Councilmember Saka unveils 20-amendment budget package to build safer, cleaner and stronger neighborhoods

Community-driven proposals would strengthen public spaces, business districts, veterans’ services and transportation safety across District 1 and Seattle

Councilmember Rob Saka (District 1) today announced he has introduced a 20-amendment package to be included in the City’s 2027-2028 budget. The proposals are in direct response to community feedback over the last year.

“A tight budget should sharpen our priorities, not weaken our commitment to neighborhoods,” said Councilmember Saka, who also serves as chair of the Transportation, Waterfront, & Seattle Center committee. “This package turns community requests into action by investing in safer public spaces, stronger business districts, expanded community programming, and a real path toward a permanent veterans shelter in West Seattle. These are practical, community-driven additions to the mayor’s proposal, and I look forward to working with my council colleagues to deliver concrete results.”

Councilmember Saka’s submitted amendments include:

Restoring the District Project Fund (DPF). A transparent $14 million traffic safety investment, spread over two years, that gives each of the city’s seven council districts equal funding to address neighborhood-level street safety improvements.
Restore pothole repair cuts. Restores a $1.3 million cut from the budget, a 29% budget reduction, that could impact the ability to accomplish the City’s commitment to respond within 72 hours of a pothole being reported.
West Seattle Business District Clean, Safe & Welcoming Package. Requests $500,000 for faster cleanup and visible neighborhood improvements across the Junctions, carried out by a coordinated City crew in partnership with local business organizations, including West Seattle Chamber of Commerce, West Seattle Junction Association, and A Cleaner Alki.
Permanent West Seattle Veterans Shelter. Will fund the critical predevelopment work needed to build a new purpose-built, professionally operated permanent veterans’ homeless shelter and services campus in West Seattle, giving veterans the services they need.
Alki/South Park Community Safety and Restoration Package. Invests in cleaner, safer public spaces, neighborhood improvements and expanded recreation programming at both community centers, with traffic cameras at Alki and culturally responsive youth and family programming in South Park.
Delridge Community Art and Mural Wall. Invests $235,000 to turn graffiti challenges into a canvas for community pride by creating a managed, legal mural wall featuring local artists, youth workshops and ongoing stewardship.

What’s next

The City Council is currently in the middle of the 2027-28 budget process. Councilmember Saka’s amendments will be discussed during a series of briefings that will take place beginning on Oct. 27. Members of the public are encouraged to voice their perspectives, including at the next public hearing on Nov. 5.

A full list of public comment opportunities, including an overview of the budget process, is available on the City Council webpage.

Additional quotes

“Alki is one of Seattle’s most treasured destinations, but it’s also home to residents and small businesses who have endured years of unmet needs. The pain points are real—from safety concerns and neglected public spaces to the loss of essential core services that help young and old thrive in a neighborhood. We’re grateful to Councilmember Rob Saka for truly listening and bringing forward a package of practical solutions. We urge City Council and the Mayor’s Office to support this collaborative effort.” -Charlotte Starck, President, Alki Community Council

“After decades of helping the unhoused in our West Seattle community, I’m proud to partner with Councilmember Saka to establish a permanent shelter for veterans experiencing homelessness. Veterans are the most overlooked and underrepresented, despite their heroic service to this country. As part of the American Legion, which fiercely advocates for the unique needs of every generation of veterans, I’m grateful to be part of such an important initiative.” -Keith Hughes, Manager, Westside Neighbors’ Shelter

“The West Seattle Chamber appreciates Councilmember Saka’s proposed amendments and the attention they bring to important needs in our community. Investments in a veterans’ homeless shelter, business district cleanup programs, and community center programming recognize that supporting small businesses goes hand in hand with addressing homelessness and working with local organizations on the ground. These investments help advance our shared goal of keeping West Seattle local, independent, and a welcoming place to do business. We’re glad to have built bridges with Councilmember Saka and his office, and stand ready to partner in ensuring these initiatives succeed.” -Rachel Porter, Executive Director, West Seattle Chamber of Commerce

“We’ve invested millions of public and private dollars in renovating our community center and redeveloping the surrounding park space. Our young people have so much wisdom, lived experience, and leadership to offer, and they’ve already shown their commitment by volunteering for neighborhood cleanups and helping build a new green wall. They are investing their time, energy, and care into this community, and the city needs to invest in them, too.

“South Park is one of Seattle’s most diverse neighborhoods, and our youth and families deserve more than a renovated building and park. They deserve the funding to fill these spaces with the meaningful, consistent programming our community is asking for and our young people deserve.” -Paulina Lopez, Executive Director, Duwamish River Cleanup Coalition

“Thank you, Councilmember Saka, for your forward-thinking leadership! This budget amendment package includes some major wins for West Seattle, including funding that will keep our public spaces cleaner and provide shelter for homeless veterans.  As a result, West Seattle will be a safer and more welcoming community!” -Chris MacKay, Executive Director, West Seattle Junction Association

“Investing in cleanup projects isn’t just about beautifying our neighborhood. It’s about protecting the health, safety, and dignity of our entire West Seattle community. Councilmember Saka’s budget proposal offers the tools to respond more effectively, partner with neighbors, and make visible, lasting improvements. We see every day how much this work matters, and we’re grateful for CM Saka’s commitment to keeping our shared spaces clean, accessible, and maintained.” -Erik Bell, A Cleaner Alki

“I’m thrilled to partner with Councilmember Saka on developing a graffiti art wall in West Seattle. This is a powerful way for children to express themselves and discover how they can actively contribute to their community. I hope it inspires artists to come together and encourages generations to give back creatively.” -Desmond Hansen, Local Artist

“Senior centers are essential neighborhood infrastructure. Across Seattle, we provide culturally responsive meals, case management, housing navigation, wellness programming, transportation assistance, and opportunities for social connection that prevent isolation and reduce reliance on costly emergency systems. Yet despite rising demand, inflationary pressure, and increasing complexity of older adults’ needs, funding has not kept pace. As the city plans for the future, continued underinvestment in aging services will result in greater strain on emergency systems and deeper inequities for older adults. Community anchors like The Center for Active Living serve as a frontline prevention system that helps people find friendship, healthy activities and meaningful engagement as they age—before they require costly crisis interventions.”-Amy Lee Derenthal, Executive Director, The Center for Active Living

# # #

Legal Disclaimer:

EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.