Leaders unveil ‘Seattle Rescue Plan’ to aid city’s post-pandemic recovery
May 27, 2021, 3:18 PM
Downtown Seattle. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)
(Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)
Seattle leaders unveiled the “Seattle Rescue Plan,” a proposed spending plan for $128.4 million in COVID-19 relief dollars from the federal government to aid the city’s recovery from the pandemic and related economic impacts.
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KIRO Radio’s Hanna Scott says the city council will hash out the proposal over the next several weeks. Spending includes flexible grants for businesses, direct cash payments to roughly 10,000 families in need, and nearly $50 million in housing and homelessness investments.
The plan, drafted by Mayor Jenny Durkan, Council President Lorena Gonzalez, and Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda, also spends on child care, immigrants and refugees, and many other priorities.
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“We’re quickly approaching our city’s bold goals to fully vaccinate more than 70% of our eligible residents, which is critical to safely reopening and building a robust and long term recovery. In the coming months, all our efforts will be focused on economic recovery of our businesses, supporting neighborhoods across Seattle, and addressing the needs of those living unhoused,” Durkan said.
“Working together, we are delivering an ambitious plan to kick start Seattle’s recovery with direct aid to families and small businesses, support for Seattle Promise students, and major investments in shelter and housing to help 750 households experiencing homelessness move into safer spaces and permanent housing,” she added.
The city expects to receive another $116 million in flexible funds next May from the federal government, as well as more money from the latest stimulus over the summer.
KIRO Radio’s Hanna Scott contributed to this report.
