10/24/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 10/24/2024 21:34
Focus on 911 non-emergency response times, a North End safety hub for at-risk youth and support for a sobering center
Today City Councilmember Maritza Rivera (District 4) announced her priorities for the 2025-26 budget, most of which focus on public safety needs, and include restoring funding for apprenticeships and a neighborhood grants program.
"I have been focusing on the following priorities for some time," said Councilmember Rivera. "Firstly, I want to ensure that the 911 non-emergency line is answered in a reliable and timely way; secondly I want to address the needs of at-risk kids by creating a community safety hub in the North End; I want to make certain that a proposed King County sobering center meets the needs of Seattle, and I want funding for apprenticeships to be maintained as a path for young people."
A Community hub is not necessarily a physical location, but a service model where the "hub" directs services through other "spoke" organizations which collaborate using the proven community violence intervention approach. The Councilmember is proposing to add a new full-time position at the Human Services Department (HSD) to stand up the North End-focused safety hub. There are currently hubs in West Seattle, Central Seattle and South Seattle.
"We know that those who are arrested while under the influence are not able to consent to treatment. Currently, individuals are not being booked or enrolled into diversion programs. They are then back on the streets without receiving the treatment they need," said Councilmember Rivera.
In addition to her public safety priorities, the Councilmember wants to restore funding to the following programs.
Next Steps
The Council is currently reviewing the Mayor's proposed budget. Amendments to the proposed budget will be included in the Chair's Balancing Package, which is expected to be released on Oct. 30. Additional information on the budget process, including the full committee calendar, can be found on the council website.
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