On Nov. 22, 2021, the Seattle City Council voted to approve the 2022 city budget. Below is a statement from Seattle Metro Chamber President & CEO Rachel Smith:
“Over the past several months, the community has overwhelmingly expressed the need to see action on two issues: homelessness and public safety. Today, the Seattle Metro Chamber applauds the modest investments made in these two areas in the just-approved city budget, and at the same time, calls for more urgency in getting to the outcomes the community wants to see.
Going forward, the Regional Homelessness Authority will take charge of Seattle’s contracts for homelessness services, a key step toward a more coordinated, strategic system that delivers results – helping more people come inside and get the services they need. We will continue to press for urgent investment in the plans the Authority develops, such as a high-acuity shelter options.
On public safety, we are pleased to see Council restore the expansion of the Community Service Officer program by adding more staff for this alternative to armed officers – something we have strongly supported. No matter where you live and work in the city, if you call for help, someone should be ready and able to quickly respond.
We look forward to working with elected leaders to continue to make meaningful progress on these issues.”