Seattle neighborhoods get budget boost

SEATTLE—The Department of Neighborhoods 2004 budget maintains the Neighborhood Matching Fund at its current level and includes additional funding to help with Neighborhood Plan implementation, Mayor Greg Nickels last week said.

"We're going to keep faith with the people of this city who are working hard to make a positive difference in their communities," said Nickels. "More money will go to implement neighborhood plans and fund projects that neighborhoods have told us they need."

Approximately $900,000 of additional funding will be earmarked for targeted projects in neighborhoods that are experiencing higher growth than anticipated. Combined with the Matching Fund, this means that in 2004, the Department of Neighborhoods will be spending close to $4 million to help fund community projects, including those important to neighborhood plans.

The department is also restructuring to ensure it can accomplish another goal of the Mayor's—implementing the Neighborhood Plans. One of the most apparent changes will be the absorption of certain Neighborhood Plan Implementation functions by the Community Building Division, and a more visible and responsible implementation role for Brent Crook, Community Building Division Director.

With the City facing a projected $24 million revenue shortfall in 2004, every department is cutting back. The Mayor is proposing that the Department of Neighborhoods' budget be reduced by $560,367, or 6.5 percent. The cut will come, in part, from staff reductions. Positions cut include three administrative specialists, three neighborhood development managers, and one division director.

"These are tough economic times and I support the Mayor and the direction in which he is going to help us navigate them," said Yvonne Sanchez, Neighborhoods director.

"Under his leadership we will be able to not only preserve, but grow the money going to our neighborhoods."

Office of the City Mayor release, September 11

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