Despite major budget deficit, funding is maintained to address community needs
SEATTLE (December 10) – The City of Seattle’s 2025-2026 budget authorizes $27.25 million to implement community-informed projects spanning mental health, food equity, homeowner stabilization, public restrooms, art, cultural preservation programs, and youth support services. These projects are funded by existing one-time budget funds originally allocated in 2020 to address public safety and community needs, particularly for Black, Indigenous, and communities of color.
Participatory budgeting invites community members to share ideas and vote on how to spend a portion of the city budget, with a focus on ensuring historically disadvantaged communities are included in the process. Seattle’s $27.25 million investment in participatory budgeting is one of the largest in the nation to date.
“Today’s announcement reflects our City’s 2020 promise to engage in participatory budgeting at an unprecedented scale to ensure more youth and communities impacted by systemic inequities have a voice in how the City’s budget can best meet their needs,” said Derrick Wheeler-Smith, Director of the Seattle Office for Civil Rights. “These projects bring us closer to systems that ensure every member of our communities can thrive.”
Approved projects
- Mental Health Crisis Response ($2 M): Funding will expand the Community Assisted Response & Engagement (CARE) Department to increase qualified mental and behavioral health specialists as first responders.
- Urban Farming and Food Equity ($4 M): The Department of Neighborhoods in partnership with the Office of Sustainability and Environment will activate two publicly owned greenspaces to lease for urban agriculture and support food equity programs.
- Native-Focused Youth and Community Center ($7.2 M): The Office of Planning and Community Development will support the creation of a community-owned and operated center focused on Duwamish cultural education and recreation for youth.
- Community-Operated Restrooms ($2.2 M): Seattle Parks and Recreation will partner with community to enhance cleanliness and safety of public restrooms.
- Arts and Cultural Preservation Programs ($4.69 M): The Seattle Office of Arts and Culture will activate spaces, provide programs, or create media focused on arts, culture, history, or heritage focusing on Black, Indigenous, and people of color.
- Homeowner Stabilization ($3 M): The Seattle Office of Housing will use funds for outreach, engagement, and homeowner stabilization services in communities at high risk of displacement.
- Young Adult Day Center ($2 M): The Human Services Department will support a community-led young adult day center connecting 18 to 25-year-olds to resources, social services, counseling, meals, computer access, and job-finding supports.
- Youth and Young Adult Emergency Shelter Capital Fund ($1.85 M): In collaboration with the King County Regional Homelessness Authority, the Human Services Department will fund vital enhancements, modifications, and repairs to youth shelters.
- Youth Violence Prevention Programs ($315 K): The Human Services Department will fund community-led organizations providing afterschool programs, youth leadership opportunities, and sports.
Eight city departments will implement these community-selected projects through competitive grant processes or within existing lines of business beginning early 2025. Grant opportunities and project updates will be posted on the Seattle Office for Civil Rights’ participatory budgeting web page as more information becomes available.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING
Amy Barden, Chief, Seattle CARE Department
“Expanding the CARE crisis responder team citywide is a significant step forward in providing the best first response to 911 calls, many of which do not require law enforcement. I appreciate that the city is centering community voice and priorities through the participatory budget process; public service must be anchored in a sincere desire to understand and equitably meet the needs of all of our neighbors.”
Gülgün Kayim, Director, Seattle Office of Arts and Culture
“Our commitment to racial equity centers the creativity and leadership of people of color to move toward systems that benefit us all. We look forward to working with all stakeholders in using this funding for local BIPOC representation and placekeeping”.
Dominique Davis, Founder and CEO, Community Passageways
“When we’re able to involve the community in the political process, we’re on the right track. Participatory budgeting gave more people the opportunity to get involved and have a say in how city funding can better serve them, their families, and community. I’m thankful to City Council for voting these projects into action.”
Dr. Darlene Conley, Community Member
“Maintaining this funding is a brave move at a time when programs for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color are being dismantled across the country, and diversity, equity, and inclusion is under attack. It’s reassuring to see the City listening to the most economically disadvantaged communities in Seattle and valuing our participation.”
John Page, Director of Community Investments, Seattle Office for Civil Rights
“Participatory budgeting started four years ago as a commitment to increase community participation in how our city budget addresses deep disparities caused by systemic racism. I’m thrilled these projects are finally authorized to move forward. Thanks to the many community members and City departments who helped make these investments possible.”
The mission of the Seattle Office for Civil Rights is to provide leadership in upholding civil rights and advance racial equity in the City of Seattle. www.seattle.gov/civilrights
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