Tomorrow the City Council enters the next round of the budget process – which means members are presenting their proposed changes to what’s in the proposal Mayor Wilson unveiled weeks ago. Today District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka announced that he’s planning to present 20 amendments. His news release spotlighted a few of them; we received the draft full list from his office. Some would be citywide, some West Seattle, some local to other parts of D-1 (which also includes South Park, SODO, and Pioneer Square). His staff stresses that these aren’t necessarily the final versions of what will be shown in department-by-department presentations that start tomorrow – “the scope and investment levels are subject to change as the amendments are finalized” (here’s the current version of Tuesday’s agenda). West Seattle-specific plans include:
Permanent West Seattle Veterans Shelter & Services Campus (Planning & Predevelopment) $250K
West Seattle has a dearth of shelter, as you know. This investment launches planning to create a public-private partnership to build a permanent, professionally operated veterans shelter and services campus in West Seattle. It funds feasibility, site analysis, and partnership development to create a long‑term, trauma‑informed alternative to the informal shelter model currently used near Rotary Viewpoint.North Delridge Grocery Analysis (Statement of Legislative Intent {SLI} Only)
This SLI directs the City to evaluate market conditions, potential sites, and barriers for bringing a full‑service grocery store to North Delridge. It requires a clear implementation roadmap and analysis of why past efforts have fallen short, including actionable strategies to attract a viable grocery retailer.Alki Public Space Maintenance, Safety & Recreation Restoration Package – $450K
This package restores community programming at Alki facilities, supporting activities such as fitness classes and youth engagement based on community preferences. It also adds non-enforcement SDOT traffic monitoring cameras to key locations along Alki Ave SW.Roxhill Park Safety and Restoration Package – $250K
This proposal funds lighting, sightline improvements, repairs, and other design‑based safety measures to address recurring public safety concerns in Roxhill Park. The goal is to restore comfort for residents, families, and seniors while protecting ecological features through intentional, professionally guided improvements.West Seattle Business District Clean, Safe & Welcoming Corridors Package – $250K
This package provides targeted cleanup and small‑scale improvements across West Seattle’s commercial districts, including litter removal, graffiti mitigation, pressure washing, and selective lighting and streetscape upgrades. It establishes a coordinated approach with neighborhood partners to maintain inviting business corridors. Named partners to help implement this investment locally include: The Junction BIA, West Seattle Chamber, and A Cleaner Alki.Delridge Community Art Wall / Mural Pilot – $200K
This project creates a legal, City-managed mural space in Delridge, pairing youth workshops with stewardship by local artists. It aims to support creative expression while evaluating whether City-sanctioned spaces reduce unauthorized graffiti in surrounding areas.Delridge Youth Recreation Capital Fund (SLI Only)
This SLI tasks the City with identifying and prioritizing capital improvements for youth recreation in Delridge, such as court resurfacing, field repairs, lighting, and equipment upgrades. It ensures youth input shapes the final project list and creates a clear path for future capital investment.Mode Music Youth Access & Tuition Assistance – $50K
This funding helps Mode Music expand arts education access through nonprofit tuition assistance and youth programming for West Seattle and Delridge families. It strengthens equitable access to music and arts opportunities both during the school year and summer.Unified Outreach Youth Arts Programming and Facility Support – $100K
This funding supports youth arts engagement programs delivered by Unified Outreach in West Seattle. It provides structured youth programming and explores future space needs in collaboration with community partners.
Saka’s citywide proposals include:
Restore District Project Fund – $14 million
This proposal restores funding for the District Project Fund, allowing each district councilmember to support neighborhood‑scale capital or operational improvements. It gives communities direct access to small but impactful investments tailored to local needsPothole Repair Funding Restoration – $1.3 million
This measure restores funding for the city’s pothole repair program, improving response times and service capacity. It strengthens roadway maintenance and helps address a significant backlog of reported potholes.Funding for Citywide Senior Centers – $750K
This investment strengthens senior centers across Seattle by supporting programs that help older adults age with dignity, stability, and connection. It includes a callout for resources benefiting senior centers in West Seattle (Center for Active Living) and South Park.SFD Streamlining Hiring Process & Competitiveness Review (SLI Only)
This study directs the Seattle Fire Department to compare its hiring processes with peer agencies to identify delays or barriers that may reduce competitiveness. It aims to strengthen recruitment and prevent the loss of qualified candidates to faster‑moving jurisdictions.Seattle Sports Commission Event Recruitment Support – $200K
This proposal helps the Seattle Sports Commission attract and retain sporting events that benefit tourism, small businesses, and community engagement. It includes explicit attention to Seattle’s semi‑professional teams and requires clear deliverables and economic‑impact reporting.SDOT Interfund Loan Reporting (SLI Only)
This SLI calls for SDOT to ensure transparent reporting on Transportation Fund interfund loan repayments and on the causes and solutions for ongoing cash‑balance challenges. It provides accountability and clarity as the City works to stabilize transportation finance.
For District 1 areas outside West Seattle, Saka’s proposals include:
South Park Gateway, Public-Realm & Community Center Activation Package – $500K
This proposal invests in visible improvements throughout South Park’s business core and bridge landing area, including lighting, wayfinding, murals, and pedestrian amenities. It also creates new youth and family programs to strengthen safety, activation, and cultural connection in a growing neighborhood.Pioneer Square Upper-Floor Commercial Activation Initiative – $200K
This program would help property owners activate long‑unused upper‑floor commercial spaces in Pioneer Square by funding space inventories, business recruitment, and support navigating regulatory barriers. The goal is to reduce vacancy, attract employers, and strengthen economic activity in one of the city’s historic districts.SODO Public Safety Coordinator – $115K
This proposal creates a dedicated coordinator to improve communication between SODO businesses, service providers, and public‑safety agencies. The role focuses on addressing recurring hotspots, improving response consistency, and helping businesses navigate city systems more effectively.Seattle Center Bond-Transmittal Schedule (SLI Only)
This SLI requests that the City establish a clear timeline for delivering the project list, financing plan, and public‑engagement materials needed for a potential Seattle Center revitalization ballot measure. It ensures transparency and timely preparation for a 2027 ballot window.Seattle Center CCTV Safety System (SLI Only)
This SLI calls for a study to evaluate safety camera options for Seattle Center, including privacy protections, system governance, maintenance, and operational responsibilities. It establishes a framework before any hardware procurement occurs. The goal is to create a defined pathway to install vital security cameras at Seattle Center.
On November 4, budget chair Councilmember Dan Strauss is scheduled to present his “balancing package” including some of the changes proposed by councilmembers, each of whom, like Saka, is proposing amendments this week. The day after that, on November 5, is the next major public hearing. The council’s “budget basics” page explains a variety of other ways to comment too.