$300,000 for LGBTQIA+ organizations approved in-committee; now Seattle City Council must vote on it
The Seattle City Council’s Finance, Native Communities & Tribal Governments Committee (members: Dan Strauss, Maritza Rivera, Joy Hollingsworth, Robert Kettle, and Rob Saka) voted on August 4 to approve a proposed budget amendment allocating $300,000 for local LGBTQIA+ organizations. The full City Council will decide on its enactment next week.
About the Amendment
Introduced by Councilmember Alexis Mercedes Rinck, the amendment would redirect funds from the JumpStart Fund to Seattle’s Human Services Department to “support a funding process for LGBTQ community organizations.” If approved, the funds would support local LGBTQIA+ groups providing essential services, including:
- Emergency shelter/housing
- Employment services
- Food insecurity services
Community Advocacy
During the City Council meeting, LGBTQIA+ community members—including representatives from the Mutual Aid Network for Trans and Intersex People in Seattle (MANTIS) and Traction Executive Director Michael Woodward—urged approval of the measure. Some also demanded the city declare a state of emergency for Queer and Trans refugees.
Since May, Seattle’s LGBTQIA+ organizations have warned about an influx of refugees fleeing hostility in other regions. The Seattle LGBTQ Commission previously requested an emergency declaration to secure additional funding, citing capacity limitations. While city officials rejected the emergency declaration, both the City Council and Mayor’s Office have collaborated with the commission on alternative solutions.
Next Steps
The next Seattle City Council meeting is scheduled for August 11 at 2 p.m.. In a July 26 update, the commission noted the Mayor’s Office did not plan to include refugee crisis funding in its budget proposal.
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