISTRICT.
SEATTLE'S 2026 BUDGET NEEDS
INCREASED FUNDING FOR L.E.A.D. .
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND
CONSIDERATION.
>> THANK YOU. KIMBERELY BROWN,
WELCOME, HOW ARE YOU?
>> THANK YOU. I WOULD LIKE TO
SAY THAT WHEN YOU CONSIDER THESE
BUDGETS, TO KEEP IN MIND, MY
NAME IS KIM BROWN, I WORK WITH
THE SEATTLE INDIAN HEALTH BOARD,
A SUBSTANCES PROGRAM, DIRECTOR
FOR OUR PROGRAMS, I AM ALSO IN
RECOVERY FOR 30 YEARS, SO I KNOW
THAT LIES CAN BE TRANSFORMED,
AND I BELIEVE IN WHAT I DO. WHEN
I WAS GOING TO SCHOOL FOR THIS,
I DID OUTREACH INTO THE
COMMUNITY, AND I WENT INTO A
HOMELESS CAMP, AND THE YOUNGEST
MEMBER OF THAT CAMP WAS EIGHT
MONTHS OLD. WHEN I WENT BACK TO
SCHOOL, I WAS TALKING WITH OUR
ECONOMICS PROFESSOR, TOLD HIM,
THE YOUNGEST MEMBER WAS EIGHT
MONTHS OLD AND IS HOMELESS CAMP
AND HE SAID THEY WERE
RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT HAPPENED. I
DON'T UNDERSTAND TODAY WHY THAT
COMMENT WAS MADE BECAUSE I
DON'T THINK ANYONE DESERVES
THAT I WOULD ALSO LIKE TO THINK
THAT EVERYBODY IN THIS ROOM
WOULD NOT LIKE TO SEE AN
8-MONTH-OLD OF THEIR FAMILY
MEMBERS BEING A HOMELESS CAMP. I
THINK WE NEED TO ALL LOOK AT
WHAT WE HAVE CONTROL OF, AND WHO
WE CAN HELP.
>> THANK YOU. UP NEXT, IS CASSIE
CLAYTON. IS THAT CORRECT?
>> NUMBER 45, THANK YOU. I AM
CASSIE, I AM NEW IN DISTRICT 7.
WHEN I WAS 17, I SOLD MY BODY TO
UNCLE SAM FOR FOOD, SHELTER, AND
A PATHWAY TO EDUCATION. SEX WORK
WAS NOT AVAILABLE TO ME IN RURAL
KENTUCKY, BUT IT IS THE SAME
CHOICE. IT IS SURVIVAL WITHOUT
RESOURCES . SO, I DID GET A
MASTERS DEGREE IN DATA,
ANALYTICS, RESEARCH, AND THE
STUDIES SHOW US THAT PUBLIC
SAFETY INCREASES WHEN MATERIAL
NEEDS ARE MET. THAT LOOKS LIKE
FOOD, THAT LOOKS LIKE HOUSING,
THAT IS EDUCATION, AND
MEDICATION. AND SO, WHEN WE ARE
TALKING ABOUT INVESTING ,
BUSINESS 101 SAYS PEOPLE WILL
INVEST MORE WHEN THEY SEE
VISIBLE VALUE. VISIBLE VALUE IS
FUNDING LIBRARIES, SHELTERS THAT
HAVE BEDS, THAT HAVE ADEQUATE
STAFF, IT IS FOOD PANTRIES THAT
HAVE AVAILABLE FOOD FOR PEOPLE
TO HAVE, AND WHAT I WOULD LIKE
TO ASK THE COUNCIL TO DO, IS TO
SUPPORT THE SOLIDARITY BUDGET ,
FOR THE COALITION THAT WAS TO
FUND PROGRESSIVE REVENUE SO THAT
WE CAN EXPAND TENANT SERVICES
AND FUND PEOPLE. THANK YOU SO
MUCH.
>> THANK YOU. UP NEXT IS MR AND
THE TORRES. GOOD TO SEE YOU.
>> I AM THE COEXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
-- WE REPRESENT OVER 30 MEMBER
PROGRAMS TO SUPPORT SURVIVORS OF
THE MYSTIC VIOLENCE, SEXUAL
ASSAULT AND TRAFFICKING. TODAY,
WE ARE RECOMMENDING THE COUNCIL
INCLUDE GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE IN
THIS BUDGET BY INVESTING 1
MILLION IN FUNDS TO THE PROPOSED
PUBLIC SAFETY SALES TAX. LOCAL
PROGRAMS PROVIDE LEGAL ADVOCACY,
ACCOMPANIMENT, TRAUMA INFORMED
MEDICAL CARE, SUPPORT GROUPS,
SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER SUPPORT,
AND MUCH MUCH MORE. THIS IS WHAT
I THINK OF WHEN I HEAR PUBLIC
SAFETY, AND I URGE YOU TO
INCLUDE THIS WORK IN THE BUDGET.
WE ALSO RECOMMEND INCLUDING
GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE IN THE HST
RESERVE FUND, WHICH IS MEANT TO
MITIGATE POTENTIAL FEDERAL CUTS.
WE BELIEVE THIS IS A NATURAL
FIT, GIVEN THE CURRENT LANDSCAPE
OF STATEWIDE VICTIMS OF CRIME
ACT CUTS, FEDERAL FUNDING
INCLUSIONS, AND THE OVERT SEXISM
THAT WE ARE WITNESSING, BUT HAVE
THE MOST SEVERE CONSEQUENCES ON
VICTIMS AND SURVIVORS. IS THE
HARD WORK OF BUDGET
DELIBERATIONS BEGIN I LOOK
FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU,
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.
>> THANK YOU. THANK YOU FOR WHAT
YOU DO FOR OUR CITY. UP NEXT IS
NATHAN WALL, FOLLOWED BY HEATHER
KIRKLAND AND THEN MATT OFTEN
BACKER.
>> I WENT TO ECHO THE WORDS OF
THE WOMAN WHO CAME BEFORE ME. I
DON'T KNOW IF I COULD HAVE SAID
IT BETTER MYSELF, BUT I DO WANT
TO TALK A BIT ABOUT PRIORITIES.
I THINK BUDGET ABSOLUTELY
REFLECT PRIORITIES. IT IS A
MORAL DOCUMENT AND I WOULD LIKE
TO SEE MORE FUNDING FOR
COMMUNITY SERVICES, MORE FUNDING
FOR YOUTH PROGRAMS. AS A HOLLY
PARK RESIDENT I CAN SAY THAT A
LOT OF THE DANGEROUS BEHAVIOR WE
CAN SEE KIDS ENGAGING IN I
DON'T THINK WHEN THEY WOULD B█E
ENGAGING IN IF THEY HAVE THINGS
TO DO. NO IF YOU HAVE BEEN TO
HOLLY PARK BUT THERE IS NOTHING
TO DO IN HOLLY PARK. I WANT MORE
TO DO, BECAUSE IT IS A BEAUTIFUL
NEIGHBORHOOD. I JUST DON'T ASK,
WE SHOULD NOT BE SPENDING MONEY
ON EXPANDING SURVEILLANCE
PROGRAMS, WE SHOULD NOT BE
SPENDING MONEY ON ATTACKING
KIRBY. AND I ALSO WANT TO KNOW
THAT WE ARE NOT GOING TO ATTACK
OUR ADI FUNDING AGAIN. IT ISN'T
NECESSARY , DURING TRUMP'S
ADMINISTERED ASIAN. BUDGETS ARE
MORAL DOCUMENTS, THINK ABOUT HOW
IT REFLECTS ON YOUR MORALS.
>> THANK YOU. OF NEXT -- UNLESS
HEATHER KIRKLAND ALREADY WENT?
GREAT LESSENING. KIRKLAND WAS
FOUND BEFORE BELLEVUE, JUST
SAYING. ALL RIGHT, WITH THAT,
MATT, WELCOME.
>> THANKS, I COUNCIL MEMBERS.
THIS MORNING, I SAW 100 BIRDS
CROWS CHASING A HAWK WITH A
MOUSE. -- THEY DON'T NEED
HELICOPTERS OR SURVEILLANCE
TECH, WE JUST NEED TO FIGURE OUT
WHERE THEIR INTERESTS OVERLAP
WITH OUR INTERESTS, AND THAT
SHOULD NOT BE A PROBLEM AS WE
ALL KNOW THAT THE MAYOR IS AN
EXCELLENT NEGOTIATOR. SO, ONCE
WE HAVE THIS ARRANGED, YOU CAN
DO WHAT OBVIOUSLY NEEDS TO BE
DONE, WHICH IS TO DRAW DOWN THE
GROSSLY OVERSTUFFED POLICE
BUDGET. YOU MIGHT BE THINKING,
THIS IS AN ABSURD FAIRYTALE,
HOWEVER, THIS PLAN IS MORE
LIKELY TO KEEP US SAFE THAN THE
ONE THAT YOU HAVE BEEN
CONSIDERING FROM THE MAYOR'S
BUDGET. UNLIKE THE MAYOR'S
BUDGET PLAN, THIS WILL FREE UP
DESPERATELY NEEDED FUNDING ,
ENCOURAGE SAFETY AND KNOWLEDGE
THE COMMON SENSE THAT THE POLICE
SHOULD NOT BE DOING ANY OF THE
THINGS THAT THEY CURRENTLY DO.
THANK YOU, COUNSEL.
>> WITH THAT, PUBLIC COMMENT
PERIOD IS STILL OPEN FOR
REGISTRANTS, BUT I AM NOT SEEING
ANYONE HERE WHO HAS NOT ALREADY
SPOKEN, WHO WANTS TO SIGN UP. DO
EITHER OF YOU ALL WANT TO SPEAK?
THAT'S ALL RIGHT. UNDERSTAND,
NOW IS THE TIME IF YOU DO. WITH
THAT, IF WE HAVE NO MORE PUBLIC
COMMENT REGISTRANTS , THAT WILL
BE THE END OF THIS PUBLIC
HEARING. I CAN TELL YOU, OFF THE
BAT, ONE MINUTE WILL NOT BE LONG
ENOUGH WHEN WE DO THIS AGAIN, SO
THAT IS JUST OFF THE BAT, BUT WE
ALSO EXPECT FOUR TIMES THE
AMOUNT OF PEOPLE TODAY. I WILL
BLAME IT ON THE MARINERS GAME,
CURRENTLY THE TOP OF THE
SEVENTH, 5 FOR US AND 1 FOR THE
OTHER TEAM. I REALLY WANT TO
THANK YOU ALL FOR COMING OUT
HERE, TONIGHT. OUR NEXT MEETING
IS TOMORROW. I WILL HAVE TO LOOK
UP THAT DATE , BUT OUR NEXT
MEETING IS TOMORROW, WE DO
ACCEPT PUBLIC COMMENT, AND
COLLEAGUES, WE WILL BE VOTING
THE PUBLIC SALES -- PUBLIC
SAFETY SALES TAX OUT OF
COMMITTEE TOMORROW. IT WILL BE
UP FOR A VOTE. SO, I KNOW THAT
IS A LITTLE OUT OF SEQUENCE FOR
THE OTHER FIVE PIECES OF BUDGET
LEGISLATION THAT WE HAVE , AND
WE WILL, AGAIN, BE TAKING VERBAL
PUBLIC COMMENT AT THE BEGINNING
OF EACH SECTION OF THE BUDGET,
SO THE NEXT SECTION IS CENTRAL
STAFF I.D., WE HAVE VERBAL
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD AT THE END
OF THAT, AS WELL AS THE
COUNCILMEMBER BUDGET PROPOSALS.
WITH THAT, IF THERE IS NO
FURTHER BUSINESS TO COME, FOR
THE COMMITTEE, I AM SEEING THEM,
THE OCTOBER 7th, 2025 SELECT
BUDGET COMMITTEE PUBLIC HEARING
WILL ADJOURN. THANK YOU. WE