Councilmember Debora Juarez (District 5, North Seattle) issued the following statement after the passage of the 2017-18 City Budget earlier today:
“Reviewing and approving the city budget is one of the most important responsibilities of the City Council. I am pleased to report that, due to strong community advocacy as well as my actions, I have succeeded in securing several crucial investments for North Seattle and District 5.
“In the 2017-18 budget I championed and secured $4.4 million in targeted investments for our community. These improvements include, but are not limited to, investing in human services, construction of sidewalks, and neighborhood planning initiatives. For a detailed breakdown of the add-in budget items I sponsored, please click here.
“I fought hard and won big. What follows are selected highlights for District 5:
- Shelter for unhoused residents near Lake City
- Pedestrian safety improvements and additional sidewalks on and near Aurora Avenue
- Planning and design work for the future Bitter Lake Reservoir Park
- Establishment of Literacy Source’s Ready to Work program in Lake City
- Service Navigators at food banks including North Helpline
- Sidewalk construction in the Meadowbrook neighborhood
- Planning for additional affordable housing in Northgate
- Events and performances to activate our parks
- Low barrier services for survivors of commercial sexual exploitation near Aurora Avenue
“In addition, we added funding for expansion of the 13th Year Scholarship program to North Seattle College, supported successful transitional housing programs, paid for citywide community planning for siting affordable housing, and provided more space for child care programs.
“These achievements and many others we made during this budget were made possible because local organizations and constituents voiced their support for these critical improvements. I look forward to working further with these groups as they implement these important initiatives and to continuing my advocacy for my beloved community.”