TO: Committee of the Whole - Planning and Public Works
FROM: Mayor Angela Birney
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR CONTACT(S):
|
Planning and Community Development |
Seraphie Allen (Interim Co-Director) |
425-556-2450 |
DEPARTMENT STAFF:
|
Planning and Community Development |
Philly Marsh |
Interim Deputy Director |
|
Planning and Community Development |
Brooke Buckingham |
Human Services Manager |
|
Planning and Community Development |
Alaric Bien |
Senior Planner |
TITLE:
title
2026 Community Stability Funding Recommendations - Part 1
OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
recommendation
Staff recommendations to spend-down the Community Stability Fund in alignment with council feedback in order to meet immediate community needs that are focused on emergency financial assistance, food insecurity, and legal services. Two programs to be voted on separately to avoid any potential conflict of interest.
body
☒ Additional Background Information/Description of Proposal Attached
REQUESTED ACTION:
☐ Receive Information ☐ Provide Direction ☒ Approve
REQUEST RATIONALE:
• Relevant Plans/Policies:
Human Services Strategic Plan
• Required:
N/A
• Council Request:
July 21, 2026 Committee of the Whole
• Other Key Facts:
Council approved the Community Stability Fund in the 2025-2026 budget to address emerging community needs such as housing insecurity. In September of 2025, Council adopted a resolution approving use of $250,000 in response to federal policies impacting immigrant communities. These funds have been awarded with contracts ending at the end of this year. Per Council request, staff subsequently presented a plan with additional options for allocating the Community Stability Fund (Attachment A). This presentation includes a recommendation to allocate an additional $231,469. A recommendation to allocate an additional $208,000 will be presented separately. The balance of funds ($710,531) will be carried forward into 2027 which will allow staff to evaluate and implement additional procurement processes.
OUTCOMES:
These grant funds provide one-time support to our nonprofit partners, enabling them to respond quickly to new and emerging needs.
COMMUNITY/STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH AND INVOLVEMENT:
• Timeline (previous or planned):
Request for proposals solicited July 31, 2026, with August 14, 2026 deadline
• Outreach Methods and Results:
Email communications
• Feedback Summary:
Received 11 applications for emergency funding
BUDGET IMPACT:
Total Cost:
$231,469
Approved in current biennial budget: ☒ Yes ☐ No ☐ N/A
Budget Offer Number:
0000307-Housing & Human Services
Budget Priority:
Vibrant & Connected
Other budget impacts or additional costs: ☐ Yes ☐ No ☒ N/A
If yes, explain:
N/A
Funding source(s):
General Fund
Budget/Funding Constraints:
In the July 21, 2026 meeting, City Council provided feedback to staff to fund direct services that would increase stability - specifically in the areas of financial assistance, food security, and legal services to address the ongoing needs of community members facing instability.
☐ Additional budget details attached
COUNCIL REVIEW:
Previous Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
7/21/2026 |
Committee of the Whole - Public Safety and Human Services |
Receive Information |
|
9/1/2026 |
Committee of the Whole - Public Safety and Human Services |
Provide Direction |
Proposed Upcoming Contact(s)
|
Date |
Meeting |
Requested Action |
|
9/15/2026 |
Business Meeting |
Approve |
Time Constraints:
Timely approval of these recommendations will allow staff to notify agencies of award and adequate time to expend funds through the end of the year. Prompt release of funds is essential to reduce the effects of ongoing conditions that lead to instability for many families and individuals in the community.
ANTICIPATED RESULT IF NOT APPROVED:
If funds are not approved, we would expect to see:
• continued instability for families and individuals
• increasing strain on community service providers
• exacerbation of ongoing issues
• higher long-term costs
• reduced community stability and resilience
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment A: Additional Background Information
Attachment B1: 2026 Proposed Community Stability Funding Allocations - Part 1