Human-services advocates and providers urged the Select Budget Committee to adopt wage-equity and case-management investments, including one-time and ongoing funds for case management, data infrastructure and a 3% wage-equity increase for contracted human services staff.

Human Services Department leaders told the Select Budget Committee the proposed 2027 budget is $445.4 million, up about 6% from 2026, with homelessness accounting for roughly 41% of investments and a modest FTE increase to manage returning contracts and new shelter work.

Councilmember Rink said the Human Services Labor & Economic Development Committee received briefings on plans to move human services contracts back into the City from the King County Regional Homelessness Authority, amendments to align the domestic-workers ordinance with a new state law, and a fair-pricing/transparency ordinance.

City staff and King County presented findings on human-services provider pay: HSD reported roughly $4.2M added to provider contracts in 2024 (a 2% increase) with a sample showing 75% of sampled positions received raises (average 8%); providers told the committee that modest, one-time increases are insufficient and asked for multiyear predictable funding and parity with comparable city positions.

At an Oct. 17 Select Budget Committee briefing, central staff and the Human Services Department outlined the 2026 proposed HSD budget, highlighting a roughly $45 million (11.6%) increase, new positions funded by state grants and a proposed public safety sales tax, and several sustainability concerns including ongoing funding for a 2% provider wage‑

HSD outlines 2026 budget focused on addressing homelessness and enhancing community safety services.

Seattle's proposed budget includes a 2% wage increase for human service workers and new shelters.

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