THE SELECT BUDGET COMMITTEE
MEETING WILL COME TO ORDER AT
1:03.
I'M DAN STRAUSS. COUNCILMEMBER
JUAREZ IS EXCUSED.
>> COUNCILMEMBER SOLOMON.
>> HERE.
>>
COUNCILMEMBER HOLLINGSWORTH.
>> PRESENT.
>> COUNCILMEMBER KETTLE.
>> HERE.
>> COUNCIL PRESIDENT NELSON.
COUNCILMEMBER RINCK.
COUNCILMEMBER RIVERA.
>> PRESENT.
>> COUNCILMEMBER SAKA.
>>
HERE.
>> AND CHAIR STRAUSS.
>> PRESENT.
>> SIX PRESENT.
>> THANK YOU.
ON TODAY'S AGENDA WE HAVE
THE PUBLIC -- TWO PUBLIC
HEARINGS, ONE FOR COUNCIL BILL
121092 FOR
THE TRANSFER OF
MAJOR INSTITUTIONS AND SCHOOLS
PROGRAM WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT ON
THE
OVERALL CITY BUDGET.
THERE'S NO OBJECTION, THE
AGENDA WILL BE ADOPTED.
HEARING NO OBJECTION, THE
AGENDA IS ADOPTED.
FOR FOLKS WHO HAVE SIGNED UP
FOR THE PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD,
IT'S MY UNDERSTANDING THAT A
MISTAKE O█CCURRED THAT IS BEING
FIXED RIGHT NOW, AND SO
THE INFORMATION THAT WAS SENT IN
THE ORIGINAL CONFIRMATION EMAIL
WAS
INCORRECT.
YOU SHOULD HAVE RECEIVED AN
ADDITIONAL EMAIL IN THE
LAST FIVE MINUTES WITH CORRECT
CALL- IN INFORMATION.
I'M SEEING THAT HAS
WORKED BECAUSE WE'RE NOW HAVING
MORE
PEOPLE SHOWING AS PRESENT
THAN AS NOT PRESENT.
SO PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL
RIGHT NOW.
YOU WILL HAVE
UPDATED INFORMATION HOW TO CALL
IN.
I'M GOING TO GIVE A LITTLE BIT
OF STALLING RIGHT NOW TO EXPLAIN
HOW THINGS ARE GOING TO WORK
TODAY.
AND THEN WE'LL COME BACK
TO MAKING SURE EVERYONE IS
AS PRESENT AS POSSIBLE.
THIS PUBLIC HEARING WILL FOLLOW
A SIMILAR FORMAT TO THE
PREVIOUS BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING
ON
OCTOBER 7th.
WE'LL HAVE FIRST THE MAJOR
INSTITUTIONS PUBLIC HEARING
AND THEN WE WILL CLOSE THAT
AND WE WILL OPEN THE PUBLIC
HEARING ON
THE BUDGET.
SO ANYONE CAN SIGN UP
BETWEEN NOW AND 3:00 P.M.
REGISTRATION FOR THE VIRTUAL
PUBLIC COMMENT WILL END AT
3:00 AND WE WILL CONTINUE
MEETING UNTIL WE HAVE GOTTEN
THROUGH
EVERYONE. IN THE 4:00 HOUR WE'LL
TAKE
A RECESS AND THEN AT 5:00 P.M.
WE
WILL BEGIN WITH IN- PERSON
PUBLIC
COMMENT. IF THERE'S STILL
VIRTUAL
PUBLIC COMMENT FOR US TO TAKE,
WE
WILL BE SWITCHING BACK AND FORTH
AND WE'LL ADDRESS THATTHAT AT
THAT TIME.
SO IF COMMENTERS WHO HAVE
CALLED IN ARE STILL WAITING TO
SPEAK
AT 5:00, WE WILL ALTERNATE
BETWEEN
REMOTE AND IN- PERSON
PUBLIC COMMENTERS STARTING AT
5:00 P.M.
REGARDLESS, IF YOU ARE REMOTE
OR IN PERSON, YOU WILL RECEIVE
1:30, 90 SECONDS, AND WHEN
10 SECONDS ARE LEFT, YOU WILL
HEAR
A
CHIME. SO DURING OUR IN- PERSON
PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD IF YOU ARE
PART OF A GROUP OF THREE OR
MORE, YOU WILL GET 4:30 WHICH
EQUALS
THE SAME NUMBER -- THE SAME
AMOUNT OF TIME AS FOR THREE,
SO GROUPS -- SORRY, GROUPS OF
THREE
OR MORE WILL RECEIVE 4:30, BUT
THAT'S JUST FOR THE IN-PERSON.
IF YOU'RE ABLE TO FIGURE IT OUT
ONLINE, IT MIGHT CREATE SOME
HAVOC, BUT WE'LL MAKE SURE TO
DO
OUR BEST TO MEET YOUR NEEDS.
YOU ARE ONLY ABLE TO PROVIDE
PUBLIC COMMENT IN EITHER
VIRTUAL OR IN PERSON NOT IN
BOTH.
YOU ARE ABLE TO BE PART OF
A GROUP OR AS AN INDIVIDUAL
BUT NOT BOTH.
YOU CANNOT JOIN MULTIPLE
GROUPS. THOSE ARE THE
GUIDELINES.
WE'RE GOING TO BE HERE UNTIL
WE ARE DONE, SO FOR THE PEOPLE
ATTENDING IN PERSON TONIGHT, YOU
CAN RECEIVE A REDUCED
PARKING RATE OF $8 AT THE C
PARK GARAGE STARTING AT 4:30
P.M.
WITH THAT, WE ARE GOING TO
MOVE RIGHT INTO PUBLIC COMMENT.
I'M GOING TO FIRST READ
THE NAMES OF PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT
--
WELL, ACTUALLY -- FOR THOSE WHO
HAVE REGISTERED, PLEASE,
AGAIN, GO CHECK YOUR EMAILS.
WE'RE GOING TO FIRST
OPEN UP WITH THE MAJOR
INSTITUTIONS PUBLIC HEARING.
WE'LL CLOSE THAT AND THEN WE'LL
MOVE ON TO THE BUDGET PUBLIC
HEARING.
SO, WITH THAT, I SEE -- WILL THE
CLERK PLEASE READ ITEM NUMBER 1
INTO THE RECORD.
>> COUNCIL BILL 121092
RELATING TO THE ADMINISTRATION
OF
THE MAJOR INSTITUTIONS AND
SCHOOLS
PROGRAM,
TRANSFERRING ADMINISTRATION OF
MAJOR INSTITUTIONS AND SCHOOLS
PROGRAM FROM THE DEPARTMENT
OF NEIGHBORHOODS TO THE OFFICE
OF PLANNING
AND COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT FOR PUBLIC HEARING.
>> THANK YOU.
WE NOW HAVE THE PUBLIC HEARING
ON COUNCIL BILL 121092 OPEN.
I SEE, CLERK, THAT WE HAVE TWO
SPEAKERS SIGNED UP AND
I'M SEEING CONFIRMATION OF
THAT.
EACH SPEAKER WILL RECEIVE 90
SECONDS, A MINUTE AND A HALF.
10 SECONDS REMAINING, YOU'LL
HEAR A CHIME.
WITH THAT WE HAVE
COLLEEN McCLEAR AND THEN DARRYL
BIVENS.
COLLEEN, I
SEE YOU ARE HERE. STAR 6 TO
UNMUTE.
COLLEEN?
I SEE COLLEEN
IS OFF MUTE. GOOD AFTERNOON,
COLLEEN.
>> GOOD AFTERNOON, CITY COUNCIL.
GIVING PUBLIC COMMENT ON
THE MAJOR INSTITUTION TRANSFERS
FROM DEPARTMENT NEIGHBORHOODS
OVER
TO OFFICE OF PLANNING AND
DEVELOPMENT.
WE HAVE 2,400 RESIDENTS IN OUR
NEIGHBORHOOD, AND OUR
COMMUNITY BORDERS TWO OF THE
CITY'S MAJOR
INSTITUTIONS, BOTH
THE UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON AND
CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL, AND WE
HAVE BEEN DIRECTLY IMPACTED
WITH THEIR MULTIPLE EXPANSIONS
AND HAVE ALWAYS WORKED OUT A
GREAT
COMPROMISE.
WHILE THE CITY BUDGET FUNDING
CHANGES IT TO A NET ZERO,
THERE'S CONCERN
THAT MOVEMENT OVER TO OPCD
CREATES A
NEW SOURCE OF REVENUE FOR THEM
THAT
THEY CAN TAKE FROM THE
INSTITUTIONS, AND WE'RE A
LITTLE CONCERNED THAT IT MAY
BE CREATING A POTENTIAL CONFLICT
OF INTEREST BETWEEN THEIR
INTERESTS
AND THE NEIGHBORHOOD'S
INTERESTS WHO DO NOT TAKE FEES.
STATES THAT DO PERMIT
APPROPRIATE INSTITUTIONAL GROWTH
WHILE MINIMIZING THE ADVERSE
IMPACTS ASSOCIATED WITH
DEVELOPMENT AND BALANCE MAJOR
INSTITUTION'S ABILITY TO
CHANGE AND THE PUBLIC BENEFIT
DERIVED FROM THAT USED TO
PROTECT,
ALSO, THE LIVEABILITY AND
VIABILITY OF
THE ADJACENT NEIGHBORHOODS.
SO, FOR THE RECORD, WE
WANT TO BE SURE THE INTENT OF
THIS TRANSFER CONTINUES TO
BALANCE
INSTITUTIONAL GROWTH WITH
THE
EXISTING NEIGHBORHOOD'S
VIABILITY AND LIVEABILITY,
AND WE ASK THIS INTENT BE
INCLUDED IN THE
COUNCIL'S DISCUSSIONS AND
THE VOTE TODAY. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU, COLLEEN.
UP NEXT
IS MR. BIVENS. DARRYL BIVENS.
DARRYL,
I SEE YOU'RE HERE. STAR 6 TO
UNMUTE.
I SEE YOU'RE OFF MUTE.
>> HELLO.
YES, HI.
THANK YOU.
TODAY I WILL KEEP MY STATEMENT
BRIEF HERE.
I'M JUST HERE OF A NONPROFIT
ORGANIZATION THAT PROVIDES
SUPPORT TO SMALL BUSINESSES
THROUGH SUPPORT THAT WE
HAVE THROUGH PUBLIC SOURCES
TODAY --
>> HANG ON, DARRYL --
DARRYL --
>> YES, GO
AHEAD?
>> WE'RE GOING TO PAUSE REAL
QUICK. ARE YOU HERE TESTIFYING
ABOUT TRANSFERRING MAJOR
INSTITUTIONS FROM DEPARTMENT OF
NEIGHBORHOOD TO OFFICE OF
PLANNING AND
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT?
>> NO.
NO.
>> HANG TIGHT.
WE'RE GOING TO COME BACK TO
YOU.
WE'LL COME BACK TO YOU IN JUST
A FEW MINUTES.
IT'LL BE A LITTLE BIT
BECAUSE YOU ARE A LITTLE WAYS
DOWN THE
LIST.
SORRY.
>> THAT'S FINE.
>> THANK YOU.
CLERK, CAN YOU CONFIRM,
ARE THERE ANY OTHER PUBLIC
COMMENT REGISTRANTS FOR THE
MAJOR
INSTITUTIONS FOR PUBLIC HEARING?
>> NOT AT THIS MOMENT.
>> OKAY.
SO THEN WE ARE GOING TO
CLOSE THE PUBLIC -- WE'RE GOING
TO LEAVE THIS PUBLIC HEARING
OPEN
BUT TRANSFER TO THE NEXT ITEM
ON THE AGENDA.
CLERK, WILL YOU READ THE
SECOND ITEM INTO THE AGENDA.
>> PUBLIC HEARING ON THE
2026 PROPOSED BUDGET.
>> THANK YOU. INTO
THE VIRTUAL PUBLIC COMMENT
PERIOD ON
THE CITY BUDGET, AND I'M DOING
SOME QUICK MATH HERE.
WE HAVE 62 PEOPLE SIGNED UP.
WHICH MEANS THAT WE HAVE
ABOUT AN HOUR AND A HALF OF
PUBLIC
COMMENT, SO, WITH THAT, I
SEE MOST PEOPLE HAVE CALLED IN.
AGAIN, WE'LL HAVE RECEIVED AN
ADDITIONAL SINCE 1:00 P.M. ,
IN THE LAST 12 MINUTES.
I'M GOING TO -- I SEE
MORE PEOPLE ARE CALLING IN RIGHT
NOW.
ALEXANDRA JOHNSON, YOU'RE NOT
PRESENT. I'M GOING TO READ THE
NAME
OF THE PEOPLE WHO ARE NOT
PRESENT AND THEN WE'LL START AT
THE
TOP AND RUN THROUGH WITH
OUR BEAUTIFUL PUBLIC HEARING FOR
TODAY.
ALEXANDRA JOHNSON NOT PRESENT.
BRANDIE OSBORNE, KIRK ROBBINS,
JUSTIN, LISA KARL,
TIAB MOHAMED, ESTHER LUCERO,
OLLIE
GARRETT, JOE MALLOY, MICHAEL,
SHIRLEY
LING, STU HENNESSEY, SUSAN
GRANT, ALBERTO ALVAREZ, DAVID
HAYNES. IF YOU HEARD YOUR NAME
CALLED, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL
FOR AN
UPDATED CALL-IN NUMBER.
WITH THAT, WE ARE GOING TOTO
THROUGH THIS LIST AND HEAR FROM
EVERYONE.
WE'RE GOING TO START WITH
THE ORDER IN WHICH YOU
REGISTERED.
I WILL NOW READ THE FIRST
TEN NAMES AND WE'LL START
CYCLING THROUGH THERE.
WE'RE GOING TO START
WITH McKENZIE LOU, STEPHANIE,
RYAN, LOGAN SCHMIDT, ALEXANDRA
JOHNSON IS NOT PRESENT, GABRIEL
NEWMAN,
JANICE, OKASHA, THOSE ARE THE
FIRST TEN.
ALICE LOCKHART, YOU'RE RIGHT
BEHIND.
MACKENSIE, I SEE YOU'RE HERE.
YOU'RE ALREADY OFF MUTE.
THANK YOU FOR BEING PROMPT.
WELCOME TO
THE PUBLIC HEARING. OVER TO YOU.
>> HELLO, MY NAME IS McKENZIE
LOU, I'M A LEGAL
ASSISTANT AT THE HOUSING JUSTICE
PROJECT.
I URGE THE COUNCIL TO
REINSTATE ALL OF THE FUNDING FOR
TENANT SERVICES BY ADDING AT
LEAST
500,000 TO WHAT IS PROPOSED IN
THE CHAIR'S BALANCING PACKAGE.
THIS IS THE BARE MINIMUM OF
WHAT IS NEEDED TO PREVENT
FURTHER COLLAPSE OF
SERVICES. THE 2024 LEVEL ALONE
DOES
NOT PROVIDE THE CAPACITY NEEDED
TO MEET CURRENT DEMAND, AND I
ENCOURAGE DOUBLING THIS FUNDING
IN THE
FUTURE. I SUPPORT ALLOCATING 4
MILLION
FOR RENTAL ASSISTANCE.
FILINGS OF CASES HAVE
DOUBLED OVER THIS YEAR.
OUR OFFICE IN SEATTLE
SEES ANYWHERE FROM 10 TO 20
TENANTS
A DAY, MANY WHO ARE THE
MOST VULNERABLE TO EVICTION,
FAMILIES, SURVIVORS,
DISABLED, ELDERLY AND PEOPLE WHO
DO
NOT SPEAK ENGLISH.
WITHOUT A LAWYER IT IS
EXTREMELY EASY TO LOSE A COURT
CASE
FOR EVICTION AND EVEN
AUTOMATICALLY MANY PEOPLE WHO I
TALK TO DO
NOT KNOW THEY HAVE LOST UNTIL
THEY
COME TO OUR DOOR.
THOSE ARE THE HARDEST
SITUATIONS I ENCOUNTER AND WE
SEE AT
LEAST ONE PERSON LIKE THAT PER
DAY. THE PREVENTION OF THIS IS
TO FUND TENANT SERVICES AND RENT
ASSISTANCE.
WITHOUT SERVICES PEOPLE
ARE QUICKLY EVICTED AND FAMILIES
DISPLACED.
PLEASE RESTORE SO ORGANIZATIONS
LIKE SOLID GROUND AND TENANT LAW
CENTER CAN CONTINUE TO SUPPORT
AND PREVENT HOMELESSNESS.
THANK YOU.
>> UP NEXT IS STEPHANIE FOLLOWED
BY RYAN.
STEPHANIE,
I SEE YOU'RE HERE. STAR 6 TO
UNMUTE.
>> GOOD AFTERNOON.
>> GOOD AFTERNOON MEMBERS OF THE
COUNCIL.
MY NAME IS STEPHANIE AND I
AM THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE
COMMUNITY DINING PROGRAM
AT SOUND GENERATIONS,
A MEMBER OF THE MEAL PARTNERSHIP
COALITION.
I AM HERE TO SPEAK TODAY
IN FAVOR OF ADDITIONAL FUNDING
FOR MEAL PROGRAMS.
I WANT TO THANK MAYOR
HARRELL FOR FUNDING ADDITIONAL
INVESTMENTS IN MEAL PROGRAMS
IN HIS BUDGET.
I ALSO WANT TO
THANK COUNCILMEMBERS
HOLLINGSWORTH,
SAKA AND RINCK FOR
CHAMPIONING ADDITIONAL
INVESTMENTS IN SENIOR
MEAL PROGRAMS.
COMMUNITY DINING
PROVIDES CULTURALLY RELEVANT
MEALS
TO OLDER ADULTS WHILE
SOCIALIZING WITH
OTHERS. WE ARE EXPERIENCING A
HIGH CLIENT DEMAND FOR MEALS
WHILE
SHORTFALLS AND RISING COSTS OF
FOOD AND
SUPPLIES.
THIS FUNDING WOULD HELP
OUR SENIOR NUTRITION PROGRAM
MEET
THE CURRENT DEMAND OF MEALS,
AVOIDING REDUCTION IN MEAL
SERVICE DAYS OR LIMITING DAILY
ATTENDANCE.
A COMMUNITY BASED
ORGANIZATION SERVING ONE OR TWO
DAYS A
WEEK COULD FACE POTENTIAL
SHUTDOWNS FOR THE REST OF THETHE
YEAR, ACCESS
TO NUTRITIOUS MEALS FOR
ALREADY MARGINALIZED CLIENTS.
IF THIS FUNDING IS NOT EXPANDED
IN 2026, THIS COULD
JEOPARDIZE OUR ABILITY TO MEET
NUTRITIONAL NEEDS OF OLDER
ADULTS.
I URGE THE FULL COUNCIL TO
ENSURE THAT THESE MODEST
INVESTMENTS IN MEAL PROGRAMS ARE
INCLUDED IN THE FINAL BUDGET.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
>> THANK YOU,
STEPHANIE. UP NEXT IS RYAN
FOLLOWED
BY LOGAN
SCHMIDT. RYAN, YOU'RE ALREADY
OFF MUTE.
TAKE IT AWAY.
WELCOME.
>> GOOD AFTERNOON, CHAIR
STRAUSS. FOR HABITAT OF
SEATTLE, THANK YOU FOR
MAINTAINING
YOUR COMMITMENT TO
AFFORDABLE HOME OWNERSHIP
FUNDING DURING A
CHALLENGING AND DIFFICULT BUDGET
YEAR.
THANK YOU, ALSO, FOR INCLUDING
A LONG- RANGE PLANNING POSITION.
WE ALSO ASK THAT YOU
CONSIDER ADDING PERMIT
EXPEDITING ROLE
IN
FDCI. THESE INVESTMENTS HELP US
TO
GET HOMES BUILT FASTER AND GET
PEOPLE INTO THOSE HOMES.
HERE'S WHAT YOU ARE SUPPORTING.
THE METRO BUS DRIVER OF TWO
KIDS PREVIOUSLY LIVING IN
SUBSIDIZED
HOUSING, SHE WAS SHARING A
BEDROOM WITH HER DAUGHTERS.
THANKS TO YOUR PAST
FUNDING SHE'S LIVING IN A
HABITAT
HOME RIGHT ON HER BUS ROUTE.
HER KIDS HAVE STAYED IN
THEIR SCHOOLS AND, FOR THE FIRST
TIME, THEY HAVE STABILITY IN
THEIR
OWN ROOMS.
OR TACK DONOVAN AND CRYSTAL
IN WEST SEATTLE.
HE WORKS IN A SEATTLE
MUSEUM. SHE'S A PET SITTER.
DONOVAN HAS SAID WHEN
ASKED HABITAT IS GIVING US A
CHANCE TO
STAY IN OUR COMMUNITY AND BECOME
HOMEOWNERS. THE BEST OPPORTUNITY
I COULD
HAVE EVER IMAGINED.
THESE ARE THE PEOPLE WHO
KEEP SEATTLE RUNNING.
BUST DRIVERS, MUSEUM
WORKERS, PET RUNNERS TO BE ABLE
TO
STAY IN THEIR COMMUNITIES.
WE APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT
GIVEN THE BUDGET PRESSURES
YOU'RE
FACING. AT THE SAME TIME WE WANT
TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT JUMP- START
FUND WERE DESIGNED SPECIFICALLY
FOR
HOUSING.
WE HOPE TO SEE THOSE
RESOURCES RETURNED TO THEIR
ORIGINAL
PURPOSE CREATING
AFFORDABLE, SAFE AND EQUITY
BUILDING HOMES
SEATTLE AND ITS CONSTITUENTS
NEED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR
PARTNERSHIP.
>> THANK YOU, RYAN.
UP NEXT IS LOGAN SCHMIDT
FOLLOWED BY ALEXANDRA JOHNSON.
ALEXANDRA, YOU ARE NOT PRESENT.
CHECK YOUR EMAIL FOR AN UPDATED
EMAIL FOLLOWED BY GABRIEL
NEWMAN.
LOGAN, I
SEE YOU'RE HERE. STAR 6 TO
UNMUTE.
I SEE YOU'RE OFF MUTE. WELCOME.
>> GOOD AFTERNOON, CHAIR
STRAUSS AND COUNCILMEMBERS.
I'M LOGAN SCHMIDT AND HERE ON
BEHALF OF THE MASTER
BUILDERS ASSOCIATION IN
SNOHOMISH COUNTY.
AS SEATTLE PLANS FOR ITS
FUTURE UNDER THE ONE SEATTLE
PLAN
IT'S CRITICAL TO THIS BUDGET TO
INVEST IN A STAFF AND
TOOLS NEEDED TO DELIVER ON THE
CITY'S HOUSING GOALS.
THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN SETS
AN AMBITIOUS -- THAT VISION
CAN'T BE ACHIEVED WITHOUT THE
ADEQUATE PLANNING CAPACITY AND
TIMELY
PERMITTING. THAT'S WHY WE URGE
YOU
TO SUPPORT KEY BUDGET
AMENDMENTS THAT WILL STRENGTHEN
OUR
HOUSING AND PERMITTING SYSTEMS.
THESE INCLUDE RESTORING
FUNDING FOR THE LONG- RANGE
PLANNER AT
OPCD AND TWO KEY AMENDMENTS TO
INVEST IN A.I.
PERMITTING IMPROVEMENTS AND THE
OTHER TO
FUND A NEW
STRATEGIC ADVISER FOCUSED ON
PERMIT EXPEDITING.
THESE ARE MODEST BUT HIGH-
IMPACT THAT WILL IMPROVE
PERMITTING TIME LINES AND
DELIVER THE HOMES OUR COMMUNITY
URGENTLY NEEDS.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR LEADERSHIP.
>> THANK YOU, LOGAN.
UP NEXT IS ALEXANDRA.
ALEXANDRA, YOU'RE NOT PRESENT.
WHEN YOU BECOME PRESENT,
WE'LL COME BACK TO YOU.
FOLLOWING THAT WE HAVE
GABRIEL NEWMAN FOLLOWED BY BARRY
SMITH.
GABRIEL, I SEE YOU'RE HERE.
YOU'RE ALREADY OFF MUTE.
WELCOME, MY FRIEND.
TAKE IT AWAY.
>> HELLO.
GOOD AFTERNOON SEATTLE CITY
COUNCIL. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR
TAKING
THE TIME TO WORK WITH
YOURYOUR CONSTITUENTS TO CREATE
A 2026 BUDGET THAT MEETS THE
NEEDS OF
EVERYONE.
I'M REACHING OUT ON BEHALF OF
GSBA WASHINGTON'S LGBTQ TO
HIGHLIGHT AND ENCOURAGE
SUPPORT FOR A FEW BUDGET ITEMS
THAT
IMPACT OUR MEMBERS.
THE FIRST IS COUNCILMEMBER
SAKA'S STATEMENT AND
LEGISLATIVE INTENT REQUESTING A
POLICY
REVIEW ON
UNPERMITTED MERCHANDISE
SPENDING.
THIS IS A MAJOR CONCERN FOR OUR
MEMBERS AND WE APPRECIATE THE
OPPORTUNITY TO COME TOGETHER
TO WORK ON A MUTUAL SOLUTION.
THE SECOND IS COUNCILMEMBER
SAKA'S REQUEST FOR AN
ADDITIONAL $300,000 TO SUPPORT
CLEANING SERVICES IN CAPITOL
HILL
AND BALLARD THAT WOULD BRING
200,000 TO CAP CAPITOL HILL
HEIGHTS
AREAS.
THE THIRD IS COUNCILMEMBER
HOLLINGSWORTH'S REQUEST FOR
$50,000 IN OED FUNDING
TO CONTINUE THE SUPPORT OF
THE EFFORT IN CAPITOL HILL.
THE FOURTH IS HOLLINGSWORTH'S
REQUEST FOR $250,000 IN
HUMAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO
INCREASE SUPPORT SERVICES FOR
BLACK,
TRANS AND GENDER DIVERSE
INDIVIDUALS.
AND ADDITIONALLY WE
SUPPORT COUNCILMEMBER SAKA'S
$250,000 REQUEST FOR MICRO
MOBILITY
CORRALES. I THINK THIS IS A WAY
TO
MAKE OUR STREETS MORE EQUITABLE
AND RETAINING THE IMPORTANCE OF
MOBILITY.
WE SUPPORT ALL IN SUPPORT FOR
SEATTLE'S CARE TEAM.
INVESTING IN THESE ITEMS WILL
HIGHLIGHT SEATTLE'S ECONOMIC
HOT SPOTS AND BUILD OUR
REPUTATION.
THANK YOU SO MUCH.
BYE-BYE.
>> THANK YOU, GABRIEL.
UP NEXT, CELESTINE.
I SEE YOU'RE HERE.
STAR 6 TO UNMUTE.
YOU'RE OFF MUTE, WELCOME.
>> GOOD AFTERNOON,
COUNCILMEMBERS. I MANAGE THE
TENANT
SERVICES PROGRAM AT SOLID
GROUND.
EVERY YEAR WE SUPPORT ALMOST
200 SEATTLE RENTERS WITH
EDUCATION, COUNSEL AND REFERRALS
THEY
NEED TO MAINTAIN STABLE HOUSING.
RENTERS COME TO US SUPPORT
SUPPORT WITH THINGS LIKE
ILLEGAL RENT INCREASES,
DISCRIMINATION OR HARASSMENT,
REPAIRS FOR
DAMAGED UNITS OR EVICTION.
AS A RESULT OF THE CUTS
TO TENANT SERVICES OUR CONTRACT
WAS REDUCED BY 43%, AND WE HAD
TO
REDUCE OUR STAFFING.
THIS HAS TRANSLATED TO SERVING
125 FEWER SEATTLE RENTERS
THROUGH OUR PROGRAM THIS YEAR.
PEOPLE WHO CALL IN TO
OUR BILINGUAL
TENANT HOTLINE ARE NOW FACING
LONGER CALLBACK TIMES
AND BECAUSE DEMAND IS STILL VERY
HIGH, WE'VE ALSO
OBSERVED INCREASED PRESSURE
ON OTHER PARTS OF SOLID
GROUND'S
HOMELESSNESS RESPONSE WORK LIKE
OUR FRONT DESK INTAKE LINE.
SERVICES ARE NEEDED NOW
MORE THAN EVER TO HELP PEOPLE
STAY HOUSED ESPECIALLY AS
PEOPLE STRUGGLE TO MAKE ENDS
MEET WITH
LOSS OF S.N.A.P. AND
OTHER PUBLIC BENEFITS.
WE'RE GRATEFUL FOR THAT
EFFORT SO FAR TO RESTORE CUTS TO
TENANT SERVICES MADE IN 2024,
AND
WE'RE ASKING THE COUNCIL TO
FULLY
FUND TENANT SERVICES IN THIS
BUDGET
WITH AN AMENDMENT FOR
AN ADDITIONAL $500,000.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU.
UP NEXT IS JANICE FOLLOWED BY
OKESHA.
I SEE YOU'RE HERE.
STAR 6
TO UP MUTE. THERE YOU ARE.
WELCOME.
>> ALL RIGHT.
GOOD AFTERNOON, CHAIR STRAUSS
AND COUNCILMEMBERS.
MY NAME IS JANICE, AND
I'M EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
OF NEIGHBORHOOD HEALTH WHICH
SERVES
15,000 LOW HIN COME
PEOPLE, MOSTLY IMMIGRANTS AND
REFUGEES THROUGHOUT SEATTLE AND
KING
COUNTY.
A MOTHER ENROLLED IN OUR HOME
VISITING PROGRAM, HAD A
C- SECTION FOR A SECOND CHILD
WHILE HER PARTNER WAS DEPORTED.
WITH NO CAR, WE SECURED FOOD
FOR HER TO HAVE AT HOME AND
VISIT
HER WEEKLY TO ENSURE SHE
HAS WHAT SHE NEEDS.
OUR NATURALIZATION STAFF
IS HELPING AN
AFGHAN SPECIAL IMMIGRANT VISA
HOLDER
RETAIN U.S. CITIZENSHIP.
AT GREAT RISK HE
WORKED ALONGSIDE U.S. MILITARY
AS
A TRANSLATOR AND WE ARE MAKING
HIM WAIT OVER A YEAR AND A HALF
FOR AN APPOINTMENT.
HE'S HAD TO JUMP THROUGH
EXTRA HOOPS AND WILL NEED
ADVOCACY FROM SENATOR MURRAY TO
REALIZE
HIS DREAM TO BE A CITIZEN.
THESE ARE TWO PEOPLE OF THE
THOUSANDS WE HELP EACH DAY.
I WANT TO THANK THE COUNCIL AND
COUNCILMEMBER RINCK,
SOLOMON, NELSON AND STRAUSS FOR
THEIR SUPPORT FOR AN ADDITIONAL
4 MILLION TO SUPPORT IMMIGRANTS
AND REFUGEES
SUFFERING AS A RESULT OF MASS
DEPORTATIONS, BARRIERS TO
NATURALIZATION
AND RESOURCES TO HELP THEM GET
ON
THEIR FEET.
WE HELP SUPPORT ALL
COALITION PRIORITIES
SPECIFICALLY AMONG
THE HSD 0178.
OUR STAFF ARE OUR LIFE LINE TO
COMMUNITY MEMBERS ARE
THEMSELVES STRUGGLING WITH LOW
WAGES
AND HIGH COSTS OF LIVING.
THIS AMENDMENT WILL HELP
US STABILIZE HUMAN
SERVICE
WORKFORCE AT THIS CRITICAL TIME.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU, JANICE.
UP NEXT IS OKESHA AND THEN
ALICE LOCKHART.
I'M GOING TO READ THE NEXT
TEN NAMES BECAUSE I REALIZE
WE'VE GOTTEN THERE.
FOLLOWING WILL BE ALICE
LOCKHART, CHRISTOPHER, TAYLOR
FARLEY, DEBORAH BROS, BRANDIE
OSBORNE YOU'RE STILL
NOT PRESENT.
CHECK AN EMAIL AFTER 1:00 P.M.
FOLLOWED BY KIRK
ROBBINS, ALEXANDER ESTEVEZ, KATE
GARVEY, TRICIA MATTHEW, JUSTIN
MONTAVALO. THOSE ARE THE
FOLLOWING TEN.
SO WE HAVE OKASIA WITH US
ALREADY OFF MUTE.
TAKE IT AWAY.
>> GOOD AFTERNOON, CHAIRMAN
STRAUSS.
I'M A RESIDENT IN DISTRICT FOUR
AND I, LIKEWISE, AM CALLING
IN TO COMMENT TODAY TO
ENCOURAGE THE COUNCIL TO FULLY
FUND THE
$1 MILLION OF TENANT SERVICES
IN THE UPCOMING BUDGET.
IN A GROWING CITY LIKE SEATTLE
WHERE NEARLY HALF OF US ARE
RENTERS AND NEARLY HALF OF
THOSE ARE ALREADY CONSIDERED
RENT BURDENED PAYING A THIRD OF
THEIR
INCOME ARE SMALLER
AND SUBSTANTIALLY MORE
EXPENSIVE THAN THE NATIONAL
AVERAGE.
TENANTS SHOULD NOT CONSISTENTLY
BE WORRYING ABOUT JUNK FEES AND
EVICTION FEES AND STRUGGLE
TO PAY RENT.
WHERE PREDATORY
CORPORATE LANDLORDS HAVE ALL THE
LEVERAGE, HOMELESSNESS CONTINUES
TO
GROW AND WORKING PEOPLE
ARE STRUGGLING GREATLY.
SEATTLE RENTERS SHOULD HAVE
AMPLE ACCESS TO LEGAL SERVICES
AND EDUCATION ABOVE THE
RIGHTS OF TENANTS.
BECAUSE OF CUTS TO
FEDERAL FUNDING AND GRANTS FOR
VITAL
SERVICES IT IS INCUMBENT ON
THE
COUNCIL TO REPRESENT
CONSTITUENTS WHO ARE RENTERS
NOT MERELY LANDLORDS AND
HOMEOWNERS AND RESTORE THESE
FUNDS TO
2024 LEVELS IN ADDITION TO
THINKING ABOUT INCREASING THESE
FUNDS
FOR FUTURE PROJECTS.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU.
UP NEXT WE HAVE ALICE
LOCKHART FOLLOWED BY
CHRISTOPHER.
ALICE, WELCOME.
I SEE YOU'RE BEING PROMOTED NOW.
HERE YOU ARE. STAR 6 TO UNMUTE,
ALICE.
GIVE IT ONE
MORE SECOND. STAR 6 TO UNMUTE.
THERE YOU ARE.
WELCOME, ALICE.
>> THANK YOU AND GOOD
MORNING COUNCIL -- OH, GOOD
AFTERNOON,
COUNCIL.
I'M ALICE
LOCKHART. I LIVE IN LICTON
SPRINGS FOR
JUST OVER 30 YEARS.
I AM PERSONALLY GETTING CALLS
FROM PEOPLE I KNOW WHO ARE
LOOKING FOR TENANT SERVICES
BECAUSE THEY CAN'T MAKE RENT.
SOME OF THOSE -- AND IT'S
ONLY GOING TO GET WORSE WITH
S.N.A.P.
BENEFIT CUTS, HAVING
TO CHOOSE BETWEEN FOOD AND RENT.
I URGE THE COUNCIL TO REINSTATE
THE FUNDING BY ADDING AT LEAST
ANOTHER HALF A MILLION,
PREFERABLY MORE THAN WHAT IS
PROPOSED IN THE PACKAGE.
THIS IS THE BARE MINIMUM OF WHAT
WE NEED.
THANKS TO THE CHAIR FOR
THE BALANCING PACKAGE
INCLUDING MONEY TO OFFSET
S.N.A.P.
BENEFIT CUTS.
WE DID BACK OF THE
ENVELOPE, IT WOULD REQUIRE NOT 4
MILLION BUT
MORE LIKE 16 TO OFFSET A
MONTH OF FULL S.N.A.P. BENEFIT
CUTS.
SO -- PLENTY OF GOOD THINGS
BUT NOT ABSOLUTELY, TOTALLY
NECESSARY THINGS IN THE BUDGET
CUT.
I URGE YOU TO BE BRAVE AND
WHEN COUNCILMEMBERS PROPOSED
BALANCED
AMENDMENTS THAT ARE A LITTLE BIT
OF BITTER IN THEM, SWALLOW
THAT PILL SO THAT PEOPLE ARE NOT
HARMED.
AND HELP THE COMMUNITY IN THE
BUDGET.
THANK YOU SO MUCH.
>> THANK YOU, ALICE.
I SEE ALEXANDRA JOHNSON
HAS JOINED US.
WE'RE GOING TO GO BACK TO
ALEXANDRA JOHNSON AND THEN TO
CHRISTOPHER.
ALEXANDRA, YOU'RE WITH US NOW.
STAR 6 TO UNMUTE.
THERE YOU ARE.
GOOD AFTERNOON, ALICE.
>> HI.
CAN YOU HEAR ME?
>> YES, WE
CAN. GOOD AFTERNOON.
>> HI.
OKAY, THANK YOU SO MUCH.
GOOD AFTERNOON, COUNCILMEMBERS.
MY NAME IS ALEXANDRA JOHNSON,
AND I'M SPEAKING ON BEHALF OF
THE COMMUNITY COALITION.
I SENT AN EMAIL AS WELL THAT
OUTLINES OUR REQUEST IN MORE
DETAIL, BUT BASICALLY WE URGE
YOU TO ADOPT A 2026 BUDGET THAT
INVESTS IN PEOPLE NOT POLICING,
REDIRECTING EXCESS
SEATTLE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND
GENERAL FUND DOLLARS TOWARDS
AFFORDABLE
HOUSING, CHILD CARE
AND COMMUNITY SAFETY PROGRAMS
THAT ARE ACTUALLY EVIDENCE
BASED.
THE CITY MUST STOP
PERPETUATING THIS MYTH OF
SCARCITY AROUND
FUNDING.
WE HAVE FLEXIBILITY.
THEY JUST NEED TO BE SPENT
EQUITABLY.
WE ASK THAT YOU FULLY
FUND AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND
HOMELESSNESS SERVICES INCLUDING
$21 MILLION TO THE LOW-
INCOME HOUSING INSTITUTE AND
PUNITIVE
NEIGHBORHOOD RENEWAL APPROACHES
THAT CRIMINALIZE UNHOUSED
PEOPLE.
TREE CANOPY LOSS, FLOODING AND
LACK OF GREEN SPACE CONTINUES TO
WORSEN ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE --
INJUSTICE.
RESTORE PARK FUNDING, INVEST
IN FLOOD PREVENTION AND EXPAND
PROGRAMS LIKE URBAN FORESTRY
AND THE YOUTH LEADERSHIP
PROGRAM.
FINALLY, PLEASE MAKE THIS
BUDGET TRANSPARENT, EQUITABLE
AND ACCOUNTABLE FROM REPARATIONS
PLANNING TO FOOD ACCESS TO CHILD
CARE SUPPORT SO THAT ALL
SEATTLE COMMUNITIES, ESPECIALLY
THOSE HISTORICALLY BURDENED, CAN
THRIVE.
THIS INCLUDES PLANNING,
LINE ITEM FUNDING FOR GEORGETOWN
NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER AS WELL AS
MAKING SURE THAT THE SOUTH
PARK COMMUNITY CENTER IS OPEN AS
SOON
AS POSSIBLE.
THIS HAS ALREADY BEEN PUSHED
AWAY FOR OVER SIX YEARS, SO
IT'S A REALLY BIG DEAL TO US IN
OUR
COMMUNITY.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU, ALEXANDRA.
UP NEXT IS
CHRISTOPHER FOLLOWED BY TAYLOR
FARLEY.
BRANDIE OSBORNE,
YOU'RE NOT PRESENT AND YOU'RE
COMING UP
SOON.
IF YOU HEAR THIS MESSAGE,
PLEASE CALL IN.
CHRISTOPHER, I SEE YOU'RE OFF
MUTE.
WELCOME.
AT YOUR CONVENIENCE.
>> GOOD AFTERNOON MEMBERS OF THE
COUNCIL.
MY NAME IS CHRIS AND I'M I'M
BOARD MEMBER FOR LUNCH ON
CAPITOL
HILL, A MEMBER OF THE MEALS
PARTNERSHIP COALITION.
I'M HERE TO SPEAK IN FAVOR OF
FUNDING FOR MEAL PROGRAMS AND
I WANT TO THANK MAYOR HARRELL
FOR FUNDING ADDITIONAL
INVESTMENT
TO MEALS PROGRAMS IN HIS BUDGET
AS
WELL AS COUNCILMEMBERS
HOLLINGSWORTH, SAKA AND
RINCK FOR CHAMPIONING ADDITIONAL
INVESTMENTS IN THESE PROGRAMS.
I'VE TESTIFIED BEFORE
LETTING YOU KNOW HOW GRATEFUL
OUR
GUESTS ARE THAT THEY CAN GET A
MEAL
EACH WEEKDAY THAT THEY CAN
TAKE HOME ENOUGH TO TIDE
THEM THROUGH THE NIGHT, THAT
THEY
KNOW WE WILL BE OPEN EVERY
WEEKDAY
WITH ABSOLUTELY NO EXCEPTIONS.
I ALSO WANT TO BE SURE THAT
YOU KNOW WE ARE A LEAN
ORGANIZATION.
WE FEED OVER 100 PEOPLE EACH DAY
AND WE EMPLOY FULL TIME
ABOUT FOUR PART- TIME PEOPLE
ALONG WITH
ABOUT 20 VOLUNTEERS EACH
WEEK. OUR LOWEST PAID WORKER
GETS
$22 AN HOUR.
IT'S ABOVE MINIMUM WAGE BUT
TRYTRY LIVING ON IT.
WE'RE NOT WASTING THE CITY'S
MONEY.
I'M SURE YOU'VE HEARD STORIES
CEOs USED TO MAKE --
NOW THEY MAKE 400 TIMES OR MORE
TIMES THAT WAGE.
OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
MAKES TWO TIMES THE LOWEST PAID
STAFF
MEMBER.
WE SERVED 88,265 MEALS IN
THE LAST SIX MONTHS.
EACH MEAL COSTS $4.87.
THE CITY'S CONTRIBUTION -- 75
CENTS.
WE'RE NOT WASTING YOUR MONEY.
WE REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR
SUPPORT.
I URGE THE COUNCIL TO
ENSURE THESE MODEST INVESTMENTS
ARE INCLUDED IN THE
BUDGET. THANK YOU SO MUCH.
>> THANK YOU, CHRIS.
UP NEXT IS TAYLOR FARLEY
FOLLOWED BY DEBORAH AND
THEN BRANDIE OSBORNE, WHO IS NOW
PRESENT.
TAYLOR, WELCOME.
I SEE YOU'RE OFF MUTE.
WE CAN HEAR YOU.
>> HELLO.
>> HI.
>> GREAT.
HELLO AND GREETINGS,
COUNCILMEMBERS.
MY NAME IS TAYLOR FARLEY.
I SERVE AS THE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AT QUEER
POWER
ALLIANCE AN LGBTQIA IN
MULTIRACIAL CLASS
COMMUNITIES IN SEATTLE AND KING
COUNTY. WE ORGANIZE FOR HOUSING,
JUSTICE AND ECONOMIC STABILITY
AND SAFETY ESPECIALLY FOR TRANS,
QUEER RENTERS, PEOPLE WITH
DISABILITIES AND THOSE MOST
IMPACTED BY DISPLACEMENT.
AND I'M URGING YOU TO FULLY
REINSTATE A TENANT SERVICE
FUNDING BY ADDING THE FULL
100,000 TO -- 1 MILLION -- TO
THE CHAIR'S BALLOTING PACKAGE.
THAT'S THE BARE MINIMUM
TO PREVENT FURTHER COLLAPSE OF
SERVICES.
IN THE 2024 LEVEL, THAT AMOUNT
JUST WASN'T EVEN ENOUGH FOR
US TO HELP ENSURE THE NEEDS OF
OUR
COMMUNITY.
WITH THE CURRENT
ADMINISTRATION, THE FEDERAL
ADMINISTRATION,
WE ANTICIPATE A FUTURE NEEDS
THAT WILL BE LIKELY INCREASED,
AND WE WILL ONCE AGAIN BE
OBLIGATED
TO ADDRESS THE CRISIS THAT
RENTERS
ARE CURRENTLY FACING WITHOUT THE
NECESSARY FINANCIAL SUPPORT
FROM THE CITY.
WE CAN'T AFFORD TO PUT
RENTAL ASSISTANCE ASIDE FOR
TENANT
SERVICES.
WE NEED BOTH AND WE
STRONGLY SUPPORT THE 4 MILLION
RENTAL --
>> THANK YOU, TAYLOR.
FEEL FREE TO SEND ANY
MORE COMMENTS IN TO
COUNCIL@SEATTLE.GOV. DEBORAH
FOLLOWED BY
BRANDIE OSBORNE.
DEBORAH, I SEE YOU'RE HERE.
STAR 6 TO UNMUTE.
>> HI THERE.
MY NAME IS DEBORAH BROSE.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME,
COUNCILMEMBERS.
I'M THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF
THE GEORGETOWN BUSINESS
ASSOCIATION. I'M SPEAKING TODAY
ON BEHALF OF
THE MEMBERS OF THE
BUSINESS ASSOCIATION AND ALSO
THE
MEMBERS OF THE GEORGETOWN
COALITION
IN SUPPORT OF CHAIRPERSON
STRAUSS'
BALANCING PACKAGE
INCLUDING COUNCILMEMBER SAKA'S
AMENDMENTS
AFFECTING GEORGETOWN.
THESE INCLUDE NEXT STEPS
TO CREATE THE GEORGETOWN CLIMATE
RESILIENCY HUB AND NEIGHBORHOOD
CENTER AND THE SEA LEVEL RISE
ADAPTATION PLAN FOR THE
SNOHOMISH VALLEY,
PRIORITIZING FARMERS MARKETS
ININ DESERTS
LIKE GEORGETOWN AND SUPPORT FOR
OUTREACH EFFORTS FOR UVIA.
THESE AMENDMENTS ARE
IMPORTANT TO THE FUTURE OF
GEORGETOWN
AND WILL HELP IN GAINING GROUND
TO
RESOLVE SOME OF THE HISTORIC
INJUSTICES.
I KNOW YOU HAVE VISITED
OUR NEIGHBORHOOD AND HAVE SEEN
WHAT WE HAVE TO
OFFER. WE ARE SMALL BUT MIGHTY.
WHAT YOU MAY NOT HAVE SEEN
IS THE LACK OF ACCESS TO
RESOURCES OUR COMMUNITY FACES.
WE HAVE NO GROCERY STORES, NO
NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER, AND
NO SUSTAINABLE SOURCE OF FUNDING
FOCUSED ON OUR NEEDS.
THE PROPOSED BALANCING PACKAGE
CAN HELP CHANGECHANGE AND
WE HOPE TO SEE THESE PASSED IN
THE FINAL
BUDGET.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.
I HOPE TO SEE YOU ALL IN
GEORGETOWN.
>> THANK YOU, DEBORAH.
UP NEXT IS BRANDIE
OSBORNE FOLLOWED BY KIRK ROBBINS
AND THEN ALEXANDER ESTEVEZ.
BRANDIE, I SEE YOU'RE HERE.
STAR 6 TO UNMUTE.
WELCOME, BRANDIE.
>> THANK YOU.
GOOD AFTERNOON, COUNCILMEMBERS.
THANK YOU FOR HEARING MY
TESTIMONY TODAY.
MY NAME IS BRANDIE OSBORNE.
I AM A FORMER JUNGLE RESIDENT
AND CO- LEAD PARTICIPATE AND
I WOULD LIKE TO SHARE WITH
YOU WHAT THE PROGRAM MEANS TO
ME.
I'VE BEEN HOMELESS SINCE
2010 LIVING IN THE JUNGLE SINCE
2015
AND TOMORROW, I'M HAPPY TO TELL
YOU, I AM MOVING INTO PERMANENT
HOUSING.
ONLY POSSIBLE BY CO- LEAD AND
THEIR PROGRAM.
I'LL CONTINUE THE
SUPPORT THEY'VE GIVEN ME AND MY
PARTNER.
I CAN'T EVEN TELL YOU HOW MUCH
IT MEANS TO ME.
AND BECAUSE OF THIS AND
ONLY BECAUSE OF THIS IS ANY OF
THIS
POSSIBLE.
WE WEREN'T JUST GIVEN SHELTER
BY
CO- CO-LEAD, WE WERE MADE TO
FEEL
LIKE PEOPLE, THAT WE MEANT
SOMETHING, AND WERE GOING
TO HAVE A REAL HOME.
THE CARE AND COMPASSION
THE STAFF HAS SHOWN TO US OVER
THE
LAST SEVEN MONTHS OF ME
BEING HERE IS SOMETHING THAT I
WASN'T PREPARED FOR, BUT I AM
SO SUPER
GRATEFUL THAT I HAVE.
I HOPE MORE PEOPLE ARE ABLE
TO GET THE SAME BLESSINGS THAT I
HAVE WHICH WOULDN'T BE
POSSIBLE WITHOUT YOUR CONTINUED
SUPPORT OF FUNDING.
PLEASE KEEP THIS PROGRAM
OPERATING. IT'S LIFE CHANGING
AND MORE
IMPORTANT NOW THAN EVER.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU, BRANDIE.
WELCOME HOME.
UP NEXT IS KIRK ROBBINS FROM
DISTRICT SIX FOLLOWED BY
ALEXANDER ESTEVEZ.
I SEE YOU'RE
HERE. STAR 6 TO UNMUTE.
KIRK? KIRK AND I USED TO SERVE
ON THE
BALLARD DISTRICT COUNCIL
TOGETHER.
WHEN THOSE STILL OPERATED.
JUST STALLING FOR A LITTLE BIT
OF TIME, STAR 6, KIRK.
KIRK ROBBINS.
CAN WE LEAVE KIRK PROMOTED AND
WE'LL MOVE ON TO ALEXANDER
ESTEVEZ FOLLOWED BY KATE
GARVEY AND THEN WE'LL COME BACK
TO
KIRK AFTER ALEXANDER.
ALEXANDER, WELCOME.
STAR 6 -- YOU'RE ALREADY OFF
MUTE. TAKE IT AWAY, MY FRIEND.
WELCOME.
>> THANK YOU SO MUCH, CHAIR
STRAUSS, AND GOOD AFTERNOON.
MY NAME IS ALEX AND I LIVE IN
DISTRICT SEVEN.
I'M A STAFF ATTORNEY AT THE LAW
CENTER. A NONPROFIT LAW FIRM
THAT
PROVIDES FREE LEGAL
REPRESENTATION TO SURVIVORS
OF GENDER AND RACE VIOLENCE.
ON BEHALF OF THE SURVIVORS WE
SERVE, WE ASK YOU TO SUPPORT THE
AMENDMENT 061 THROUGH 064.
AS A STAFF ATTORNEY THAT WORKS
WITH SURVIVORS EVERYEVERY I
HAVE SEEN FIRSTHAND THE NEED
FOR THESE FUNDS AND THE
IMPACT THEY WILL HAVE TO IMPROVE
OUR
SURVIVORS' LIVES.
THE AVERAGE LOW- INCOME
PERSON WHO HAS EXPERIENCED
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OR SEXUAL
ASSAULT
FACES BETWEEN 18 TO 19 LEGAL
NEEDS THAT STEM DIRECTLY FROM
THE VIOLENCE THEY EXPERIENCE.
THE LEGAL SERVICE PROVIDER, THIS
LOOKS LIKE ASSISTING OUR
CLIENTS TO OBTAIN COURT ORDERS
THAT
IMPROVE THEIR SAFETY,
PROTECT THEIR PRIVACY BOTH IN
COURT
AND IN PUBLIC, REPRESENT PEOPLE
IN IMMIGRATION CASES, SHIELD
AGAINST DISCRIMINATION AND
WORK PLACE AND SCHOOLS AMONG
OTHER
THINGS.
WE ASK THAT YOU SUPPORT THESE
AMENDMENTS BECAUSE
COMMUNITY BASED PROGRAMS ARE
OFTEN
THE PRIMARY WAYS SURVIVORS
CONNECT TO OTHER CRITICAL
SERVICES,
AND THIS IS ESPECIALLY TRUE FOR
CULTURALLY SPECIFIC
PROGRAMS THAT SUPPORT NON-
WHITE, LGBTQ+
AND IMMIGRANT SURVIVORS.
I URGE YOU TO SUPPORT 061
THROUGH 064 AND I WANT TO THANK
THE SPONSORS OF THESE
AMENDMENTS.
THANK
YOU SO MUCH.
>> THANK YOU, ALEXANDER.
KIRK, YOU'RE BACK!
YOU'RE ALREADY OFF MUTE.
TAKE IT AWAY, MY FRIEND.
>> THANK YOU.
COUNCILMEMBER STRAUSS AND
OTHERS, I AM KIRK ROBBINS
OF DISTRICT SIX, AND I'M
CALLING
TO SUPPORT WITH SOME
QUALIFICATIONS
THE PROPOSAL TO REVIEW
UP PERMITTED FOOD AND
MERCHANDISE
VENDING IN THE CITY.
MY CONCERN IS THAT THE
MOST CONSPICUOUS AND NOTORIOUS
OF
THESE APPARENTLY IS BEING
OVERLOOKED.
SPECIFICALLY 12th AND
JACKSON, WHAT IS DISPENSED THERE
IS
NOT JUST UNTAXED, IT IS TOXIC,
STOLEN, DANGEROUS, ADDICTIVE
AND IT IS NOTORIOUS.
IT IS CAUSING IMPACT ON THE
NEIGHBORHOOD. I THINK THE IDEA
THAT THIS
IS ALL ABOUT MONEY AND NOT
ABOUT REGULATION TO PROTECT
PUBLIC
HEALTH AND SAFETY IS A
PROBLEM THAT OUGHT TO BE
ADDRESSED AND
CALLED OUT, YET NONE OF THE
COUNCILMEMBERS, THE
SIX COUNCILMEMBERS WHO SUPPORT
IT
MENTIONED, AS FAR AS I CAN TELL,
12th AND JACKSON.
SO THERE'S THAT.
ANOTHER SUGGESTION IS TO PULL UP
THE TRACTS IN SOUTH
LAKE UNION. IT'S A MONEY LOSER.
PEOPLE DON'T LIKE IT.
IT'S NOT GOING TO GO ANYWHERE.
IT'S NOT GOING TO CONNECT
ANYWHERE. IT WILL COST MONEY
THIS YEAR
BUT WILL SAVE MONEY IN THE
FUTURE WHICH IS A PROGRAM
PERK COUNCILMEMBER STRAUSS IS
CHAMPIONING. THAT'S A GOOD
PLACE TO DO IT.
AND JUST FOR THE RECORD, I
USE ALL PRONOUNS, THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU, KIRK.
UP NEXT IS KATE GARVEY
FOLLOWED BY TRICIA MATTHEW,
JUSTIN ON
DECK.
KATE, YOU'RE
WITH US NOW. STAR 6 TO UNMUTE.
WELCOME, KATE.
>> THANK YOU.
HELLO.
GOOD AFTERNOON, COUNCILMEMBERS.
MY NAME IS KATE GARVEY AND I AM
THE CEO OF THE SEXUAL ASSAULT
RESOURCE CENTER AND I WANT TO
THANK YOU FOR YOUR COMMITMENT
TO SURVIVORS AND YOUR INCLUSION
OF AMENDMENT 061 THROUGH 064 IN
THE
BALANCED BUDGET.
THEY ARE ESSENTIAL FOR
SURVIVORS.
I WANT TO EXPRESS MY
DEEP GRATITUDE FOR AMENDMENT
061 WHICH INCLUDES 500,000.
THAT INVESTMENT IS A LIFE
LINE, ENSURING SURVIVORS IN
SEATTLE CONTINUE TO HAVE ACCESS
TO
ADVOCACY, THERAPY AND SUPPORT
WHEN THEY NEED IT MOST.
EVERY DAY OUR TEAM ANSWERS CALLS
FROM THOSE MOST VULNERABLE,
SURVIVORS WHO
NEED HELP NAVIGATING WHAT'S
NEXT.
ONE SURVIVOR SHARED, WHEN I
FINALLY MADE THAT CALL, SOMEONE
ANSWERED AND IT CHANGED
EVERYTHING.
THAT'S WHAT YOUR INVESTMENT
MAKES POSSIBLE, SOMEONE
ANSWERING THE CALL DAY OR
NIGHT, FOR A PARENT HELPING
THEIR
CHILD HEAL, FOR A YOUNG PERSON
FACING THE LEGAL SYSTEM, TO
IMMIGRANT
SURVIVOR FACING SAFETY AND HOPE.
RESTORE DIGNITY AND STRENGTHEN
OUR COMMUNITY.
I
URGE YOU TO CONTINUE SUPPORTING
THE AMENDMENT 061-
064 SO THAT EVERY SURVIVOR HAS
THE COURAGE TO REACH OUT AND
KNOW THAT SOMEONE WILL ANSWER.
THANKS AS WELL TO ALL OF THOSE
WHO SPONSOR THESE AMENDMENTS.
THANK YOU FOR STANDING WITH
SURVIVORS.
>> THANK YOU, KATE.
UP NEXT IS TRICIA MATTHEW
FOLLOWED BY JUSTIN AND THEN
MARGIE.
TRICIA, WELCOME.
I SEE YOU'RE THERE AND OFF
MUTE,
TRICIA.
YOU WENT BACK ON MUTE.
STAR 6.
>> APOLOGIES FOR THAT.
I LIVE IN DISTRICT FIVE AND
I WORK IN DISTRICT THREE AS
A DIRECTOR AT CATHOLIC
COMMUNITY SERVICES SUPPORTING
PROGRAMS LIKE THE TENANT LAW
CENTER, HOUSING AND ESSENTIAL
NEEDS
AND SUPPORTIVE SERVICES FOR
VETERAN
FAMILIES.
THESE PROGRAMS WORK WITH OUR
MOST VULNERABLE COMMUNITY
MEMBERS THAT ARE HOMELESS
OR ABOUT TO BECOME
HOMELESS, PROVIDING EVICTION
PREVENTION
SERVICES, RENTAL
ASSISTANCE, HOUSING CASE
MANAGEMENT AND
RESOURCE SUPPORT.
AS YOU KNOW VOTERS IN
SEATTLE CONTINUOUSLY RANK
HOUSING AFFORDABILITY AND
THE HOMELESSNESS CRISIS AS
CRITICAL ISSUES AND OUR PROGRAMS
ADDRESS
THAT.
I'M HERE TODAY TO PLEASE ASK
YOU, LIKE MANY OTHERS
ALREADY, TO FIRST FULLY
REINSTATE ALL
OF THE FUNDING FOR TENANT
SERVICES
BY ADDING IN AT LEAST ANOTHER
$500,000. A HUGE CUT TO TENANT
SERVICE LAST YEAR HAS ONLY ADDED
TO
THE EXTREME BACKLOG OF
PEOPLE NEEDING HELP.
THESE ARE COST-
EFFECTIVE SERVICES THAT KEEP
PEOPLE HOUSED
AND OFF
THE STREETS AND OFTEN OUT OF THE
COURT SYSTEM SAVING
TIME, MONEY AND ADDITIONAL
TRAUMA.
IN THIS TIME OF THE HUGE RISK
OF LOSING FEDERAL FUNDING THAT
ARE KEEPING PEOPLE HOUSED AND
SAFE,
THE HUMAN SERVICES BEFORE
FUNDING NEW OR EXPANDED
PROGRAMS SO NONE OF THOSE HOUSED
BECOME HOMELESS AGAIN.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR
YOUR TIME AND YOUR THOUGHTFUL
AND
DIFFICULT WORK ON OUR CITY'S
BUDGET.
>> THANK YOU, TRICIA.
UP NEXT IS JUSTIN.
STAR 6 TO UNMUTE.
JUSTIN, STAR 6 TO UNMUTE.
I SEE YOU'RE OFF MUTE, WELCOME.
>> MY NAME IS JUSTIN
AND I'M A PARTICIPANT AT
CO-LEAD AND
I WANT TO SHARE WHAT THIS MEANS
TO
ME. I WAS A TROUBLED TEEN AND I
GOT IN TROUBLE AS A YOUTH WHEN I
WAS YOUNG AND I'M DOING SOME
TIME AND THEN GOT OUT AND FELL
INTO
DRUGS.
MY PARENTS DIED AND I BECAME
HOMELESS. I WAS LOOKING FOR A
WAY OUT AND
CO- LEAD HAS OFFERED ME --
GAVE ME A PLACE TO LIVE AND
OFFERED ME RESOURCES THAT WERE
NOT -- I
DIDN'T HAVE ANY RESOURCES.
AND THEY'RE HELPING ME GET ON
MY FEET.
AND RESTART MY LIFE.
>> THANKS, JUSTIN.
YOU'VE GOT ANOTHER 45 SECONDS
IF YOU WANT TO KEEP TALKING.
IF NOT, IT'S OKAY, TOO.
>> IT MEANS A LOT.
HOPEFULLY OTHER PEOPLE GET A
CHANCE TO GET THIS AND GET
THEIR LIFE BACK ON TRACK, ALSO.
>> THANK YOU,
JUSTIN. ANYTHING ELSE?
ALL RIGHT.
THANKS, JUSTIN.
ALWAYS GOOD TO HEAR FROM YOU.
UP NEXT IS MARGIE FOLLOWED
BY LAUREL AND THEN ELIZABETH.
YOU'RE STILL
ON MUTE. STAR 6 TO UNMUTE.
THERE YOU ARE.
WELCOME.
>> OH, THANK YOU.
THANK YOU, COUNCILMEMBERS.
THANK YOU, CHAIR STRAUSS,
FOR THIS
OPPORTUNITY. MY NAME IS MARGIE
AND I LIVE
IN DISTRICT FOUR.
I AM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF
AN ORGANIZATION,
GRANDMOTHERS FOR GUN
RESPONSIBILITY.
HAVING SERVED AS THE FOUNDER
AND CHAIR OF OUR WASHINGTON
STATE GROUP FOR A DECADE,
GRANDMOTHERS
AGAINST GUN VIOLENCE, I AM HERE
TODAY ON BEHALF OF OUR
GRANDMOTHERS TO THANK YOU
ALL FOR CONSIDERATION OF
COUNCILMEMBER RIVERA'S
AMENDMENT TO ADD FUNDING FOR A
YOUTH GUN
VIOLENCE SUMMIT THAT
WOULD CONVENE NATIONAL AND
REGIONAL EXPERTS FROM DIFFERENT
CITIES AROUND THE COUNTRY THAT
ARE SHOWING SUCCESS IN REDUCING
YOUTH GUN VIOLENCE.
THIS IS A WONDERFUL IDEA WITH
RICH POSSIBILITIES.
OUR ORGANIZATION, THE
NATIONAL GRANDMOTHERS, IS
FOCUSED
ON CHILDREN AND YOUTH BECAUSE,
AS
MOST OF US KNOW, FOR THEM,
GUN VIOLENCE IS THE NUMBER ONE
CAUSE
OF DEATH.
AND THE GOOD NEWS IS THERE ARE
CITIES AROUND THE
COUNTRY, BALTIMORE AND
PHILADELPHIA BEING
TWO THAT ARE SHOWING
ENCOURAGING DROPS IN GUN
VIOLENCE.
TO LEARN LESSONS, TO HEAR
THEIR BEST PRACTICES, TO HEAR
FROM
THEM WHAT HAVE BEEN
PRODUCTIVE AND PERSUASIVE
MESSAGES IS
WONDERFUL.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THIS
TIME.
>> THANK YOU, MARGIE.
LAUREL, I SEE YOU'RE HERE
AND YOU'RE OFF MUTE.
WELCOME.
>> THANK YOU. GOOD AFTERNOON.
I'M
LAUREL. THE PROPOSED BUDGET FOR
DISTRICT THREE ALMOST 75% OF
THAT
IS EARMARKED SPECIFICALLY FOR
THE
BLACK COMMUNITY WHO MAKES UP
9% OF THE DISTRICT POPULATION.
THIS 75% DOESN'T INCLUDE THE
MANY PROGRAMS THAT CLEARLY
WILL ALSO DISPROPORTIONATELY GO
TO
THE BLACK COMMUNITY.
91% OF THE POPULATION GETS LESS
THAN 25% OF THE BUDGET.
THERE ARE 4 BILLS FOR
MINORITIES. 18 OF THOSE ARE
SPECIFICALLY EARMARKED FOR THE
BLACK
COMMUNITY. EVERYBODY ELSE GETS
A COMBINATION OF SIX.
20% ARE BLACK BUT GET 75% OF THE
MONEY EARMARKED FOR MINORITIES.
THE ONLY LGBTQ GROUP THAT
GETS FUNDING SOLELY ON BLACK
TRANS
WOMEN DESPITE MOST LGBTQ ARE NOT
BLACK TRANS WOMEN.
THE COLONIALISM THAT INFILTRATED
CAPITOL HILL IN THE SUMMER OF
2020 HAS AN ENORMOUS AMOUNT
OF CONTROL AND ACTIVISTS
CANCELED
FOR OBJECTING TO THE
CONSTANT EXTORTION AND VIOLENCE
FROM THE
ETHNO- NATIONALIST COMMUNITY.
WE SEE THE CITY FUNDING GROUPS
THAT FORWARD IT.
WE SEE HOW ACCUSATIONS
OF
ANTI-RACIST -- THANK YOU FOR
YOUR TIME.
>> YOU HAVE ANOTHER TEN SECONDS,
LAUREL.
>> OKAY.
I JUST WANTED TO SAY THAT
WE NEED TO BE TREATED EQUALLY
AND IT'S NOT HAPPENING.
THE BLACK PANTHER PARTY WAS
NOT A CIVIL RIGHTS GROUP.
ASK ABOUT THAT.
I HOPE THAT'S INCLUDED IN
THAT
BLACK PANTHER MUSEUM THAT'S
GETTING --
>> THANK YOU.
FURTHER COMMENTS, FEEL FREE
TO SEND THEM IN TO COUNCIL.
ELIZABETH, I SEE YOU'RE OFF
MUTE.
TAKE IT AWAY.
>> GOOD AFTERNOON.
I THANK THE COUNCIL FOR
GIVING US THE OPPORTUNITY TO
SPEAK ON
THE 2025 BUDGETS.
MY NAME IS ELIZABETH.
I'M A SENIOR THAT IS A
TENANT IN AN AFFORDABLE HOUSING
UNIT
IN SOUTH LAKE UNION
NEIGHBORHOOD MANAGED BY LEHIGH,
AND I JUST --
THERE ARE THREE POINTS I WAS
HOPING TO BE ABLE TO TALK ABOUT
TODAY.
THE FIRST IS I'M HOPING
THAT WE WILL BE ABLE TO
PROVIDE ROBUST FUNDING TO KEEP
OUR
AFFORDABLE HOUSING UNITS THAT WE
HAVE NOW
SO FOLKS LIKE MYSELF, SENIORS,
LOW INCOME SENIORS AND LOW
INCOME PEOPLE WILL HAVE A
PLACE TO CALL HOME.
IT'S VERY IMPORTANT.
SECONDLY, THAT WE MAINTAIN THE
SHELTERS SO PEOPLE HAVE A DRY
PLACE TO STAY WHILE THEY
WAIT FOR PERMANENT HOMES AND,
THIRDLY, THAT WE PROVIDE
ROBUST SERVICES TO THOSE
UNSHELTERED LOOKING FOR A
SHELTER BED
OR PERMANENT HOME.
IT'S VERY IMPORTANT THAT WE
MAINTAIN AND KEEP WHAT WE
HAVE, AND SO THAT'S WHY I'M
CALLING YOU TODAY.
APPRECIATE YOUR TIME.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU, ELIZABETH.
UP NEXT IS JEN SOUTHWELL
FOLLOWED BY LISA KARL, MATTHEW
ON DECK.
JEN, YOU'RE OFF MUTE.
TAKE IT AWAY AT YOUR
CONVENIENCE.
WELCOME.
>> THANK YOU.
GOOD AFTERNOON.
I'M JEN AND THE VICE PRESIDENT
OF THE BOARD OF THE
SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
FOUNDATION.
FIRST OF ALL, I WANT TO THANK
THE COUNCIL FOR PROTECTING THE
PROPOSED FUNDING LEVEL FOR THE
LIBRARY IN THIS YEAR'S BUDGET.
THE FOUNDATION PROVIDES ABOUT 5
MILLION PER YEAR IN
PRIVATE FUNDING FOR THE LIBRARY
WHICH
IS ABOVE AND BEYOND THE PUBLIC
RESOURCES.
THAT SAME AMOUNT, 5
MILLION, WILL BE TAKEN AWAY FROM
THE
LIBRARY'S CAPITAL BUDGET THIS
YEAR BUT WE'RE ABLE TO COVER IT
WITH A ONE- TIME TRANSFER
FROM THE LINE BREAST CANCER LEVY
TO
ENSURE STABLE OPERATIONS FOR
NEXT YEAR.
HOWEVER, THIS UNDERSCORES
THE INCREASING PUBLIC DOLLARS
FOR FUTURE BUDGET.
MUCH LIKE PHILANTHROPIC
INVESTMENTS LEVY FUNDS ARE BEST
USED TO ENHANCE SERVICES
NOT FILL BUDGET GAPS.
WHILE I APPRECIATE THE COUNCIL
DID NOT FURTHER REDUCE THE
LIBRARY'S BUDGET THIS YEAR I
ASK THAT YOU FIND WAYS TO
INCREASE THE GENERAL FUND
RESOURCES IN
THE FUTURE.
THANK YOU FOR
YOUR WORK AND YOUR COMMITMENT TO
OUR CITY.
>> THANK YOU, JEN.
UP NEXT IS LISA FOLLOWED
BY MATTHEW AND THEN SAM WOLF.
LISA, I
SEE YOU'RE HERE. STAR 6 TO
UNMUTE.
LISA, STAR 6 TO UNMUTE.
LISA KARL, I SEE YOU'RE HERE.
STAR 6 TO UNMUTE.
WE'RE GOING TO COME BACK TO
YOU, LISA.
MATTHEW, YOU'RE NOW HERE. STAR
6 TO UNMUTE.
MATTHEW, TAKE IT AWAY. WELCOME.
>> ALL RIGHT.
THANK YOU, COUNCILMEMBER.
MY NAME IS MATTHEW AND I'M A
CO-LEAD STAFF MEMBER. I'VE
BEEN, WORKING IN THE FIELD
ABOUT FOUR YEARS NOW AND I JUST
WANT TO SHARE ABOUT CO- LEAD
AND THIS PROGRAM AND WHY IT'S
SO
IMPORTANT TO KEEP THIS PROGRAM
GOING.
WE ARE ABLE TO REALLY
MEET PEOPLE WHERE THEY'RE AT
AND I
KNOW THAT'S THROWN AROUND A
LOT.
WE ARE ABLE TO FIND
WHAT'S IMPORTANT TO THEM.
WE ARE WORKING WITH THEM SO
THEY CAN MAKE AN INVESTMENT
IN THEMSELVES TO SEE THE
IMPORTANCE
OF THAT NEW LIFE, OF LIVING THAT
NEW LIFE AND MAKING THOSE --
I'M NOT ASKING YOU TO BELIEVE
IN
CO-LEAD.
I THINK THE NUMBERS SHOW
THAT IT IS A PROGRAM THAT WORKS.
I AM ASKING YOU TO
GROW THE PROGRAM SO WE CAN REACH
OTHER PEOPLE AND HELP
CHANGE THE CITY
AS A WHOLE. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU, MATTHEW.
WE'LL TRY LISA KARL AGAIN.
STAR 6 TO UNMUTE.
LISA?
LISA KARL, IF YOU ARE WITH US,
NOW
AT SPEAKER 29 OF
63. LISA, I SEE YOU'RE OFF MUTE
ALREADY.
ARE YOU THERE?
>> YES, THANK YOU.
GOOD AFTERNOON, COUNCILMEMBERS.
MY NAME IS LISA KARL AND I LIVE
IN DISTRICT FIVE MEADOW
BROOK NEIGHBORHOOD OF NORTHEAST
SEATTLE.
I AM A FULL- TIME WORKER AND A
MOM OF A SENIOR AT NATHANNATHAN
HIGH SCHOOL.
I'VE LIVED IN SEATTLE MOST
OF THE LAST 35 YEARS AND YET
THIS IS MY VERY FIRST TIME
COMMENTING
AT A COUNCIL MEETING.
I'M MOTIVATED TO COMMENT WITH
OUR TAX SYSTEM IN THE CITY OF
SEATTLE AND SPECIFICALLY THE
RECENT÷÷ INCREASE IN THE
LOCAL SALES TAX.
THESE SAFETY MEASURES
ARE IMPORTANT AND NECESSARY, OF
COURSE, BUT IT IS
UNACCEPTABLE THAT THE COUNCIL
ONCE
AGAIN LEANED ON A REGRESSIVE
TAX STRUCTURE TO FUND CITY
SERVICES.
WE LIVE IN A WEALTHY CITY,
YET WE BEHAVE AS IF FUNDING IS
HARD TO COME BY AND LIMITED.
IT MAKES NO SENSE THAT THE
CITY OF SEATTLE CANNOT
FULLY FUND ALL OF OUR NEEDED
SERVICES.
WHY DO WE HAVE TO MAKE
HARD DECISIONS ABOUTABOUT TO
FUND
IN THIS WEALTHY CITY?
IT IS IN PART BECAUSE OUR CITY
COUNCIL HAS BEEN AFRAID TO TAKE
THE STEPS TOWARDS MEANINGFUL TAX
REFORM THAT WE NEED AND I'M JUST
FRUSTRATED. WE ALL KNOW THAT
SEATTLE'S
A WEALTHY CITY BUT ONE THAT HAS
A HIGH LEVEL OF INCOME
INEQUALITY.
I WANT TO SEE THE COUNCIL
PASS THE CITY INCOME TAX IN THE
COMING YEAR REQUIRING ALL
HOUSEHOLDS THAT EARN 500,000
OR MORE TO PAY INCOME TAX.
ALONGSIDE THAT I'D LIKE TO
SEE THE COUNCIL REDUCE
THE RETAIL SALES TAX AND THE GAS
TAX
INCREMENTALLY TO REDUCE THE
TAX BURDEN ON OUR POOREST
RESIDENTS.
LET'S MAKE SEATTLE A MORE
EQUITABLE CITY AND SET
AN EXAMPLE FOR THE REST OF THE
COUNTRY. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU, LISA.
UP NEXT IS BROWN.
FOLLOWED BY PAULINA AND
KAREN. BROWN?
MAYBE BRONWYN.
MY APOLOGIES MISPRONOUNCING YOUR
NAME.
BRONWYN, STAR 6 TO UNMUTE,
BRONWYN.
WELCOME.
>> HI.
GOOD AFTERNOON.
MY NAME IS BRONWYN TALAGA AND A
CO-LEAD SUPPORT SPECIALIST.
I'VE BEEN WORKING WITH CO-
LOOED AND WANT TO SHARE MY
PERSPECTIVE AS SOMEONE IN THE
FIELD DOING
THE WORK EVERY DAY PROVIDING
ESSENTIAL SUPPORT TO
INDIVIDUALS WALKING THROUGH OUR
DOORS
AND LODGING IS A STARTING POINT.
A MOMENT TO TAKE IN WHAT IS
A NEW
BEGINNING OR FRESH START FOR
FOLKS.
FOR EXAMPLE, ONE PERSON
DID THEIR FIRST INTAKE BEING
GREETED BY STAFF AND THE FIRST
THING THEY SAID WAS, IT'S BEEN
A WHILE
SINCE I'VE BEEN INDOORS.
IT IS CLEAN AND FEELS SAFE
FOR THE FIRST TIME.
THEY WERE OVERWHELMED WITH
EMOTION.
TO BE IN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT AND
NOT WORRY ABOUT THEIR NEXT MEAL
OR WARM PLACE TO REST THEIR
HEAD.
TIME AND TIME AGAIN FOLKS
ARE ABLE TO LET THEIR GUARDS
DOWN AND REST PEACEFULLY IN CO-
LEAD LODGING SITES.
ADVOCATING ON THEIR BEHALF
IN LEGAL MATTERS AS WELL DUE
TOTO
CO-LEAD SUPPORT FOLKS WERE
ABLE TO QUASH THEIR WARRANTS
BECAUSE THEY ARE ENGAGING AND
HAVING ACCESS TO CASE MANAGEMENT
IN THE
PROGRAM.
WE PROVIDE CASE
MANAGEMENT, SUPPORTING AND
ADVOCATING GUIDANCE TO MENTAL
HEALTH
RESOURCES. CO-LEAD ENCOURAGES
PARTICIPANTS TO REGAIN CONTROL
OVER THEIR LIVES WITH LONG- TERM
RECOVERY. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU.
UP NEXT IS PAULINA LOPEZ
FOLLOWED BY KAREN.
WELCOME, PAULINA. I SEE YOU'RE
OFF MUTE.
>> THANK YOU.
GOOD AFTERNOON, CITY COUNCIL
SELECT BUDGET COMMITTEE, CHAIR
STRAUSS.
MY NAME IS PAULINA LOPEZ AND
I'MI'M ON BEHALF OF
THE SNOHOMISH COALITION AND WE
WANT TO SHARE OUR RESPECTIVE
RECOMMENDATIONS. WE ARE WORRIED
THE CITY
MUST MAKE DIFFICULT CHOICES.
HOWEVER, WE URGE TO
PRIORITIZE THE PAYROLL EXPENSE
TAX AND
THE GREEN NEW DEAL FUND FOR
THE INTENDED PURPOSES OF
ADVANCING
CLIMATE, ENVIRONMENTAL
JUSTICE, REDUCING GREENHOUSE
EMISSIONS AND SUPPORTING
COMMUNITIES MOST
IMPACTED BY POLLUTION AND
DISPLACEMENT.
THE SNOHOMISH VALLEY SHOULD NOT
CONTINUE÷÷ LIVING IN DAILY HARM
OF TOXIC EXPOSURE.
AS WE SPEAK ECONOMIC
INEQUITIES IN THE BUDGET.
OUR RECOMMENDATIONS,
RELOCATE THE FUNDING TO FRONT-
LINE ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE
INVESTMENTS AND $1. 8 MILLION
PROPOSAL ON THE DELAYED --
AND INSTEAD PROJECTS THAT
WOULD BENEFIT TO COMMUNITIES TO
RESTORE FUNDING LIKE
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE FUND
AND ENGAGING OF CLIMATE
INITIATIVES.
TWO, THE CITY MUST HONOR
ITS COMMITMENT TOTO GREEN NEW
DEAL AND THE FUNDING FRAMEWORK,
RESTORE THE ORIGINAL PAYROLL
EXPENSE TAX, ALLOCATION FOR
THE GREEN NEW DEAL.
AND CURRENTLY 50% OF
THESE REVENUES DIVERTED TO THE
GENERAL FUNDS, WE NEED TO PHASE
IT
OUT OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.
RESILIENCE PLANNING OF
NEIGHBORHOOD PREPAREDNESS AND
COMMUNITY HUBS, NEIGHBORHOOD --
LOCALIZED PREPAREDNESSPREPAREDNE
SS
LIKE GEORGETOWN.
>> THANK YOU,
PAULINA. AND PLEASE FEEL FREE TO
SEND
ANY ADDITIONAL COMMENTS TO
COUNCIL@SEATTLE.GOV.
I SEE KAREN IS ALREADY OFF MUTE.
MARCIA WRIGHT IS NEXT AND
THEN COLLEEN McCLEAR IS ON DECK.
>> THANK YOU.
>> WELCOME.
>> MY NAME IS KAREN CONOVER AND
I'M ON THE BOARD OF
THE SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
FOUNDATION AND I
LIVE IN DISTRICT THREE.
OUR CITY IS IN A
DIFFICULT ECONOMIC SITUATION
THAT'S
IMPACTING OUR
RESIDENTS, NONPROFIT
ORGANIZATIONS
AND PUBLIC SERVICES ALIKE.
WHILE IT'S UNFORTUNATE THAT
THIS YEAR'S BUDGET WILL CUT
$5 MILLION IN CAPITAL PROJECTS
FOR THE SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARY I
APPRECIATE THE CONSTRAINTS THE
MAYOR AND COUNCIL FACE AND I'M
GLAD THE LIBRARY HAS THE
ABILITY TO TRANSFER LEVY DOLLARS
TO
ENSURE STABLE OPERATIONS IN
2026.
HOWEVER, THIS TRANSFER MAKES
THE RENEWAL OF THE LIBRARY LEVY
NEXT
YEAR EVEN MORE IMPORTANT FOR
E█VERYONE.
THE LIBRARY IS
INCREASINGLY RELIANT ON LEVY
DOLLARS TO
DELIVER
BASIC ESSENTIAL SERVICES TO OUR
PATRONS.
I'M ENCOURAGING ALL OF US
TO WORK TOGETHER OVER THE NEXT
YEAR TO ENSURE THAT A STRONG
LEVY PACKAGE IS PUT BEFORE
VOTERS.
DURING TOUGH TIMES OUR
NEIGHBORS RELY ON THE LIBRARY
MORE THAN
EVER. THANK YOU FOR PROTECTING
THE FUNDING FOR THE PUBLIC
LIBRARY
TODAY AND I
HOPE YOU'RE COMMITTED TO THE
LIBRARY'S
FUTURE AS WELL.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR ALL YOU
DO ON
BEHALF OF THE LIBRARY AND FOR
OUR CITY.
>> THANK YOU,
MARCIA. UP NEXT -- OR THANK YOU,
KAREN.
UP NEXT IS MARCIA FOLLOWED
BY COLLEEN AND THEN PETER ORR.
MARCIA, YOU'RE ALREADY OFF
MUTE.
WELCOME.
>> THANK YOU. GOOD AFTERNOON.
I'M THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AT
FAMILY WORKS WHICH
PROVIDES HUNGER RELIEF IN
DISTRICT FOUR,
FIVE AND SIX.
THANK YOU FOR ALL
THE WORK YOU'VE CONTRIBUTED TO
A
TOUGH BUDGET THIS YEAR.
MANY ASPECTS MEET THE MOMENT
OF THE INCREDIBLE CHALLENGES
WE'RE
FACING AS FEDERAL CUTS HAVE
HARMED THE MOST MARGINALIZED
NEIGHBORS AND POLITICS HAVE
HARMED THOSE IN POVERTY.
FOOD INSECURITY, GENDER-
BASED VIOLENCE AND SENIORS ARE
ALL CONNECTED AND WILL
STRENGTHEN THE COMMUNITY FACING
IT AMID
THE CHAOS AND UNCERTAINTY.
IN THE LAST WEEK FAMILY WORKS
HAS SEEN THREE TIMES THE NORMAL
NUMBER OF VISITORS TO THE
FOOD BANK AND MOMS AND DADS WHO
ARE COMING TO OUR ROOSEVELT
RESOURCE CENTER ASKING FOR
RENTAL
ASSISTANCE, CLOTHING ASSISTANCE
AND DIAPERS SO THEY CAN
AFFORD TO BUY FOOD.
I'M URGING YOU ALL TO PROTECT
THE INCREASES IN FOOD SECURITY
FUNDING, THANK THE MEAL
PROGRAMS.
SENIORS ARE AMONG THE
MOST VULNERABLE TO FOOD
INSECURITY, HOUSING INSTABILITY
AND
LONELINESS. PLEASE SUPPORT
AMENDMENT HSD 47
D1 AND I URGE YOU TO ADD
$250,000 TO ADDRESS THE
GROWING NEEDS OF OUR 15 CENTERS
ACROSS THE CITY.
AND PLEASE PROTECT
EXISTING HOUSING AND SERVICES
AND
SUPPORT CHAIR STRAUSS' PROPOSAL
TO STRENGTHEN THE RESERVE
TO PREVENT DISRUPTIONS TO
THESE SERVICES IN THE FUTURE.
WE MAY LOSE TENS OF MILLIONS
IN FEDERAL FUNDS THAT
KEEP THOUSANDS
HOUSED. WE HAVE THE ABILITY TO
WORK
TOGETHER TO ANTICIPATE
DISRUPTIONS AND CAN START NOW.
AND, FINALLY, WE CAN'T DO THIS
WORK WITHOUT --
>> THANK YOU, MARCIA.
FEEL FREE TO SEND ANY
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS IN TO
COUNCIL@SEATTLE.GOV.
COLLEEN McCLEAR IS UP
NEXT FOLLOWED BY PETER ORR AND
GINA HALL IS ON DECK.
COLLEEN, WELCOME.
>> GOOD AFTERNOON, CHAIR
STRAUSS, AND CITY COUNCIL.
WE HAVE OVER 2,400 RESIDENCES.
THE CITY BUDGET IS CONTINUING
TO EXPLODE EVERY YEAR WITH
GREAT CONCERN AT $9 BILLION JUST
ABOUT
AND AT
A GREATER RATE THAN ITS
POPULATION GROWTH WITH
THE POTENTIAL FOR LARGE
BUSINESSES
TO LEAVE SEATTLE DUE TO
THE INCREASED TAXES AND THE
EMPLOYEE JUMP- START TAXES,
REVENUES
MAY ACTUALLY DECREASE IN THE
NEXT
18 MONTHS LEAVING LITTLE ROOM
TO EXPAND BUDGET EXPENDITURES
FROM THE BALANCED BUDGET
PRESENTED
BY THE EXECUTIVE.
WHILE THE INTENTIONS TO
PROVIDE NEEDS ARE COMMENDABLE,
239
PAGES OF AMENDMENTS REQUESTING
$85
MILLION IS NOT
SUSTAINABLE WITHOUT CUTS TO PAY
FOR THEM.
THE CITY AND STATE HAS
TAXED RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES
TO THE
MAX, PROPOSING ANY NEW
PROPERTY TAX TO PAY FOR THE
NONESSENTIAL
$85 MILLION IN AMENDMENTS IS
NOT FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE AND IS
CHOKING OUT FOR RENTERS AND
PROPERTY OWNERS.
REVENUE SOURCES ARE ALREADY
IN THE BUDGET.
NEW SALES TAXES, SPECIAL
LEVIES FOR PARKS, AFFORDABLE
HOUSING, MEDIC ONE, THEY SHOULD
BE
DEPLOYED FIRST.
AND THE CITY SHOULD ALSO
WORK WITH A.I. TOOLS TO REDUCE
OVERHEAD AND ADD MORE REVENUE
FOR PEOPLE. TO BENEFIT THE WHOLE
SEAS WE
DO SUPPORT A FEW AMENDMENTS.
ONE IS MORE 911 PUBLIC SAFETY,
NONEMERGENCY SUPPORT,
GOVERNANCE INTO ONE DEPARTMENT.
THANK YOU AND REVISIT THESE
AMENDMENTS IN 2026.
>> THANKS, COLLEEN.
UP NEXT IS PETER ORR FOLLOWED
BY GINA HALL AND THEN ROBIN
SCHWARTZ IS ON DECK.
PETER,
I SEE YOU'RE HERE. STAR 6 TO
UNMUTE.
>> HELLO, COUNCILMEMBERS.
I'M A 15- YEAR RESIDENT
OF DISTRICT FIVE HERE TO
VOICE SUPPORT FOR BUDGET
AMENDMENT
OPCD 11- A1 WHICH ALLOCATES
$250,000 FOR OPCD TO ADDRESS THE
AREA OF AURORA AVENUE NORTH AND
AVENUE÷÷ SAFETY
MEASURES. AS A BLOCK WATCH
CAPTAIN I
CAN TESTIFY THAT THIS PART OF
AURORA REQUIRES URGENT AND
ONGOING ATTENTION AS WE
RESIDENTS CONSTANTLY RISK
BECOMING
CASUALTIES OF GUNFIGHTS AND
RECKLESS DRIVING.
AS A PARENT WITH A STUDENT
WHO WILL BE CROSSING AURORA
AVENUE NORTH TO GET TO
SCHOOL NEXT YEAR, THE SAFETY OF
THIS
STREET IS ALL THE MORE IMPORTANT
TO ME.
FORMER COUNCILMEMBER CATHY
MOORE'S EFFORTS ARE MISSED
AND DESIGNATION OF FUNDS TO
SAFETY IMPROVEMENT IS A
WELCOME TESTAMENT TO HER
ATTENTION.
THANK YOU, COUNCILMEMBERS
STRAUSS, JUAREZ AND SOLOMON
FOR INCLUDING THE AMENDMENT IN
THE BUDGET AND I ASK FOR THE
COUNCIL'S UNANIMOUS SUPPORT OF
IT.
I YIELD MY TIME.
>> THANK YOU, PETER.
UP NEXT IS GINA HALL FOLLOWED
BY ROBIN SCHWARTZ AND
JIMMY HIGHTOWER IS ON DECK.
GINA, WELCOME. STAR 6 TO UNMUTE.
GINA HALL, STAR 6 TO UNMUTE.
GINA?
ONE LAST CALL FOR GINA.
GINA IS OFF MUTE.
WELCOME, GINA.
GOOD AFTERNOON.
>> THANK YOU SO MUCH.
HELLO.
I'M A CEO OF THE
MILLIONAIRE CLUB CHARITY.
I WOULD LIKE TO THANK OUR
MAYOR, BRUCE HARRELL, ALSO
COUNCIL PRESIDENT SARA NELSON
AND THANK
YOU, CHAIR OF THE BUDGET
COMMITTEE, DAN STRAUSS, FOR
SUPPORTING THIS INNOVATIVE
PUBLIC/PRIVATE PARTNERSHIP WITH
UPLIFT NORTHWEST.
AS MANY OF YOU MAY KNOW, UPLIFT
NORTHWEST HAS BEEN AROUND OVER
100 YEARS. WE HAVE AN APPROACH
TO
SERVING FOLKS WHO LIVE IN
EXTREME
POVERTY, MANY OF WHICH
ARE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS
YET
WE ARE SERVING ANYWHERE FROM 500
TO
1,000 INDIVIDUALS GET CLOSER TO
A CAREER PASS IN OUR
READINESSREADINESS
PROGRAM.
I WANT TO SHARE ONE EXAMPLE OF A
STORY, AND THIS STORY IS ABOUT
PEDRO.
PEDRO LOST HIS JOB IN THE
MIDDLE OF THE COVID- 19
PANDEMIC.
SHORTLY AFTER ARRIVING TO
SEATTLE, HE FOUND UPLIFT
NORTHWEST. HE WENT THROUGH OUR
READINESS PROGRAM AND SOON WAS
PLACED
ON ONE OF OUR GRAFFITI
ABATEMENT PROGRAM CREWS.
HE SHOWED A KNACK FOR PROBLEM
SOLVING.
HE WAS PROMOTED TO LEAD.
>> YOU HAVE TEN SECONDS LEFT.
>> I JUST WISH THAT YOU --
I'M ASKING YOU TO PLEASE
SUPPORT
THE ADDITIONAL SUPPORT FOR
OUR GRAFFITI ABATEMENT PROGRAM.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AND
UNDERSERVED REPRESENTATIVES.
>> RIGHT BACK AT YOU, GINA.
I SEE SOMEBODY JUST REGISTERED
A COUPLE MINUTES AGO.
SO -- AND WE WILL CONTINUE
THIS MEETING UNTIL 4:00 P.M. AND
THEN EVERYONE SIGNED UP BY
THE REGISTRATION DEADLINE OF
3:00 P.M. WILL BE HEARD TODAY.
I WANTED TO REMIND THE VIEWING
PUBLIC THAT REGISTRATION
CLOSES IN 48 MINUTES.
WITH THAT, WE HAVE
ROBIN SCHWARTZ FOLLOWED BY JIMMY
HIGHTOWER AND, ROBIN, STAR 6 TO
UNMUTE.
>> GOOD AFTERNOON.
MY NAME IS ROBIN SCHWARTZ AND I
AM A STAFF MEMBER AND IN
THIS CAPACITY I AM ON THE BOARD
OF THE GEORGETOWN COMMUNITY
COUNCIL AND THE GEORGETOWN
NEIGHBORHOOD CENTER VISION
GROUP.
I KNOW THE COUNCIL IS
VERY FAMILIAR WITH THE STRENGTH
AND
CHALLENGES OF THE -- WE WORK
TO IDENTIFY AND PRIORITIZE GOALS
TO PROVIDE THE STANDARD OF
LIVING
THAT IS COMPARABLE TO OTHERS IN
THE CITY.
ACCESS TO FOOD OPTIONS THAT
ARE CRUCIAL COMPONENTS FOR THE
VULNERABLE TO HEALTH
AND WELLNESS IMPACTS.
WE EVER RKED HARD TO
ENVISION A BETTER FUTURE.
WE STAND BEHIND THIS
WORK BECAUSE IT IS COMMUNITY
LED.
WE URGE THE COUNCIL TO FUND
THESE AMENDMENTS SO
OUR NEIGHBORS
CAN BE A MORE RESILIENT PLACE TO
LIVE.
>> THANK YOU, ROBIN.
UP NEXT IS JIMMY HIGHTOWER.
JIMMY, YOU'RE ALREADY OFF MUTE.
THANK YOU.
TAKE IT AWAY.
>> MY NAME IS JIMMY
HIGHTOWER AND I'M CALLING TO
ADVOCATE
FOR TWO LAKE CITY ITEMS,
OED-001-A1.
I'VE LIVED IN DISTRICT FIVE FOR
OVER TEN YEARS AND SINCE
2020 HAVE BEEN VERY INVOLVED
WITH COMMUNITY AND
BUSINESS ORGANIZATION
EFFORTS PARTICULARLY HERE IN MY
COMMUNITY. IN MY WORK WITHIN THE
COMMUNITY
I'VE MET SOME OF THE MOST
COMPASSIONATE, CARING AND
SCRAPPY FOLKS WHO TRULY LOVE
THE COMMUNITY AND THE
NEIGHBORHOOD IS PERCEIVED AS A
WASTELAND,
THE LOSS OF OUR GROCERY STORE
AND
LACK OF RESOURCES FOR OUR
UNHOUSED NEIGHBORS.
LAKE CITY IS HOME TO TENT
CITY AND INCOMING TINY HOME
VILLAGE, OTHER LOW- INCOME AND
LOCALLY OWNED SMALL BUSINESSES
AND SEATTLE INDIAN HEALTH BOARD
TO NAME A FEW.
WE'RE PROUD BUT WE NEED HELP
TO PROPERLY SUPPORT OUR
COMMUNITY
WITH THE LOSS OF FRED MIRER.
THE $50,000 TO EXPAND
FUNDING FOR BUSINESS INCUBATOR
WILL
MEET THE UNIQUE NEEDS OF
OUR COMMUNITY WHILE THE $100,000
IN FUNDING FOR CLEANING
SERVICES WILL HELP US MAINTAIN
AND ENHANCE OUR NEIGHBORHOOD
AND PROVIDE PROOF OF CONCEPT TO
MOVE
THE AREA FORWARD. WE'VE BEEN
WORKING REALLY HARD
ON IT.
WE WANT TO SHOW
OUR SEATTLE NEIGHBORS THAT IT IS
A
DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH.
THANK YOU TO COUNCILMEMBER
JUAREZ'S STAFF AND
COUNCILMEMBER RINCK FOR VISITING
OUR
COMMUNITY.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU, JIMMY.
UP NEXT IS DANCING COIN
FOLLOWED BY RED STAR AND THEN
MAX.
DANCING, I SEE YOU HERE.
STAR 6 TO UNMUTE.
DANSON, WELCOME.
>> GREAT.
GOOD AFTERNOON, COUNCILMEMBERS.
I'M A MEMBER OF THE TRIBE
AND SERVE AS THE FINANCE
MANSIONER.
I'M ASKING FOR YOUR SUPPORT
ON THE $350,000 FOR CRITICAL
REPAIRS, WE RELY ON TO BRING
OUR NATIVES HOME.
THIS INVESTMENT ENSURES NATIVE
PEOPLE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS
RECEIVE CARE IN DIGNITY AND
BELONGING. WE'RE GRATEFUL FOR
COUNCILMEMBER
JUAREZ'S STRONG ADVOCACY
AND THIS COUNCIL'S PARTNERSHIP.
I WOULD LIKE TO CLOSE
WITH A SONG FOR COUNCILMEMBER
JUAREZ.
[ MUSIC ]
>> THANK YOU, AND AS WE REMEMBER
ARLENE TODAY, THAT SONG WAS
EXTREMELY APPROPRIATE.
RED STAR, I
SEE YOU'RE ALREADY
OFF MUTE. TAKE IT AWAY.
>> HI.
GOOD AFTERNOON, SEATTLE
VOTERS AND COUNCILMEMBERS.
I SUBMITTED IN MY BALLOT,
WE VOTED OUT LEADERSHIP THAT
SERVES BUSINESS DONORS OVER
WORKING PEOPLE BECAUSE THIS IS
OUR
CITY AND REFUSE TO LET IT BE
BANISHED TO THE WEALTHY FEW
WHILE WE
FACE RISING INSECURITY.
YOU ARE ELECTED PUBLIC SERVANTS.
SERVE THE PUBLIC.
STOP ACTING LIKE VICTIMS OF
CIRCUMSTANCE.
ASK YOURSELF, HOW AM I USING
MY OFFICE TO BUILD TRUST,
INTEGRITY AND EQUITY NOT MORE
SUFFERING.
STOP FUNDING SWEEPS,
STOP CUTTING TENANT LEGAL AID,
STOP
PRETENDING WE CAN POLICE OUR
WAY OUT OF
POVERTY, INCREASE FUNDING FOR
EVICTION LEGAL SERVICES
AND FUNDING FOR TENANT
EDUCATION.
FUND ACTUAL HOUSING AND
SHELTER NOT MORE DISPLACEMENT.
AND, REMEMBER, EVERY VOTE YOU
CAST ON THIS BUDGET IS A
MESSAGE TO YOUR CONSTITUENTS.
WHEN YOUR NAME APPEARS
ON THE NEXT BALLOT, WE WILL
REMEMBER
EXACTLY WHERE YOU STOOD.
PLEASE ADVOCATE FOR THE
PEOPLE WHO REPRESENT YOU THE
MOST,
NOT YOUR DONORS.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU, RED.
UP NEXT IS MAX FOLLOWED BY TINA.
MAX, YOU'RE HERE. WELCOME.
GOOD AFTERNOON.
>> HI.
GOOD AFTERNOON, COUNCIL.
MY NAME IS MAX.
I'M A RENTER IN DISTRICT
FOUR AND A COORDINATOR AT
THE UNIVERSITY FOOD BANK.
JUST IN THE PAST WEEK WE
HAVE SEEN THE CATASTROPHIC
EFFECT
OF FEDERAL S.N.A.P. CUTS ON
FAMILIES FACING HUNGER IN OUR
CITY.
FAMILIES COMING TO THE
FOOD BANK RIGHT NOW ARE SCARED
AND CONFUSED AND REALLY
OVERWHELMED BY THE PROSPECT OF
DELAYS
AND REDUCTIONS IN FEDERAL
FOOD BENEFITS FOR THE
FORESEEABLE
FUTURE, BUT WE HAVE ALSO SEEN
SO MANY OF OUR NEIGHBORS PULL
TOGETHER IN THIS CRISIS
MOMENT FROM HIGH SCHOOLERS DOING
MUTUAL AID TO SO MANY
RESTAURANTS OFFERING FREE MEALS
AND WE
REALLY NEED OUR CITY COUNCIL
TO DO THE SAME.
WE DESPERATELY NEED TO
PROTECT INVESTMENTS IN FOOD
BANKS AND
MEAL PROGRAMS AND I
ESPECIALLY ASK YOU TO SUPPORT
AND IDEALLY
INCREASE CHAIR STRAUSS'
PROPOSAL TO STRENGTHEN THE
MAYOR'S
RESERVE TO PREVENT MAJOR
DISRUPGS IN HUMAN SERVICES WHEN
FEDERAL CUTS CUT AGAINST
OUR FAMILIES IN THE CITY
LIKE WE ARE SEEING RIGHT NOW.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR TIME.
I REALLY APPRECIATE IT.
>> THANKS, MAX.
UP NEXT IS TINA.
TINA, BEFORE YOU START, I'M
GOING TO CALL OFF THE NAMES
OF THOSE WHO ARE NOT PRESENT,
SO EITHER CALL IN NOW OR COME
TO THE IN- PERSON COMMENT AT
5:00.
THOSE NOT PRESENT AT THIS TIME
ARE MUHAMMAD, ESTHER,
DARRYL BIVENS, JOEL MALLOY,
MICHAEL, STU HENNESSEY,
DAVID HAYNES AND EVERYONE ELSE
IS
PRESENT. WITH THAT, TINA, I SEE
YOU'RE OFF MUTE.
AT YOUR CONVENIENCE, TAKE IT
AWAY.
GOOD AFTERNOON AND WELCOME.
TINA?
>> OH, HI.
SORRY. THANK YOU SO MUCH.
CAN YOU HEAR ME?
>> YES.
WELCOME.
>> AWESOME.
THANK YOU SO MUCH.
MY NAME IS TINA.
I'M A CONSTITUENT FOR DISTRICT
FIVE.
I'M GIVING PUBLIC COMMENT
IN SUPPORT OF OPCD 011-A-1.
THIS 250K IS FUNDING FOR
AURORA AVENUE NORTH FOR PUBLIC
SAFETY.
THANK YOU TO OUR COUNCILMEMBER
JUAREZ AND SOLOMON .
I WANT TO EMPHASIZE
HOW IMPORTANT THIS IS FOR THOSE
EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS BEING
TRAFFICKED OROR NEED
MENTAL HEALTH CARE.
I LIVE CLOSE TO AND TRAVEL
ON AURORA AVENUE NORTH AND
OFTEN SEE WOMEN SOLICITING
SEX, LOITERING ON THE STREET,
AND
OUR NEIGHBORS ARE VICTIMS
TO SHOOTING AT EACH OTHER AND
JOHNS DRIVING AROUND THE
NEIGHBORHOOD
LOOKING FOR A SPOT TO STOPSTOP
AS
WELL USED CONDOMS, DISPOSED
ON THE STREET AND IN OUR YARDS.
I WANT TO EMPHASIZE
SEX TRAFFICKING DATA IS WILDLY
INACCURATE AND THAT I URGE --
IT IS LIKELY MANY OF THESE
WOMEN ARE SEX TRAFFICKED.
I URGE CITY COUNCIL TO APPROVE
THIS BUDGET AMENDMENT,
SERVICES TO THOSE EXPERIENCING
THIS,
AND I -- THIS WOULD GIVE MYSELF
AND NEIGHBORS RELIEF FROM THE
COLLATERAL DAMAGE THAT THIS SEX
TRAFFICKING HAS.
THESE CRIMES ARE ABSOLUTELY
OUT IN THE OPEN AND ARE
UNACCEPTABLE.
>> THANK YOU, TINA.
FEEL FREE TO SEND IN ANY
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS TO
COUNCIL@SEATTLE.GOV.
NAPHEESA, I SEE YOU'RE HERE.
STAR 6 TO UNCOMMUTE.
FOLLOWING IS MARY PETERSON.
OLLIE GARRETT, YOU'LL
BE NEXT UNLESS TAIB MUHAMMAD OR
ESTHER OR DARRYL BIVENS CALLS
BACK IN.
WELCOME.
>> HELLO.
THANKS, COUNCIL.
GOOD AFTERNOON.
MY NAME IS NAPHEESA.
I'M A DIRECTOR AND HAVE HAD THE
HONOR SERVING OUR COMMUNITY FOR
THE LAST 25 YEARS.
AT CIBA OUR MISSION IS
TO SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES TO
GAIN SKILLS, TOOLS AND
TRAINING NEEDED TO SUCCEED AND
TO BE
SUSTAINABLE.
WE GET PLANS TOGETHER, PLANS TO
ORGANIZATIONAL.
WE SIGN MOU, UNDERSTANDING WITH
THE HOUSE BILL FOR HOUSING
TO SUPPORT IN THE AREA.
THROUGH COMPUTER LITERACY AND
CREATING -- TO THE EMPLOYMENT
BUSINESS, TRANSLATION AND
RESOURCES.
THROUGH THIS WORK WE HAVE MANY
EMPLOYED, LOW INCOME AND NEED
LANGUAGE SUPPORT.
COUNCIL'S ACCEPTANCE OF
THE PROPOSAL IN THE BUDGET,
THANKS FOR CHAIRMAN NELSON TO
ALLOW US
TO CONTINUE EMPOWERING
NEWCOMERS, IMMIGRANTS, FAMILIES,
SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS --
>> THANK YOU, NAPHEESA.
FEEL FREE TO SEND ANY
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS TO
COUNCIL@SEATTLE.GOV.
UNLESS FOLKS CALL IN,
OLLIE GARRETT WILL BE NEXT.
MARY, STAR 6 TO UNMUTE.
I SEE YOU'RE HERE.
WELCOME.
>> HI.
YES.
THANKS.
I APPRECIATE WHAT THE
COUNCIL IS DOING AND WHAT YOU
ARE DOING IN
THE BUDGET COMMITTEE TO
PROVIDE IMPORTANT MONEY TO
HOMELESSNESSHOMELESSNESS AND
AFFORDABLE HOUSING.
HOWEVER, I THINK ONE OF THE
MOST IMPORTANT THINGS IS TO TRY
TO
KEEP PEOPLE WHO ARE HOUSED
IN THEIR HOUSING.
AND AS TENANT ISSUES COME
UP, WE HAVE TO HELP PEOPLE WITH
ISSUES WITH THEIR LANDLORDS, SO
I
AM REALLY WANTING TO PLEASE
RESTORE OR ADD MONEY FOR THE --
WHAT IS
IT -- TAKE IT TO THE LEVEL 1. 6
MILLION.
SO, PLEASE DO THAT,
PARTICULARLY SINCE WE ARE IN A
STATE WE
ARE WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.
SO IF YOU COULD RESTORE
THE TENANT SERVICES FUNDING
TOTO LIKE SOLID GROUND
AND HOUSING JUSTICE PROJECTS,
I THINK THAT WOULD GO A LONG
WAY TO KEEP PEOPLE IN THEIR
HOUSING.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
>> THANK YOU, MARY.
WE HAVE TAIB MOHAMED,
ESTHER, DAVID BIVENS ALL NOT
PRESENT.
IF YOU ARE A FRIEND OF
THEIRS, PLEASE TEXT THEM TO CALL
IN NOW.
OLLIE, YOU ARE OFF MUTE.
SO YOU'RE GOING TO BE UP
NEXT FOLLOWED BY BRIE AND THEN
DONALD
CAMERON.
OLLIE, WELCOME. GOOD AFTERNOON.
>> GOOD AFTERNOON AND GOOD
AFTERNOON, CHAIR STRAUSS AND
COUNCILMEMBERS. I'M OLLIE
GARRETT, PRESIDENT
OF TABLE 100.
I'M HERE TODAY TO SPEAK
IN SUPPORT OF FUNDING FOR SMALL
BUSINESSES, TECHNICAL
AND CAPACITY BUILDING RESOURCES
IN OUR REGION.
ACROSS SEATTLE OUR SMALL
BUSINESSES, PARTICULARLY
BLACK OWNED IT IMMIGRANT OWNED,
WOMEN
OWNED, FAMILY OWNED FIRMS FACE
BARRIERS TO ASSESSING
CAPITAL, CONTRACTS AND STABLE
OPERATIONS.
THEY ARE THE BACKBONE OF THE
ECONOMY, REINVEST IN
THE NEIGHBORHOOD AND KEEP WEALTH
CIRCULATING INSIDE, OUR
ECONOMY IS MORE DIVERSE, MORE
RESILIENT AND REFLECTIVE OF
THE CITY THAT WE SAY
WE ARE. MANY OF THESE BUSINESSES
ARE
NAVIGATING COMPLEX
REGULATORY AND CERTIFICATION
ENVIRONMENTS,
ONGOING MARKET CHALLENGES
AND THE ECONOMIC PRESSURE OF
RECOVERY ALL WHILE
OPERATING WITH LIMITED STAFF
MARGINS.
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AND
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
SUPPORT IS NOT A LUXURY, IT'S A
NECESSITY.
INVESTMENT IN THIS
WORK ENSURES SMALL BUSINESSES
ARE NOT
LEFT BEHIND IN ECONOMIC
RECOVERY.
IT ENSURES OUR GROWTH
IS EQUITABLE AND NOT JUST
PROFITABLE.
I RESPECTFULLY URGE THE
COUNCIL TO SUPPORT THESE
INVESTMENTS.
THE RETURNS ARE NOT
JUST
FINANCIAL. IT IS SOCIAL,
CULTURAL --
>> THANK YOU, OLLIE.
UP NEXT IS BRIE FOLLOWED
BY DONALD CAMERON.
BRIE, YOU'RE OFF MUTE.
TAKE IT AWAY.
>> HI, GOOD
AFTERNOON. I RESPECT THAT YOU
DIDN'T
KNOW HOW TO PRONOUNCE MY NAME,
DAN.
I'M A VOLUNTEER ON THE BOARD OF
PARKLANDS KNOWN AS CAPA, WE
BRING TOGETHER
RESIDENTS, BUSINESSES AND
ORGANIZATIONS
TO WORK TO MAKE THE PARK A
SAFER, HEALTHIER AND MORE
WELCOMING
PLACE. THE CALENDAR -- IT WAS
TOO
EXPENSIVE AND THE
RESERVATION PROCESS TOO
CUMBERSOME SO
THE BUILDING USUALLY SAT EMPTY
AND
THEN IT WAS COMPLETELY
CLOSED FOLLOWING THE PANDEMIC.
ABOUT 14 MONTHS AGO CAPA ENTERED
INTO AN AGREEMENT TO MANAGE THE
SHELTER HOUSE FOR A PILOT
PROJECT.
NEARLY 200 EVENTS HAVE BEEN
HELD
THERE FROM SMALL COMMITTEE
MEETINGS TO LARGE FESTIVALS,
BIRTHDAY PARTIES, ALBUM
LAUNCHES, GAME NIGHTS, CRAFT
FAIRS. ALL KINDS OF THINGS.
IN ADDITION TO MANAGING THE
SHELTER HOUSE WE HELP
EVENT ORGANIZERS NAVIGATE
THE CHALLENGING PERMITTING
PROCESS AND PLAN SUCCESSFUL
EVENTS IN THE PARK ITSELF.
WE MANAGE THE KATHY HILLENBRAND
AND WE FACILITATED EVENTS IN THE
PLAZA NEXT TO THE PARK.
THIS PILOT HAS BROUGHT POSITIVE
ACTIVITY TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD
AND CREATED A SENSE OF
BELONGING AMONG A DIVERSE
POPULATION.
IT NEEDS MORE FUNDING IN
ORDER TO MAKE THE SPACES
AVAILABLE, MORE HOURS IN EVERY
DAY OF
THE WEEK AND EXPAND EFFORTS TO
BRING MORE
EVENTS TO THE PARK IN THE PLAZA.
POSITIVE ACT VAGTS IVATION IS
CRITICAL.
WE ASK YOU SUPPORT THE FUNDING
WE UNDERSTAND COUNCILMEMBER
HOLLINGSWORTH WILL BE PROPOSING.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU.
AND UP NEXT IS DONALD CAMERON.
DONALD, STAR 6 TO UNMUTE.
YOU'RE OFFOFF MUTE.
>> THANK YOU,
COUNCIL. I REALLY APPRECIATE
HAVING THE
OPPORTUNITY TO TELL YOU ABOUT
OUR PROGRAM.
WE'RE IN SUPPORT OF
COUNCILMEMBER NELSON AMENDMENT
65.
OUR PROGRAM PROVIDES
MENTORING -- MENTORSHIP FOR BOTH
BOYS AND GIRLS
THROUGHOUT SEATTLE IN PERSON AND
VIRTUAL.
OUTSIDE OF MENTORSHIP IS WE WORK
WITH PARENTS.
WE HAVE MENTORSHIP AND
TRAINING AROUND RELATIONSHIP
BUILDING, FINANCIAL LITERACY,
WORKFORCE
DEVELOPMENT, HELPING THEM
FIND JOBS.
IT'S A LIST OF STRATEGIES
WHEN WE WORK WITH FAMILIES AND
YOUTH.
TWO MIDDLE SCHOOLS STARTING IN
2026. IT'S BEEN A GREAT
OPPORTUNITY
FOR US TO SERVE OUR COMMUNITY.
WE ALSO DO WELLNESS CIRCLES FOR
PARENTS.
WE FEEL THAT WE CAN'T
JUST WORK WITH THE KIDS IN AN
ISOLATEDISOLATED
SITUATION. WE TO WORK WITH THEM
AS
WELL.
ONE LAST THING I WOULD LIKE
TO SHARE OUR PARTNERSHIP
FOR HOPE IS HOPE OPPORTUNITY
WHERE WE
BRING
18-WHEELER TRUCK IN TO FEED OUR
COMMUNITIES.
>> THANK YOU, DONALD.
UP NEXT WE HAVE -- AND I SEE
ESTHER IS NOW PRESENT.
WELCOME. STAR 6 TO UNMUTE.
>> HI.
GREETINGS, EVERYBODY. MY NAME IS
ESTHER, I SERVE
AS THE PRESIDENT AND CEO FOR
THE HEALTH FORCE.
I WANT TO MAKE SURE
EVERYBODY CAN HEAR ME BECAUSE
I'M CALLING IN FROM MY FAMILY
VACATION.
CAN YOU HEAR ME ALL RIGHT?
>> WE
CAN HEAR YOU.
>> OKAY, FANTASTIC.
I REALLY WANT TO ENCOURAGE
THE CITY COUNCIL TOTO
THE BUDGET INITIATIVE
FOR A TREATMENT÷÷TREATMENT
CENTER THE THING
I WANT TO MAKE CLEAR TO
EVERYBODY IN SEATTLE AND
EVERYBODY ON THE
COUNCIL IS THAT OUR
TREATMENT CENTER WILL SERVE --
IT ACTUALLY
INCREASES THE BED CAPACITY BY
51%. THAT MEANS WE WILL SERVE SO
MANY PEOPLE IN THE STATE
OF WASHINGTON AND SPECIFICALLY
FROM
SEATTLE. FOR FOLKS WHO DON'T
KNOW,
THE HEALTH BOARD HAS THREE
CLINICS IN SEATTLE PROPER AND WE
HAVE
A MOBILE UNIT AND THOSE
WILL PREDOMINANTLY BE
OUR REFERRAL POINTS SO WE ARE A
HUGE PART OF
THE SOLUTION DEDICATED TO
ADDRESSING SUBSTANCE USE
ISSUES WITHIN THE CITY OF
SEATTLE.
I JUST WANT TO THANK YOU
FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION AND JUST
REALLY ENCOURAGE YOU TO
PUSH THIS FORWARD.
IT ACTUALLY FINALIZES OUR
BUDGET AND FILLS OUR BUDGET GAP
AND THAT MEANS WE WILL BE UP
AND RUNNING COME EARLY
SPRING. SO PLEASE, PLEASE,
PLEASE, SUPPORT THIS BUDGET ASK.
THANK YOU SO MUCH.
>> THANK YOU.
UP NEXT IS CINDY FOLLOWED
BY MICHAEL AND THEN SHIRLEY.
CINDY, I SEE YOU'RE HERE.
STAR 6 TO UNMUTE.
CINDY?
THERE YOU ARE.
WELCOME.
>> HI, GOOD AFTERNOON,
COUNCILMEMBERS.
WE HAVE A CHILDREN AND FAMILY
PROGRAM DIRECTOR.
I WANT TO EXPRESS MY DEEPEST
TO CHAIR DAN STRAUSS FOR
INCLUDING OUR CENTER IN THE CARE
PACKAGE.
YOUR SUPPORT ENSURES THAT WE
ARE OKAY WITHOUT INTERRUPTION.
SINCE 2022 OUR CENTER HAS
OPERATED AND WITHOUT YOUR HELP
WE FACE A GAP IN SERVICES.
NOW THANK YOU TO YOUR
LEADERSHIP WE CAN CONTINUE TO
PROVIDE EARLY
LEARNING AND FAMILY SUPPORT
TO FAMILIES WHO RELY ON US.
IT WAS FOUNDED MANY YEARS AGO IN
RESPONSE TO THE NEEDS OF OUR
DIVERSE COMMUNITIES.
IN 2024 WE SERVED OVER 120
CHILDREN AND THEIR
FAMILIES OFFERING LEARNING AND
EDUCATION.
FAMILIES CHOOSE US BECAUSE THEY
FEEL SAFE, WELCOME AND
UNDERSTOOD.
OUR PROGRAM HELPS IMMIGRANT
FAMILIES NAVIGATE COMPLEX
SYSTEMS, IMMIGRATION,
HOUSING, HEALTH AND EDUCATION
WHILE
HONORING THEIR CULTURAL
IDENTITIES. WE HAVE APPLIED FOR
THE
EDI GRANT TO PURCHASE A NEW
HOME FOR OUR CENTER.
>> THANK YOU, CINDY, AND FEEL
FREE TO SEND IN ANY ADDITIONAL
COMMENTS. I HAVE MICHAEL,
SHIRLEY AND
THEN -- MICHAEL, I SEE YOU'RE
HERE. STAR 6 TO UNMUTE.
WE HAVE 24 MINUTES TO
REGISTER FOR PUBLIC.
I SEE PEOPLE ARE
STILL REGISTERING NOW.
MICHAEL, YOU'RE OFF MUTE.
TAKE IT AWAY. WELCOME.
>> THANK YOU, CHAIR, AND THE
REST OF THE COUNCILMEMBERS.
THIS IS MICHAEL, I'M A 30-
YEAR RESIDENT --
>> HANG TIGHT, MICHAEL.
WE'RE GOING TO RESTART YOUR
TIME.
WE CAN BARELY HEAR YOU.
SO IF YOU'RE USING A BLUE TOOTH
DEVICE, IT MIGHT BE THAT OR --
>> IS IT BETTER NOW?
>> IT'S A LITTLE CHOPPY BUT
MUCH
BETTER.
>> I'LL TRY TO SPEAK LOUDLY AND
I APPRECIATE YOUR PATIENCE.
>> THAT SOUNDS GREAT.
YOU'RE WITH US NOW.
WITH THAT, WHEN YOU
START TALKING WE'LL
START YOUR TIME
AND THANKS FOR COMING.
WELCOME.
>> THANK YOU, CHAIR. THANK YOU,
MEMBERS OF THE
COUNCIL FOR ALLOWING ME TO
SPEAK.
I'M THE DIRECTOR OF
THE CONSULTING AND BUSINESS
DEVELOPMENT CENTER WHICH IS
A UNIT OF THE UNIVERSITY
OF WASHINGTON SCHOOL -- I'M
ALSO A
30- YEAR RESIDENT OF THE
COMMUNITY.
>> IN THIS TIME WHERE CITY FUNDS
ARE TIGHT AND DIFFICULT WHERE TO
SPEND MONEY IS ALSO DIFFICULT.
FUNDING TO SUPPORT THE GROWTH
OF SMALL BUSINESSES WILL
ULTIMATELY GENERATE ADDITIONAL
TAX
DOLLARS FOR THE CITY AND WILL
CREATE
A MORE VIBRANT NEIGHBORHOOD FOR
ALL OF US.
THE COUNCIL'S ATTENTION,
THERE'S A WHOLE BODY OF PEER
REVIEW ACADEMIC RESEARCH THAT
SHOWS
THAT PROVIDING
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE AFTER A
BUSINESS
HAS START
STARTED IS THE MOST EFFECTIVE
WAY IF WE CAN INCREASE THE SKILL
SETS AND THE ABILITIES
OF BUSINESS OWNERS ACROSS THE
CITY THAT WILL LEAD TO
SIGNIFICANT GROWTH OF BUSINESSES
TO
PROVIDING THAT FINANCIAL
SUPPORT TO TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
TO CONTINUE AND EXPAND WHETHER
IT BE THROUGH THE
LIBERTY PROJECT OR OTHER AVENUES
IS
VITALLY IMPORTANT TO THE CITY'S
FUTURE,
BUSINESSES AND EMPLOYEES HERE IN
THE CITY.
THANK YOU VERY MUCH.
>> THANK YOU, MICHAEL.
UP NEXT IS SHIRLEY L. AND THEN
NUVA FOLLOWED BY SUZANNE.
SHIRLEY, YOU'RE OFF MUTE.
WELCOME.
>>
HELLO. MY NAME IS SHIRLEY AND
I'M -- I AM ABSOLUTELY
DISGUSTED WITH
THE HUGE AMOUNTS OF HARD- EARNED
DOLLARS PROPOSED TO
REMOVE HARMLESS -- [ INAUDIBLE ]
AND ADD EVER- INCREASING
SURVEILLANCE THAT PUTS OUR
IMMIGRANT NEIGHBORS AT RISK AND
I CAN'T BELIEVE HOW MUCH
OF MONEY HARRELL WANTS TO SPEND
TO SUBSIDIZE THE CORRUPT
MONEY LAUNDERING WORKERS RIGHTS.
ALL WHILE WATCHING MY
LONGTIME NEIGHBORS NO LONGER BE
ABLE
TO AFFORD SERVICE, GROCERIES OR
TRANSPORTATION AND EVEN
LOSE THEIR HOME.
IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE THIS WAY.
I URGE THE COUNCIL TO HELP
OUR NEIGHBORS STAY HOUSED
BY ADVOCATING AT LEAST ANOTHER
500,000 FOR TENANT SERVICES
AND 4 MILLION FOR RENTAL
ASSISTANCE, AFFORDABLE HOUSING.
I URGE THE COUNCIL TO HELP
OUR NEIGHBORS STAY FED BY
MAKING EXPANDED FUNDING FOR FOOD
BANKS
PERMANENT RATHER THAN
ONE TIME.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU, SHIRLEY.
UP NEXT IS NUVA, SUZANNE GRANT
AND THEN ALBERTA ALVAREZ IS ON
DECK.
AS NUVA IS COMING OFF MUTE,
IF YOU -- I'M GOING TO READ
THE NAMES OF THOSE WHO ARE NOT
PRESENT YET.
TAEB MUHAMMAD, RONNIE, JOE
MALLOY, STU HENNESSEY, HALEY
JOY, ARLENE.
IF I READ YOUR NAME, CALL IN
NOW. I SEE YOU'RE OFF MUTE.
TAKE IT AWAY.
WELCOME.
>> THANK YOU, GOOD AFTERNOON
AND THANK YOU FOR THE
OPPORTUNITY TO
SPEAK.
I AM WITH THE COMMUNITY
ORGANIZATION
SERVING IMMIGRANTS AND REFUGEE
FAMILIES IN SEATTLE.
I HAVE COME TO THIS
COMMITTEE BEFORE AND I CONTINUE
TO
RETURN BECAUSE THE NEEDS OF
OUR COMMUNITY ARE ONGOING
AND BECAUSE IT SUPPORTS AND
MAKES
A REAL DIFFERENCE IN PEOPLE'S
LIVES.
THANK YOU FOR RECEIVING US
EACH TIME WITH RESPECT AND
UNDERSTANDING.
WOMEN, YOUTH AND ELDERS IN
OUR COMMUNITY HAVE SAFE,
SUPPORTIVE AND CULTURALLY
GROUNDED
SPACES TO LEARN, HEAL, GROW AND
BELONG.
WE SUPPORT SURVIVORS OF
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND GENDER-
BASED
HARM THROUGH SAFETY PLANNING,
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT AND TRAUMA --
WE ALSO HOLD HEALING
CIRCLES THAT ALLOW WOMEN TO
SPEAK
AND PROCESS THEIR EXPERIENCES
IN THEIR OWN LANGUAGE AND
CULTURAL CONTEXT OFTEN FOR THE
FIRST TIME
IN THEIR LIVES.
WE INVEST IN LONG- TERM
EMPOWERMENT THROUGH ESL CLASSES
AND OUR YOUTH PROGRAMS OFFER
TUTORING, MENTORSHIP
AND CULTURAL IDENTITY ACTIVITIES
THAT HELP YOUNG PEOPLE
REMAIN CONNECTED TO WHO THEY
ARE.
THESE PROGRAMS NURTURE
CONFIDENCE, BELONGING AND
A STRONG FOUNDATION FOR
LEADERSHIP.
OUR SENIOR WOMEN AND
MEN PROGRAMS BRING ELDERS
TOGETHER
WEEKLY TO SHARE MEALS,
STORIES, CULTURAL TRADITIONS AND
COMPANIONSHIP.
I'M HERE AGAIN TODAY BECAUSE WE
DEPEND ON ORGANIZATIONS LIKE --
>> THANK YOU.
UP NEXT IS SUZANNE GRANT
FOLLOWED BY ALBERTA
ALVAREZ FOLLOWED BY ANGELA
GRIFFIN.
AS SUZANNE IS COMING OFF MUTE,
IF YOU ARE SOMEONE WHO I
CALLED AS NOT PRESENT LOOK FOR
AN
UPDATED EMAIL COMING IN ABOUT
1:03 P.M. WITH AN UPDATED
CALL- IN NUMBER.
WITH
THAT, OVER TO YOU, SUZANNE
GRANT.
>> HELLO.
SUZANNE GRANT HERE.
I WANT TO REGISTER MY
SUPPORT FOR THE STATEMENT
SUBMITTED
BY COUNCILMEMBER SAKA, RINCK
AND SOLOMON COMBINING ALL NINE
AGENCIES THAT MANAGE TREES
INTO A SINGLE DEPARTMENT.
FAILED TO MEET THE MOST BASIC
ENFORCEMENT MEASURES AND IS
RIDDLED WITH ETHICS ISSUES AND
NEPOTISM. THERE HAVE BEEN
HUNDREDS OF TREE
REMOVALS.
TAKE THE FOXES OUT OF THE HEN
HOUSE. AN INDEPENDENT FORESTRY
POSITION WILL PROVIDE BETTER
MANAGEMENT.
URBAN FORESTRY POLICY SHOULD BE
BY EXPERTS NOT SBI THAT HAS
BUILDING INDUSTRY INSIDERS.
IT WOULD REDUCE CONFUSION
AND REDUNDANCY AND PROVIDE MORE
EFFICIENCY.
SEVERAL CITY DEPARTMENTS ALL
HAVE TREE CRUISE DRIVING
ACROSS THE CITY.
AN INDEPENDENT DEPARTMENT
COULD DIVIDE WORK
GEOGRAPHICALLY.
IT WOULD MAKE SENSE AND IT WOULD
HELP SEATTLE REACH ITS
TREE CANOPY AND CLIMATE GOALS.
THIS HAS NO COST SO IT'S A
NO-BRAINER.
THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU.
UP NEXT IS ALBERTA ALVAREZ
FOLLOWED BY ANGELA GRIFFIN AND
CAESAR GARCIA.
WELCOME.
GOOD AFTERNOON.
>> THANK YOU.
PEOPLE ARE MAKING SACRIFICES
JUST TO BUY GROCERIES AND PAY
RENT.
THE DANGER IS REAL.
COUNCIL TAKES LIFE AND
DEATH DECISIONS THAT AFFECT ALL
OF US, MILLIONS NARS AND
BILLIONAIRES STEAL FROM OUR
HEALTH, OUR
HOUSING AND NOW OUR FOOD.
WE NEED TO TAKE
FROM THE WEALTHY NOT THE WORKING
CLASS.
COUNCIL IS FACED WITH
SEVERE ECONOMIC
DOWNTURN IN A BUDGET THAT WILL
NOT MATCH THE NEEDS OF
THE PEOPLE.
REDUCTION IN SERVICE
AND STAFFING WILL FURTHER
DESTABILIZE WORKING PEOPLE,
YOUNG FAMILIES AND ELDERS ON
FIXED INCOME.
NELSON'S AGENDA WAS AN ACT
OF THREAT TO STABILITY.
THE BLAME IS ON MARITZA RIVERA,
ROB SAKA AND OTHERS WHO FOLLOW
IN LOCK STEP WITH THE
DEMANDS OF WEALTHY ELITES.
SEATTLE HAS VOTED THAT
YOU
COURSE CORRECT. DO BETTER AND
HAVE A GOOD DAY.
>> THANK YOU, ALBERTO.
UP NEXT ANGELA GRIFFIN
FOLLOWED BY CAESAR GARCIA.
I SEE YOU'RE HERE AND OFF MUTE.
WELCOME.
GOOD AFTERNOON.
>> GOOD AFTERNOON, CHAIR
STRAUSS. I SERVE AS THE CEO OF
SEATTLE'S HISTORIC ACTION
AGENCY.
IT HAS BEEN A LIFE
LINE HELPING OUR NEIGHBORS STAY
WARM,
STAY HOUSED AND STAY -- WE
PROVIDE
ENERGY ASSISTANCE, FOOD
ACCESS TO OUR MARKET AND
HOUSING STABILITY SERVICES THAT
PREVENT
DISPLACEMENT AND HOMELESSNESS.
IN 2024 WE ALSO OPERATED
IN- HOUSE RENTAL
ASSISTANCE PROGRAM SUPPORTED BY
PRIVATE FUNDING WHICH HELPED
THOUSANDS
OF RESIDENTS REMAIN IN
THEIR HOMES DURING DIFFICULT
TIMES.
WHEN THAT FUNDING ENDED,
OUR PROGRAM CLOSED WITH MORE
THAN
400 PEOPLE STILL ON OUR
WAIT
LIST. OUR STAFF HAVE BEEN
TURNING AWAY
FAMILIES ALMOST EVERY DAY WHO
ARE SPEAKING HELP TO
STAY
STABLE. WE KNOW STABLE,
AFFORDING HOUSING IS PHYSICAL
AND MENTAL
HEALTH.
WHEN PEOPLE ARE UNBURDENED
BY DEBT OR IMPOSSIBLE CHOICES
THEY CAN FOCUS ON THRIVING NOT
JUST
SURVIVING. NO ONE SHOULD HAVE TO
CHOOSE
BETWEEN PAYING RENT AND
MEETING OTHER ESSENTIAL NEEDS.
OVER THE PAST YEAR WE HAVE SEEN
A 40% INCREASE IN REQUESTS
FOR HELP ACROSS ALL OF OUR
SERVICES FROM FOOD AND ENERGY
ASSISTANCE TO SUPPORT.
NOW SERVING MORE THAN
4,200 HOUSEHOLDS EACH MONTH
ACROSS
SEATTLE. WE URGE THE COUNCIL TO
INCREASE
INVESTMENTS IN TENANT SERVICES,
RENTAL ASSISTANCE AND OTHER
ESSENTIAL SUPPORT ACROSS THE
COMMUNITY.
THESE PROGRAMS ARE CRITICAL
TO PREVENTING EVICTION AND
ENSURING
EVERY SEATTLE RESIDENT HAS THE
DIGNITY, SAFETY
AND OPPORTUNITY
FOR A HOME. THANK YOU.
>> THANK YOU, ANGELA.
UP NEXT IS CAESAR GARCIA
FOLLOWED BY CLAIRE CANTER.
>> GOOD AFTERNOON.
MY NAME IS CAESAR GARCIA,
WE BUILD COMMUNITY AND ARE PART
OF THE SAME COMMUNITY THAT WE
SERVE. I'M HERE TO ADVOCATE FOR
A
BUDGET PRIORITIES BE INCLUDED IN
2026 BUDGET WHICH WILL
SUPPORT ESSENTIAL COMMUNITY
LEADERSHIP, ONE OF THE
MOST UNDER INVESTED
NEIGHBORHOODS IN
SEATTLE.
WITH THOSE PRIORITIES WE EMAILED
TWICE AND SUBMITTED LETTERS TO
VOLUNTEERS AND ALL OF YOU AS
WELL. OUR THREE PRIORITIES ARE,
ONE, ALLOCATING FUNDS TO PARKS
TO COMPLETE THE CONSTRUCTION OF
A
PARK.
WE ADVOCATED FOR
THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE PARK
FOR
YEARS.
CONSTRUCTION WILL HAPPEN NEXT
SUMMER.
HOWEVER, ADDITIONAL FUNDS
WILL BE NEEDED FOR LIGHTING THAT
OUR
COMMUNITY NEEDS. TWO, ALLOCATING
FUNDS TO OEC
TO PILOT SUSTAINABLE PROGRAMS
AT OUR EDI SITE IN
COLLABORATION THAT WILL EXPAND
THE PUBLIC
BENEFITS÷÷ TO OUR SITE.
OUR PROJECT WILL BE THE FIRST
SUSTAINABLE BUILDING BUILT
WHERE WE WILL HOST GREEN CAREERS
FOR
YOUTH OR FOR DEVELOPMENT
AMONG OTHER PROGRAMS.
AND, THIRD, ALLOCATING FUNDS
TO START TO DEFINE OUR PLAZA.
THIS MULTIYEAR EFFORT BEGAN AS
A PILOT AND HAS BEEN THE
MOST ACTIVE IN THE CITY TOURED
BY
PEOPLE FROM ALL OVER THE
COUNTRY AND THE CITY OF
PORTLAND TRANSPORTATION
OFFICIALS, AN EXAMPLE OF
COLLABORATION
BETWEEN THE CITY AND LAKE CITY
COLLECTIVE.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR
CONSIDERATION AND HAVE A GOOD
DAY, EVERYONE.
>> THANK YOU, CAESAR.
UP NEXT IS CLAIRE CANTER.
I SEE YOU'RE OFF MUTE.
FOLLOWING
CLAIRE IS SARAH WHITE FOLLOWED
BY KARL NELSON. CLAIRE, WELCOME.
>> HI.
MY NAME IS CLAIRE AND I'M
WITH SEATTLE GREENWAY AND I
SUPPORT
THE SOLIDARITY ACT
AND COUNCILMEMBER RINCK'S
AMENDMENT TO RESTORE TENANT
SERVICES.
I'M CALLING WITH TWO SPECIFIC
COMMENTS.
FIRST TO PLEASE
RESUBMIT COUNCILMEMBER SAKA'S
AMENDMENT FUNDING A BASE FOR
BIKES AND
SCOOTERS. IT IS ESSENTIAL FOR
SIDEWALK ACCESS FOR EVERYONE BUT
FOR PEOPLE WITH MOBILITY,
WHEELCHAIRS, BIKE AND
SCOOTERS ARE EXPLODING IN
POPULARITY AND
HELPING PEOPLE GET WHERE
THEY NEED TO GO.
THE ISSUES OF PARKING ARE
ALSO GROWING AND WE NEED TO
ADDRESS
THEM.
THERE IS PLENTY OF STREET SPACE
WHERE IT'S ILLEGAL TO PARK
CARS.
PEDESTRIAN SAFETY CAN
BE INCREASED WITH ADVICE BT AND
THERE'S A LOT OF PLACES WE CAN
REPURPOSE A SINGLE CAR
PARKING SPACE IN FAVOR OF
PARKING
FOR MANY
MORE BIKES AND SCOOTERS. MY
SECOND COMMENT I WOULD LIKE
TO STRONGLY OPPOSE THE SEATTLE
TRANSIT MEASURE.
TRANSIT SERVICE IS
ALREADY DEEPLY UNDERFUNDED AND
WE
CANNOT CUT IT JUST BECAUSE WE'RE
GOING TO BE -- JUST BEFORE WE'RE
GOING TO THE VOTERS TO
RENEW ESPECIALLY -- FOR EITHER
VITALLY
IMPORTANT THINGS LIKE SIDEWALKS.
LIKE OTHER COMMENTERS HAVE SAID,
THIS COUNCIL'S CONTINUED
RAIDING
OF DIRECTED FUNDING AND
SHIFTING THAT REVENUE AWAY FROM
VOTER APPROVED PURPOSE IS
DISHONEST BUDGETING AND CREATES
DISTRUST OF THE BUDGETING
PROCESS AND
THE SUCCESS OF FUTURE LEVIES.
THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH.
>> THANK
YOU. UP NEXT IS SARAH WHITE
FOLLOWED BY KARL NELSON.
SARAH, WELCOME.
>> HI THERE.
CAN YOU
HEAR ME?
>> YES, WE CAN.
WELCOME, SARAH.
>>
OKAY. MY NAME IS SARAH.
I WORK FOR CATHOLIC COMMUNITY
SERVICES TENANT TENANT CENTER.
DUE TO LAST
YEAR'S 40% BUDGET CUTS TO
EVICTION PREVENTION
TENANT TER SERVICES, WE
HAD TO CUT IT IN
HALF. I'M ASKING YOU TO
REINSTATE TO $2. 4 MILLION BACK
TO THE 2024
LEVELS.
THE ATTORNEYS I WORK FOR
EARN ABOUT $48 AN HOUR.
IN A FEW HOURS THEY CAN CHANGE
LIVES AND I HOPE TO SHOW YOU
WHY THEIR
WORK IS WORTH EVERY
DOLLAR. ONE CLIENT WAS A
91-YEAR- OLD
WOMAN FACING EVICTION THROUGH
A PROTECTION ORDER.
SHE HAD LIVED IN THE SAME HOME
FOR 40 YEARS WITH HER AUNT, THE
OWNER, WHO IS NOW A CENTENARIAN
IN HOSPICE CARE.
NO OTHER CITY-
FUNDED ORGANIZATION COULD HAVE
SENT
AN ATTORNEY TO THAT HEARING, BUT
WE DID AND WE KEPT HER HOUSE.
THIS IS NOT FUNDED BY STATE
RIGHT TO COUNSEL
FUNDING. LAST YEAR A SINGLE CURB
CUT
THAT COST MORE THAN THE
ENTIRE EVICTION PREVENTION
SERVICES BUDGET ACROSS TEN
ORGANIZATIONS.
RESIDENTS SPEAK ABOUT THE
HOMELESSNESS CRISIS YET
FUNDING FOR THE VERY ATTORNEYS
PREVENTING THIS
HOMELESSNESS CRISIS FALLS SHORT.
WE'VE ONLY BEEN ABLE TO
HELP ABOUT 10% OF THE PEOPLE
THAT REACH OUT
TO US. FOR EVERY PERSON LIKE
THAT
91-YEAR- OLD WOMAN WE
ASSIST, NINE OTHERS MAY END UP
ON THE
STREET. SOME PERHAPS DYING
THERE.
ALL FOR WHAT AMOUNTS TO A
SPARE CHANGE IN THE CITY'S
BUDGET.
EACH YEAR I SHARE THESE
STORIES AND EACH YEAR OUR
FUNDING IS
CUT AND WE'RE ASKED TO DO MORE
WITH
LESS. PLEASE MAKE EVICTION
PREVENTION A HIGHER PRIORITY AND
FULLY
FUND TENANT SERVICES BY
RESTORING
$1 MILLION AND RETURN TO THE
2024
LEVELS.
THANKS.
>> THANKS, SARAH.
LAST PERSON PRESENT -- WE HAVE
TEN MINUTES LEFT TO REGISTER FOR
VIRTUAL PUBLIC COMMENT,
SO PLEASE REGISTER NOW.
AND THEN I'LL CALL OUT THE
NAMES
OF THOSE WHO ARE NOT CURRENTLY
PRESENT AND THEN WE'LL MAKE
SURE TO PROVIDE SOME TIME TO
HEAR
FROM THEM.
BUT WITHOUT ANY FURTHER
ADO, KARL NELSON, WELCOME.
>> HELLO, MR. CHAIR AND MEMBERS
OF COUNCIL.
I AM A 16- YEAR RESIDENT OF
SEATTLE DISTRICT FOUR, A
RENTER AND MEMBER OF THE CEDAR
CROSSING
ASSOCIATION. I LIVE IN AN
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
PROJECT WITH MORE THAN 400
PEOPLE AND THEIR FAMILIES.
I'M CALLING IN TODAY TO URGE
YOU TO
PASS COUNCILMEMBER RINCK'S
AMENDMENT AND LY
REINSTATE BY ADDING HALF A
MILLION TOTO
PACKAGE.
WITH EVICTIONS AT AN ALL- TIME
HIGH, IT'S THE BARE MINIMUM
TO PREVENT COMPLETE COLLAPSE AND
WE NEED EVEN MORE FUNDING IN THE
FUTURE.
AS SOMEONE WHO HAS
FACED MULTIPLE ILLEGAL EVICTIONS
FROM A PREVIOUS LANDLORD, I CAN
TELL YOU HOW ESSENTIAL GROUPS
LIKE THE TENANTS LAW CENTER IS
TO PROTECTING LOW- INCOME
RESIDENTS
FROM DISHONEST ACTORS.
AS A FOUNDING MEMBER OF MY
BUILDING'S TENANTS UNION, ONE
THAT HAS WON FOR OUR MEMBERS,
ASSISTANCE HAS BEEN VALUABLE FOR
US.
ESSENTIAL ORGANIZATIONS LIKE
THE TENANT LAW CENTER CAN
CONTINUE TO SUPPORT RENTERS AND
PREVENT
HOMELESSNESS.
THANK YOU MUCH.
HAVE A GOOD REST OF YOUR
DAY. BYE-BYE.
>> THANK YOU, KARL.
WE HAVE NO FURTHER PUBLIC
COMMENT REJS TRANSREMOTELY
PRESENT -- WE
HAVE DAVID HAYNES.
DAVID? WELCOME.
AND, DAVID, I SEE YOU
REGISTERED TO SPEAK TO THE
ORDINANCE REGARDING MAJOR
INSTITUTIONS.
WOULD YOU LIKE TO JUST DO
THE GENERAL÷÷ PUBLIC COMMENT
WHICH
WE ARE IN RIGHT NOW?
>> WHAT'S THAT?
>> WE'RE IN THE BUDGET HEARING.
I SEE YOU MARKED THE HEARING
FORFOR MAJOR INSTITUTIONS MASTER
PLAN. WOULD YOU LIKE TO JUST
PROVIDE
PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE BUDGET
INSTEAD?
>> YEAH, I ALREADY SENT AN
EMAIL FOR THE OTHER THING.
>> FANTASTIC.
WITH THAT, MY FRIEND, YOU HAVE
1:30 AND TAKE IT AWAY AT YOUR
CONVENIENCE. GOOD AFTERNOON.
>> ALL RIGHT, THANK YOU,
COUNCIL.
COUNCIL SHOULD REJECT
THIS BUDGET OUT OF PRINCIPLE
THAT
THE MAYOR HAS TAINTED IT IN
THE RACISMS OF THE IGNORANT PAST
AND
REGURGITATING IT WITH
MISEDUCATIONS OF HATE PUT
IN CHARGE÷÷CHARGE SKIN COLOR
PRIORITIZE WITHOUT JUDGING
THETHE
CHARACTER OF REPEAT
OFFENDERS THAT THIS BUDGET
CONTINUES
TO RUN INTERFERENCE FOR AND GIVE
HOUSING BEFORE INNOCENT
HOMELESS, AND IF YOU GO DOWN THE
LIST OF ALL THE DEFUND
POLICE POLICIES THAT SHIFTED
OVER
$100 MILLION TO PAY OFF ALL
THESE PROTESTERS THAT HIDE
BEHIND THE
NONPROFITS, THERE'S A
CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF THE SAME
BAD POLICIES THAT
HAVE EXACERBATED THE EFFORTS
AND PUBLIC SAFETY AND YOU ALL
HAVE ALLOWED FOR LEAD AND PDA
AND
CO-LEAD TO CONSTANTLY GET
A DIFFERENT ALLOCATION
OF MULTIMILLIONS OF DOLLARS
AND INFILTRATE THE CIVILIAN
DISPATCH AND ARE CHEATING
A WHOLE BUNCH OF INNOCENT
HOMELESS
IN TRYING TO TRICK THE SMALL
BUSINESS COMMUNITY INTO
BELIEVING THAT YOU'RE DOING THE
BEST
EFFORTS FOR THEIR FRONT
DOORSTEP, LETTING THEM KNOW THEY
CAN
GET BACK TO PAYING THETHE OF
COMMERCE'S DOUBLE,
TRIPLE, QUADRUPLE LEASES.
THE INNOCENT ARE SUFFERING
A CAPACITY BUT ALL OF THE
BAD POLICIES THAT ARE TAINTED
IN RACISMS THAT
DISCRIMINATE AGAINST CITIZENS
BUT STILL
RUN INTERFERENCE FOR EVIL, BLACK
PREDATORY DRUG CRIMINALS
IS STILL IN THE
BUDGET. AND YOU ALL ARE GETTING
AWAY
WITH IMPLEMENTING
UNCONSTITUTIONAL POLICE REFORM
THAT NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED BY
OF JUSTICE.
IT'S SHAMEFUL WHAT YOU ALL
HAVE DONE IN THE INTEGRITY --
>> THANK YOU, DAVID.
FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY MORE
ADDITIONAL PUBLIC COMMENT AND
EMAIL TO COUNCIL.
WE HAVE FIVE MINUTES UNTIL
PUBLIC COMMENT REGISTRATION IS
OVER. WE HAVE A NUMBER OF FOLKS
THAT ARE NOT PRESENT, SO I'LL
READ THEIR NAMES OUT RIGHT NOW.
AND MY SUGGESTION IS THAT
WE STAY IN --
HAVING THE MEETING REMAIN IN
ORDER UNTIL JUST
AFTER 3:00 P.M. SO WE DON'T
HAVE TO LEAVE AND RETURN.
WE HAVE TAEB MOHAMED,
RONNIE, JOE MALLOY, STU
HENNESSEY, AMANDA LOCK, HALEY
JOY, ARLENE
HAMPTON. ALL REGISTERED BUT NOT
PRESENT.
FOR ANY OF THOSE FOLKS, YOU
CAN CALL IN AND, REMEMBER, YOU
HAVE
TO LOOK AT THE SECOND EMAIL
THAT YOU RECEIVED FROM
REGISTRATION.
THAT EMAIL WOULD HAVE COME IN
BETWEEN 1:01 P.M. AND 1:05 P.M.
IT HAS A DIFFERENT CALL-
IN NUMBER THAN THE FIRST EMAIL
THAT
YOU RECEIVED.
AND THANK YOU FOR EVERYONE
WHO CALLED IN FOR WORKING WITH
US
THROUGH
THOSE TECHNICAL CHANGES,
TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES.
NOT SEEING ANYONE ELSE COMING
IN.
SEATTLE CHANNEL, WE WILL
AWKWARDLY SIT HERE UNTIL
WE'LL BE AT EASE BUTBUT THE
CAMERAS AND MICS ON.
WE WILL BE OUT OF EASE IN FOUR
MINUTES.
>> WE WILL COME OUT OF EASE.
WE HAVE 3:00 ON THE
COMPUTERS AND OUR COUNCIL
CHAMBERS CLOCK
LAGS BY 30 SECONDS, SO
IT'S TICKING OVER TO 3:00 P.M.
IN JUST AA MOMENT.
WE ARE SEEING NO ADDITIONAL
PUBLIC COMMENT REGISTRANTS SIGN
UP. CAN YOU CONFIRM THERE ARE NO
ADDITIONAL PUBLIC COMMENTERS
PRESENT IN THE BACKGROUND OR
ONLINE?
>> THERE ARE NO ADDITIONAL
REMOTE PUBLIC COMMENT
REGISTRANTS SIGNED UP OR
IN THE QUEUE.
>> THANK YOU. SO SEEING AS WE
HAVE
REACHED 3:00 P.M. , THE END OF
REGISTRATION, I'M
GOING TO MAKE AN EXECUTIVE
DECISION AT
THE MOMENT THAT WE WILL CALL
THROUGH
THESE FOLKS AT 5:00 P.M. , AT
THE BEGINNING OF THE COMMENT
PERIOD.
IF THEY ARE PRESENT, AND IF
THEY ARE NOT, WE WILL MOVE RIGHT
INTO THE IN- PERSON PUBLIC
COMMENT.
ARE THERE ANY
OBJECTIONS, COLLEAGUES?
HEARING NO OBJECTIONS, WE
WILL IN RECESS UNTIL 5:00 P.M.
THANK YOU.
WE ARE NOW IN RECESS. SEE YOU AT
5:00.