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Mayor Durkan's 2022 Proposed Budget for Seattle Focused on Recovery and Equity

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The 2022 Proposed Budget, delivered by Mayor Jenny A. Durkan to the City Council, outlines key priorities for Seattle's recovery and growth. The budget focuses on addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, homelessness, housing, public safety, and climate change. Mayor Durkan emphasized the need for generational investments in equity to ensure Seattle becomes a city for everyone. The total budget amounts to over $7.1 billion, with $1.6 billion for the general fund, including additional federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act.

Key Takeaways:

  • The 2022 Proposed Budget allocates approximately $200 million in investments in affordable housing, increasing investments in public safety and alternatives, and funding dedicated to building a more equitable Seattle.
  • Mayor Durkan's budget prioritizes addressing homelessness with investments in shelter spaces, treatment services, and more affordable housing, nearly doubling previous investments to $200 million.
  • The budget also focuses on public safety by supporting HealthOne, a program that sends medics and social workers instead of police to certain 911 calls, and adding 125 new police officers with one million dollars for officer hiring incentives.
  • The budget aims to respond to the COVID-19 crisis by providing boosters to eligible individuals, vaccinating younger kids, and continuing to support small businesses and child care services.
  • Mayor Durkan's vision for the future of Seattle emphasizes building a city where everyone has a chance to succeed, focusing on equity, innovation, and community-led investments.

Statistics:

  • The 2022 budget totals over $7.1 billion.
  • $1.6 billion is allocated for the general fund, including additional federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act.
  • Approximately $200 million will be invested in affordable housing.
  • The budget will add 375 new 24/7 shelter spaces, in addition to the existing 1,300 homes for people experiencing homelessness.
  • Healthcare workers, first responders, frontline workers, teachers, child care providers, and small business owners are thanked for their efforts in fighting COVID-19.

Sources:

  • "Mayor Durkan Delivers Final Budget Address, 2022 Proposed Budget Before City Council" (Office of the Mayor of Seattle)

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