Nothing about us, without us: Councilmember Lin’s community-driven budget priorities

“Nothing about us, without us” is a common expression in the south end, highlighting how important it is to include community members when crafting our policies and budgets — value statements for our city. Every one of my budget priorities started from a conversation in community with neighbors impacted by gun violence, lack of affordability, and the need for community connections.

Disinvestment and exclusion from public safety discussions is not new for residents of South Seattle. My neighbors are not opposed to outside experts or new models of gun violence prevention like focused deterrence; they’re demanding that we also honor the community’s expertise and involve them in the process. This is why my budget proposals include the following:

Require inclusion and compensation of local nonprofits when developing and implementing a “focused deterrence” gun violence strategy in Seattle
Call for reports from the mayor’s office and relevant departments on progress in her gun violence plan
Commit job opportunities for at-risk youth to get them out of cycles of violence
Establish a fund for families impacted by gun violence, filling in gaps within existing programs
Reduce gunshot sounds from SPD’s gun range that retraumatize communities impacted by violence
Fund local organizations to help address vacant properties in the south end

More details on Councilmember Lin’s proposal can be found in today’s agenda packets materials. Full text of his budget amendments and statements of legislative intent can be found at the links below:

CARE-003-A: Proviso $250,000 in CARE for local gun violence technical assistance
CARE-004S-A: Request CARE to report on gun violence plan details
HSD-032-A: Proviso $100,000 in HSD to prioritize Seattle Youth Employment Program (“SYEP”) placement for youth affected by violence
HSD-033S-A: Request that HSD report on potential changes to the Seattle Youth Employment Program (“SYEP”), including allowing rolling applications and admissions, and better coordinating with CVI/GVI organizations.
SPD-106-A: Proviso SPD budget for rifle suppressors and hearing protection
SPD-107-A: Proviso SPD budget for physical noise barriers at SPAA, “SPD gun range”
HSD-061-A-1: Increase HSD budget by $50,000 for gun violence victim support fund.
HSD-053-A: Increase HSD budget by $8 million (2027) and $8.3 million (2028) for a 3 percent wage equity increase for human services contracts.
OED-005-A-1: Proviso $200,000 in OED to activate vacant commercial spaces in Rainier Beach
SPR-013S-A-1: Request SPR to report on potential operational and design changes at Leschi Park, Madrona Park, Seward Park, and Stan Sayres Memorial Park to reduce inappropriate use of these public spaces
SDOT-006-A: Proviso $500,000 in SDOT for Rainier Avenue South Traffic Safety Projects
OSE-003-A-1: Increase OSE by $250,000 for a micro-forest and floating wetland pilot program
OED-013-A-1: Increase OED by $20,000 GF (2027) for a Music Laureate pilot program
OED-006-A-1: Increase OED by $2.5 million GF (2027) to continue the Stabilize, Activate, and Invest Locally (SAIL) Fund for the Chinatown-International District and Lake City

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